CAHA Tier I Strategy and Plans for 2026-27 season passed at October 2025 Board Meeting

• The CAHA Board will ensure that all players of Tier I ability will have access to our Tier I programs in the affiliate.  The programs will be one in Raleigh where 40% of all players reside and one in another location in the affiliate that is accessible to all non-Raleigh players
• We will build our Tier I programs with in-affiliate players as much as possible
• CAHA will use a transparent and clear process to evaluate existing programs and any new applications. Associations will be evaluated versus a standard – not ranked versus each other
• The evaluation process will provide an opportunity to meet with committee prior to application, meeting.
• Executive Director will lead the process in terms of gathering data and applications, setting up meetings, etc.
• All current programs must adhere to Tier I policy 10.7 stating that any Association or organization applying for Tier I status must agree to field a minimum of 3 teams in their first year and a minimum of 4 teams in their second year. These teams will be in the age groups offered by USA Hockey: 13O, 14U, 15O, 16U, and 18U.
• CAHA will accept no new Association applications for 2026-27 and renewals will only be considered for a 1-year renewal period
• The Tier I Committee will be comprised of Board members and experienced Tier I people outside the affiliate to evaluate our current and any new applications. Great care will be given to ensuring that conflicts of interest are identified and we will not include these people on the Committee.  The Executive Director will put together a group of 5 people (Board and otherwise) with no affiliation with a TI program or those that are renewing/applying. 

THe CAHA Board has decided not to accept any Tier I applications for NEW Tier I Associations for the 2026-27 season.  The Board will only accept renewals from existing programs.

At the 2025 USA Winter Meeting, the concept of a USA Hockey National Development League was presented at a Town Hall meeting. It was emphasized that the concept was “under construction” and that continued conversations with constituent groups would be taking place ahead of formal legislation being submitted. Below we attempt to answer some of the common questions that have already been asked about what is being called the next step in the evolution of player development in youth hockey in the United States. 

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