USA Hockey denies OHL permission to add two USHL teams

The OHL approved an aggressive expansion plan earlier this season, but it appears one of the league’s ideas on that front has hit a hurdle.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada that USA Hockey has denied permission for the OHL to add the Muskegon Lumberjacks and the Youngstown Phantoms from the USHL.

“The OHL is willing to accept the teams, USA Hockey has not approved their transfer,” Friedman said. “So it’s kind of in limbo right now. Don’t know yet where it’s going to go.”

The NCAA’s decision to allow CHL players to play college hockey starting next season has completely changed the landscape for elite professional development leagues in North America.

Since that NCAA change earlier this season, the USHL has lost players to CHL teams as they’re now free to maintain their U.S. college eligibility.

Muskegon, Mich., and Youngstown, Ohio, if allowed to join the OHL, would give the league five teams in the United States.

The OHL currently has the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds in Michigan and the Erie Otters in Pennsylvania.

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