North American 3 Hockey League Explained
The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) is an American Tier III junior ice hockey league that consists of teams from Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Sanctioned by USA Hockey, for most of the league's existence, the winner of the NA3HL playoffs would advance to play for the Tier III National Championship, however, this has not been held since 2015.
History
Originally formed in the early 1970s as a Junior B-level league known as the Central States Hockey League (CSHL), the league evolved into the Metro Detroit Junior Hockey League in the early 1980s. The CSHL name was used again from 1994 until 2010. The league was reclassified from Tier III Junior B to Tier III Junior A in the summer of 2007 by USA Hockey.During the 2008–09 season, it was announced that the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins would join the CSHL for the 2009–10 season, bringing the number of teams to 13. The league returned to 12 teams for 2010–11, as the Dubuque Thunderbirds franchise folded to make way for the return of the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League.
On November 1, 2010, it was announced that the North American Hockey League would take control of the CSHL. The NAHL-CSHL affiliation intends for a more structured junior hockey system to provide athletes with more opportunities to advance to college and professional hockey, including a draft of CSHL players into the NAHL. At the time of the take over, the league was renamed to the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL).[1]
In May 2011, it was announced that the Granite City Lumberjacks, Minnesota Flying Aces, North Iowa Bulls and the Twin City Steel would join the league beginning with the 2011–12 season bringing the total number of teams in the NA3HL to 16.
In March 2013, the NA3HL announced that its Board of Governors has accepted the membership application for the Chicago Jr. Bulldogs, which began play in the NA3HL during the 2013–14 season. Owned by Ken Kestas, the Bulldogs played home games out of Canlan Ice Sports in Romeoville, Illinois.
Quad City Jr. Flames (Davenport, Iowa) relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, in May 2013 and were renamed the Wisconsin Whalers.[2]
In May 2014, the Flint Jr. Generals were purchased and relocated to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and renamed the La Crosse Freeze. The NA3HL announced that the Texas Jr. Brahmas would transfer from the Western States Hockey League and join the South Division.[3] The expansion Nashville Junior Predators and Point Mallard Ducks (Decatur, AL) also joined the South Division bringing its total up to six teams.[3] The American West Hockey League moved to the NA3HL to form new Frontier Division.[4] The Battle Creek Revolution announced it was re-branding as the West Michigan Wolves. The Michigan Mountain Cats were sold and relocated to Jamestown, NY, and called the Southern Tier Xpress.
In April 2015, the NA3HL announced an expansion team in Evansville, Indiana, called the Thunderbolts, to play in the South Division beginning in the 2015–16 season.[5] On May 21–22 of 2015, two additional expansion teams were announced: Rochester Ice Hawks, a member of the former Minnesota Junior Hockey League, was added the West Division,[6] and the Louisiana Drillers playing out of Lafayette, Louisiana was added to the South Division.[7]
On March 4, 2016, it was formally announced that the North American Hockey League's other Tier III league, the North American 3 Eastern Hockey League (NA3EHL), would be added to the NA3HL beginning with the 2016–17 season.[8] The former NA3EHL teams became two new divisions within the NA3HL. On May 21, 2016, the Missoula Bruins youth hockey organization from Missoula, Montana, announced it had been approved as an expansion team in the Frontier Division of the NA3HL. The Missoula Junior Bruins replaced the Missoula Maulers of the Western States Hockey League after arena negotiations with the Maulers' owner fell through.[9]
Prior to the 2017–18 season, the Lockport Express relocated to become the Niagara Falls PowerHawks, the Syracuse Stampede relocated to become the Oswego Stampede, and the West Michigan Wolves relocated to become the Lansing Wolves. The Chicago Jr. Bulldogs, Euless Jr. Stars, and L/A Fighting Spirit franchises were sold; the Bulldogs were relocated as the Wausau RiverWolves, the Jr. Stars re-branded as the Mid-Cities Jr. Stars, and the Fighting Spirit re-branded as the Lewiston/Auburn Nordiques. The Cincinnati Thunder, which had already been playing out of Dayton, re-branded as the Dayton Falcons. The Butte Cobras, formerly of the Western States Hockey League (WSHL), purchased the Glacier Nationals franchise in order to join the NA3HL. The schedule was set with 47 teams, however, the Butte Cobras and Billings Bulls would both fold prior to playing a game, while the Dayton Falcons, Nashville Junior Predators, and Jersey Shore Wildcats were also removed from the schedules during the season.
