27 NA3HL Players Selected in the 2026 NAHL Entry Draft

On June 10, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) held its 23rd Entry Draft, where 27 players from the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) were selected to advance to the next level of junior hockey within the NAHL family of leagues. 

As the draft concluded, the NA3HL proved its importance as a stepping stone for players in their hockey journeys. No other Tier III junior hockey league gives players this great of an opportunity to take the next step in their hockey careers to the level that the NA3HL does. Outside of the draft, for the upcoming 2026-27 season, 33 NA3HL players have signed tender agreements with NAHL teams. 

The resources and opportunities players receive in the NA3HL are unmatched, and the results are evident. During the 2025-26 season, the number of players who made advancements in their hockey careers was 169, and that number will continue to grow as the summer progresses. 

“The NA3HL continues to serve as a proven pathway for junior hockey players looking to advance to the next level,” said NA3HL Deputy Commissioner Tyler Giwerowski. “As a league, we take great pride in seeing our players’ hard work and dedication rewarded.” Giwerowski closed his statement by saying, “There is nothing more gratifying than watching their names appear on the draft board as they take their next step in their hockey journey.”

109 of the 169 advancements that have been made this year are college commitments from the NA3HL, 20 of which are NCAA Division III commitments. This number will continue to grow as more players decide on the next step in their journey. 

NA3HL Players Selected in the 2026 NAHL Entry Draft

Benjamin Green, F, El Paso Rhinos 2025-26. (Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Round 2, Pick 41).

Daniel Vihavainen, D, Louisiana Driller 2025-26. (Shreveport Mud Bugs, Round 4, Pick 115).

Brendan Miller, F, Peoria Mustangs 2024-26. (Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Round 5, Pick 156).

Benjamin Humphreys, F, Texas Brahmas 2025-26. (Chippewa Steel, Round 6, Pick 164).

Tyler Starich, F, Granite City Lumberjacks 2025-26, Minnesota Wilderness 2024-26. (Kenai River Brown Bears, Round 6, Pick 166).

Sebastian Jaso, D, Atlanta Capitals 2025-26. (Odessa Jackalopes, Round 6, Pick 171).

Grant Harder, D, Mason City Toros 2024-26. (Houston Bulls, Round 7, Pick 209).

Jackson Antonelli, D, New Mexico Ice Wolves 2025-26. (Danbury Hat Tricks, Round 8, Pick 242).

Shaun Paulson, F, West Bend Power 2025-26. (Watertown Shamrocks, Round 8, Pick 246).

Elias Holan, F, West Bend Power 2025-26. (Aberdeen Wings, Round 8, Pick 254).

Skyler Tompkins, F, Peoria Mustangs 2024-26, Louisiana Drillers 2025-26. (Bismarck Bobcats, Round 8, Pick 255).

Maxwell Wright, D, El Paso Rhinos 2025-26. (Lone Star Brahmas, Round 8, Pick 256).

Andrew Thompson, F, Granite City Lumberjacks 2025-26. (Minnesota Mallards, Round 9, Pick 261).

Gunnar Vick, F, West Texas Wranglers 2025-26. (Amarillo Wranglers, Round 9, Pick 263).

Alex Brello, F, Bozeman Ice Dogs 2025-26. (Minot Minatouros, Round 9, Pick 264).