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United States Premier Hockey League
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Current season, competition or edition: 2025–26 NCDC season | |
 | |
| Sport | Ice Hockey |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2012 |
| Commissioner | Murry N. Gunty [1] |
| Country | United States Canada |
| Most recent champions | Idaho Falls Spud Kings (NCDC) Vernal Oilers (Premier) Northern Cyclones (Elite) (2024) |
| Broadcaster | BlackBearTV |
| Official website | USPHL.com |
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is an American ice hockey league. Founded in 2012, the USPHL has grown to over 60 organizations from across the United States/Canada fielding teams in the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), Premier, Elite, EHF, 18U, 16U, 15U, and High Performance youth divisions.
From 2013 to 2017, USA Hockey sanctioned the Premier, Elite, Empire, Midwest, and USP3 Divisions as Tier III junior leagues. In 2017, the USPHL added a higher level junior league named the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) for the 2017–18 season. The NCDC was seeking free-to-play Tier II junior league sanctioning, but was denied by USA Hockey. In response, the USPHL junior level leagues withdrew from USA Hockey sanctioning altogether.[2] The 18U, 16U and 15U divisions are still considered Tier I youth hockey divisions by USA Hockey.[3]
Beginning in the 2024–25 season, the league plans to expand into Canada’s Quebec/Ontario provinces, effectively creating an entire new division.[4]
History
[edit]Establishment (2013–2017)
[edit]During the 2012–13 season, several organizations within the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) decided to form their own league and created the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). Those organizations also added their youth programs under the USPHL name as the 18U and 16U divisions. The original Tier III junior teams were categorized in the Premier Division when the USPHL absorbed the Empire Junior Hockey League (becoming the Empire Division) and the newly formed Eastern Elite Hockey League (becoming the Elite Division). With the additions, the USPHL added 16 more organizations to the original 15 before the inaugural 2013–14 season. The formation of the USPHL also led the remaining EJHL teams to join the Atlantic Junior Hockey League and create the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).
For the league's second season in 2014–15, the USPHL added the 16U Futures (16UF) Division[5] for players who aspire to play midget hockey, but are not yet ready for the 16U Division. Eight organizations fielded teams in the 16UF Division for its first season. During the 2014 off-season the USPHL lost the New York Applecore (Empire), but added the Providence Capitals (Elite & 16U), Jersey Shore Whalers (Empire), and the Richmond Generals (Elite, Empire) organizations to increase the total number of organizations to 35 headed into the 2014–15 season.
During the 2014–15 season, the USPHL announce the creation of a Midwest Division to begin in the 2015–16 season by adding several teams from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MnJHL).[6] By the end of the season, the Midwest Division would add all but one active MnJHL team causing the MnJHL to disband for the following season. On March 10, 2015, the USPHL also added the entire Midwest Junior Hockey League to its new Midwest Division for the 2015–16 season.[7] USPHL Midwest became the fourth Tier III division under the USPHL umbrella.
The changes for the 2015–16 continued into April when the New York Aviators announced their decision to leave the USPHL and join the North American 3 Eastern Hockey League (NA3EHL). The USPHL promptly reassigned the Aviator franchise to Rye, New York, and was renamed to the New York Dragons.[8] In early April 2015, the Empire Division would expand to Daytona, Florida with the Daytona Racers. Also in April, it was announced the Empire Division would be renamed as the USP3 Division. In late April 2015, the Charlotte Rush was announced as an expansion franchise by adding two teams, one in the Elite Division and one in the USP3. The Wooster Oilers from the former MnJHL decided against fielding two Tier III teams and dropped their membership in the USPHL Midwest and would only play in the North American 3 Hockey League. Initially announced with 22 member teams, the new Midwest Division saw a number of teams cease operations prior to the 2015–16 season including the Indiana Attack, Ironwood Fighting Yoopers, Minnesota Owls, Soo Firehawks, and St. Louis Storm due to lack of players. The Midwest Division did not have its own championship playoffs, but instead the top two teams in each conference from the Midwest and USP3 Divisions played for a single championship.
On January 14, 2016, the league announced the formation of a High Performance Youth Division for the upcoming 2016–17 season. The new division added 14 and under (Bantams), 12 and under (Peewees), along with 10 and under (Squirts) to the USPHL umbrella. Charter members of the High Performance Youth Division were to include the New Jersey Rockets, Hartford Junior Wolfpack, Jersey Hitmen, and P.A.L. Jr. Islanders. In late April, the USPHL announced that the Elite and USP3 Divisions were expanding by splitting the teams from the one-year-old Midwest Division into the Elite and USP3 platforms.[9] More changes came on May 20, 2016, when the USPHL added the four remaining teams from the former Northern Pacific Hockey League to the USP3 as a Pacific Division.[10] Before the start of the season, the loss of the Illiana Blackbirds (Elite), Michigan Wild (USP3), and Marquette Royales (USP3) was offset by the additions of Team Beijing (Elite), another team from the New York Aviators organization (Elite), and the return of the Ironwood Fighting Yoopers (USP3).
League realignment (2017–present)
[edit]
In October 2016, the USPHL announced it had applied to USA Hockey for approval to start a Tier II junior league for the 2017–18 season. The proposed Tier II USPHL division was announced to consist of 11 teams, seven from organizations in the USPHL Premier, the newly added Rochester Monarchs, and the Boston Bandits, New Jersey Rockets, and Northern Cyclones from the Eastern Hockey League.[12] At the time, the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II league is the North American Hockey League. However, in December 2016, USA Hockey denied their application for a Tier II league.[13] The USPHL launched its tuition-free league as the National Collegiate Development Conference.[14] In response, the USPHL dropped USA Hockey sanctioning from their junior level leagues and operates unsanctioned beginning with the 2017–18 season.[2]
In December 2016, the USPHL also announced the addition of six organizations from the Eastern Hockey League for the 2017–18 season: the previously mentioned Bandits, Rockets, and Cyclones would be joined by the Connecticut Nighthawks, Hartford Jr. Wolfpack, and New Hampshire Junior Monarchs. The New Hampshire Monarchs previously fielded USPHL teams in the youth levels. While the Bandits, Rockets and Cyclones have free-to-play teams in the new NCDC, all six organizations were announced to have Tier III teams in the Premier Division and five teams in the Elite Division.[15] The Jr. Monarchs would also add a NCDC team in 2018.
The league also announced the retirement of the USP3 Division, with the Premier Division remaining the top pay-to-play division and the Elite Division the only Tier III feeder division.[16] The Jersey Shore Whalers and the Florida Jr. Blades, both members of the former USP3 Division, were granted teams in the Premier Division, as well as the Jr. Blades adding their USP3 team to the Elite Division.[17][18] The Skipjacks Hockey Club also added a Premier team to augment their teams in the youth divisions. The Wisconsin Muskies also announced they would field an expansion team in the Premier Division. As part of the many changes, three of the four isolated former USP3 Pacific Division teams left the league with only the Eugene Generals remaining. The Generals would have a modified schedule for the season in the Elite Division playing most of their games against local youth and academy teams while only playing other USPHL teams in showcases.[19]
For 2018–19, the league merged with the Eastern Hockey Federation (EHF) youth leagues. The EHF organization already had many of the USPHL's junior organization's youth clubs.[20] The league also rebranded its 16U Futures as 15U. On March 8, 2019, the USPHL and EHF announced plans to integrate the USPHL's High Performance Youth Division into the EHF to create the EHF South Division, expanding the youth league's footprint into the Mid-Atlantic region, beginning with the 2019–20 season.[21]
In 2020, the USPHL Premier added the Anaheim Avalanche, Fresno Monsters, Las Vegas Thunderbirds, Northern Colorado Eagles, Ogden Mustangs, Pueblo Bulls, San Diego Sabers, Southern Oregon Spartans, and the Utah Outliers from the Western States Hockey League, another independent junior hockey organization.[22][23] Complimentary additions to the USPHL Premier included Elmira Jr. Enforcers (renamed in 2023 to the Elmira Impact), Provo Riverblades, and the return of the Wooster Oilers after a one-year absence.
