Nashua, N.H. – The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) announced a major development in junior hockey today with the addition of five new teams to its tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) for the 2025-26 season.
This expansion marks a significant step forward for the NCDC, bringing high-level junior hockey options to previously untapped markets in Canada and northern New England.
Tony Zasowski, the USPHL Deputy Commissioner, spoke on the growing importance of the NCDC in hockey development.
“The NCDC is focused on being a primary step for players on the pathway to college hockey,” Zasowski stated.
The league has strategically identified key areas for growth and is eager to extend its reach to new communities.
Kevin Abrams, an executive with the NCDC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the increasing interest in tuition-free Junior A hockey across both the United States and Canada.
“The future provides exciting opportunities for communities and fans, as well as players and their families,” Abrams noted.
Among the new teams is Eastern Charlotte, New Brunswick, which will be owned by Ted Colley.
The team is set to launch with a community-focused naming contest and will hold its home games at the Eastern Charlotte Recreation Complex, affectionately known as “The Hive.”
Colley expressed his enthusiasm for joining the NCDC, saying, “We are ecstatic about joining the NCDC,” reflecting on the proactive role the league has in the Canadian hockey space.
The St. Stephen franchise, also owned by Colley, represents a return to high-level junior hockey in the area after a seven-year hiatus.
“High-caliber junior hockey is back in St. Stephen,” Colley remarked, emphasizing the strong community support that has been vital during this transition.
Another notable addition is the reinstated Woodstock Slammers, which returns under the ownership of Chris and Rhea Reaves.
This historic team, returning to the NCDC, will compete out of the AYR Motor Centre with Jason Tatarnic, a veteran coach with an impressive track record, at the helm.
Rhea Reaves, Alternate Governor of the Slammers, expressed her excitement about reintroducing this beloved franchise to the community.
“Woodstock is a loyal and passionate hockey town, and we’re excited to bring high-caliber, tuition-free junior hockey back to the community,” Reaves stated, while also thanking previous administrators for their contributions to the team’s legacy.
The Presque Isle Frontiers, located in the northeastern region of Maine, will also make their debut in the NCDC.
Owned by the Reaves family, they will play at The Forum, representing the first NCDC team based in northern Maine.
Chris Reaves highlighted Presque Isle’s strong hockey culture, claiming, “It’s the perfect location to build a program rooted in tradition, development, and community pride.”
Finally, the Universel Quebec team from Quebec City adds a new dimension to the NCDC expansion, following the successes of College Universel Gatineau and Sherbrooke in the USPHL Premier.
Marco Pietroniro, the Director of Hockey for Universel, shared his excitement for this new venture.
“We are excited to continue our growth and offer multiple levels of competition and development,” Pietroniro remarked, emphasizing Quebec City’s rich hockey heritage and the historic significance of the market.
All teams will be positioned to create a positive impact in their respective communities, enhancing local hockey culture and providing opportunities for player development.
About The United States Premier Hockey League:
Founded in 2012, the USPHL has grown to be the largest junior hockey organization in North America, boasting over 150 teams and serving more than 20,000 players between the ages of 8 and 21.
The league’s Junior Divisions include the tuition-free NCDC, Premier, and Elite Divisions, and the USPHL has successfully placed over 10,000 players into college hockey programs, including more than 4,600 into NCAA institutions.
Eighteen alumni of the NCDC have even been selected in the NHL Draft, showcasing the league’s commitment to player growth and progression in the sport.
image source from：https://usphl.com/ncdc-announces-five-new-teams-for-2025-26-season/
