2026-2027 Regular Season

The Metro Columbus Hockey League (MCHL) provides competitive, locally focused travel hockey for 10U, 12U, and 14U teams throughout Central Ohio. With more than 50 teams participating each season, MCHL is designed to provide competitive games, manageable travel, and a complete league experience from late August through the end-of-season championship tournament.

The MCHL regular season runs from late August through February, followed by the MCHL End-of-Season Tournament in late February or early March.

Teams are placed into divisions based on competitive level, with the goal of creating balanced and meaningful competition throughout the season.

For the 2026-2027 season, some of the larger MCHL divisions will be divided into East and West sub-divisions. This allows teams in larger competitive groups to play a more focused regular-season schedule while still remaining part of a larger division.

Not every division will use the East/West structure. The format will be used where appropriate based on the number of teams and the overall structure of the division.

Teams work directly with the other teams in their division or sub-division to schedule their regular-season games. This flexible approach allows teams to coordinate games around tournaments, practices, school schedules, and other team commitments.

The number of league games varies based on division size and structure. Teams should expect to play between 10 and 16 regular-season games during the season.

All regular-season games for the 2026-2027 season must be completed by February 7.

This early deadline is intentional. February is typically a busy tournament month for travel hockey, with many teams traveling to tournaments throughout the month. The Presidents' Day holiday weekend also adds another significant scheduling challenge.

Ending the regular season by February 7 gives teams the opportunity to focus on their tournament commitments without having to balance unfinished MCHL games. Just as importantly, it gives the MCHL staff the time needed to finalize standings, organize tournament matchups, and prepare the best possible End-of-Season Tournament to close out the league season.

Our goal is to finish the regular season with enough time to properly prepare for the championship tournament rather than rushing through the final weeks of the season.

The MCHL season concludes with the End-of-Season Tournament, held either the last weekend of February or the first weekend of March, depending on the division.

This flexible tournament schedule allows MCHL to balance the significant ice requirements associated with hosting the tournament while also taking into account the broader youth hockey calendar.

For divisions using the East/West structure, teams from both sub-divisions will come together for the tournament. Regular-season results from both groups will be used to determine tournament organization and placement, creating an additional level of competition as teams finish the season.

Divisions that are not divided into East and West will follow the standard MCHL tournament structure.

For our higher-level 14U teams, the tournament schedule is also designed to allow teams to complete their MCHL commitments before potentially beginning a run at the Mid-Am tournament. This helps ensure that participating teams can give both competitions the attention they deserve.

The tournament is a single-elimination championship tournament, giving teams the opportunity to compete for a division championship and bring the season to a competitive conclusion.

Yes. All MCHL games follow USA Hockey rules and guidelines, including player eligibility, safety protocols, and officiating standards.

The MCHL currently offers league play for 10U, 12U, and 14U teams.

Teams are assigned to divisions based on competitive level, with the goal of creating balanced and meaningful competition throughout the season.

For the 2026-2027 season, some larger divisions will be sub-divided into East and West groups. This allows teams to compete within smaller groups during the regular season while still being part of a larger competitive division.

No. The East/West structure will only be used for select divisions where the number of teams and competitive structure make it beneficial. Other divisions will operate as a single group throughout the regular season.

Teams should expect to play 10 to 16 regular-season games, depending on the size and structure of their division.

The exact number of games is based on the number of teams in the division and the league format being used.

No. MCHL does not publish a predetermined league schedule.

Teams work directly with the other teams in their division or sub-division to schedule their games. This gives teams the flexibility to coordinate league games around tournaments, practices, school schedules, and other team commitments.

All MCHL regular-season games for the 2026-2027 season must be completed by February 7.

The deadline is intentional. February is typically a busy tournament month for travel hockey, and the Presidents' Day holiday weekend creates additional scheduling challenges. Completing league games by February 7 allows teams to focus on their tournament commitments while giving MCHL staff the time needed to prepare the End-of-Season Tournament.

The February 7 deadline allows MCHL to work around the busy February tournament calendar and the Presidents' Day holiday weekend.

It also gives our staff enough time to finalize regular-season results, organize tournament matchups, secure the necessary ice, and prepare for the best possible End-of-Season Tournament.

For higher-level 14U teams, the schedule also provides an opportunity to complete their local MCHL commitments before potentially beginning a run at the Mid-Am tournament.

The MCHL End-of-Season Tournament will be held either the last weekend of February or the first weekend of March, depending on the division.

The different tournament weekends allow MCHL to balance the substantial ice requirements needed to host the tournament while also working around the broader youth hockey calendar.

For divisions using the East/West structure, teams from both sub-divisions will come together for the End-of-Season Tournament.

Regular-season results from both the East and West groups will be used to organize the tournament, adding another level of competition at the end of the season.

The MCHL End-of-Season Tournament is a single-elimination championship tournament. Tournament organization and placement are based on the results of regular-season play.

Yes. The MCHL season is designed to culminate in a championship tournament for the teams participating in each division.

MCHL is focused on providing competitive local hockey with manageable travel and flexible scheduling.

Teams have the opportunity to play meaningful games against similarly competitive opponents without committing to a rigid league schedule. The season then culminates in a championship tournament that brings the competition to a close.

Whether your team is looking for competitive local play, balanced divisions, or a complete season experience that includes both seeding and championship tournament opportunities, MCHL offers a proven framework for travel hockey teams across Central Ohio.

Register today and become part of the 2026-2027 Metro Columbus Hockey League season.