In April 2018, the NA3HL announced the entire East Division had left the league including the reigning champions, the Metro Jets, and joined the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). The Butte Cobras were also announced as returning and the Point Mallard Ducks were purchased and relocated to become the Milwaukee Power.[10]
In 2020, the WSHL's Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers purchased the dormant Coulee Region Chill franchise to join the league for 2020[11] and the El Paso Rhinos announced an agreement to add expansion teams to both the NA3HL in 2020 and the NAHL in 2021.[12] The Coastal and Northeast divisions merged into a new East Division beginning with the 2020–21 season following several teams withdrawing.
In 2023, the New Ulm Steel packed their bags and moved to Tomah, Wisconsin, becoming the Wisconsin Woodsmen.[13] With that, they moved from the West Division to the Central Division. They went out and hired head coach Jon Vaillancourt. In their first season, they placed 4th and made the playoffs, playing the Wausau Cyclones. They got swept, 2-games-to-0.
In 2024, the Minnesota Loons were sold and moved to Eveleth, Minnesota, and went under the same umbrella as the NAHL's Minnesota Wilderness, taking the same name, logo, colors, and uniforms.Similarly, the Maine Nordiques of the NAHL added a NA3HL franchise as an expansion team. Also joining as an expansion team is the Tulsa Jr. Oilers.
Alumni
Many prominent college and pro hockey players have played in the CSHL at one point in their careers, including 2007 Hobey Baker finalist Eric Ehn (Metro Jets), St. Louis Blues forward and 2010 and 2014 U.S. Olympian Paul Stastny (St. Louis Jr. Blues) and Chris Butler (St. Louis Jr. Blues), now in the St. Louis Blues' organization.
Teams
Champions
The league championship trophy is the Fraser Cup. It was originally called the Hurster Cup during the league's time as the Central States Hockey League. In 2012, the cup was then renamed to the Silver Cup.[16] In 2017, the league again renamed the championship to the Fraser Cup after long-time NAHL, NA3HL, and NAPHL Director of Hockey Administration, Robert ‘Fraser’ Ritchie.[17] The winner of the Cup typically receives a bid to compete in the USA Hockey Tier III junior hockey National Championship Tournament, however, the tournament has not been held since 2015.
| Season | Playoffs winner | Nationals results |
|---|
| Tournament | Top qualifier results | | Runner Up qualifier results | | |
|---|
| 1988 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B | |
| 1989 | Lytes Rustlers | Jr. B | |
| 1990 | Metro Jets | Jr. B | |
| 1991 | Wayne Chiefs | Jr. B | |
| 1992 | Downriver Blades | Jr. B | |
| 1993 | Wayne Chiefs | Jr. B | |
| 1994 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B | |
| 1995 | Toledo Cherokee | Jr. B | |
| 1996 | Motor City Chiefs | Jr. B | |
| 1997 | Toledo Cherokee | Jr. B | |
| 1998 | Motor City Chiefs | Jr. B | Toledo Cherokee won Jr. B National Championship[18] |
| 1999 | Toledo Cherokee | Jr. B | |
| 2000 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B | |
| 2001 | Metro Jets | Jr. B | |
| 2002 | Metro Jets | Jr. B | Metro Jets won Tier III Jr. B National Championship |
| 2003 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B | St. Louis Jr. Blues lost Championship game to Phoenix Polar Bears |
| 2004 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B | St. Louis Jr. Blues won Tier III Jr. B National Championship |
| 2005 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B | St. Louis Jr. Blues won Tier III Jr. B National Championship |
| 2006 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. B[19] | St. Louis Jr. Blues
