President - League Snapshot @ Quarter Mark

President’s Message — NPHL Update

As we near the end of October, it’s clear that the Northern Premier Hockey League is thriving — perhaps more than ever before. Across both branches, the competition has reached a level of parity we’ve never seen in league history. Every game matters, every shift counts, and any team can beat another on any given night. It's been beyond impressive to see organizations come into this league in their first or second year and make such strides.

The league continues to attract and develop high-end talent, and that skill is showing up in every rink — from overtime thrillers to defensive battles and highlight-reel goals. The energy across the NPHL this past week was electric, with tight games up and down the schedule and several emerging rivalries adding even more fire to the mix. 

The Lindsay–Durham rivalry in the West and the Manotick–North Dundas matchup in the East of the Capital branch are setting the tone for the kind of hockey fans love — fast, physical, and fiercely competitive. Alvintson & Orangeville out of the Metropolitan continue to dominate. Stratford along with Strathroy, continue to persevere week to week in big games culminating with a rematch of a championship match they had least season. it's been so impressive to watch, new comer Six Nations battling with these top teams with their first year in the NPHL. These are the storylines that define the NPHL and make every weekend unpredictable. 

The league is in excellent health as October winds down. Our organizations continue to grow stronger, our players continue to raise the bar, and our communities continue to show incredible support. The work is not done yet and as a league we will continue to be better for our organizations and strengthen our product on and off the ice.

On behalf of the NPHL, I want to extend a sincere thank you to all the league staff, volunteers, staff, coaches, and officials who make this league possible. Your commitment is the foundation of everything we do, and it’s what allows this game — and this league — to keep getting better every season.

Josh Rowlands
President, Northern Premier Hockey League