Chicago T-Rex Join USPHL After Acquisition Of Decatur Blaze Junior Franchise

T-Rex Will Field USPHL Premier and USPHL Elite Teams In 2025-26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

June 3, 2025

Chicago, IL – The United States Premier Hockey League (“USPHL”) is proud to announce the acquisition of the Decatur Blaze USPHL junior franchise by Peter Olson, who also owns the USPHL’s Chicago Cougars and Chicago Crush, solidifying the organization’s commitment to junior hockey in the Chicagoland region. The newly relocated and rebranded Chicago T-Rex will field teams in the Midwest Division of both the USPHL Premier and USPHL Elite Conferences. 

“The fierce new identity of the Chicago T-Rex is an arrival of junior hockey’s apex predator,” Olson added. “Our goal is to build programs that reflect the passion and talent of Chicago’s hockey community. The T-Rex branding reflects Chicago’s bold spirit, with a logo and colors designed to embody strength, speed, and relentless energy. By bringing these teams to Chicago, we’re offering a greater opportunity for local players to attain their dreams of playing beyond youth hockey at the collegiate level and beyond.”  

“Pete Olson’s group remains committed to growing and supporting junior hockey in Chicagoland,” said Mark Kumpel, the Director of Operations for the USPHL Premier and Elite Conferences. “This acquisition demonstrates that the Olson Group takes its goals seriously and continues to invest in the development of young athletes. With the acquisition of these two teams, up to 60 young men will gain the opportunity to play, develop their skills, and experience all the great aspects of the game of hockey.”

The franchise will be committed to prioritizing player development, community engagement, and competitive excellence, aligning with the standards of Olson’s existing Chicago-based USPHL organizations.

“This is about building something unique for Chicago,” Olson added. “The T-Rex are here to hunt championships, forge athletes with claws-out intensity, and give this city a team as fierce as its skyline. ‘Junior Hockey With A Bite!’ isn’t a slogan – it’s our battle cry.” 

 

About The United States Premier Hockey League

Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is the largest junior hockey organization in North America, with over 150 teams and more than 20,000 players aged 8-21. The league’s Junior Divisions include the tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), and the Premier and Elite Divisions. The USPHL has sent more than 10,000 players to college hockey, including over 4,600 to the NCAA, and 18 NCDC alumni have been selected in the NHL Draft.

 

Media Contact:

Joshua Boyd

USPHL Communications Director

Email: media@usphl.com

Website: www.usphl.com/premier | www.usphl.com/elite