During the 2019–20 season the Boston Bandits NCDC membership was purchased by the Philadelphia Hockey Club, to replace the Bandits in 2020–21.[24] Rochester Monarchs were removed and replaced by Boston Advantage for the 2020–21 season.[25]
For the 2022–23 season, several new teams joined the USPHL. The Mercer Chiefs joined the NCDC.[26] The Bakersfield Roughnecks joined the Pacific Division in the USPHL Premier.[27] The Idaho Falls Spud Kings joined the Mountain Division in the USPHL Premier.[28] The Minnesota Squatch joined the Midwest West Division in the USPHL Premier.[29] Finally, several former teams from the WSHL—the Bellingham Blazers, Rock Springs Prospectors, Rogue Valley Royals, Seattle Totems, and Vernal Oilers—created a new North West Division in the USPHL Premier.[30]
Member teams
[edit]National Collegiate Development Conference (Tier II)
[edit]
a - The Boston Junior Bruins previously played at the NCDC level before selling that franchise to the West Chester Wolves in 2024 and then promoting their Premier division club the following year.
b - Universel Academy is based out of Sherbrooke but the NCDC team will play their home games at Jay Peak Resort in Jay, Vermont.
NCDC timeline
[edit]
Active Inactive Future
Premier (Tier III)
[edit]
As of July 10, 2025
† relocated
- ^ P.A.L. was a founding member of the Premier division in 2013, however, their primary franchise was promoted to the NCDC upon its creation in 2017. This franchise originally began in the Elite Division in 2013 and was promoted to the Premier Division in 2017. The team was also dormant during the 2018–19 season.
- ^ Twin City withdrew from the league for the 2023–24 season.
- ^ Charleston was dormant from 2021 through 2025.
Premier timeline
[edit]Through 2021
Since 2021
Active Promoted Inactive Future
Elite and lower teams
[edit]The USPHL consists of Elite junior levels, as well as EHF Selects, EHF South, 18U, 16U, 15U, and High Performance youth divisions with organizations located across the United States and Canada.
| Team | Location | NCDC affiliate |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Mad Hatters | Marietta, Georgia | — |
| Bearcat Hockey Club | Fraser, Michigan | South Shore Kings |
| Bold City Battalion | Jacksonville, Florida | — |
| Carolina Jr. Hurricanes | Morrisville, North Carolina | — |
| Charleston Colonial | Charleston, South Carolina | — |
| Charlotte Rush | Pineville, North Carolina | Northern Cyclones |
| Chicago Cougars | Bensenville, Illinois | — |
| Chicago Crush | Addison, Illinois | — |
| Chicago T-Rex | Decatur, Illinois | — |
| Connecticut Jr. Rangers | Stamford, Connecticut | Connecticut Jr. Rangers |
| Coral Springs Jr. Cats | Coral Springs, Florida | — |
| Elmira Impact | Elmira, New York | — |
| Evansville Mariners | Evansville, Indiana | — |
| Florida Eels | Fort Myers, Florida | Islanders Hockey Club |
| Florida Jr. Blades | Estero, Florida | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders |
| Fort Wayne Spacemen | Fort Wayne, Indiana | — |
| Hampton Roads Whalers | Yorktown, Virginia | New Jersey Rockets |
| Hershey Cubs | Hershey, Pennsylvania | — |
| Islanders Hockey Club | North Andover, Massachusetts | Islanders Hockey Club |
| Jersey Hitmen | Wayne, New Jersey | Jersey Hitmen |
| Metro Jets | Mount Clemens, Michigan | Boston Junior Bruins |
| Northern Cyclones | Hudson, New Hampshire | Northern Cyclones |
| Palm Beach Typhoon | Palm Beach, Florida | — |
| P.A.L. Jr. Islanders | Hauppauge, New York | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders |
| Potomac Patriots | Woodbridge, Virginia | Utica Jr. Comets |
| Red Bank Generals | Red Bank, New Jersey | Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) |
| Rockets Hockey Club | Bridgewater, New Jersey | Rockets Hockey Club |
| South Shore Kings | Foxboro, Massachusetts | South Shore Kings |
| Springfield Pics | West Springfield, Massachusetts | Northern Cyclones |
| Tampa Bay Juniors | Wesley Chapel, Florida | South Shore Kings |
| Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights | Pittston, Pennsylvania | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights |
Champions
[edit]| Year | Premier Division | Elite Division | USP3[a] | 18U Division | 16U Division | 16U Futures Division |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Boston Jr. Bruins | Springfield Jr. Pics | Florida Jr. Blades | Selects Academy | Selects Academy | — |
| 2014–15 | Jersey Hitmen | Boston Jr. Bruins | New York Aviators | Jersey Hitmen | Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights | Carolina Eagles |
| 2015–16 | Jersey Hitmen | Hampton Roads Whalers | Dells Ducks[b] | Selects Academy | Selects Academy | Potomac Patriots[31] |
| 2016–17 | Islanders Hockey Club | Charlotte Rush | Florida Jr. Blades | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders | Selects Academy | Jersey Hitmen[32] |
| Year | NCDC | Premier Division | Elite Division | 18U Division | 16U Division | 15U[c] |
| 2017–18 | Islanders Hockey Club | Hampton Roads Whalers | Hampton Roads Whalers | Selects Academy | Selects Academy | Jersey Hitmen |
| 2018–19 | Boston Junior Bruins | Hampton Roads Whalers | Richmond Generals | Selects Academy[33] | Islanders Hockey Club[d] Pittsburgh Vengeance[e] |
Philadelphia Hockey Club[36] |
| 2019–20 | Not awarded due to the COVID-19 pandemic | Jersey Hitmen[37] | Rockets Hockey Club[f][38] Springfield Pics[g][39] |
Palmyra Black Knights[40] | ||
| 2020–21 | Jersey Hitmen | Charlotte Rush[41] | Charlotte Rush[42] | Boston Junior Bruins[h][43] Maine Moose[i][43] |
Islanders Hockey Club[f][43] Springfield Pics[g][43] |
Jersey Hitmen[43] |
| 2021–22 | Jersey Hitmen | Rockets Hockey Club | Richmond Generals | Skipjacks Hockey Club[h][44] Connecticut Jr. Rangers[i][44] |
P.A.L. Jr. Islanders[f][44] Rockets Hockey Club[g][44] |
P.A.L. Jr. Islanders[44] |
| 2022-23 | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders | Northern Cyclones | Carolina Jr. Hurricanes | |||
| 2023-24 | South Shore Kings | Connecticut Jr. Rangers | Northern Cyclones | |||
| 2024-25 | Idaho Falls Spud Kings | Vernal Oilers | Carolina Jr. Hurricanes | |||
- ^ Formerly called Empire Division from 2013 to 2015
- ^ 2016 Championship series was held between the new Midwest Division and the USP3 Division for a single champion won by the Midwest's Dells Ducks
- ^ Also known as 16U Futures Division prior to the 2018–19 season.
- ^ Won the 16U Springfield Championship.[34]
- ^ Won the 16U Bridgewater Championship.[35]
- ^ a b c Won the 16U National Championship.
- ^ a b c Won the 16U American Championship.
- ^ a b Won the 18U National Championship.
- ^ a b Won the 18U American Championship.
Former teams
[edit]- Adirondack Jr. Wings (2013–15, Empire/16U/16U Futures Divisions) Team ceased operations prior to 2015–16 season; also fielded youth teams for one more season.[45][46]
- Alpena Flyers (2014–17, Midwest/USP3 Divisions) Team ceased operations following the end of the 2016–17 season.[47]
- Anaheim Avalanche (2020–21, Premier Division) Joined from the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) as the Ontario Avalanche in 2020 and relocated to Anaheim before their first USPHL season; purchased and relocated as the Long Beach Shredders for the 2021–22 season.[48]
- Atlanta Kings (2018–19) Former Junior Knights organization. Ceased operations after the one 2018–19 season it played in Marietta, Georgia, and replaced by a new organization called the Atlanta Mad Hatters.[49]
- Atlanta Junior Knights (2013–18) Joined from the Eastern Elite Hockey League. Moved to a new rink in Marietta, Georgia, and rebranded as the Atlanta Kings.[50]
- Bay State Breakers (2013–15, Premier Division) Premier franchise sold to the Syracuse Stars organization; continues to field their Elite Division and youth teams for one more season.[51]
- Beijing Shougang Eagles (2017–2019; Elite Division) Chinese junior team that played out of East Meadow, New York
- Blaine Energy (2015–17, Midwest/Elite Divisions) Formerly in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League as the Maple Grove Energy; ceased operations at the end of the 2016–17 season.
