FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – Two AYHL members, North Jersey Avalanche and Philadelphia Jr. Flyers, were selected by USA Hockey for the inaugural, 2027-2028 season of the Development League. A total of 29 programs from across the nation were invited to be part of the launch next season.
The Development League (DL) will be governed directly by the USA Hockey national office, with each program offering a 15U and 17U team. As part of the offering, programs will be required to provide a complete athletic development system, with at least three on-ice practices and two off-ice sessions per week.
“The AYHL continues to be the place where the best compete, as illustrated by today’s announcement,” said AYHL Commissioner Gene Palecco. “To have two programs selected for this nationwide league is a testament to the overall strength of every member in the AYHL. We look forward to the further opportunities for player development this addition will offer.”
In assembling the DL, USA Hockey designed the system to include the top 2% of players in the United States. The goal is for an even stronger pathway for elite players to advance to junior hockey, including the USHL and NAHL, as well as USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, college hockey, and the NHL.
USA Hockey is still assembling complete rules and guidelines for the league, and more information can be located at USAHockey.com/DevelopmentLeague.
