History

History

The History of the NPHL

Founded in 2019, the Northern Premier Hockey League was created to provide a competitive senior hockey platform for players across Ontario and Quebec while building strong connections between teams, fans, and the communities they represent.

Originally operating as the EOSHL, the league began with a small group of franchises and steadily expanded its footprint. Over the years, it has attracted players from a wide range of hockey backgrounds, including former junior, collegiate, and professional players.

From its earliest seasons, the league’s goal has been to provide a high-quality senior hockey experience while maintaining the community atmosphere that makes the game unique. Local arenas, regional rivalries, passionate supporters, and community involvement remain central to the league’s identity.

A New Era

In 2025, the league entered a new chapter and officially rebranded from the EOSHL to the Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL).

The change represented more than a new name. It reflected a broader vision for the future of senior hockey, with an increased focus on league-wide standards, sustainable growth, stronger branding, player safety, competitive balance, and fan engagement.

Today, the NPHL is solely owned by Josh Rowlands, with the league continuing to build toward a stronger, more unified senior hockey product across its growing footprint.

Growth and Expansion

The NPHL has continued to evolve through expansion, relocation, and the development of new hockey markets.

2024

  • The Westport Lumberjacks joined the league.

  • The Lindsay Barncats joined the league.

  • New franchise locations were established in Manotick and Pontiac.

2025

  • The EOSHL officially rebranded as the Northern Premier Hockey League.

  • The NPHL expanded with the introduction of the Metropolitan Branch, significantly increasing the league’s reach across Ontario.

  • New franchise locations were established in Akwesasne, Tamworth, and Shawville.

  • The County Royals, based in Wellington, joined the Capital Branch.

  • The Durham Devils, based in Bowmanville, joined the Capital Branch.

The Inaugural Outlaw Tournament

Another milestone in the league’s development came with the creation of the Outlaw Championship Tournament, bringing NPHL teams together for a dedicated league event and adding another championship property to the NPHL calendar.

The inaugural tournament was hosted in Smiths Falls, providing local fans with an opportunity to experience a unique championship atmosphere featuring teams from across the league.

The first event produced a fitting finish for the host community, with the hometown Smiths Falls team capturing the inaugural Outlaw Tournament championship.

The tournament established another opportunity to showcase NPHL hockey, create new matchups and rivalries, and bring players and supporters together beyond the traditional regular-season and playoff format.

The 2026–27 Chapter

The 2026–27 season represents another important stage in the evolution of the NPHL.

The Norwood Rams will join the league and compete in the Western Conference, bringing another established hockey community into the NPHL.

The league also saw the departure of the Manotick Mariners following a historic season for the organization. After capturing their first Sentinel Cup Championship, the Mariners moved on from the NPHL to compete in the Ligue Nord-Américaine de Hockey (LNAH).

Their progression represents a significant chapter in NPHL history and another example of the calibre of organizations, players, and competition that have developed within the league.

The 2026–27 season will also see the implementation of centralized video infrastructure through Veo systems across every NPHL organization. Standardized game video will support player safety, disciplinary and officiating review, league accountability, and expanded opportunities for digital content and exposure.

One League. One Standard. A Growing Future.

From its beginnings in 2019 to its continued expansion across Ontario and Quebec, the NPHL has grown considerably while maintaining the community-driven identity at the heart of senior hockey.

New franchises, new markets, championship events such as the Outlaw Tournament, stronger league infrastructure, and the continued development of the NPHL brand are helping establish the foundation for the league’s future.

The NPHL continues to evolve with a clear objective:

Deliver competitive senior hockey. Build strong organizations. Support our communities. Grow the game.