3-0-0 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, Pool I
Won Semifinal (6-2 vs. Twin Cities Northern Lights)
Tier III Jr. B National Champions (5-4 vs. Toledo Cherokee) | Toledo Cherokee
3-0-0 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, Pool III
Won Semifinal 3-2 vs. Minnesota Ice Hawks)
Lost Championship game (4-5 vs. St. Louis Jr. Blues) |
| 2007 | Dubuque Thunderbirds | Jr. B[20] | Dubuque Thunderbirds
2-1-0 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, Pool II
Lost Semifinal (0-3 vs. New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs) | St. Louis Jr. Blues
2-1-0 in Round Robin, 2nd of 4, Pool I
Won Semifinal (6-1 vs. Suffolk PAL)
Tier III Jr. B National Champions (4-0 vs. New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs) |
| 2008 | Dubuque Thunderbirds | Jr. A[21] | Dubuque Thunderbirds
Eliminated 0-2-1 in Round Robin, 3rd of 4, Pool III | Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks
Eliminated 0-3-0 in Round Robin, 4th of 4, Pool II |
| 2009 | Dubuque Thunderbirds | Jr. A[22] | Dubuque Thunderbirds
2-0-1 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, Pool II
Lost Semifinal (1-5 vs. New Jersey Hitmen) | St. Louis Jr. Blues
Eliminated 0-2-1 in Round Robin, 3rd of 4, Pool III |
| 2010 | St. Louis Jr. Blues | Jr. A[23] | St. Louis Jr. Blues
2-1-0 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, Pool III
Won Semifinal (2-1 vs. New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs)
Tier III Jr. A National Champions (4-3 vs. South Shore Kings) | Dubuque Thunderbirds
Eliminated 2-1-0 in Round Robin, 2nd of 4, Pool I |
| 2011 | Chicago Hitmen | Jr. A[24] | Chicago Hitmen
Eliminated 0-2-1 in Round Robin, 4th of 4, Pool II | St. Louis Jr. Blues
Eliminated 2-1-0 in Round Robin, 2nd of 4, Pool I |
| 2012 | Granite City Lumberjacks | Tier III[25] | No representatives sent to tournament |
| 2013 | North Iowa Bulls | Tier III[26] | North Iowa Bulls
3-0-0 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, American Div.
Won Semifinal (3-2 vs. Helena Bighorns)
Tier III National Champions (6-2 vs. Twin Cities Northern Lights) | No runner up teams in tournament for 2013 |
| 2014 | North Iowa Bulls | Tier III[27] | North Iowa Bulls
3-0-0 in Round Robin, 1st of 4, Pool C
Won Semifinal (5-1 vs. Northern Cyclones)
Lost Championship (1-4 vs. Boston Jr. Bruins) | Flint Jr. Generals
Eliminated 2-1-0 in Round Robin, 3rd of 4, Pool B |
| 2015 | Granite City Lumberjacks | Division 1[28] | Granite City Lumberjacks
Eliminated 2-1-0 in Round Robin, 3rd of 4 | North Iowa Bulls
2-1-0 in Round Robin, 2nd of 4
Tier III National Champions (2-1 vs. Northern Cyclones) |
| 2016 | North Iowa Bulls | Tier III Nationals not held |
| 2017 | Granite City Lumberjacks |
| 2018 | Metro Jets |
| 2019 | Texas Jr. Brahmas |
| 2020 | Not awarded |
| Rowspan=2 | Season | Rowspan=2 | CHAMPION | Fraser Cup Qualifiers |
|---|
| Central Div | East Div | Frontier Div | South Div | West Div | Wildcard |
|---|
| 2021 | North Iowa Bulls | Rochester Grizzlies | Northeast Generals | Sheridan Hawks | Texas Brahmas | North Iowa Bulls | Oklahoma City Blazers |
| 2022 | Rochester Grizzlies | Rochester Grizzlies | Northeast Generals | Helena Bighorns | El Paso Rhinos | Granite City Lumberjacks | Gillette Wild |
| 2023 | Granite City Lumberjacks | Oregon Tradesman | Northeast Generals | Helena Bighorns | Texas Brahmas | Alexandria Blizzard | Granite City Lumberjacks |
| 2024 | Helena Bighorns | West Bend Power | Northeast Generals | Helena Bighorns | Louisiana Drillers | Granite City Lumberjacks | Gillette Wild | |
Former teams