- Boston Advantage (2020–2023, NCDC/Premier) Added junior teams in the Tier II NCDC and Tier III Premier in 2020;[52] removed from the league following the 2022–23 season in which the organization had become non-compliant with league rules.[53][54]
- Boston Bandits (2017–2020, NCDC) Joined from the Eastern Hockey League in 2017 when the NCDC was created; sold its NCDC franchise to the Philadelphia Hockey Club before the 2020–21 season.[55] All other teams were renamed Bridgewater Bandits.
- Brewster Bulldogs (2013–15, Empire Division) Formerly in the Empire Junior Hockey League; continued to field their EHL 19U Elite team that was formerly in Metropolitan Junior Hockey League until 2016.
- Buffalo Thunder (2018–2021, Premier Division) Played as the Niagara Falls Thunder in the 2018–19 season before becoming the Buffalo Thunder in 2019;[56] replaced by the Buffalo Stampede expansion team in 2021.[57]
- Charleston Colonials (2019–2021, Premier/Elite)
- Columbia Infantry (Premier, Elite) announced Aug 24 will not participate 2024-25.
- Connecticut Nighthawks (2017–2020, Premier) Joined form the Eastern Hockey League; did not return after the COVID-19 hiatus.
- Detroit Fighting Irish (2015–2022, Midwest/USP3/Premier) Joined from the Midwest Junior Hockey League; not in listed for the 2022–23 season.
- Daytona Racers (2015–18) Operated by the DME Academy, the Racers initially joined the USP3 Division; the Academy dropped the Racers name from its hockey team in the Premier Division in 2018 and were not in the league for 2019–20.
- Decatur Blaze (2015-2025 Premier)(2024-25 added Elite) prior to USPHL was Midwest Junior Hockey League (2012-15). Purchased and re-branded as the Chicago T-Rex for the 2025-26 season for both the Premier and Elite teams.
- Eugene Generals (2016–18, USP3/Elite Divisions) Joined the USP3 Division from the Northern Pacific Hockey League in 2016; only Pacific team remaining in the Elite Division in 2017–18 season leading the team to mostly playing an independent schedule while also retaining its USA Hockey-sanctioning when the USPHL went independent; left the league the following season.
- Florida Bulldogs (2013–15, Elite Division) Formerly called the Space Coast Jr. Hurricanes when the organization joined from the Eastern Elite Hockey League and for the 2013–14 USPHL season; merged with the Roswell Bulldogs organization in April 2014 and played under that name for the 2014–15 season; renamed Florida Bulldogs prior to the 2015–16 season but ceased operation due to lack of players after one game, an 8–2 loss to the Palm Beach Hawks.[58]
- Forest Lake Lakers (2015–17, Midwest/Elite Divisions) Formerly in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League; team sold and renamed Minnesota Mullets after the 2016–17 season.
- Frederick Freeze (2013–16, Empire/USP3 Division) Formerly in the Empire Junior Hockey League, removed from USP3 schedule in September 2016.
- Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (2017–2019; Premier Division) Joined from the Eastern Hockey League in 2017; removed from the schedule at the beginning of the 2019–20 season.[59]
- Illiana Blackbirds (2015–16, Midwest Division) Based out of Dyer, Indiana; joined from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in 2015; merged into the Elite Division for 2016–17 but ceased operations prior to scheduling. Relisted as a team in the Premier Division for 2018–19 as the Midwest Blackbirds.
- Indiana Attack Announced team for 2015–16 season in the Midwest Division; formerly the Fort Wayne Federals of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League; canceled their opening night game against the Alpena Flyers one day before it was scheduled and ceased operations.[60]
- Ironwood Fighting Yoopers (2016–18) Announced team for 2015–16 season in the Midwest Division; formerly in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League; took leave of absence prior to first season. The team returned as part of the USP3 in 2016–17, then the Premier Midwest in 2017–18. Sold franchise prior to 2018–19 season and became the Rum River Mallards.[61]
- Jersey Wildcats (2013–15, Empire Division) Formerly in the Empire Junior Hockey League; continued to field a team in the North American 3 Atlantic Hockey League (formerly called the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League) from 2015 to 2017.
- Jersey Shore Whalers (2014–19 Empire/USP3/Premier Divisions) Joined the USPHL after several seasons as a youth organization;[62] junior team removed from Premier schedule during the 2019–20 season. Returned for 2021–22 season. Not on league listing 2022-23 season.
- Kalkaska Rhinos (2015–18 Midwest/USP3/Premier Divisions) Joined the new Midwest Division in 2015 as an expansion team after playing a partial season in the Canadian International Hockey League in 2014–15. Moved to the USP3 Division in 2016–17 and the Premier Division in 2017–18. Cancelled all remaining games in January 2018 due to injuries and lack of players.
- Lake Erie Bighorns (2019-2022, Great Lakes Division)
- Lansing Wolves (2018–20, Premier Division) Formerly in the NA3HL, not listed as a member of the USPHL prior to the 2020–21 season.
- Marquette Royales (2015–16, Midwest Division) Formerly in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League, moved to the USP3 Division in 2016 but was removed from the schedule prior to the 2016–17 season.
- Michigan Wild (2015–16, Midwest Division) Joined from the Midwest Junior Hockey League as the Michigan Ice Dogs but were renamed the Wild prior to their first season in the USPHL; joined the USP3 Division in 2016 but were removed from the schedule less than one week before the start of the season.
- Midwest Blackbirds (2018–2022, Premier)
- Minnesota Owls Announced team for 2015–16 season in the Midwest Division; formerly in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League; took leave of absence prior to first season.[63]
- Motor City Hawks (2015–18, Midwest/USP3/Premier Division) Joined from the Midwest Junior Hockey League in 2015 and played in the Midwest Division. Joined the USP3 Division in 2016–17 and then the Premier Division in 2017–18. At the end of the 2017–18 season, the team re-branded to the Motor City Hockey Club and relocated to Troy, Michigan.[64]
- New Hampshire Junior Monarchs (2017–2023, NCDC/Premier) Joined the USPHL from the Eastern Hockey League upon the formation of the NCDC in 2017; arena was purchased by an ownership group that displaced the Jr. Monarchs with a new organization that join the North American Hockey League.[54]
- New York Apple Core (2013–14, Empire Division) Formerly in the Empire Junior Hockey League; continues to field their Eastern Hockey League teams.
- New York Aviators (2013–15, Empire Division) The organization decided to play in the North American 3 Eastern Hockey League and the Empire franchise was reassigned to the New York Dragons. The Aviators returned to the USPHL with an Elite Division and youth teams in 2016. The former NA3EHL team became the Long Island Sharks in the North American 3 Hockey League.
- New York Dragons Announced team for the 2015–16 season in the USP3 Division with the franchise rights from the previous New York Aviators but appears to have dropped from the division prior to the season.
- Northern Colorado Eagles (2020–23, Mountain Division) Joined from the Western States Hockey League; a new ownership group founded the Colorado Grit in the North American Hockey League, which displaced the USPHL team.
- Okanagan European Eagles (2015–17, Premier Division) A team based in Austria made up of European players. Left the league after two seasons.
- Palm Beach Hawks (2013–19, various junior and youth divisions) Joined from the EJHL South with members in the Elite and Empire Divisions in 2013. Both junior teams folded during the 2018–19 season.
- Philadelphia Flyers Junior Hockey Club (2013–17, Premier Division) An expansion team and founding member of the USPHL Premier. Sold to the Lightning Hockey Club and relocated to Newark, Delaware, in 2017.[65] The Lightning HC were removed from the league prior to the start of the 2017–18 season.
- Philadelphia Hockey Club (2020–22, NCDC/Premier Divisions) joined EHL in 2022
- Pittsburgh Vengeance (2018–2022, Premier Division) Joined form the NA3HL as part of the USPHL Premier that created the Great Lakes division.
