USA Hockey DL (15U/17U)
OHC is in the USA Hockey Development League.
USA Hockey selected Okanagan Hockey Colorado for the inaugural USA Hockey Development League. Beginning in 2027-28, OHC will field one 15U team and one 17U team inside the national high-performance pathway built to feed the USHL, NAHL, college hockey, and the NHL.
What the league is
The next step in American player development.
The USA Hockey Development League is a national framework of high-performance youth hockey programs. Every selected program fields one 15U team and one 17U team. It operates under USA Hockey, and play begins with the 2027-28 season.
The league exists to identify, train, and develop players from across the country for junior hockey, including the USHL and NAHL, USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program, college hockey, and the NHL. It follows the National Team Development Program, launched in 1996, and the American Development Model, launched in 2009.
Development comes first. USA Hockey describes the DL as a league that puts long-term player growth ahead of short-term results, with the emphasis on development rather than wins and losses. It is one pathway among several. Players in traditional Tier I, high school, prep school, and Tier II still have routes forward.
The DL at a glance
How the season is built.
15U + 17U
Each program runs both teams. Age groups create more than one entry and exit point.
40–55
Regular-season games. At least 60 percent are against other Development League teams.
3 + 2
On-ice practices and off-ice sessions each week, with dedicated goaltending and S&C.
Sept 2027
Practices may begin August 1, 2027. The inaugural regular season opens that September.
For players, the DL is a full-season roster guarantee through a signed player agreement, a heavier practice week, and a schedule built against other invited programs. Players who sign with the NTDP, USHL, or NAHL before a DL team’s first game are released without penalty.
For families, each team provides a fact sheet covering fees, the payment schedule, and the weekly plan. Every roster includes a team manager and locker room monitor who complete background screening and SafeSport training.
Scott Paluch, USA Hockey’s director of player development, is the DL commissioner. Erin Mensay, manager of member services, is the DL registrar.
Timeline
Oct 5, 2026Invited programs announced on the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast and in the official release.
Jan 15–31, 2027Early signing period for returning players.
February 2027Open signing period.
Aug 1, 2027DL teams may begin practices.
September 2027Inaugural regular season begins.
Invited programs
The first 29
Every program below was named by USA Hockey on October 5, 2026. Filter by state or search by name. Okanagan Hockey Colorado is highlighted.
2027-28 season
Read the DL guidebook.
USA Hockey’s Development League guidebook covers how the league operates for the inaugural season. Download it before you apply.
15U and 17U
Apply for OHC's USA Hockey DL teams
Okanagan Hockey Colorado will field one 15U team and one 17U team in the Development League. Start an application below.