- Battle Creek Jr. Revolution (Battle Creek, Michigan; 2010–2014). Joined as an expansion team in 2010 after initially planning on joining the Northern Junior Hockey League. Renamed West Michigan Wolves in 2014.[29]
- Bay State Bobcats (Holyoke, Massachusetts) joined 2013 as the Barres-Wilkes Mines and joined NA3HL as the Binghamton Jr. Senators 2016[g] - replaced by New Hampshire Mountain Kings 2023
- Billings Bulls (Billings, Montana; 2014–2017). Joined from the American West Hockey League; ceased operations at the start of the 2017–18 season due to lack of players.[30]
- Binghamton Jr. Senators (Binghamton, New York; 2016–2019) Relocated after the 2018–19 season as the Elmira Jr. Soaring Eagles.[31]
- Breezy Point North Stars (Breezy Point, Minnesota; 2012–2020). Not listed as a member after the 2019–20 season. Sold and reactivated as the Minnesota Loons in 2021.[32]
- Butte Cobras (Butte, Montana). Organization joined from the Western States Hockey League after purchasing the Glacier Nationals NA3HL franchise in 2017. The Cobras failed to play a game and ceased operations during the opening weekend of the 2017–18 season due to lack of players.[33] Returned to the NA3HL for the 2018–19 season. The Cobras were renamed as the Butte Irish prior to the 2023–24 season.[34]
- Cape Cod Islanders (Falmouth, Massachusetts; 2016–2019) Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016. Relocated as the Canton Cubs after the 2018–19 season but were removed from the league before playing in Canton.[31] [35]
- Chicago Force (Rolling Meadows, Illinois; 2004–2010). Organization obtained a Tier II North American Hockey League franchise and named it the Chicago Hitmen. The organization would also rename its Tier III CSHL franchise to match.
- Chicago Hitmen (Rolling Meadows, Illinois; 2010–2012). Organization ceased operations of both their Tier II and Tier III franchises prior to the 2012–13 season.[36]
- Chicago Jr. Bulldogs (Romeoville, Illinois; 2013–2017). Franchise was sold and re-located to Wausau, Wisconsin, as the Wausau RiverWolves following the 2016–17 season.
- Cincinnati Cobras (Cincinnati, Ohio; 1999–2006). Renamed Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones.
- Cincinnati Jr. Cyclones (Cincinnati, Ohio; 2006–2007). Folded and replaced by Queen City Steam.
- Cincinnati Swords (Cincinnati, Ohio; 2013–2015). Renamed Cincinnati Thunder in 2015.[37]
- Cincinnati Thunder (Cincinnati, Ohio, for 2015–16; Centerville, Ohio, for 2016–17). Renamed to Dayton Falcons when the team remained in the Dayton suburb of Centerville instead of returning to Cincinnati after the 2016–17 season.
- Cleveland Jr. Lumberjacks (Strongsville, Ohio; 2004–2015). Franchise purchased by the Wooster Oilers.[38]
- College Station Spirit (College Station, Texas; 2016–2019). Became Texas RoadRunners.[39]
- Columbus Crush (Columbus, Ohio; 1998–2003). Became Columbus Stars.
- Columbus Jr. "B" Blue Jackets (Columbus, Ohio; 2004–2007)
- Columbus Stars (Columbus, Ohio; 2003–2004). Became Jr. "B" Blue Jackets.
- Coulee Region Chill (La Crosse, Wisconsin; 2014–2020). Relocated to La Crosse as the Freeze in 2014; rebranded in 2018 taking its name from the former Coulee Region Chill of the NAHL; arena was closed and the team withdrew from NA3HL after the 2019–20 season. Franchise sold to the Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers, formerly of the Western States Hockey League, prior to the 2020–21 season.
- Danbury Colonials (Danbury, Connecticut; 2019–2020). Rebranded to Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks when the organization added an NAHL team in 2020 to match the professional team, the Danbury Hat Tricks.[40]
- Dayton Falcons (Centerville, Ohio; 2017). Folded after 12 games into the 2017–18 season.