- Portland Jr. Pirates (2013–16, Premier/Elite/18U Divisions) Based out of Saco, Maine. Not listed by USPHL in 2016 but continues to operate youth hockey programs outside the USPHL umbrella.
- Providence Capitals (2014–16, Elite/18U/16U Divisions)
- Richmond Generals (2013–23)
- River Falls Renegades (2016–17, Elite Division) Former SCV Magicians, were not listed in the league membership for 2017–18.[66]
- Rochester Jr. Americans (2013–16, Premier/Elite/18U Divisions) Replaced by the Rochester Monarchs organization.
- Rochester Monarchs (2016–2017, Elite; 2017–2020, Premier; 2017–2020, NCDC) Member of the inaugural NCDC season; NCDC membership revoked by the USPHL for poor performance after the 2019–20 season and the organization decided to fold its Premier team as well.[67]
- Rochester Vipers
- Seacoast Spartans (2024-25) after the one season franchise was purchased and re-branded to NY Dynamo
- St. Croix Valley Magicians (2015–16, Midwest Division) Joined as the Hudson Crusaders of Hudson, Wisconsin, from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in 2015; rebranded prior to their first season in the USPHL and relocated mid-season to Vadnais Heights, Minnesota; relocated again in 2016 to become the River Falls Renegades in River Falls, Wisconsin.
- Seattle Ravens (2016–17, USP3 Division); Joined from the Northern Pacific Hockey League for the 2016–17 season; Left the league in 2017, rebranded as the Kent Ravens and joined the Western States Hockey League but folded prior to playing a game.
- Skipjacks Hockey (2017–2021, Premier)
- Soo Firehawks Announced team for 2015–16 season in the Midwest Division; formerly in the Midwest Junior Hockey League; ceased operations prior to first season.[68]
- Southern Oregon Spartans (2020, Premier Division) Joined from the Western States Hockey League, but were forced to withdraw early into the 2020–21 season due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions; opted out of the 2021–22 season as well.[69]
- Southern Tier Xpress Announced team in the new Great Lakes division of the USPHL Premier for 2018–19 season after a move from the North American 3 Hockey League. The Tier II Philadelphia Rebels then relocated as the Jamestown Rebels and the Xpress returned their franchise to the league. The Xpress franchise was replaced by Lake Erie Bighorns franchise in the Great Lakes division.[70]
- St. Louis Storm Announced team for 2015–16 season in the Midwest Division; formerly the St. Louis Frontenacs of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League; ceased operations prior to first season.[71]
- Syracuse Stars (2015–19) The Premier team launched in 2015–16 with the purchase of the Bay State Breakers franchise. In 2019, the Stars merged with the Utica Jr. Comets organization and continued operations under that name.
- Team Comcast (2014–15, 18U/16U Divisions) Youth teams associated with the Philadelphia Flyers Junior Hockey Club. In March 2016, was renamed Virtua Hockey[72] and joined the Atlantic Youth Hockey League.
- Traverse City Hounds (2015–16, Midwest Division) Joined from the Midwest Junior Hockey League in 2015; renamed Traverse City North Stars after the former NAHL team in 2016.
- Traverse City North Stars (2016–17, USP3 Division) Went dormant prior to the 2017–18 season.[73]
- Tri-City Icehawks (2015–19, Midwest/USP3/Premier Division) A Bay City, Michigan, team that joined from the Minnesota Junior Hockey League in the Midwest Division for 2015–16. Played their final USPHL season in the Premier Midwest East Division.
- Tri-City Outlaws (2016–17, USP3 Division) Joined from the Northern Pacific Hockey League for the 2016–17 season; not listed as a member of the USPHL for the 2017–18 season.
- West Sound Warriors (2016–17, USP3 Division) Joined from the Northern Pacific Hockey League for the 2016–17 season; suspended operations in 2017. The Vancouver Rangers of the WSHL relocated to Bremerton and became the West Sound Warriors for the 2017–18 season.[74]
- Wisconsin Muskies (2017–18, Premier Division) Played out of Spooner, Wisconsin; removed from team listing after one season and arena issues.[75]
- Wooster Oilers (2018–2022, Premier Division)
References
[edit]- ^ "USPHL Names New Commissioner And Deputy Commissioner". usphlelite.com.
- ^ a b "DAILY DISH: USA HOCKEY ANNUAL CONGRESS". Junior Hockey News. June 6, 2017. Archived from the original on July 9, 2017. Retrieved June 6, 2017.
- ^ "USA Hockey agrees to sanction USPHL, major eastern mergers". Junior Hockey News. 6 May 2013.
- ^ Boyd, Joshua (February 13, 2024). "USPHL Premier Expands To Canada With New Division In Ontario And Quebec". TheJuniorHockeyNews.com. Retrieved July 17, 2024.
- ^ "USPHL announces 16U Futures Division". Adirondack Junior Wings. 7 March 2014.
- ^ "Minnesota Junior Hockey League gets a shakeup". Post Bulletin. 18 December 2014.
- ^ "Midwest Junior Hockey League Joins USPHL Mid-West Junior Hockey Division". USPHL. 10 March 2015. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
- ^ "Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report". OurSports Central. April 27, 2015.
- ^ "USPHL Expands Elite and USP3 Divisions for 2016-17 Season". USPHL. April 28, 2016.
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- ^ "Meet Ryder Rondeau". Minnesota Moose. September 19, 2023.
- ^ "USPHL Announces New Tuition Free Hockey Division for 2017-18 Season". Junior Hockey News. October 6, 2016.
- ^ "DAILY DISH: USPHL-NAHL Showdown? Yea Right". Junior Hockey News. December 5, 2016.
- ^ "National Collegiate Development Conference Officially Launches For 2017-18". Junior Hockey News. December 15, 2016. Archived from the original on December 20, 2016. Retrieved December 15, 2016.
- ^ "USPHL Consolidating Tier III Junior Hockey in the East". USPHL. December 22, 2016. Archived from the original on December 23, 2016. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ "Tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference the logical next step for USPHL". USA Junior Hockey Magazine. January 7, 2017.
- ^ "Jersey Shore Whalers Revamp for 2017-18 USPHL Season". USPHL. February 15, 2017.
- ^ "Florida Jr. Blades Announce Expansion Plans for 2017-18 USPHL Season". USPHL. February 10, 2017.
- ^ "Eugene Generals: Schedule Shake-Up Announced For 2017-18 Season". USPHL. August 9, 2017. Archived from the original on August 10, 2017. Retrieved September 7, 2017.
- ^ "The EHF Merges With The USPHL". USPHL. June 14, 2018. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
- ^ "USPHL ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF EHF SOUTH DIVISION". EHF. March 8, 2019.
- ^ "Southern Oregon Spartans move to new league". Mail Tribune. April 18, 2020.
- ^ "USPHL 2020-2021 Western Expansion". USA Junior Hockey Magazine. April 29, 2020.
- ^ "Philadelphia Hockey Club To Join NCDC In 2020-21". The Junior Hockey Podcast. November 14, 2019.
- ^ "Boston Advantage Joins USPHL, NCDC". Neutral Zone. June 9, 2020.
- ^ "Tier 1 Hockey Federation, USPHL Announce Collaboration, Mercer Chiefs Join NCDC For 2022-23". USPHL. March 7, 2022.
- ^ "Bakersfield Roughnecks To Join USPHL Premier's Pacific Division In 2022-23". USPHL. October 13, 2021.
- ^ "Team Members". USPHL.com. USPHL.
- ^ USPHL.com, Joshua Boyd / (2022-05-05). "Minnesota Squatch Join United States Premier Hockey League, Will Play In Elk River". U.S. Premier Hockey League. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
- ^ USPHL.com, Joshua Boyd / (2022-05-06). "United States Premier Hockey League Announces Formation Of Northwest Division In USPHL Premier". U.S. Premier Hockey League. Retrieved 2022-05-06.
- ^ "Week Twenty-Five – Seven Things to Know". USPHL. February 16, 2016.
- ^ "Jersey Hitmen Win 16U Futures USPHL Championship". USPHL. February 20, 2017.
