Roadmap
ProUnited StatesLater hockey
SPHL
An independent professional league with teams in the South and Midwest.
What This League Is
The SPHL is an independent professional league for adult players. Some players arrive from college, junior, Europe, or another professional league. For younger families, this page simply explains one option that exists after school and junior hockey.
Who Usually Plays Here
- Older players exploring professional hockey opportunities.
- Families learning the difference between college, junior, and minor pro outcomes.
- Players considering independent pro options.
How Players Get In
- Team tryouts or professional contract conversations.
- Movement from college, junior, ECHL, Europe, or other pro leagues.
- Agent contacts and opportunities.
Questions Worth Asking
- What does the contract actually provide?
- What is the team role?
- How does this option fit career and education plans?
- What are housing and relocation expectations?
Costs And Practical Details
- Professional contract, housing, relocation, taxes, insurance, and offseason work.
- Agent and career planning.
- Health and travel demands.
Keep looking
Other paths at this stage
AHL
Primary NHL development league
The main professional development league directly below the NHL.
ECHL
AA professional hockey
A professional league below the AHL with teams in the United States and Canada.
FPHL
Single A minor pro
A lower minor professional league for adult players trying to continue in hockey.