2026-27 USPHL Premier Season Preview: Atlantic Conference

The 2026-27 USPHL Premier Season Preview Series begins with a look at the Atlantic Conference.

The Atlantic once again brings together organizations with a strong emphasis on development, advancement and creating opportunities for players to reach the NCDC and college hockey. With returning talent, new faces and several teams looking to build off strong 2025-26 seasons, the conference should provide plenty of competition throughout the year.

Here is a team-by-team look at the Atlantic Conference entering the 2026-27 season. 

 

Connecticut Jr. Rangers

Head Coach: Maciej Michalik
2025-26 Record:31-10-1-1, 64 points

The Connecticut Jr. Rangers enter the 2026-27 season looking to build around a small group of returners who will be asked to take on an increased responsibility.

1. Ondrus is among the returning players expected to step into a larger role, while newcomer T. Shuberda could make an immediate impact for a Rangers team that focused heavily on recruiting during the offseason.

Connecticut expects to bring an offensive-minded approach to the ice this season, with staying healthy and remaining disciplined serving as two of the biggest keys to competing in the Atlantic.

The organization has also established a track record of providing Premier players opportunities at higher levels.

“We have moved players up to the NCDC during previous seasons and also have a good number placed in NCAA Division III as well as ACHA,” Michalik said.

After finishing among the top teams in the Atlantic last season, the Jr. Rangers have their sights set on another postseason run.

“A trip back to Nationals would be great,” Michalik said.

 

Jersey Hitmen

Head Coach: Nick VanDerlofske
2025-26 Record: 9-35-0-0, 18 points

The Jersey Hitmen enter 2026-27 with a largely new roster and an emphasis on depth, work ethic and player development.

“Our biggest strength will be our depth, work ethic and commitment to development,” VanDerlofske said. “We’ve put together a group of players who are hungry to prove themselves and take the next step in their careers.”

Anthony Prunty, David Koptyra and Mark Ferrelli bring previous USPHL Premier experience and will be counted on to help establish the standard for the Hitmen’s younger players.

Among the newcomers, goaltender Matt DeMaio, forward Brayden Burnette and defensemen Gabriel Dunn and Dennis Revzin are expected to compete for significant roles.

During the offseason, Jersey focused on establishing the identity and expectations of its Premier team while recruiting players who embrace competition and development.

“We want to be a fast, physical, disciplined team that is difficult to play against,” VanDerlofske said. “Our identity will be built around compete level, accountability and playing for one another.”

The Hitmen’s Premier and NCDC programs operate out of the same facility, giving players consistent exposure to the organization’s Tier II staff and opportunities to earn call-ups.

“Most importantly, our Premier and NCDC programs operate out of the same facility and there is a direct pathway between the two teams,” VanDerlofske said. “Our players are seen regularly by the NCDC staff and have the opportunity to earn call-ups through their performance and development.”

For the Hitmen, success will ultimately be measured by both results and advancement.

“We want our players to leave the season significantly better than when they arrived and prepared to take the next step in their hockey careers,” VanDerlofske said.

 

Mercer Chiefs

Head Coach: Oleksandr Firsov
2025-26 Record: 24-17-2-0, 50 points

The Mercer Chiefs enter the new season looking to use their speed, depth and work ethic to establish themselves as one of the Atlantic’s toughest teams.

“Our biggest strengths are our team speed, depth and strong work ethic,” Firsov said. “We have a competitive group that is committed to developing every day and playing a fast, structured style of hockey.”

Raphael Blouin, Jacob Hunter and goaltender Christophe Martin are expected to take on larger roles after gaining valuable experience last season.

Mercer also added several newcomers who bring speed, skill and hockey IQ and will have opportunities to compete for significant roles immediately.

During the offseason, the Chiefs emphasized recruiting high-character players, strengthening depth throughout the roster and continuing to improve their player development model.

“We want to be known as a fast, disciplined and hard-working team that competes every shift,” Firsov said. “Our identity is built around playing with pace, supporting each other and maintaining a strong defensive structure while creating offense through speed and pressure.”

Consistency will be critical in a competitive Atlantic Conference.

“The Atlantic Conference is highly competitive, so attention to detail, discipline and competing every night will be essential to our success,” Firsov said.