- ^ "18U Championship: South Kent Selects Academy engineers second period comeback for title". USPHL. February 24, 2019.
- ^ "USPHL 16U Championship: Islanders Hockey Club stand tall with 2019 title in Springfield". USPHL. February 24, 2019.
- ^ "USPHL 16U Championship: Pittsburgh Vengeance come back to win Bridgewater title". USPHL. February 24, 2019.
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- ^ "Rockets Hockey Club Wins USPHL 16U National Championship". USPHL. February 23, 2020.
- ^ "Springfield Pics Win 2020 USPHL 16U American Division Championship". USPHL. February 23, 2020.
- ^ "Kiely, Palmyra Capture USPHL 15U Championship in Comeback Thriller". USPHL. February 23, 2020.
- ^ "2021 USPHL Premier National Championships: Charlotte Rush Defeat Florida Eels 2-0 For Premier Title". USPHL. March 22, 2021.
- ^ "Charlotte Rush Capture 2020-21 USPHL Elite Championship With 6-5 Win". USPHL. March 22, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "USPHL Crowns Five Midget Champions In Pennsylvania". USPHL. March 8, 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "USPHL Crowns Five Midget Champions Over Exciting Weekend Of Hockey". USPHL. February 28, 2022.
- ^ "PAL Junior Islanders Partner With Adirondack Jr Wings". Junior Hockey News. March 4, 2015.
- ^ "THE DEATH POOL – SPECIAL REPORT – ADIRONDACK JR RED WINGS SHUT DOWN EMPIRE TEAM". The Junior Hockey News. August 27, 2015.
- ^ "The Death Pool: Alpena Flyers have Wings Clipped". The Junior Hockey News. April 24, 2017.
- ^ "Former NHLer Emerson Etem Announces Long Beach Shredders To Play In Pacific Division". USPHL. May 8, 2021. Archived from the original on May 8, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2021.
- ^ "Atlanta Mad Hatters excited for 2019-20 debut season, announce tryout changes". USPHL. April 11, 2019.
- ^ "Atlanta Kings Press Release". Atlanta Kings. April 15, 2018.
- ^ "Okanagan Hockey Club Europe to play USPHL Premier". USPHL. May 7, 2015.
- ^ "Boston Advantage Joins USPHL, NCDC". Neutral Zone. June 9, 2020.
- ^ "Junior hockey: Twin City Thunder likely to play Boston Advantage in a one-game NCDC playoff matchup". Sun Journal. March 2, 2023.
- ^ a b "Junior hockey: Twin City Thunder's 2023-24 schedule is released". Sun Journal. July 7, 2023.
- ^ "Philadelphia Hockey Club Buys NCDC Franchise, Will Join League In 2020-21". USPHL. November 14, 2019. Archived from the original on April 18, 2021. Retrieved April 18, 2020.
- ^ "Bringing the Thunder to Buffalo: USPHL Premier team already enjoying new home". USPHL. June 29, 2019.
- ^ "Buffalo Thunder Elite Prospects". eliteprospects.com. Retrieved April 27, 2021.
- ^ "THE DEATH POOL – SPECIAL REPORT – FLORIDA BULLDOGS HAVE BEEN PUT TO SLEEP". The Junior Hockey News. September 22, 2015.
- ^ "Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report". OurSports Central. September 16, 2019.
- ^ "THE DEATH POOL – SPECIAL REPORT – INDIANA ATTACK TAKE BULLET TO THE HEAD". The Junior Hockey News. September 10, 2015.
- ^ "Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report". OurSportsCentral.com. June 11, 2018.
- ^ "Jersey Shore Whalers About Us". Jersey Shore Whalers. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
- ^ "The puck stops here: No 2015-2016 season for Minnesota Owls". Isanti-Chisago County Star. 24 September 2015.
- ^ "Motor City Announces New Brand, New Home Rink and Adds Former Red Wing Bertuzzi to Staff". Motor City Hawks. March 18, 2018.
- ^ "Delaware Hockey LLC Purchases Philadelphia Flyers Premier Team". USPHL. May 1, 2017.
- ^ "USPHL Midwest Teams Expected to Dominate Junior Hockey Ranks". USPHL. June 1, 2017. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ "Press Release: Jr. Monarchs". Rochester Jr. Monarchs. March 9, 2020.
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- ^ "Spartans opt out of 2021-22 hockey season". Mail Tribune. May 19, 2021. Archived from the original on May 26, 2021. Retrieved May 26, 2021.
- ^ "New junior hockey club arrives in Erie". GoErie.com. July 8, 2018.
- ^ "THE DEATH POOL – SPECIAL REPORT – ST. LOUIS STORM FRIED BY LIGHTNING STRIKE". The Junior Hockey News. August 21, 2015.
- ^ "Virtua to Put Name on Tier I and II Youth Hockey Club at Virtua Flyers Skate Zone". Team Comcast. March 29, 2016.
- ^ "Traverse City North Stars junior hockey 'dormant' for next season". Detroit Free Press. July 4, 2017.
- ^ "Recap from the Annual WSHL Meetings". WSHL. June 2, 2017.[dead link]
- ^ "Spooner Civic Center to Remain Open; Muskies Future Unclear". Drydenwire.com. March 8, 2018.
External links
[edit]United States Premier Hockey League
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Overview
League structure and tiers
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) operates a multi-tiered structure aligned with USA Hockey's junior and youth frameworks, emphasizing player development pathways to collegiate and professional hockey. The league's four primary tiers include the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) at the elite junior level, the Premier Division as the largest intermediate junior tier, the Elite Division for entry-level juniors, and various youth divisions for younger athletes. This organization allows for progressive competition, with teams affiliated across over 150 total organizations nationwide.[1] The NCDC serves as the USPHL's Tier II junior division, sanctioned as one of the premier tuition-free leagues in the United States, focusing on high-level skill development and direct advancement to NCAA programs, with over 1,000 alumni in college hockey every season.[4][5] For the 2025–26 season, the NCDC features 32 teams across regional conferences, including recent expansions into Canada and northern New England.[6][7] The Premier Division, classified as Tier III junior hockey, is the USPHL's flagship intermediate level and the world's largest junior league by team count, prioritizing competitive play and NCAA recruitment.[8] It comprises 82 teams for 2025–26, organized into multiple regional divisions.[8] At the entry-level junior tier, the Elite Division provides foundational competition for emerging players transitioning from youth hockey, serving as a feeder to higher USPHL levels with a handful of annual advancements to Premier.[9] The 2025–26 season includes 32 teams spanning from New England to the Midwest and Southeast.[10] The USPHL's youth and developmental divisions, managed in partnership with the Tier I Hockey Federation, encompass age-specific levels such as 18U, 16U, and 14U, targeting players aged 8–18 and emphasizing foundational skills over financial barriers. A new independent 18U division launches in 2025–26 with 10 teams, offering a non-USA Hockey pathway for Tier I/AAA/academy programs across North America. Combined, the Elite and youth tiers field numerous teams, contributing to the league's total of over 150 teams.[11][12][13][1] Geographically, the USPHL spans the continental United States from coast to coast, with a 2024–25 expansion into Quebec and Ontario, Canada, establishing a dedicated Eastern (Canada) division in Premier and further NCDC integration. Player eligibility for NCDC and Premier aligns with junior standards (ages 16–20, extendable to 21 under roster rules), while youth divisions adhere to age-group classifications (8–18); the league's model prioritizes merit-based development, including tuition-free access at the NCDC level, to foster talent without pay-to-play dominance.[8][7][14][15]Affiliations and governance
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) was founded in 2012 as a successor to the Eastern Junior Hockey League, absorbing many of its teams and structures to create a multi-tiered junior development system.[16] The league has maintained affiliation with USA Hockey since its inception for player safety standards and code of conduct, while the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) was established in 2017 as an independent Tier II junior division following a bid for sanctioning that emphasized tuition-free play.[4][17] The USPHL is headquartered in Nashua, New Hampshire, and governed by an executive committee that includes division-specific commissioners and senior advisors.[18][19] Current leadership features Interim Commissioner Murry N. Gunty and Deputy Commissioner Tony Zasowski, overseeing operations across divisions with a focus on player development.[20] Annual participation fees vary by division, with the NCDC operating as tuition-free to promote accessibility, while lower tiers like Premier involve fees typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 per season; the league supports NCAA advancement through dedicated scholarship pathways and academic advising, resulting in over 10,000 alumni progressing to college programs by 2025.[21][1] Key operational policies include a billet system in higher tiers such as the NCDC, where host families receive a monthly stipend from the league—often $400–$650 per player—to cover housing without additional costs to participants, fostering a supportive living environment.[22] The league emphasizes education with requirements aligned to NCAA eligibility standards, including monitoring of academic progress and mandatory compliance seminars for recruits.[23] Anti-doping compliance is enforced through adherence to USA Hockey's substance abuse prevention guidelines, prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, and drugs among participants as part of the broader code of conduct.[24][25] In 2025, the USPHL expanded into Canada with new divisions in Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec, adding teams like the Bassano Beavers and Universel Academy; this growth involves collaboration between USA Hockey and Hockey Canada for regulatory oversight of cross-border play and player eligibility.[7][26]History
