The North American Hockey League (NAHL) is a junior A league founded in 1975. As of June 2000, the League had 11 member teams. Each team plays a 56-game regular-season schedule beginning in September and culminating in April, with exhibition games and league playoff games providing additional contests. The NAHL's primary goal is to enhance the development of its players through top-quality coaching, extensive practice time and a rigorous game schedule.