Texas Hockey League Announces 2026 Playoff Formats and Dallas Championship Weekend

The Texas Hockey League (THL) today announced the official 2026 THL Playoff Formats by Division, following an extensive review led by the THL Playoff Committee. The formats reflect current standings, division depth, competitive balance, and travel considerations to deliver a consistent and high-quality postseason experience for THL athletes and families.
 
Playoff Host Site & Dates
After evaluating each division individually, THL determined that nearly all divisions are best served by hosting playoffs in Dallas, helping consolidate ice, reduce unnecessary travel (particularly for non-DFW clubs), and create a unified championship environment.
 
2026 THL Playoffs
Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1, 2026
Dallas, Texas
Registration details and host rinks for each division will be announced on January 16, 2026.
 
Division Playoff Formats & Qualification
10U Divisions
  • 10UA2 — Top 5 teams qualify (round-robin)
  • 10UA — Top 8 teams qualify (round-robin)
  • 10UAA — Top 6 teams qualify (round-robin)
    • Dallas Stars Elite 2016 Boys are eligible for 10UAA playoffs
These formats emphasize development, balanced competition, and meaningful games for all participants.
 
12U Divisions
  • 12UA2 — Top 4 teams qualify (round-robin)
    • Dallas Stars Elite Girls 12UT1 are eligible for 12UA2 playoffs
  • 12UA — Top 6 teams qualify (round-robin)
  • 12UAA Red — Top 3 teams qualify (round-robin)
    • Ineligible: Dallas Stars Elite Boys 2014
  • 12UAA White — Top 4 teams qualify (round-robin)
    • Ineligible: Dallas Stars Elite Boys 2015 
The 12U playoff fields are designed to reward regular-season performance while maintaining parity and competitive integrity.
 
14U Divisions
  • 14UA2 — 4 teams qualify (round-robin)
    • Ineligible:
      • Dallas Stars Elite Girls 16T2
      • Houston Storm Girls 16T2
      • Houston Storm Girls 14T2
    • Note: Either Dallas Stars Elite Girls 13O or Dallas Stars Elite Girls 14T2 will qualify for THL playoffs, depending on which team does not make regionals.
  • 14UA — Top 5 teams automatically qualify; THL Playoff Committee selects 3 at-large teams (8-team round-robin)
    • Ineligible:
      • Dallas Stars Elite Girls 19T1
      • Dallas Stars Elite Girls 14T1
  • 14UAA — No THL league playoff (State Tournament qualification)
16U Divisions
  • 16UA — Top 8 teams qualify (round-robin)

    • Note: Because the league imposed unbalanced scheduling in the 16UA division, final standings will be calculated based on each team's average league points earned.

  • 16UAA — No THL league playoff (State Tournament qualification)
18U Division
  • 18UAA — No THL league playoff (State Tournament qualification)
A Note of Thanks
THL extends sincere appreciation to the THL Playoff Committee for their time, diligence, and collaboration in developing these formats, and to all THL Member Clubs for their feedback and participation throughout the season.
 
This playoff structure reflects the inclusive and transparent decision-making approach THL committed to during its inaugural season, grounded in competitive integrity and a shared commitment to providing the best possible experience for players and families.