Mercer’s Premier players also benefit from a direct organizational pathway to the NCDC, along with daily skill development, video work, strength and conditioning guidance and individual feedback.

“Player development is our top priority,” Firsov said.

For the Chiefs, a successful season would combine individual growth, advancement opportunities and team success.

“Success means seeing our players improve every day, advancing players to the next level, competing for a playoff spot and building a strong culture that players are proud to be part of,” Firsov said.

New Jersey Renegades

Head Coach: Cliff Graziano
2025-26 Record: 4-35-3-1, 12 points

The New Jersey Renegades enter 2026-27 looking to establish themselves through defense, goaltending and a strong team-first culture.

Anthony Tokar and Anthony Weisse are among the returning players expected to take on larger roles, while newcomer Trent Lewis is one player Graziano believes could make an immediate impact.

The Renegades focused their offseason recruiting efforts not only on talent, but also on finding players who fit the organization away from the rink.

Graziano emphasized bringing in “high-quality character” players while building a team around hard work and chemistry.

Defensively, the objective is straightforward: play strong team defense and give the group a chance to compete every night.

Development and advancement remain central to the Renegades’ program, with the organization maintaining communication with coaches at the next levels.

“We’re in contact with NCDC coaches weekly and talking with college coaches once players let us know institutions they would like to attend,” Graziano said.

For Graziano, the ultimate measure of success will be seeing players continue moving forward in their hockey careers.

“We want to move as many players up to a higher level of junior hockey, either during the season or after, as well as into college placements,” Graziano said.

P.A.L. Jr. Islanders

Head Coach: Frank DiChiara
2025-26 Record: 29-11-3-1, 62 points

The P.A.L. Jr. Islanders enter 2026-27 looking to remain one of the Atlantic’s most structured and difficult teams to play against.

“We’re going to be a team that’s very structured and detailed and prides itself on being hard to play against,” DiChiara said.

Robert Engel, Sean Walsh and Jack Rhein are among the returners expected to take on larger roles, while David Gallo, Justin Masone, Rob Auerbach, Luke Raeihle and Chase Haggerty headline a group of newcomers with opportunities to contribute immediately.

P.A.L. experienced significant player movement following last season, with many Premier players advancing to NCDC opportunities both inside and outside the organization.

“We had the majority of our players make other NCDC teams, as well as promoting a handful of players to our own NCDC team,” DiChiara said. “This year will be a great opportunity for guys to come in and develop by playing a big role.”

The Islanders expect to play fast, detailed and structured hockey while putting an emphasis on being prepared every night.

“Every team in our conference can beat another team on any given night,” DiChiara said.

One of P.A.L.’s biggest advantages is the connection between its Premier and NCDC teams. Players who produce and develop at the Premier level have opportunities to practice with the NCDC team and prove they are ready for more.

“Opportunity is earned at P.A.L., not given,” DiChiara said. “The guys that come in and seize the opportunity in front of them have a ton of success here at P.A.L.”

For DiChiara, development and winning are closely connected.

“Developing players at the Premier level and moving them on to college or advancing them further in their hockey career is a successful year in my eyes,” DiChiara said.

Red Bank Generals

Head Coach: Joe Campisano
2025-26 Record: 34-8-2-0, 70 points

Following a 32-win season in 2025-26, the Red Bank Generals return with a foundation built around defense and goaltending.

“Our defense and goaltending are our biggest strengths,” Campisano said. “We have a strong, reliable group on the back end that can defend hard, move the puck and provide stability in all situations.”

Forward James Cardellichio is expected to take on a larger role this season, while goaltender William Daze is a newcomer who could make an immediate impact.

During the offseason, Red Bank focused on strengthening team development, refining organizational processes and preparing its players for the next level.

The Generals expect to be a hardworking, disciplined and team-oriented group.

“Competing in our conference will require discipline and the ability to respond to adversity throughout the season,” Campisano said.

Player development extends beyond the ice for Red Bank, with the organization emphasizing skill development, hockey IQ, strength and conditioning, academics and exposure.

“We work closely with players to identify their goals and help them take the next step, whether that is advancing to the NCDC or pursuing opportunities at the college level,” Campisano said.

Red Bank wants to continue competing near the top of the Atlantic while putting its players in position to advance.