- Dubuque Thunderbirds (Dubuque, Iowa; 2006–2010). Joined from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League. Ceased operations after they were replaced by a Tier I United States Hockey League team, the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
- East Coast Minutemen (Salem, New Hampshire; 2016–2017).[41] Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016; folded in 2017.
- Dallas Jr. Stars (Euless, Texas; 2013–2015). Renamed to Euless Junior Stars in 2015 by new owners.[42]
- Elmira Jr. Soaring Eagles (Horseheads, New York; 2019–2020). Relocated after the 2019–20 season as the Bay State Bobcats.[43]
- Euless Junior Stars (Euless, Texas; 2015–2017). Renamed to Mid-Cities Junior Stars in 2017 by new owners.
- Evansville Jr. Thunderbolts (Evansville, Indiana; 2015–2019). Franchise sold and re-activated as the Oregon Tradesmen in Oregon, Wisconsin, for the 2020–21 season.[44] 2024 relocated to Blaine, Minnesota as the Minnesota Moose
- Flint Jr. Generals (Clayton Township, Michigan; 1998–2014). Sold and relocated to La Crosse, Wisconsin, and became the La Crosse Freeze.[45]
- Glacier Nationals (Havre, Montana; 2014–2017). Joined from the American West Hockey League in 2014. Purchased and relocated to Butte, Montana, as the Butte Cobras, an organization that left the Western States Hockey League in 2017.[46]
- Grand Rapids Owls (Byron Center, Michigan; 1993–2010). Suspended operations prior to the start of the 2010–11 season.
- Jersey Shore Wildcats (Wall Township, New Jersey; 2016–2017). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016; played the first 22 games into the 2017–18 season before being removed from the league.
- L/A Fighting Spirit (Lewiston, Maine; 2016–2017). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016. Sold and renamed Lewiston/Auburn Nordiques after one season.
- Lansing Wolves (Dimondale, Michigan; 2017–2018). Was previous known as the West Michigan Wolves. Left the NA3HL along with the entire East Division in 2018 to join the United States Premier Hockey League.
- Lewiston/Auburn Nordiques (Lewiston, Maine; 2017–2020). Ceased operations after the 2019–20 season.
- Lockport Express (Lockport, New York; 2016–2017). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016. Relocated to Niagara Falls, New York, as the Niagara Falls PowerHawks after one season in the NA3HL.[47]
- Maine Wild (Biddeford, Maine; 2016–2020). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016. Not listed as a member as of the 2020–21 season.
- Metro Jets (Fraser, Michigan; 1989–2018). Left the NA3HL along with the entire East Division in 2018 after winning the league championship. Joined the United States Premier Hockey League.
- Michigan Ice Dogs (Farmington Hills, Michigan; 2003–2008). Moved to the Great Lakes Junior Hockey League (2008–12), then the Midwest Junior Hockey League (2012–15), and then joined the USPHL-Midwest Division for 2015–16 as the Michigan Wild.
- Michigan Mountain Cats (Farmington Hills, Michigan; 2010–2014). Franchise sold and relocated to Jamestown, New York, as the Southern Tier Xpress[48]
- Milwaukee Power (Milwaukee, Wisconsin; 2018–2023). Organization was bought and moved to West Bend, Wisconsin, as the West Bend Power.[49]
- Minnesota Flying Aces (Little Falls, Minnesota; 2011–2016). Joined from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in 2011, franchise purchased and relocated to Willmar, Minnesota, in 2016.[50]
- Missoula Junior Bruins (Missoula, Montana; 2016–2021). Replaced the Missoula Maulers of the Western States Hockey League in 2016; sold franchise in 2021 and was relocated to Rapid City, South Dakota, as the Badlands Sabres.[51]
- Motor City Chiefs (Dearborn Heights, Michigan; 1985–2010). Franchise was sold and renamed Michigan Mountain Cats.[52]
- Nashville Junior Predators (Franklin, Tennessee; 2014–2017). Games cancelled at the end of October during the 2017–18 season; removed from the league one month later.
- New England Knights (Raynham, Massachusetts; 2019–2020). After purchasing and relocating the Oswego Stampede franchise in 2019, the team was not listed as a member of the league for the 2020–21 season.
