USA Hockey Approves USHL As First-Ever
American-Based Junior A Tier I Hockey League

Landmark Announcement Elevates USHL To Highest Junior Level In The U.S.,
But Players Remain NCAA-Eligible

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Hockey today announced that the United States Hockey League (USHL) has been officially approved for status as the first-ever American-based Junior A Tier I hockey league, beginning with the 2002-03 season.
The approval follows a 10-year period in which USA Hockey has been studying the viability of a Tier I Junior league in the United States, and a two-year application period by the USHL. Junior hockey is the pinnacle of the skill development program offered by USA Hockey, and is an alternative for exceptional athletes who demand a greater challenge than that provided by prep school teams, high school varsity or club teams, or midget teams. The purpose of junior hockey is to develop and prepare the elite athlete for career advancement either in collegiate programs and/or professional opportunities.
The announcement was made by USA Hockey President Walter L. Bush, Jr. (Edina, Minn.), USA Hockey Executive Director Doug Palazzari (Colorado Springs, Colo.), USA Hockey Vice President and Junior Council Chairman W. David Tyler (Waterloo, Iowa), and USHL Commissioner Gino Gasparini (Grand Forks, N.D.).
“This announcement reflects the culmination of a long-sought-after recognition by the United States Hockey League that has been well earned by its quality programming and player development,” said Bush. “This decision was made following a very careful evaluation process and it now represents a significant advancement in the overall state of hockey in America.”
“This has been a long-term, cooperative goal of the USHL and USA Hockey for nearly six years,” said Gasparini. “The classification ‘Junior A Tier I’ means a great deal to all of us involved and to the future of the game. Our league’s goal has always been to provide the best path of development and this re-classification will ensure that we continue to meet and exceed that goal. It’s further evidence that this league will never stop evolving or striving to make the best better.”
Previously one of three USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II Junior A hockey leagues in the country, the USHL has been in existence for 23 years and is made up of 11 organizations primarily located across the Midwest. USHL teams have captured 14 out of the last 17 USA Hockey Junior A National Championships. Former USHL players now skating in the National Hockey League include: U.S. Olympians Phil Housley, Brian Rafalski and Gary Suter, as well as the 2002 Stanley Cup Playoff leading rookie scorer, Erik Cole.
The Tier I status means the USHL has been elevated to the highest competitive level of junior hockey available in the United States. However, players who wish to pursue college hockey careers will remain eligible to compete in the NCAA. Players in the USHL will also continue to be available for selection by USA Hockey to Junior-based select teams in international competition.



For more information, please contact:
USHL Media Relations, (763) 416-4974, Jayson Hron
or visit www.ushl.com


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