What You Should Know | USA Hockey Development League
What you need to know about the Tbirds and the USA Hockey Development League
As the Colorado Thunderbirds join the USA Hockey Development League, we will field teams at 13O, 14U, 15U DL, 17U DL, and 18U. This next chapter strengthens our commitment to providing Colorado players with a high-level development pathway close to home. Continue reading to learn more about how this impacts your player and the current Colorado Thunderbird teams.
What is the USA Hockey Development League?
The USA Hockey Development League brings together 32 of the top Tier 1 programs from across the country to form a new tier for youth hockey in the United States. Beginning the 2027-’28 season, each program will assemble a 15U and 17U team to compete against DL and non-DL Tier 1 opponents. Designed to streamline player growth, the Development League creates a structured pathway to top junior leagues like the USHL and NAHL, as well as NCAA programs for American-born players.
Are the Colorado Thunderbirds still a member of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL)?
Yes! The Colorado Thunderbirds will remain a proud member of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League and will continue to play against T1EHL teams throughout the Development League season. T1EHL has a rich history of developing premium hockey players and supporting their hockey programs.
Here is a list of all of the T1EHL teams that will be joining the USA Hockey Development League:
Aneheim Jr Ducks
Colorado Thunderbirds
Buffalo Jr Sabres
Dallas Stas Elite
Fox Motors Hockey Club
LA Jr Kings
Nashville Jr. Predators
North Jersey Avalanche
Ohio Jr Blue Jackets
Philly Jr Flyers
Pheonix Jr Cyoetes
St Louis Jr Blue
The T1EHL is also partnering with the USHL to continue to help improve and optimize player pathways to Junior Hockey and we are excited to be a part of the League's collective growth in this next chapter.
How Does This Affect Current Colorado Thunderbird Teams and Players?
The 13O, 14U and 18U Thunderbirds teams will not be affected and will remain the same.
However, after the 2026-’27 season, the 15O team will replaced by the 15U DL team, the 16U team will be replaced by the 17U DL team, and 18U teams will remain the same. Players from within the Colorado Thunderbirds program that are of applicable ages will be eligible to be called up to DL teams through USA Hockey Vertical momement rules. Players on these teams will undergo new DL recruitment guidelines outlined below.
How Are Thunderbird Development League (DL) Teams Picked?
The Development League has strict guidelines regarding player recruitment, player signings, and tryouts. Highlights of these guidelines are outlined below. For full details, please refer to the guidebook.
- From January 15th to January 31st, Development League teams may sign players from within their organizations
- February 1st to the end of February, open signing can begin (any player nationally).
- March 1st to the end of the Tier 1 National Championship is a blackout period (No tryouts or signings permitted)
- DL team tryouts may begin 48 hours after the National Championship final.
What if my child does not make a Colorado Thunderbirds DL team?
The new Development League teams will attract talented players from across the country, increasing competition for roster spots. However, Colorado Thunderbirds will continue to prioritize player development and players from the Thunderbird program. Not being selected for a DL team shouldn’t discourage your child from continuing to pursue Tier 1 hockey—quite the opposite!
Earning a spot on a DL team is a goal to strive toward, the Thunderbirds will work with other Tier 1 programs to help place players that are not able to play for a DL team or in the Thunderbirds program. Every player develops at their own pace, and that remains true regardless of which team your child represents. The Thunderbirds remain deeply committed to the long term development of all youth hockey players.
The Next Chapter For The Colorado Thunderbirds
Joining the USA Hockey Development League is not only a big step for the Colorado Thunderbirds, it is a big step for USA Hockey and USA hockey players. This league offers incredible opportunities for homegrown talent to develop and thrive right here in Colorado—without needing to leave home or move abroad. Our athletes can take pride in receiving world-class development in their home state with the full support of USA Hockey.
As the Colorado Thunderbirds transition into the Development League, we remain committed to keeping our community updated so every player can make the most of this exciting new experience. While we celebrate this achievement today, the most rewarding work is still ahead, and we can’t wait to get started!
Go Tbirds!