The Mountain West Hockey League currently operates with a single division. However, expansion plans may result in the application of geographic divisions. The divisional format will allow teams within close proximity to play each other more frequently than more distant teams.
While all teams have the option to host inter-division matches, due to the distance between some teams, the league may arrange some games in neutral locations such as Las Vegas or Salt Lake City or employ an unbalanced schedule to mitigate travel expenses.
For example, teams from Park City and Salt Lake City might meet teams from San Diego and Phoenix in Las Vegas to reduce travel time by up to five hours, while teams from Idaho or Wyoming might meet teams from Los Angeles or Las Vegas in Salt Lake City.
In addition, teams may play multiple opponents during a weekend stay. In this way teams from both divisions can play more teams while controlling travel expenses. Revenue from ticket sales at neutral sites is typically divided between the participant teams after expenses for ice time and officials.
The league schedule is developed in collaboration with the general managers of each team and representatives of participating venues to ensure a fair and equitable solution.
At the end of the regular season, the team with the most overall points in the standings will be recognized as the regular season champion. Divisional champions (if applicable) will also be recognized.
The Mountain West Hockey League (MWHL) is a minor hockey league consisting of Senior Elite clubs from across the western United States. The MWHL's mission is to provide adult hockey players with a safe, competitive environment for continuing their sporting ambitions at the highest level.
MWHL games are full-checking contests designed to allow adult players to showcase their skills. The MWHL serves as a bridge for unsigned college and Junior hockey players to upper-level professional minor leagues such as the ECHL or CHL. MWHL players are USA Hockey registered amateur or re-instated professionals from North America and Europe. All games are officiated by USA Hockey referees and linesmen.
MWHL club rosters are comprised mainly of top local talent. In order to foster competitive balance the league hosts a league try-out camp in September, inviting players to demonstrate their talent and skills for coaches. Successful players are invited to club training camps where they can compete for roster positions.
The MWHL provides its clubs with a unified schedule, standings, and play-offs. The league's schedule runs from November through March. Each club plays a twenty game league schedule supplemented by non-league contests. The league awards a trophy to the club with the best league record at the end of the regular season. The top four clubs participate in a play-off tournament held in Las Vegas, NV. The winner receives a championship cup and banner.