Founding and initial development (2012–2016)
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) was established in 2012 as a Tier III junior ice hockey league targeting players aged 16 to 20, with a primary focus on providing structured development opportunities through multiple divisions including Premier, Elite, and youth levels. The league emerged amid instability in existing junior circuits, particularly as several organizations within the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) sought alternatives during the 2012–13 season, ultimately leading to the EJHL's complete dissolution at the end of that year after many of its teams departed. This breakaway was driven by desires for more sustainable operations and enhanced player pathways, allowing the USPHL to incorporate former EJHL franchises such as the Bay State Breakers, Boston Junior Bruins, Islanders Hockey Club, Jersey Hitmen, New England Jr. Huskies, and Philadelphia Little Flyers into its structure.[27][28] The USPHL launched its inaugural 2013–14 season with 9 teams in the Premier division, organized primarily in an Eastern conference spanning the Northeastern United States, featuring a 48- to 50-game regular season schedule followed by playoffs culminating in the Dineen Cup.[29][30] In June 2013, the league further solidified its foundation by merging with select teams from the Empire Junior Hockey League and the newly formed Eastern Elite Hockey League, bolstering its Elite division and increasing overall organizational depth to emphasize affordable, high-volume player exposure compared to more expensive Tier II options. Rapid growth marked the early years, with the addition of a Mid-West division in the 2015–16 season drawing teams from leagues like the Minnesota Junior Hockey League and others, expanding the Elite and Premier tiers to incorporate 24 new franchises in the Midwest region and bringing the league's total teams across divisions to approximately 50 by the end of 2016. This emphasis on accessibility and geographic reach aimed to fill gaps left by the EJHL's collapse while prioritizing skill development over elite recruitment costs.[29][31][27] Early challenges for the USPHL included stiff competition from established Tier II leagues such as the United States Hockey League (USHL) and North American Hockey League (NAHL), which attracted top talent through scholarship models and higher national visibility, positioning the USPHL as a more regionally focused, pay-to-play alternative. Despite this, the league introduced its first national postseason tournament in 2015 for select divisions, with the Jersey Hitmen claiming victory in the Premier tier, highlighting emerging competitive balance.[32][33][34] Player development quickly became a cornerstone, as USPHL teams secured their initial NCAA commitments as early as 2013, laying the groundwork for sustained success; by 2016, the league had facilitated over 100 annual college placements across NCAA Division I, III, and other programs, underscoring its role in bridging junior hockey to higher education.[32][33]Realignment and expansion (2017–present)
In 2017, the United States Premier Hockey League underwent a significant realignment by launching the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) as its premier junior hockey division for the 2017–18 season. This tuition-free Tier II-level league debuted with 11 inaugural teams, including the Boston Bandits, Junior Bruins, Connecticut Jr. Rangers, Islanders Hockey Club, Jersey Hitmen, New Jersey Rockets, Northern Cyclones, PAL Junior Islanders, Rochester Monarchs, South Shore Kings, and Syracuse Stars, positioning it as a direct pathway to NCAA Division I hockey with 56% of such programs within its geographic footprint.[35] The NCDC emphasized player development for college scouting, operating independently after an unsuccessful bid for USA Hockey sanctioning. Meanwhile, the Premier division maintained its status as a Tier III junior league and expanded its conference structure to accommodate growth, incorporating additional teams and regional alignments to support broader participation.[36] The league continued its expansion trajectory in subsequent years, adding the Great Lakes Conference to the Premier division in 2018–19 with six new teams to enhance Midwest representation. By 2019, further growth included southern expansions like the Charleston Colonials in the Southeast, alongside initial western outreach that laid groundwork for later divisions, reflecting the USPHL's aim to cover diverse regions. The 2020–21 season faced major disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting a centralized hub model in Tampa, Florida, known as "Hub City Tampa," where teams converged at Saddlebrook Resort and the AdventHealth Center Ice for a condensed schedule starting January 4, 2021, to ensure safe play amid travel restrictions and health protocols.[37] This adaptive approach allowed the season to proceed while minimizing cross-regional movement. By 2022, the USPHL had grown to over 60 organizations nationwide, solidifying its position as one of North America's largest junior hockey networks. Recent developments have accelerated the league's international reach and scale. For the 2024–25 season, the Premier division introduced a new Canada Division in Quebec and Ontario, featuring six inaugural teams: College Universel Gatineau, Somang Laurentides Lanaudiere Hockey, Hawkesbury Knights, Kingston Voyageurs, Ottawa Valley Centennials, and St. Stephen Timberwolves, marking the league's first fully international conference.[38] Looking ahead to 2025–26, the Premier division will expand to 82 teams across expanded regional and Canadian footprints, while the NCDC will grow to 14 teams, incorporating newcomers like the Mercer Chiefs alongside five additional franchises in Canada, northern New England, and the western U.S.[8][7] These changes have substantially enhanced the USPHL's national and international footprint, spanning from New England to the Pacific Northwest and into Canada, fostering greater accessibility for aspiring players. Since the NCDC's 2017 inception, the league's junior conferences have facilitated over 550 commitments to NCAA Division I programs, underscoring its role in college hockey development and contributing to broader talent pipelines in North American junior hockey.[39]Current member teams
National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC)
The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) serves as the premier Tier II junior hockey division within the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), emphasizing player development for NCAA Division I programs through high-level competition and academic support. As of the 2025-26 season, the NCDC comprises 32 teams spread across five conferences: Atlantic, Mountain, New England Central, New England East, and New England North, spanning the northeastern United States, the Rocky Mountain region, and eastern Canada.[40][4] The division features a 54-game regular season schedule, culminating in conference playoffs and a national tournament, with games streamed on USPHL+. This structure fosters intense regional competition while prioritizing NCAA recruitment, as evidenced by over 200 player commitments to Division I, II, and III programs in the 2024-25 season alone, including destinations like Boston University, Merrimack College, and Holy Cross.[6][41] Recent expansions have bolstered the league's footprint, with five new teams added for 2025-26 as announced in May: the Eastern Charlotte Kingfishers (Eastern Charlotte, New Brunswick, Canada), St. Stephen County Moose (St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada), Woodstock Slammers (Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada), Presque Isle Frontiers (Presque Isle, Maine), and Universel Collège Quebec (Quebec City, Quebec, Canada), enhancing cross-border rivalries and access to talent pools in northern New England and Canada.[42] Additional 2025 additions include the Grand Junction River Hawks (Colorado) to the Mountain Conference and CT Chiefs North (Maine) to the New England North Conference, along with promotions and relocations such as the Junior Bruins and NY Dynamo.[43] Earlier 2024 additions, such as the Mercer Chiefs (New Jersey), integrated seamlessly, playing home games at Mercer County Community College's Ice Rink and quickly establishing rivalries with nearby Atlantic Conference foes like the Jersey Hitmen.[40]Atlantic Conference
This seven-team conference covers the mid-Atlantic region, featuring established programs with strong NCAA pipelines.- P.A.L. Junior Islanders (Hauppauge, New York): Based at Suffolk County Community College, founded in the USPHL in 2017; known for rivalries with New York-area teams like the Islanders Hockey Club.
