New England Wolves Join NCDC In 2026-27 Season
The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) is proud to announce that the New England Wolves will join the league in the 2026-27 season. The Wolves will compete in the NCDC’s New England Division and play out of Merrill Fay Arena in Laconia, New Hampshire.
The Wolves’ addition marks an exciting new chapter for both the organization and the Laconia community, which has long supported the team through record-setting fan engagement and deep community ties.
“The Wolves lead the EHL in fan attendance, and we anticipate our crowds growing following the announcement of this move,” Wolves General Manager Andrew Trimble said. “Our community is extremely supportive, given the promotional games we hold and the charity work our athletes do. We anticipate many packed houses at Merrill Fay Arena.”
With a strong foundation in international scouting and player development, the Wolves expect to bring a high-paced, skill-focused brand of hockey to the NCDC.
“The Wolves have long been leaders in scouting and player recruitment at the international level,” Trimble said. “We’ve seen players thrive with us in the past, Patriks and Dominiks Marcinkevics specifically, and then have league-leading seasons in the NCDC. We anticipate with the level of play rising, we’ll be able to attract and retain more of these dynamic players. Our teams have always emphasized speed and puck movement, and we feel that style translates perfectly to the modern college game.”
The Wolves’ move to the NCDC also reunites the organization with many familiar faces within the USPHL leadership.
“I’m personally excited about working with many of the league’s leaders again,” Trimble said. “Murry Gunty, Tony Zasowski, Mark Kumpel, Bill Flanagan, Kevin Abrams and many others are progressive, forward-thinking individuals who see the evolving landscape of junior hockey. They’re committed to staying ahead of the curve, ensuring that the USPHL continues to lead in college placements for its athletes.”
Having both an NCDC and Premier team under one roof will continue to provide a seamless development pathway for players aiming to advance their careers.
“This setup is similar to our previous league structure and has helped us attract and develop players,” Trimble noted. “Development is our top priority. Our Premier team gets the same amenities and training as our top team. From yoga and video sessions to personal locker rooms and multiple ice sessions per day. We believe this structure is a key reason for our consistent success.”
The Wolves’ Premier program has been a model of consistency, with Head Coach Timothy Kunes leading his teams to seven straight playoff berths, 20-plus win seasons, and a Finals appearance in 2021-22. The Wolves’ Premier squad has also captured a 2018-19 championship, made back-to-back Finals appearances, and posted the best regular-season record in league history in 2024-25 (38-4, including 22 straight wins).
The New England Wolves’ move to the NCDC represents both a natural progression and an exciting new opportunity to showcase their fast, modern style of play at the Tier II level. With their strong community support and proven player development model, the Wolves are poised to make an immediate impact in the NCDC’s New England Division.
“The USPHL and NCDC are excited to add another top team from the Eastern Hockey League,” said Tony Zasowski, Deputy Commissioner of the USPHL. “The USPHL continues to show it is the biggest and best junior league in the country.”