Two Nations Prep Hockey League forms for 2022-23

Buffalo-based Nichols School will compete in the Two Nations Prep Hockey League starting in 2022-23. (NH Sports Photography)

Earlier this week the Two Nations Prep Hockey League announced its formation for play beginning with the 2022-23 season.

Three of the eight founding teams are based in New York and New Jersey. Albany Academy, Lawrenceville and Nichols Prep will be among the eight teams competing in the new league. The other five schools in the Two Nations Prep Hockey League are The Hill School, Bishop’s College, Ridley College, Stanstead College and Upper Canada College.

As the name would suggest, the league is made up of teams from each side of the border. Four American and four Canadian prep schools will compete for a championship next February in Buffalo at Nichols School. Each league team will play in 10 regular-season games and participate in a January showcase in Exeter, N.H.

“We are excited to join the other TNPHL member schools and provide a great experience for our players,” said The Hill coach Sean O’Brien. “This is a unique opportunity for our program to compete for an international championship every year.”

The new league provided yet another wrinkle to the ever-changing landscape of youth and prep hockey in New York and New Jersey. It should provide added exposure and a more solid foundation for the three prep teams in the region that are sometimes on the outside looking in, due to its affiliate status at best among NEPSAC schools.