- New England Stars (Tyngsboro, Massachusetts; 2016–2020). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016; franchise sold to the New Jersey Titans organization in 2020.[53]
- New York Aviators (Brooklyn/Brewster, New York). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016. Relocated to Long Beach, New York, to become the Long Beach Sharks after joining the NA3HL.
- New Ulm Steel (New Ulm, Minnesota; 2016–2023). Bought and moved to Tomah, Wisconsin, as the Wisconsin Woodsmen.[54]
- Niagara Falls PowerHawks (Niagara Falls, New York; 2017–2019) Relocated after the 2018–19 season as the Danbury Colonials.[31]
- North Iowa Bulls (Mason City, Iowa; 2011–2021). Organization purchased a North American Hockey League (NAHL) franchise and promoted the Bulls to the NAHL; the NA3HL team was then rebranded as the Mason City Toros.[55]
- Oklahoma City Jr. Blazers (Edmond, Oklahoma; 2020–2021). Joined from the Western States Hockey League by purchasing the franchise used by the Coulee Region Chill; played most of the season as the "Oklahoma City Hockey Club" and had removed most of its branding; renamed as Oklahoma City Ice Hawks in 2021.[56]
- Oklahoma City Ice Hawks (Edmond, Oklahoma; 2021–2022). Franchise was purchased by the New Mexico Ice Wolves NAHL team.[57]
- Oregon Tradesmen Oregon, Wisconsin - 2020-24 (formerly Evansville) - re-located to Blaine Minnesota as Minnesota Moose.
- Oswego Stampede (Oswego, New York; 2017–2019). Franchise purchased and relocated to Raynham, Massachusetts, as the New England Knights.[31]
- Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins (Harmarville, Pennsylvania; 2009–2012). The Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins organization created a Junior A level team to compete in the CSHL in 2009. Renamed to Three Rivers Vengeance in 2012.
- Pittsburgh Vengeance (Harmarville, Pennsylvania; 2012–2018). Left with the entire East Division in 2018 to join the United States Premier Hockey League.
- Point Mallard Ducks (Decatur, Alabama; 2014–2018). Expansion team for the 2014–15 season, sold and relocated as the Milwaukee Power.[58]
- Quad City Express (Davenport, Iowa; 2004–2007). Renamed Jr. Flames after the American Hockey League team, the Quad City Flames.
- Quad City Jr. Flames (Davenport, Iowa; 2007–2013). Relocated to Madison, Wisconsin, and renamed to the Wisconsin Whalers.[59]
- Queen City Steam (Cincinnati, Ohio; 2007–2013) Renamed Cincinnati Swords after the merger of two youth hockey programs in the Cincinnati area.[60]
- Roc City Royals (Rochester, New York; 2016–2018). Team founded in 2014 in the North American 3 Eastern Hockey League and joined the NA3HL in 2016. Franchise was announced to be replaced by a team called the Rochester Riverman in 2018,[61] but the Rivermen never played a game.
- Rochester Ice Hawks (Rochester, Minnesota; 2015–2018). Joined from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in 2015. The franchise was purchased and became the Rochester Grizzlies in 2018.[62]
- Skylands Kings (Stockholm, New Jersey; 2016–2020). Joined from the NA3EHL in 2016; not listed as a member after the 2019–20 season. Franchise membership purchased by the Norwich Sea Captains organization to join the league in 2021.[63]
- Southern Tier Xpress (Jamestown, New York; 2014–2018). Formerly the Michigan Mountain Cats, left the NA3HL along with the entire East Division in 2018 to join the United States Premier Hockey League. Never played in the USPHL because they were replaced in their arena by the Jamestown Rebels of the Tier II North American Hockey League.
- Sugar Land Imperials (Sugar Land, Texas; 2013–2016). An expansion team from 2013, the franchise was purchased and relocated to College Station, Texas, and renamed College Station Spirit in 2016.[64]
- Syracuse Stampede (Morrisville, New York; 2016–2017). Joined the NA3HL in 2016 from the NA3EHL. Relocated and rebranded to become the Oswego Stampede.
