NA3HL Announces New Team in Pelham, AL

The North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) has announced that its Board of Governors has approved the membership of the Pelham Prowlers, with the team set to begin play in the 2025-26 season.

“We are excited to partner with the NA3HL to bring junior hockey to Pelham Alabama. Our home rink, Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena, is home to several collegiate hockey teams and the SPHL Birmingham Bulls. The missing link in this market is junior hockey,” stated Prowlers’ Owner Julia Stafford. “Over the years hockey has become more popular in Alabama. However, there are few opportunities for young players who want to pursue collegiate scholarships or professional hockey careers in the South. Our hope is to bridge that gap with the Pelham Prowlers.”

The Pelham Civic Complex & Ice Arena is a modern, two-sheet facility, with the main arena offering a seating capacity of 4,100. Nestled below Oak Mountain, it is conveniently located between Montgomery, the state capital, and Huntsville, Alabama's largest city.

The Powlers have appointed Phil Tesoriero as their Head Coach for the inaugural season. Tesoriero previously served as the Assistant Captain at Davenport University before embarking on his professional career, where he played five seasons in the Southern Professional Hockey League. After his playing career, he transitioned to coaching, taking on the role of Head Coach for the University of Alabama's ACHA program for five seasons. 

“We are thrilled to further expand the Southeast footprint by bringing junior hockey to Alabama with the Pelham Prowlers,” stated NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld. “This is an exciting step in our mission to provide more opportunities for players to develop and advance in the sport. The addition of a team in Pelham adds to the growing hockey presence in the region and offers aspiring players a vital pathway to the NAHL and college hockey.”

The NA3HL is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior league and serves as one of the top training grounds in the country by providing the best coaching, exposure and developmental vehicles available for student-athletes. The NA3HL advances more players to the NAHL, NCAA and ACHA than any other junior league of its kind. 

USA Hockey has been properly notified and formal approval is expected at their annual meeting in June.