How many teams are in the USHL?

The USHL has 16 teams for the 2025–26 season, split into the Eastern Conference and Western Conference (8 teams each). All teams are based in the United States Midwest, primarily in states like Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, and Ohio.

What is the Clark Cup?

The Clark Cup is the USHL's playoff championship trophy, awarded annually to the playoff champion since the 1945–46 season. Named after the original USHL founders. The team that wins the Clark Cup also represents the USHL at the Junior Club World Cup.

How is the USHL connected to the NHL?

The USHL is the only Tier 1 junior league sanctioned by USA Hockey, and it serves as the primary development path for American-born NHL players. Unlike the CHL, USHL players retain NCAA eligibility, so most go on to play college hockey before turning professional.

Can USHL players go to college?

Yes — and most do. The USHL operates under NCAA eligibility rules, so players who complete their USHL careers retain full NCAA Division I eligibility. The majority of USHL alumni play college hockey after juniors, with a significant percentage eventually reaching the NHL.

How does the USHL Draft work?

The USHL holds an annual Phase I and Phase II Draft for players under 18, typically high-school-age American and international players. The Phase I Draft is the primary selection event; Phase II is a secondary draft for later-discovered or international players. Eligible players must be at least 15 years old.

Guide

USHL GUIDE

The United States Hockey League — the only Tier 1 USA Hockey junior league, 16 teams across the Midwest, the Clark Cup, and the primary path to NCAA and NHL for American players.

WHAT IS THE USHL

The United States Hockey League is the only Tier 1 junior ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. It is the top junior circuit in the United States and serves as the primary development path for American-born players heading to NCAA Division I hockey and eventually the NHL.

Founded1961

HeadquartersChicago, Illinois, USA

TierTier 1 (USA Hockey sanctioned)

Teams16 (Eastern and Western Conferences, 8 each)

RegionUS Midwest

Player age range16–20 years old

ChampionshipClark Cup, awarded each spring

CONFERENCES AND FORMAT

The USHL is split into two conferences of 8 teams each. Teams play a 62-game regular season from September through April, including the USHL Fall Classic and various showcase events that bring NHL scouts together to evaluate draft-eligible players.

Eastern Conference

8 teams, primarily Eastern Midwest

Western Conference

8 teams, primarily Western Midwest and Plains

THE CLARK CUP PLAYOFFS

The top 8 teams in the USHL qualify for the Clark Cup Playoffs. The format:

Conference Quarterfinals

8 → 4 · Best-of-5

Top 8 teams play within their conferences. Higher seed hosts Games 1, 2, 5 if necessary.

Conference Semifinals

4 → 2 · Best-of-5

Winners meet within each conference.

Conference Finals

2 → 1 · Best-of-5

Eastern and Western Conference champions crowned.

Clark Cup Final

2 → 1 · Best-of-5

East vs West. The Clark Cup is awarded in May.

RECENT CLARK CUP CHAMPIONS

Recent champions:

2025Fargo ForceWestern Conference

2024Fargo ForceWestern Conference, repeat

2023Youngstown PhantomsEastern Conference

2022Chicago SteelEastern Conference

2021No champion awardedSeason modified due to COVID-19

2020No champion awardedSeason cancelled due to COVID-19

USHL AS A PATH TO NCAA AND NHL

Unlike the CHL, the USHL preserves NCAA eligibility. The standard career path for top USHL players is:

Play 1–3 seasons in the USHL
Commit to an NCAA Division I program
Play 3–4 seasons of college hockey
Sign with an NHL organization and go to the AHL or ECHL for development
Reach the NHL

Notable USHL alumni include:

Jack Hughes — USNTDP (played USHL games), drafted 1st overall 2019
Patrick Kane — USNTDP, drafted 1st overall 2007
Seth Jones — USNTDP, drafted 4th overall 2013
Johnny Gaudreau — Dubuque Fighting Saints, undrafted but signed by Calgary

Roughly 30–40% of NHL players drafted in the first round in any given year come from the USHL or USNTDP pathway.

FOLLOW THE USHL

Browse the directory to find USHL teams.

→ All 16 USHL teams → USHL standings and playoff bracket → NCAA Hockey Guide → NHL Draft Guide

RELATED GUIDES

NCAA Hockey Guide — where most USHL players go next
NHL Draft Guide
CHL Guide — the Canadian equivalent pathway
AHL Guide