NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Board, Directors, Coaches, and Staff are proud to announce that the Nashville Jr. Predators have been selected as a founding member of the newly formed USA Hockey Development League (DL), which launches for the 2027-28 season.

The Development League (DL) is designed as a national, high-performance league focused on long-term athlete development, enhanced national player identification, and a direct path to the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Beginning in the 2027-28 season, each selected organization will field a 15U and a 17U team, competing in a maximum of 55-game schedule from September through March and culminating in a league championship. 

This selection builds on a proven track record of player advancement and development in Nashville and as a Southern Amateur Hockey Association affiliate. Over the 20+ years of Thunder AAA Hockey and NJP, the program has developed and advanced 68 players onto NCAA Division I and over 70 to Division III rosters.

You don’t have to look far to see where this path can lead. Carson Dorfman (2003 G) grew up in Nashville, played through 18U AAA, and worked his way from Lone Star in the NAHL to Sioux City in the USHL before committing to play Division I hockey at RPI. Hudson Lohse (2008 D) wore the “C” for NJP for three seasons and is now a St. Cloud State commit who earned 2025-26 USHL All-Academic Team honors with the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Nashville Jr. Predators Board President Brandon Walker emphasized the growth of hockey in Nashville and the importance of the designation for youth hockey in Middle Tennessee: “Being selected to participate in the Development League is very exciting and a reflection of the years of work many people have put into making Middle Tennessee a true hockey market. From the grassroots level to our relationship with the NHL Nashville Predators organization, the collaboration within the local hockey community has made this possible. NJP is at the forefront of this, and being selected to join the DL solidifies that our program is among the best in the country. There is significant work ahead, and we are committed to building on this opportunity to support our players’ development from the youngest age groups through the highest levels of the DL.”

The DL designation creates a local development pathway from 8U through 17U, allowing athletes to compete at the highest level of youth hockey while staying close to home. Players on the 17U DL team will be eligible for USHL and NAHL call-ups for in-season games and practices, gaining junior hockey experience while continuing to represent their club team. Age-eligible players on NJP’s 18U AAA team will also have opportunities to participate with the 17U DL team.

“Being selected for the DL reflects the dedication and relentless effort that our past and present players, families, coaches, and staff have put into this organization,” said Kevin Muller, NJP Tier I (AAA) Boys Director. “We are already planning for 2027-28, with a focus on refining our training model, redesigning our season scheduling, and integrating the DL seamlessly into our existing AAA program. We have a lot of exciting work ahead and look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks.”

The Nashville Jr. Predators will host an informational meeting on Thursday, October 8, at 6:30 PM CT to share details about the Development League and what it means for players and families.

• Google Meet Link 
• Interested in playing? Complete the Prospective Player Form.

For questions about the Development League, contact Kevin Muller at kmuller@jrpredators.com. Go Preds!

About the Nashville Jr. Predators

Formed in 2019 following a merger rooted in a player development legacy dating back to 2009 with the Thunder Hockey Club, the Nashville Jr. Predators exist to Develop, Impact, and Guide our hockey community. Serving over 475 athletes across four programs (AAA, AA, A, and Girls), NJP provides complete hockey pathways spanning 8U through 18U Boys and 19U Girls, empowering young athletes to compete at the highest levels of local and national youth hockey!