2026-27 NEGAUNEE HOCKEY LEAGUE (NHL)
Information
1) League Contact Info.
Email: Negauneehockeyleague@charter.net
Facebook: Negaunee Hockey League
Web: www.negauneehockeyleague.com
US Mail: Negaunee Hockey League, P.O. Box 265 Negaunee, MI 49866
2) League Board
2026-27 Board Members
President Jim Gustitis 906-204-0844
Vice President Shawn Kerry 906-869-0313
Treasurer Chris Holmgren 906-361-4656
Secretary Rich Gleeson 906-360-9243
Trustee CJ Lepisto 906-281-1316
Trustee Mark Perry 906-362-0160
Trustee Pete Carlson 906-250-4055
Trustee Ross Anthony 906-250-0641
Trustee Chad Pohlman 906 360-9812
Trustee Toby Smith 906-869-0076
Honorary Trustee Tom Bleau Sr.
A. Board Members will serve as Captains of their respective teams. Temporary Alternate captains may be selected by the League Board or Teams Captain if necessary.
B. Any issues or suggestions regarding the League may be submitted to the Board for review. The Board reserves the authority to amend its rules and policies as necessary, provided that all rostered players are duly notified. All decisions rendered by the Board are considered final.
3) Player Registration, League Draft, & Rosters
Registration Deadline and Draft Eligibility
To be eligible for the League Draft, each player’s registration form and initial deposit must be received by the NHL Board no later than September 9, 2026.
League Draft and Team Placement
Before each season begins, the Board conducts a League Draft to assign players to teams until all rosters are complete. The Draft is intended to create balanced teams within each division and provide a fair, competitive environment for all League participants.
The Board has final authority over each player’s division placement and team assignment.
Draft Inclusion and Waiting List
Players who register by the deadline and were rostered during the previous season will be included in the Draft. Suspended players and players with outstanding payments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Players who were not on a League roster during the previous season will be placed on the waiting list until a team spot becomes available. Waiting-list players remain on the list until they are assigned to a team or until registration opens for the following season. To remain on the waiting list for the next season, players must register again when registration opens.
Returning Players and Substitute Players
A player who is rostered to a team but later drops from the League during the season and receives a dues refund will still be considered a current player for the next season’s registration if the player left because of injury or illness and was rostered for at least 10 games.
If that player does not register during the next registration period, the player will be placed on the waiting list the next season they register.
A player selected to fill a roster spot vacated after the season begins will be considered a “substitute player.” Substitute players will be placed at the top of the waiting list for the next season’s registration, regardless of the number of games played.
Board Reassignment Authority
The Board may reassign players between teams or divisions at any point during league play if the Board determines that reassignment is necessary based on team strength, attendance, or other relevant league considerations.
4) League Dues/Payments
Players may not participate in league play until a minimum payment of $210 has been made. Goalies owe $0.
Payment Options
League fees may be paid using one of the following options:
- Pay the full season fee of $390 by September 9, 2026. Goalies owe $0. Payment may be made by U.S. Mail or in person by cash or check.
- Split the fee into two installments: $210 due by September 9, 2026, and $210 due by December 2, 2026. Installment payments may be made by U.S. Mail or in person by cash or check.
- Returning players only: Pay either option by credit or debit card through www.negauneehockeyleague.com. Players are responsible for any processing fees.
A. Players who are not paid in full by December 2, 2026, will be suspended until payment is received. Missed games do not reduce the balance owed.
B. Any outstanding jersey fines or past-due balances from prior seasons must be paid before the first game of the season for the player to be eligible to play.
C. Players who wish to leave the NHL and request a prorated refund must notify the NHL President in a timely manner. A prorated refund will be issued based on the number of games remaining in the season after a replacement player selected by the League Board has taken the player’s roster spot.
D. Checks must be made payable to Negaunee Hockey League.
5) Liability Waiver & Acknowledgement
All participants must sign the NHL Liability Waiver & Jersey Tracking Form before playing. Participation is at your own risk because hockey is an inherently high-risk sport. Waivers are available at the rink, and will be managed by Team Captains before players take the ice for their first game.
6) Player Jerseys
Jersey Assignment and Return Requirements
Each player will receive a team jersey for the season. Jerseys remain the property of the NHL and must be returned as follows:
• Team Captains or Board Members will collect jerseys at the players final game of the season.
• Players who miss the collection must return their jersey to an NHL Board Member by March 31.
• After March 31, missing jerseys will result in a $50 fine. Players must return the jersey, if possible, and pay the fine before they are eligible to play in future seasons.