- Three Rivers Vengeance (Harmarville, Pennsylvania; 2012–2013). Renamed Pittsburgh Vengeance after one season.
- Toledo Cherokee (Toledo, Ohio; 1993–2018). Left the NA3HL along with the entire East Division in 2018 to join the United States Premier Hockey League.
- Topeka Capitals (Topeka, Kansas; 2013–2015). Franchise relocated to Sandy Springs, Georgia, and renamed to Atlanta Capitals in 2015.[65]
- Twin City Steel (White Bear Lake, Minnesota; 2011–2016). Franchise relocated to New Ulm, Minnesota, and renamed New Ulm Steel in 2016.
- Wausau RiverWolves (Wausau, Wisconsin; 2017–2021). Sold and renamed the Wausau Cyclones.[66]
- Wayne Wheels/Wheelers (Wayne, Michigan; 1998–2003). Renamed Michigan Ice Dogs.
- West Michigan Wolves (Battle Creek, Michigan; 2014–2017). Relocated to the Dimondale, Michigan in the Lansing-area and renamed Lansing Wolves.
- Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Miners (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania). Franchise joined from the NA3EHL in 2016. Relocated to Binghamton, New York, to become the Binghamton Jr. Senators. after joining the NA3HL.
- Wisconsin Whalers (Madison/Oregon, Wisconsin; 2013–2019). Franchise played in Madison from 2013 to 2015 before moving to Oregon, Wisconsin. Sold and relocated to Sheridan, Wyoming, as the Sheridan Hawks.[31]
- Wooster Oilers (Wooster, Ohio; 2015–2018). Joined from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in 2015. Left along with the entire East Division in 2018 to join the United States Premier Hockey League.
External links
Notes and References
- Web site: NA3HL Celebrates 10 Years of Growth and Success . NA3HL . September 16, 2019.
- Web site: Quad City Jr. Flames To Be Renamed The Wisconsin Whalers. 24 May 2013. The Junior Hockey News.
- News: Fitts. Colin. The Hockey Writers. NA3HL Club Arrives In Nashville. May 24, 2014. May 31, 2014.
- News: Billings Gazette. AWHL joins NA3HL. 21 March 2014.
- Web site: ThunderBolts hockey team introduces owner, head coach. 23 July 2015. Evansville Courier & Press.
- Web site: NA3HL approves expansion membership to Rochester Ice Hawks . Junior Hockey News . May 21, 2015.
- Web site: NA3HL approves expansion membership to Louisiana Drillers . Junior Hockey News . May 22, 2015.
- Web site: NA3EHL to join NA3HL for the 2016-17 season . NA3HL . March 4, 2016.
- News: New Missoula junior hockey team approved . . May 21, 2016.
- Web site: NA3HL announces divisional alignment and events for 2018-19 season . NA3HL . April 17, 2018.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma . NA3HL . May 19, 2020.
- Web site: June 16, 2020 . El Paso Rhinos will join NAHL and NA3HL . El Paso Times.
- Web site: New Ulm Steel sold; Hockey team to relocate to Tomah, Wis. . nujournal.com . March 19, 2023.
- Web site: A Team Grows in Brooklyn . Junior Hockey Magazine . October 2013.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Austin, Texas . NA3HL . April 27, 2021.
- Web site: NA3HL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT . NA3HL . September 11, 2017.
- Web site: NA3HL names Championship Trophy in memory of Fraser Ritchie . NA3HL . September 11, 2017.
- Web site: Junior B Silver Cup . March 25, 2016.
- Web site: 2006 Tier III Junior B Nationals . Pointstreak . August 21, 2015.
- Web site: 2007 Tier III Junior B Nationals . Pointstreak . August 21, 2015.
- Web site: 2008 Tier III Junior A Nationals . Pointstreak . August 21, 2015.
- Web site: 2009 Tier III Jr. A Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . August 26, 2015.
- Web site: 2010 Tier III Jr. A Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . August 26, 2015.
- Web site: 2011 Tier III Jr. A Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . August 18, 2015.
- Web site: 2012 Tier III Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . August 19, 2015.