“A successful season would be one in which our players continue to develop, compete at a high level and grow together as a team,” Campisano said.

Rockets Hockey Club

Head Coach: Chris Zerbo
2025-26 Record: 16-26-0-1, 33 points

Rockets Hockey Club enters 2026-27 believing depth throughout the lineup can be one of the team’s biggest strengths.

Barrett Cerroni, Danny Novoselov, Ari Fusco and Max Pichkar are among the returning players expected to take on larger roles.

During the offseason, the Rockets emphasized finding players who bring more than talent to the roster.

The organization focused on “bringing in players that aren’t just good on the ice, but players that are good teammates,” Zerbo said.

On the ice, the Rockets plan to establish a clear identity.

“We’ll be fast, disciplined and hard to play against,” Zerbo said.

Playing strong team defense will be one of the biggest keys to competing consistently within the Atlantic.

The Rockets also benefit from collaboration between the organization’s Premier and NCDC staff as players work toward advancement opportunities.

“We work together as a staff between NCDC and Premier to make sure we prepare the players for the next level,” Zerbo said. “We have a great track record of advancement.”

West Chester Wolves

Premier GM/Program Director: R.C. Lyke
2025-26 Record: 36-6-1-1, 74 points — First in Atlantic

After finishing atop the Atlantic standings with 35 victories and 74 points last season, the West Chester Wolves enter 2026-27 with a significantly different roster.

Goaltending and defense are expected to be early strengths for a group that underwent a major offseason rebuild.

“We had to heavily focus on a complete rebuild with kids that fit our culture,” Lyke said.

Nolan Stott, Alexei Spence and Parker Jordan are among the returning players expected to take on larger roles. The newcomers include goaltender Aidan Cowan, forwards Reed Surak, Scott Scranton, James Caldwell-Withrow and Cameron Twadell, along with defensemen Moses Larribeau, Emile Parent and Nolan Wilson.

“This year’s team will feature some very talented younger players with a few older veteran junior players to help lead the charge and provide leadership both on and off the ice for our group,” Lyke said.

The Wolves expect to use their skating, size and strength to play a hard, fast, physical and responsible two-way game.

Consistency will once again be critical.

“This division is extremely strong and is always loaded with many of the top players in the league,” Lyke said. “Making sure your teams are prepared, performing and playing consistent hockey night in and night out is the priority.”

West Chester’s emphasis on advancement was on display last season. According to Lyke, 21 Premier players advanced to higher levels of junior hockey, ACHA or NCAA programs, including 11 players who moved to college hockey and 10 who advanced to Tier II Junior A opportunities.

“Our program focuses solely on player advancement and development both on and off the ice,” Lyke said. “It is a huge part of our culture that revolves around family and loyalty.”

After last season’s strong regular season, the Wolves again have high expectations.

“We expect to compete for our division championship and get back to Nationals,” Lyke said.

 

WBS Knights

Head Coach: Glen Patterson
2025-26 Record: 25-16-2-1, 53 points

The WBS Knights enter 2026-27 with familiarity throughout the roster, something Patterson believes can help the team establish itself quickly.

“I believe our biggest strength is team chemistry,” Patterson said. “We have a lot of players that have played together over the past few seasons. I believe this should set us up to hit the ground running early in the season.”

A large group of players from the WBS Knights Elite team that reached Nationals last season will be expected to set the standard for the Premier group.

Patterson is also reunited with several players he previously coached with the Elmira Impact, providing another layer of familiarity entering the year.

“I believe moving into this season they will be very prepared to take a big step and lead the way for this group,” Patterson said.

The Knights expect to play fast, strong hockey with an edge throughout all three zones.

“We want to be annoying to play against,” Patterson said. “A tough test for our competition.”

Preparation will be crucial in an Atlantic Conference Patterson believes consistently features some of the league’s strongest teams.

“Can’t take any team lightly,” Patterson said.

WBS has also built an organizational pathway that allows players to progress through its youth and junior programs.

“It’s a strength of our program to grow our players and move them up the ladder,” Patterson said.

While winning remains important, Patterson sees development as the foundation of a successful junior season.

“I think a successful season at the junior level revolves around the growth and development of our players,” Patterson said. “Our goal is to strengthen each player’s game in the direction that is needed for that specific player.”