The North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the defunct America West Hockey League merged in 2003 to form a 21-team Junior A Tier II league, sanctioned by USA Hockey.
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is a watered down hockey league year after year that keeps adding teams that do not belong. The defunct America West Hockey League merged in 2003 to form a 21-team Junior A Tier II league, sanctioned by USA Hockey.