Ice hockey is played at various levels, including professional leagues, collegiate programs, and international competitions.
At the professional level, the National Hockey League (NHL) is the premier league in North America, comprising 32 teams across the United States and Canada. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League?utm_source=openai)) In collegiate sports, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) oversees numerous ice hockey programs, with teams competing in Division I, Division II, and Division III. For instance, the University of Minnesota's men's team, the Minnesota Golden Gophers, competes in NCAA Division I. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_ice_hockey_programs?utm_source=openai)) Internationally, the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) organizes world championships featuring national teams from various countries. The 2024 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship included teams such as Canada, the United States, Finland, and Sweden. ([iihf.com](https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2024/wm/teams?utm_source=openai)) Additionally, the United States Hockey League (USHL) serves as a junior league, providing a platform for young players to develop their skills before advancing to higher levels. Teams in the USHL include the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the Chicago Steel. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Hockey_League?utm_source=openai)) These various levels and organizations contribute to the rich and diverse landscape of ice hockey, fostering talent and competition both domestically and internationally.