The league originally formed as the Can-Am Junior Hockey League in 1972, changing its name to the Midwest Junior Hockey League in 1973, then merging with the United States Hockey League in 1977. The circuit finally became entirely junior in 1979. The USHL, governed by USA Hockey, is the only Tier I junior league in America. To compete, players must be 20 years-old or under before the season begins. However, a player who was born January 1, 1984, would be eligible to play in the USHL for the 2004-05 season. A player born December 31, 1983, is not eligible for this season.
Because of the extensive practice and game schedule in the USHL, players have an opportunity to develop their skills at an accelerated pace that might otherwise be unavailable. The main purpose of the USHL is to help players, coaches, and officials advance their careers to the college and professional level. Each team plays a 60-game regular season schedule starting in late September and finishing in late-March. With exhibition games and playoff games, each team can total nearly 80 games played.
The USHL prides itself on the professional presentation of an amateur sport. That professionalism manifests itself in the number of players and coaches who graduate to the collegiate and professional levels of the game.
The USHL has a voluntary draft system to help insure parity among the teams from season to season. The league attracts players from all over the United States as well as Canada and Europe.
Because the USHL gears itself toward putting players in college and helping them earn scholarships, the emphasis on education is foremost for all teams. Individual teams' academic coordinators work to make sure players have the academic capability to succeed in the classroom as well as on the ice. For players who are still in high school, teams work closely with local school officials to develop class schedules that keep players on pace for graduation and college entrance requirements.
USHL games are regularly scouted by NHL teams, NHL Central Scouting, and Division I-III universities. Because playing junior hockey often requires a player to move to the team's city, the teams help arrange housing and part-time jobs. Community involvement by the players is also encouraged by each team.
Players are not paid for performing in the USHL.
