In the turbulent world of junior hockey, the North American Hockey League long has stood out as a pillar of development and consistency. This weekend, the NAHL begins its 50^th anniversary season on the heels of a record-breaking 49^th campaign.

While pretty much every junior hockey league in the United States has a stated goal of advancing players to NCAA college hockey, the NAHL simply lets the numbers do the talking.

The Tier 2 NAHL and Tier 1 United States Hockey League traditionally are neck-and-neck in terms of NCAA commitments, with the USHL ultimately sending more than 90 percent of its players on to play at the Division I level and the NAHL annually moving around 350 players to play Division I and III hockey.

For 2023-24, however, the NAHL entered uncharted territory, surpassing the 400-commitment mark for the first time in league history. Approximately 300 of those commits will compete for Division I programs.

Now, as the league embarks on its 2024-25 campaign, it can celebrate that achievement along with its 50^th season of competition. It was just 10 years ago that the NAHL established a then-record of 211 NCAA commitments.

The league has continued to grow steadily since then – this year the NAHL boasts 35 teams competing in four divisions located from Maine in the Northeast to Shreveport in the South to Alaska in the West – but the quality of play and level of player development never has been compromised.

The 2024-25 season gets underway Friday, Sept. 13, with 11 contests, highlighted by the defending Robertson Cup-champion Lone Star Brahmas hosting the Odessa Jackalopes at 8:30 p.m. EDT.

“We are thrilled to be entering our 50th season,” NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld said in a June statement. “The opportunities in the NAHL continue to grow, and for 50 years we have provided a platform for individuals to develop their skills, gain exposure and advance to NCAA hockey and beyond. The league consistently moves hundreds of players to the NCAA each season. The unwavering support these players receive from fans and billets in our communities makes playing in the NAHL so memorable. I want to thank our owners and coaches of the past and present for providing so many opportunities for these young men to pursue their dreams. This is what truly makes our league great year after year. We look forward to the start of our 50th season and all the excitement it will bring.”

The Philadelphia Rebels also are hosting the Northeast Generals Friday at Hollydell Ice Arena, the home rink of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau, in New Jersey. There will be a memorial tribute to the Gaudreau brothers, who recently lost their lives in a tragic accident while biking, before the puck drops. The game is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. EDT.

All NAHL games can be viewed live and on-demand at NAHL.TV.

As part of the 50-year celebration, the NAHL will unveil a limited-edition commemorative painting by renowned artist Tim Cortes. A limited number of prints will be available for fans to purchase, making it a unique and memorable keepsake for this milestone event.

The NAHL is the oldest junior hockey league in the United States. Along with the USHL, it is one of only two USA Hockey-sanctioned junior hockey leagues that operates utilizing a tuition-free model.

All 35 clubs will be in Blaine, Minn., Sept. 25-28 for the annual NAHL Showcase.