Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1064942
JANUARY 2019 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 9 A new deal between the United States Hockey League and the North American Hockey League will increase the connection between the two Junior hockey leagues and provide greater developmental and advanced opportunities for players. The adjustment allows USHL teams to recall automatically designated affiliate players who are playing in the NAHL, without a trade form under certain conditions. The agreement also allows USHL teams to temporarily loan players to the NAHL. "It's another great day for the players entrust- ed to us, as we strengthen our partnership with the USHL and within the USA Hockey family, fur- ther reinforcing our common core commitment to develop players for the NCAA and NHL," said North American Hockey League Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. "Combining the resources of the USHL and the NAHL for player development equals an unmatched investment into the hockey com- munity." Players excelling in the NAHL will be able to advance to the USHL, while players in the USHL who are returning from injury or seeking more playing time can get back on track in the NAHL. The USHL, the country's only Tier I Junior league, and the NAHL, the sole Tier II occupant, are the top two producers of NCAA commit- ments in the world. Last season, the two leagues combined to help develop more than 700 college commitments. "We're extremely pleased with this agreement," said John Vanbiesbrouck, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. "It's a positive step forward and a central piece to the ladder of development in Junior hockey." Junior Leagues Open Player Pipeline JUNIORS GETTING IT RIGHT: An article on Page 12 of the December issue stated that Mark Johnson is the all-time winningest coach in women's college hockey. The University of Wisconsin coach holds the mark among all Div. I women's college coaches. Bill Mandigo entered his 31st year at the helm of Div. III powerhouse Middlebury College with 561 career victories. NAHL k The continued relationship between the USHL and NAHL will provide dividends for Junior hockey players around the country. USHL