For returning players, the official deadline to register for the upcoming season ends on Friday, July 28, 2017. All interested players must first register with the league, as well as attend a designated tryout to remain eligible. Tryouts for LHSHL teams will take place between July 31 and August 17 at various Tampa Bay area arenas.
The LHSHL offers 17 varsity level teams and up to four junior varsity level teams located throughout Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties. While a student's respective school may not have an official LHSHL club, they may still register online and will be zoned to a team accordingly.
The 2017-18 season starts on September 8, 2017 and will end in February 2018. Each team will participate in a 22-game regular season schedule and receive up to 20 hours of on-ice practice. Additionally, teams will have a chance to qualify for the LHSHL playoffs and the opportunity to contend for the Lightning Cup.
Last season, the JW Mitchell Mustangs (Pasco County) were crowned league champions, which also marked consecutive seasons the club hoisted the Lightning Cup. The Mustangs also won a USA Hockey National Championship in the spring of 2016.