- Mercer Chiefs (Hamilton, New Jersey): Joined NCDC in 2024, home at Mercer County Community College; focuses on local talent from the Philadelphia metro area.
- Jersey Hitmen (Wall, New Jersey): Plays at Skate 601 Arena since 2012; a perennial contender with heated matchups against Pennsylvania squads.
- New Jersey Rockets (Old Bridge, New Jersey): Home at Old Bridge Arena, established in USPHL in 2015.
- West Chester Wolves (West Chester, Pennsylvania): Debuted in NCDC in 2024 at Pourmyr Rink; emphasizes Pennsylvania rivalries.
- Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Enfield, Connecticut): At Enfield Twin Rinks since 2016.
- WB/Scranton Knights (Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania): Based at Revolution Ice Centre, a USPHL member since 2012; fosters rivalries across the I-95 corridor.[40]
Mountain Conference
The seven-team Mountain Conference spans the western interior, highlighting emerging programs in underserved hockey markets.- Ogden Mustangs (Ogden, Utah): Home at The Ogden Ice Sheet, joined USPHL in 2014; key rivalries with Utah and Colorado teams.
- Grand Junction River Hawks (Grand Junction, Colorado): New addition for 2025-26 at Red Rocks Event Center.
- Idaho Falls Spud Kings (Idaho Falls, Idaho): Plays at Mountain America Center since 2015.
- Pueblo Bulls (Pueblo, Colorado): Based at Pueblo City Center Ice Arena, USPHL since 2020.
- Utah Outliers (South Jordan, Utah): Home at Life Time Athletic South Jordan, founded in 2022.
- Casper Warbirds (Casper, Wyoming): At Casper Events Center, entered NCDC in 2023.
- Rock Springs Miners (Rock Springs, Wyoming): Plays at Ice Arena at the Wyndham, a 2024 USPHL addition.[40]
New England Central Conference
Six teams in this conference drive core New England competition, with deep NCAA ties.- Utica Jr. Comets (Utica, New York): Home at Utica Memorial Auditorium, USPHL since 2015; rivals include upstate New York clubs.
- Boston Jr. Bruins (Boston, Massachusetts): Based at O'Brien Rink since 2012; a flagship program with strong Boston-area rivalries.
- Boston Jr. Rangers (Boston, Massachusetts): Plays at various Boston-area rinks, founded in USPHL in 2017.
- Worcester Jr. Railers (Worcester, Massachusetts): Home at DCU Center, joined in 2023.
- NY Dynamo (Yorktown Heights, New York): At John Jay High School Ice Rink, a 2025 expansion team (relocated from Exeter, NH).
- Springfield Jr. Pics (Springfield, Massachusetts): Based at Springfield Falcons Ice Rink, USPHL member since 2019.[40]
New England East Conference
This six-team group emphasizes coastal New England and Long Island dynamics.- South Shore Kings (East Bridgewater, Massachusetts): Home at East Bridgewater Sports Complex, established 2016.
- Islanders Hockey Club (Kings Park, New York): Plays at Island Garden Skating Rink, USPHL since 2012; intense Long Island rivalries.
- Northern Cyclones (Hooksett, New Hampshire): Based at NH Sportsplex, founded in 2017.
- Boston Dogs (Boston, Massachusetts): Home rinks in greater Boston, joined 2022.
- Thunder Hockey Club (Burlington, Massachusetts): At Burlington Ice Palace, USPHL since 2019.
- Universel Academy Sherbrooke (Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada): A 2025 addition at local arenas, bridging U.S.-Canadian play.[40]
New England North Conference
The six northernmost teams incorporate Canadian expansion, fueling border rivalries.- Lewiston MAINEiacs (Lewiston, Maine): Home at Colisée de Lewiston, revived in USPHL in 2023.
- CT Chiefs North (Biddeford, Maine): New 2025 team at Biddeford Ice Arena.
- Universel Collège Quebec (Quebec City, Quebec, Canada): 2025 expansion at Videotron Centre facilities.
- St. Stephen County Moose (St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada): Debuting in 2025 at local rinks.
- Northern Maine Pioneers (Presque Isle, Maine): Based at Northern Maine Community College, joined 2024.
- Woodstock Slammers (Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada): 2025 addition at Woodstock Arena.[40][42]
Premier Division
The Premier Division serves as the USPHL's largest Tier III junior hockey conference, comprising 82 teams for the 2025–26 season and spanning a vast geographic footprint from New Hampshire and eastern Canada to Washington state and south to Florida and San Diego.[8] This structure emphasizes regional play to reduce travel costs and logistical burdens for teams and families, while fostering competitive development for players aged 16 to 21.[8] The division is organized into multiple regional conferences, each generally containing 8 to 10 teams to enable focused, localized scheduling. Examples include the Atlantic Conference, featuring teams like the Connecticut Jr. Rangers and New Jersey Rockets; the Florida Conference, home to the Palm Beach Hawks; the Pacific Conference, which includes the Vernal Oilers; and the new Canada Division, with participants such as the Ottawa Valley Centennials.[44][45][46][47] Additional conferences, such as the Alberta Division formed by five new teams in 2025–26, further extend the league's international reach and support tailored competition within provinces or states.[26] This expansion reflects the division's rapid growth, increasing from approximately 45 teams following the 2016–17 season to 82 by 2025–26, driven by additions like 13 debutant organizations including the Bearcat Hockey Club, Chicago T-Rex, and St-Lazare Avalanche.[27][8] The scale underscores the Premier Division's role as the world's largest junior hockey league, prioritizing affordable, high-volume competition to advance players toward collegiate opportunities.[8]Youth and developmental divisions
The USPHL Elite Division serves as the introductory level for junior hockey within the league, targeting players aged 16 to 20 who are transitioning from youth programs.[48] With 32 teams competing in the 2025–26 season across regional conferences such as the Atlantic, Southeast, and Midwestern divisions, it emphasizes skill development and competitive play to prepare athletes for higher tiers.[10] Examples of participating teams include the Metro Jets Elite, Atlanta Mad Hatters, and Florida Jr. Blades, which operate as feeders to the USPHL Premier Division, facilitating over 300 player advancements annually.[49][50] The division's structure features a regular season schedule blending regional matchups with national showcases, culminating in playoffs and the USPHL National Championships to identify top talent.[10] This format supports developmental pathways by integrating skill clinics and exposure to college scouts, enabling seamless progression to NCAA programs and beyond, with the league having advanced more than 10,000 players to college hockey since 2013.[1] The USPHL's youth divisions, encompassing 18U, 16U, and 14U age brackets, are operated through the Tier 1 Hockey Federation partnership.[51] These divisions focus on age-specific development for players under 18, promoting foundational skills, teamwork, and integration with high school athletics through balanced schedules that include league games and tournaments.[12] For instance, the 18U National Showcase features teams like the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers and New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs, while 16U and 14U programs, such as those from the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, emphasize progressive training aligned with USA Hockey guidelines.[52][53] Organized into regional leagues with national tournaments, including the USPHL National Championships, these divisions provide 40-game seasons for 18U teams and similar formats for younger groups, fostering upward mobility through showcases.[11][54] In 2025, updates include the launch of a dedicated non-USA Hockey 18U division with 10 inaugural teams, such as the Thunder Hockey Club and Hawkesbury Knights, alongside expanded scouting events at combines and showcases to enhance pathways to junior levels.[51][55]Seasons and competition format
Regular season and playoffs
