2026-27 NCDC Season Preview: West Conference – Pacific Division
The 2026-27 NCDC Season Preview Series continues with a look at the West Conference’s Pacific Division.
All four teams make the jump from the USPHL Premier this season, bringing established West Coast rivalries to the NCDC. The Ontario Jr. Reign enter as the reigning Premier Pacific Division playoff champions, while the Fresno Monsters, Lake Tahoe Lakers and Ventura Vikings begin new chapters at the Tier II level.
Here is a team-by-team look at the Pacific Division entering 2026-27.
Fresno Monsters
Head Coach: Daylon Mannon
2025-26 Premier Record: 37-8-1-0, 75 points
The Fresno Monsters enter their first NCDC season after finishing atop the Premier Pacific Division’s regular-season standings with 37 wins and 75 points.
Under Head Coach Daylon Mannon, Fresno has emphasized preparation throughout the offseason, with players arriving throughout the summer to get ready for the increased level of competition.
“Preparation and the boys are excited,” Mannon said. “Had guys coming in all summer.”
Tyson Baumbach is among the returning players expected to take on a larger role, while newcomer Andreas Christensen could make an immediate impact.
The Monsters will look to build a close-knit team as they transition to the NCDC. Mannon believes preparation and familiarity with division opponents will be important as Fresno faces several teams it knows from Premier competition.
The organization has continued working to improve across all areas during the offseason, with the goal of remaining competitive at the next level.
For Mannon, the ultimate measure of success is straightforward: winning the final game of the season.
Lake Tahoe Lakers
Head Coach: Tyler Dill
General Manager: Andy Radke
2025-26 Premier Record: 9-36-1-0, 19 points
The Lake Tahoe Lakers enter their inaugural NCDC season with an emphasis on defensive strength, improved goaltending and a more balanced offensive attack.
Returning captain Chayce Tuton is expected to anchor the defensive group, while fellow defenseman Nate House will take on an increased role after joining the Lakers late last season.
“Our defense is one of our biggest strengths,” General Manager Andy Radke said. “We have a couple of returners, including our captain Chayce Tuton, who will anchor the team.”
The Lakers expect newcomers Bende Szongoth and Laurin Funk to make immediate contributions offensively. Goaltender Austen Gearhart is another significant offseason addition as Lake Tahoe looks to strengthen its play between the pipes.
The organization also expanded its scouting efforts and hosted multiple summer camps to identify players capable of making the transition to the NCDC.
On the ice, the Lakers expect to play a disciplined, structured game with contributions throughout their lineup.
As Dill describes the team’s approach, it will be “wave after wave of Lakers hockey,” with four lines capable of generating offense.
Physical play and consistent effort will be essential as Lake Tahoe adjusts to its new division.
The move to the NCDC represents an opportunity to provide a higher level of hockey for the South Lake Tahoe community while creating additional advancement opportunities for players.
The Lakers enter the season with the goal of competing for the Pacific Division championship.
Ontario Jr. Reign
Head Coach/General Manager: Jeremy Blumes
2025-26 Premier Record: 35-9-2-0, 72 points — Pacific Division Playoff Champions
The Ontario Jr. Reign enter their first NCDC season following a 35-win Premier campaign that culminated in a Pacific Division playoff championship and an appearance at the USPHL Premier National Championship tournament.
Head Coach and General Manager Jeremy Blumes expects Ontario to maintain the identity that helped the organization succeed at the Premier level.
“We will continue to play a disciplined, physical brand of hockey,” Blumes said. “We have players committed to developing both on and off the ice who understand the direct correlation between the two.”
Ontario expects every returning player to take on additional responsibilities, drawing on their familiarity with the team’s systems, culture and expectations.
Several incoming rookies could also become immediate offensive contributors while maintaining the organization’s commitment to responsible play in all three zones.
Strengthening the development pipeline was a major offseason priority. With the San Diego Sabers and St. John Bosco Prep serving as affiliates, Ontario has established a pathway that allows players to develop within the organization from high school through their final season of junior hockey.
The Jr. Reign will bring their established identity to the NCDC.
“Lunch-pail hockey: disciplined, physical, hard-working, and committed to doing things the right way,” Blumes said.
Ontario also returns its entire coaching staff, providing continuity as the organization adjusts to the increased demands of Tier II competition.
For Blumes, the transition does not change the standards expected of players.
“Regardless of the level, the criteria to play for this team remain the same: ability and character,” he said.
While Ontario enters the season following a division championship, player development remains the organization’s primary measure of success. The Jr. Reign wants every player to finish the season having improved both on and off the ice.
Ventura Vikings
Head Coach: Luc Beausoleil
Co-Owner/Assistant Coach: Jeff Jarvis
2025-26 Premier Record: 26-17-2-1, 55 points
The Ventura Vikings enter their first NCDC season looking to build on a 26-win Premier campaign with a roster that combines skill, speed and physicality.
Under Head Coach Luc Beausoleil, Ventura expects its returning players to provide leadership as the organization transitions to Tier II competition.
“Our biggest strengths for this upcoming season would be our skill and physicality,” Co-Owner and Assistant Coach Jeff Jarvis said.
Ethan Thomas, Dominick Ybarra and Dylan Hazuka are among the returning players expected to take on increased responsibilities. Newcomers Andrew Bjergstad and Zahkar Bryndin could also make immediate contributions.
The Vikings used the offseason to strengthen their community presence and improve travel accommodations as they prepared for the move to the NCDC.
On the ice, Ventura expects to combine high-end skill with a fast, physical playing style. Jarvis believes commitment to team structure will be particularly important in the new division.
“The biggest key to competing in the conference is having a team full of players fully buying into team structure and consistency,” Jarvis said.
The move to the NCDC also gives Ventura an opportunity to recruit higher-level players and increase college exposure for those already within the organization.
The Vikings will measure success through their performance in the Pacific Division, with goals of reaching the playoffs, competing near the top of the standings and helping players earn individual recognition.
With a returning core and an emphasis on accountability, Ventura will look to establish itself in its first NCDC campaign.
