How the NIHL Built One of the Largest Girls Hockey Leagues in America

Building a Legacy: How the NIHL Sparked a Midwest Girls Hockey Revolution

When Bob Apter joined Our Girls Play Hockey, he didn’t just share stats — he shared a movement. The Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL) has transformed from a handful of teams into one of the largest girls travel hockey leagues in the United States, boasting 75 teams across five states.

This incredible growth story is about much more than numbers. It’s about innovation, inclusivity, and imagination — all fueled by a mission to make the game more competitive, more accessible, and more rewarding for every player.

The Birth of a Movement

Two decades ago, NIHL’s Girls Director, Ruben Medina, helped start one of the first organized girls divisions in the Midwest. At the time, most girls played on boys’ teams because there simply weren’t enough opportunities.

What began as a small, local effort soon gained traction as neighboring states like Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan saw the benefits of structured, competitive play. Word spread — and so did the league.

The Secret Ingredient: Competitive Balance

Ask Bob Apter what keeps players coming back, and he’ll tell you it’s competitive balance.

“We want every game to be a one- or two-goal game,” he explains. “If you’re paying thousands to play hockey and losing 15–0, you’ll find something else to do.”

Through tiered divisions, midseason reseeding, and data-driven scheduling, NIHL ensures every player experiences both challenge and reward — a formula that’s driving some of the highest retention rates in girls hockey nationwide.

Thinking Outside the Box: The “Peoria Rule”

When expanding into new states, NIHL faced a big question: How can we make travel affordable for families?

Their solution — the Peoria Rule — allows Illinois teams to host games locally while out-of-state teams cover minimal costs, reducing travel expenses for everyone. It’s a practical fix that’s helped the league grow without pricing families out.

Empowering Coaches and Creating Role Models

As more teams joined, NIHL also invested in stronger coaching structures. Girls’ hockey directors now oversee consistent development and mentorship.

Meanwhile, the league proudly showcases alumni like Cammi Granato, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Abby Murphy, connecting today’s youth players to the trailblazers who built the path.

Celebrating in Style: Charm Bracelets Over Trophies

In a charming twist — literally — NIHL replaced traditional trophies with custom charm bracelets that players can collect year after year. It’s a meaningful keepsake that grows with each season, symbolizing commitment, teamwork, and pride.

The Future Is Bright (and Expanding Fast)

With new interest from organizations across the Midwest and potential collaborations with the PWHL and Chicago Blackhawks, NIHL is shaping the future of women’s hockey from the grassroots up.

As host Hayley Scamurra put it, “When girls feel safe, supported, and inspired — that’s when the sport truly grows.”

A League That Lifts All Players

From creative logistics to equal opportunities, the NIHL’s story proves that when organizations prioritize access, parity, and purpose, the game — and its players — flourish.

As Lee Elias summed it up: “This isn’t a flash-in-the-pan moment for women’s hockey. This is real growth. This is the future.”

Want to hear the full conversation with Bob Apter?
🎧 Listen to the episode now on Our Girls Play Hockey — and be part of the movement that’s changing the game for good.

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