The regular season in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) varies by division but generally runs from early September to early March, emphasizing regional play to minimize travel demands on players. In the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), the top junior tier, teams compete in a 54-game schedule divided among conferences such as New England, Atlantic, and Mountain, with games starting in mid-September 2025 and concluding by late March 2026.[6] The USPHL Premier division features 44 to 50 games per team, depending on the conference—such as the 44-game slate for the Canada division—incorporating a mix of intra-conference matchups and showcase events that account for about 17% of the schedule.[8] Youth and developmental divisions, including the Elite conference, typically involve 40 to 50 games, with the 2025-26 Elite season totaling 742 regular-season contests across 32 teams, including crossovers with under-18 squads.[10] Across all divisions, the points system awards 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for an overtime or shootout win, 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss, and 0 points for regulation losses, ensuring competitive balance in standings.[56] Playoffs follow the regular season and are structured to advance top performers to national championships, with formats tailored to each division's scale. In the Premier division, the top eight teams from each conference qualify for divisional playoffs beginning in March, culminating in regional showcases before the national tournament from March 25 to 29, 2026, in Wayne, New Jersey; the 2025-26 season introduces dedicated qualifiers for Canadian teams in the new Alberta and Ontario-Quebec divisions to integrate cross-border competition.[8][57] The NCDC employs a full postseason bracket involving all qualified teams from its conferences, with divisional rounds starting March 21 in the East and March 31 in the Mountain, leading to the Dineen Cup finals from April 22 to 28, 2026, in Idaho Falls, Idaho.[6] Youth divisions like Elite follow a similar progression, with top teams from conferences advancing to a three-game round-robin national format before semifinals and finals.[54] Logistics prioritize player welfare through regional alignments that reduce long-distance travel, confining most games to geographic footprints—such as East Coast teams staying within a compact area—and incorporating bus or short-haul flights for showcases.[58] An annual All-Star event in late January further highlights talent, such as the 2025 NCDC and Premier All-Star Games held January 27-28 at the Foxboro Sports Center in Massachusetts, featuring divisional squads in exhibition matchups scouted by college recruiters.[59]Championship system
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) determines its national champions through structured postseason tournaments for its primary divisions, with the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) culminating in the Dineen Cup and the Premier Division in the USPHL Premier National Championship. These events follow regular season play and divisional playoffs, where top-performing teams qualify based on standings and power rankings.[60][61] In the NCDC, the top five teams from each conference advance to conference playoffs held in late March, with winners progressing to the Dineen Cup Championship Series, a double-elimination tournament featuring four qualifiers in semifinals and a best-of-three final to crown the national champion. For the 2025 season, this event took place April 25–29 at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, New Jersey. Following its 2017 launch, the NCDC positioned itself as a Tier II junior league but was denied sanctioning by USA Hockey, prompting the USPHL's junior divisions to operate independently while maintaining pathways to NCAA Division I hockey.[62][63] The Premier Division's national title is decided at the USPHL Premier National Championship, a single-site tournament involving 16 teams selected as division playoff winners and at-large qualifiers seeded by regular-season KRACH power rankings. The 2025 edition, held March 20–24 at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne, New Jersey, introduced a new pool-play format where teams are divided into groups, with advancing squads competing in semifinals and a final. This event marked continued expansion, including the first Canadian teams in the Premier Division during the 2024–25 season.[64][65][54] For youth and developmental divisions under the USPHL Elite, national champions are determined through the USPHL Elite National Championships, held concurrently with the Premier event from March 20–24, 2025, in Wayne, New Jersey. Qualification occurs via division playoffs, with 10 teams advancing based on conference winners and power rankings; the tournament features pool play followed by semifinals and a championship game. These divisions retain USA Hockey Tier I youth status, allowing top performers from USPHL showcases—such as the Tampa and Northern Cyclones events—to qualify for USA Hockey National Championships through district tournaments. Tournament highlights include individual awards like MVP and All-Tournament Team selections, recognizing standout contributions. The 2025–26 season will introduce the first Canadian team to the NCDC, further broadening international participation.[54][66][67][43]Champions and awards
NCDC champions
The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), the premier Tier II junior hockey division of the United States Premier Hockey League, awards the Founders Cup to the regular season champion and the Dineen Cup to the playoff champion. Since its inception for the 2017–18 season, the NCDC has seen strong competition across its divisions, with the playoff format culminating in a championship series among division winners. Early seasons were marked by dominance from Northeast-based teams, particularly the Jersey Hitmen, who captured five consecutive Founders Cups from 2018–19 to 2022–23. Following league expansion westward after 2020, teams from the Mountain Division, such as the Idaho Falls Spud Kings, began to emerge as contenders, highlighted by their 2024–25 Dineen Cup victory. The following table lists all NCDC regular season and playoff champions:| Season | Founders Cup (Regular Season Champion) | Dineen Cup (Playoff Champion) | Notes on Playoff Final |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | Islanders Hockey Club | Islanders Hockey Club | Defeated Philadelphia Jr. Flyers 2–0 in best-of-three final. |
| 2018–19 | Jersey Hitmen | Boston Jr. Bruins | Bruins defeated El Paso Hockey Club 2–1; notable for first Texas team in final. |
| 2019–20 | Jersey Hitmen | (Playoffs cancelled due to COVID-19) | N/A |
| 2020–21 | Jersey Hitmen | Jersey Hitmen | Swept Northeast Generals 2–0 in final. |
| 2021–22 | Jersey Hitmen | Jersey Hitmen | Defeated P.A.L. Jr. Islanders 2–1; Hitmen's second straight Dineen Cup. |
| 2022–23 | Jersey Hitmen | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders | Islanders rallied from 1–0 deficit to win series 2–1 against Jersey Hitmen. |
| 2023–24 | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders | South Shore Kings | Kings defeated Ogden Mustangs 2–1 in final. |
| 2024–25 | South Shore Kings | Idaho Falls Spud Kings | Spud Kings won 2–1 series over South Shore Kings, first Dineen Cup for a western team. |
Premier Division champions
The Premier Division of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) crowns both regular season division champions across its conferences and a national champion through an annual tournament featuring the top teams from each division. Since the league's inception in the 2013–14 season, the national championship has been contested every year except 2019–20, when the COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of playoffs and the tournament. The format involves divisional playoffs feeding into the nationals, with the winner earning the USPHL Premier National Championship title.Regular Season Champions
The regular season runs from September to March, with teams divided into multiple conferences (e.g., New England, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific). The top team in each conference is recognized as a regular season champion, contributing to overall league standings and playoff seeding. Notable examples include the Boston Jr. Bruins topping the league in 2013–14 with a 38-6-4 record, the Metro Jets securing Midwest Conference titles in both 2018–19 (44-4-2) and 2020–21 (39-6-3), the Utah Outliers leading in 2021–22 (42-6-2), and the Vernal Oilers going undefeated at 44-0-0 in 2024–25.[29][68]| Season | Conference Examples (Top Teams) |
|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Overall: Boston Jr. Bruins (38-6-4) |
| 2018–19 | Midwest: Metro Jets (44-4-2) |
| 2020–21 | Midwest: Metro Jets (39-6-3) |
| 2021–22 | Pacific: Utah Outliers (42-6-2) |
| 2024–25 | Pacific: Vernal Oilers (44-0-0) |
National Champions
The USPHL Premier National Championships, held annually in March (except 2019–20), pit divisional playoff winners against each other in a single-elimination tournament, typically hosted at a neutral site. Conference champions advance automatically, with the final determining the national title. The Hampton Roads Whalers achieved a notable streak by winning consecutive titles in 2018 and 2019, defeating the Metro Jets 5–2 in the 2019 final after claiming the 2018 crown. In 2025, the Vernal Oilers captured the title with a 6–2 victory over the Springfield Pics in the championship game, capping their perfect regular season.[70][71][72]| Season | National Champion | Final Score/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Boston Jr. Bruins | Defeated Portland Jr. Pirates in playoffs; won USA Tier 3 Nationals |
| 2014–15 | Jersey Hitmen | National Champion; swept Philadelphia Jr. Flyers in Dineen Cup final 2–1.[73] |
| 2015–16 | Jersey Hitmen | National Champion |
| 2016–17 | Islanders Hockey Club | National Champion |
| 2017–18 | Hampton Roads Whalers | First national title for the organization |
| 2018–19 | Hampton Roads Whalers | Defeated Metro Jets 5–2 in final |
| 2020–21 | Charlotte Rush | Defeated Florida Eels 2–0 in final |
| 2021–22 | Rockets Hockey Club | Defeated Metro Jets 3–2 in final |
| 2022–23 | Northern Cyclones | Defeated Charlotte Rush 3–1 in final |
| 2023–24 | Connecticut Jr. Rangers | Defeated Islanders Hockey Club in OT final; also regular season champs |
| 2024–25 | Vernal Oilers | Defeated Springfield Pics 6–2 in final |