High School Info
High school hockey in Illinois is thriving, with leagues that balance tradition, competition, and development. Each league offers its own structure, serving players from large metro schools to smaller combined programs across the state. Together, they ensure that student-athletes at every level have the opportunity to represent their schools and communities on the ice.
Teams are classified as either pure or combined. Pure teams consist entirely of players from the same high school, while combined teams bring together players from multiple schools—creating opportunities in areas where a single school may not have enough players to field a full roster. Most programs offer both Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. This structure keeps high school hockey inclusive and competitive, ensuring that every player who wants to play has a place on the ice.
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High School Hockey Leagues
Scholastic Hockey League (SHL)
The Scholastic Hockey League is home to 10 pure high school clubs and is widely regarded as one of the most competitive leagues in Illinois. Teams compete across three levels — Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Academic (Varsity 2) — with the Academic division integrated into the league’s overall structure. Known for its high-level play, the SHL has a tradition of preparing players for the next step in their hockey careers.
President: Evan Poulakidas
IHSHL North Central Division (IHSHL-NC)
The North Central is the largest high school league in the state, featuring 28 clubs and 52 total teams, including 22 programs exclusive to the league. With a mix of pure and combined school teams, North Central offers one of the deepest competition pools in Illinois. Teams compete in multiple tiers, including Varsity Champions, Varsity Gold, Varsity Silver, and tiered JV divisions that split mid-season to ensure balanced matchups.
President: Jack Raslawski
Illinois West High School Hockey League (Illinois West)
Illinois West brings together a variety of schools from the western suburbs, fielding both pure and combined teams. The league includes 15 Varsity teams and 13 JV teams, giving student-athletes at different skill levels the chance to develop and compete. Known for its parity and strong rivalries, Illinois West continues to provide a competitive environment rooted in community representation.
President: Matt Hallam
Chicago Catholic Hockey League (CCHL)
The Chicago Catholic Hockey League is one of Illinois’ most historic and tradition-rich scholastic leagues. Featuring 11 Catholic high school clubs and 20 total teams, the CCHL showcases some of the state’s longest-standing hockey rivalries. With eight Varsity teams and 12 JV teams, the league offers high-level competition and a strong sense of identity tied to its member schools.
President: Nick Fabbrini
Metro Girls High School Hockey League
The Metro Girls League is dedicated to growing opportunities for female student-athletes to compete at the high school level. With 14 clubs across the Chicagoland area, the league offers a supportive environment that emphasizes both competition and development. Metro Girls plays a central role in expanding the reach of girls’ high school hockey in Illinois.
President: Jenny MacDougall
Lincoln Land High School Hockey League (LLHL)
The Lincoln Land League serves central and southern Illinois, providing players outside the Chicago area with the chance to participate in organized high school hockey. By including schools across a wide geographic region, the LLHL helps ensure that high school hockey is accessible across the entire state — not just in the metro area.
President: Brian Mendenhall