- Web site: 2013 Tier III Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . August 18, 2015.
- Web site: 2014 Tier III Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . August 18, 2015.
- Web site: 2015 Tier III Junior Nat. Championships . USA Hockey . September 17, 2015.
- Web site: West Michigan Wolves era in NA3HL to begin in 2014-15 . NA3HL . April 1, 2014.
- Web site: NA3HL’s Billings Bulls Shot In The Head . The Junior Hockey News . September 9, 2017.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new markets for the 2019-20 season . NA3HL . April 17, 2019.
- Web site: NA3HL team returns to Breezy Point, Minnesota . NA3HL . April 28, 2021.
- Web site: NA3HL’s Butte Cobras Killed . The Junior Hockey News . September 8, 2017.
- Web site: 3View: Butte Irish . NA3HL . August 24, 2023.
- Web site: Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report . OurSports Central . September 16, 2019.
- Web site: Chicago Hitmen will not play in 2012-13 . NA3HL . May 11, 2012.
- Web site: Cincinnati team in NA3HL renamed the Thunder . NA3HL . April 10, 2015.
- Web site: NA3HL approves sale and relocation of Cleveland to Wooster, Ohio . NA3HL . February 15, 2015.
- Web site: College Station Spirit rebrand to become the Texas RoadRunners . NA3HL . May 9, 2019.
- Web site: Danbury Colonials to become the Jr. Hat Tricks . NA3HL . August 24, 2020.
- Web site: Weekly Sports League & Franchise Report . OurSports Central . July 24, 2017.
- Web site: NA3HL’s Jr. Stars purchased by Chill, Freeze ownership . NA3HL . August 4, 2015.
- Web site: Elmira Jr. Soaring Eagles to relocate to Holyoke, Massachusetts . NA3HL . April 8, 2020.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Oregon, Wisconsin . NA3HL . April 1, 2020.
- Web site: NA3HL approves sale and relocation of Flint to La Crosse, WI . NA3HL . May 6, 2014.
- Web site: Glacier Nationals sold, relocated to Butte, Montana to become Cobras . NA3HL . May 26, 2017.
- Web site: Express moving to Niagara Falls in 2017-18 . NA3HL . March 14, 2017.
- Web site: NA3HL approves sale and relocation of Mountain Cats to Jamestown, NY. NA3HL . March 10, 2014.
- Web site: Power announces new ownership group, name change, affiliation . NA3HL . August 9, 2023.
- Web site: NA3HL’s Flying Aces purchased, relocated by NAHL Blizzard ownership . Junior Hockey News . May 24, 2016.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Rapid City, South Dakota . NA3HL . April 27, 2021.
- Web site: Mountain Cats continue to make great strides. NA3HL . April 21, 2011.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Middletown, New Jersey . NA3HL . April 19, 2020.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Tomah, Wisconsin . NA3HL . April 10, 2023.
- Web site: Mason City Toros begin new era in the NA3HL . NA3HL . June 1, 2021.
- Web site: OKLAHOMA CITY ICE HAWKS . OKCityHockey.com . June 14, 2021.
- Web site: New Mexico names Darren Banks as first Head Coach . na3hl.com . April 20, 2022.
- Web site: Point Mallard Ducks purchased and relocated to Milwaukee, Wisconsin . NA3HL . April 16, 2018.
- Web site: Quad City Jr. Flames to relocate to Madison, Wisconsin . NA3HL . May 2, 2013.
- Web site: Queen City Steam to become the Cincinnati Swords . NA3HL . April 16, 2013.
- Web site: NA3HL team announced in Scottsville, New York . NA3HL.com . May 21, 2018.
- Web site: NA3HL team in Rochester, MN announces new ownership group, name . . April 4, 2018.
- Web site: NA3HL announces new team in Norwich, Connecticut . NA3HL . April 30, 2021.
- Web site: Sugar Land Imperials purchased and relocated to College Station, TX . Junior Hockey News . May 24, 2016.
- Web site: Topeka Capitals to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia . NA3HL . June 16, 2015.
- Web site: RiverWolves sold; Team to become Wausau Cyclones . NA3HL . April 23, 2021.
