NAHL NEEDS TO SPLIT INTO EIGHT DIVISIONS Should the NAHL rethink their divisional alignment and maybe add additional teams to create eight divisions?

Let’s dig a bit deeper into the idea that the NAHL should already be considering. We’ll also talk about the best markets the NAHL should consider that could easily give the league more balance.

Now that we have your attention, the conversation continues regarding the NAHL in Alaska and how to help the league’s remaining teams overcome the economic inequality that comes with having the Alaska teams in their division.

So, let’s look at how the concept could look.

Danbury Hat Tricks

Maine Nordiques

New Hampshire Mountain Kings

New Jersey Titans

Northeast Generals

Elmira Aviators

Johnstown Tomahawks

Maryland Black Bears

Philadelphia Rebels

Rochester Jr. Americans

Chippewa Steel

Janesville Jets

Springfield Blues

Wisconsin Windigo

Anchorage Wolverines

Fairbanks Ice Dogs

Kenai River Brown Bears

NEW TEAM

Aberdeen Wings

Bismarck Bobcats

Colorado Grit

Minot Minotauros

Watertown Shamrocks

Austin Bruins

Minnesota Mallards

Minnesota Wilderness

North Iowa Bulls

St Cloud Norsemen

Amarillo Wranglers

El Paso Rhinos

New Mexico Ice Wolves

Odessa Jackalopes

Corpus Christi IceRays

Lone Star Brahmas

Oklahoma Warriors

Shreveport Mudbugs

Atlantic – Leesburg, Virginia’s Ion International Training Center is an absolutely PERFECT fit for the NAHL. There will need to be a few renovations to provide appropriate locker rooms to meet league standards, but otherwise the arena and market are perfect fits.

Midwest – The NAHL seriously needs to get back into Chicago and do a much better job than Mark Hammersmith did. The Edge Ice Arena in Bensonville is the best place to do it. I’ve spent time in the market over the last ten years and feel the building and community are more than ready for their own team. The former home of the USHL’s Chicago Steel is set up perfectly for the right operator. This is an important market for the NAHL brand, and the league should get it back by operating the team themselves for the first year. Do it right, build value, and get a much higher return on the investment by selling the proven model to local investors.

Alaska – I’ve said this before (only for the last 30 years) and will say it again. Alaska needs four teams to remain feasible. The league should drop a team into the Menard Center in Wasilla, Alaska and call it a day. The cost savings alone (for the other Alaska teams and others) clearly is much greater than the three teams continuing to play in other divisions. A balanced schedule (imagine THAT concept) would bring each of the other divisions to Alaska (for four games) every seven years, while the Alaska teams travel to that same division for four games.

Overall, the concept for eight divisions in four conferences makes sense. Overall costs are dramatically reduced and there’s still room to fill out schedule with games outside of division play.

I also like the idea of standings points being earned exclusively within division play. Much like college sports have standings for league play while also displaying non-league results. This would put greater emphasis on divisional matchups that will also generate more fan interest at the gates. All while drastically reducing overall operational costs.

That’s just my opinion, what’s yours?