CHL

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the umbrella organization that governs major junior ice hockey in Canada. It coordinates competition and development for players aged 16 to 20 and administers a common set of rules and standards for its member leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL was formed in 1975 to unify these regional leagues under a single national body, while retaining their regional identities.

Season and competition: Each member league runs its own regular season and playoffs. The champions of the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, along with a host-city team, compete in the Memorial Cup, the CHL’s national championship. The CHL also operates player development programs, education initiatives, and disciplinary and eligibility policies that apply across all three leagues. The league is a primary development path for players aiming to reach professional hockey, including the NHL; many CHL alumni are drafted and/or sign professional contracts each year.

Player movement and drafts: The CHL runs an Import Draft to allocate non-North American players into the three leagues and participates in the broader NHL scouting and drafting process. The CHL's governance is by a board of governors representing the three member leagues and associated teams.

Impact and scope: With roughly 60 teams across Canada and parts of the United States, the CHL is one of the leading sources of professional hockey talent outside of collegiate programs.