Season Preview: Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division of the USPHL Premier has long been one of the league’s most competitive and talent-rich groupings. From perennial contenders to rising programs eager to make their mark, the 2025-26 season promises plenty of intrigue as all 11 squads gear up for another grind. Here’s a look at the teams set to battle for the Atlantic Division.
The division comprises of:
Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Stamford, CT)
The Jr. Rangers are consistently known for their skill development pipeline and their ability to produce fast, offensive hockey. Expect them to again bring speed and creativity to the Atlantic race, with plenty of new faces looking to carry the torch.
Elmira Impact (Elmira, NY)
Heading into their second season at the iconic First Arena, the Impact are ready to build off the foundation set last year. With a loyal fanbase and a growing roster depth, Elmira is aiming to turn competitiveness into consistent wins.
Hershey Cubs (Hershey, PA)
The Cubs play in one of the most historic barns in the division and bring a gritty, hard-working identity. Their physical game and blue-collar approach have made them tough opponents, and they’ll be hungry to climb in the standings this year.
Jersey Hitmen (Wayne, NJ)
The Hitmen program’s winning tradition at all levels of junior hockey continues to set the bar. Expect a disciplined, structured style of play and a roster that thrives under pressure. The Ice Vault faithful will expect nothing less than a playoff push.
Mercer Chiefs (Mercer County, NJ)
The Chiefs have grown quickly into one of the region’s strongest developmental programs. With strong ties to youth and Tier II hockey, Mercer’s Premier squad has a solid foundation to be a steady contender this season.
New Jersey Renegades (Randolph, NJ)
The New Jersey Renegades will join the Premier Conference for the 2025-26 season. The Renegades are well-known for providing players with opportunities to develop and advance. They bring an underdog mentality every night, which has helped them play spoiler in big games.
P.A.L. Jr. Islanders (Hauppauge, NY)
The Jr. Isles continue to be one of the division’s most reliable programs for both player advancement and on-ice results. Depth and balance define their roster year after year, and 2025-26 should be no different as they chase a top spot.
Red Bank Generals (Red Bank, NJ)
The Red Banks Generals, led by Head Coach Joey Campisano, look to make a statement in their debut season in the Premier League.
“My overall thoughts going into the season for my team is we could come into this year and shock some people,” said. Campisano. “Our Premier team did it last year as a first year program. Now having our first ever Elite team, we believe we can do the same. The players are already set on our standard and buying into doing what Premier did last year.”
Joining a storied Division within the League, the Generals believe in the team they are assembling to hit the ice this season.
“I believe our first best area of strength is going to be in between the pipes. We have a strong core of goaltending, and every good team needs strong goalies. Lastly, another strength I believe we have is speed. Our forwards bring speed on the rush and with the back check to the defensive zone.”
With a buzz around town in Red Bank, New Jersey, Campisano is ready to provide another squad for hockey fans in the area to cheer on.
“Having an Elite team for the first time in Red Bank Generals history, there has already been so much excitement going around the rink for us. For me, I’m most excited about working with this young but talented group of players.”
Red Bank will look to combine skill and determination to break through in a crowded Atlantic race.
Rockets Hockey Club (Bridgewater Township, NJ)
The Rockets are a staple of the New Jersey hockey scene and continue to ice competitive Premier squads. With a mix of veteran presence and new prospects, the Rockets aim to be a tough matchup night in and night out.
West Chester Wolves (West Chester, PA)
The Wolves are a young but determined program, still building their identity within the division. Their willingness to battle and grow each season has made them a team to watch as they continue their development in the Atlantic.
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights (Pittston, PA)
The Knights have built a strong winning culture across multiple levels of junior hockey, and their Premier team continues that standard. Known for speed and competitiveness, the Knights are always a threat come playoff time.
With 11 programs spread across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut, the Atlantic Division remains one of the deepest and toughest to predict in the USPHL Premier. From historic rinks like Hersheypark Arena to development powerhouses like the Hitmen, Chiefs, and Jr. Islanders, every weekend promises a clash of styles and storylines.
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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, including its youth affiliates in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF). The League’s Junior Divisions include the tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), and the Premier and Elite Conferences. The USPHL has sent more than 10,000 players to college hockey, including over 4,600 to the NCAA, and 19 NCDC alumni have been selected in the NHL Draft.
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