Season Preview: North Division

 

Hudson Havoc

The Hudson Havoc are entering the 2025-26 season with a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. “Last year was a tough season, but we have a whole new ownership group and coaching staff: Matt Ellis (Head Coach), Marco Zinc (Asst. Coach), and Brent Buhl (Goalie Coach),” said Head Coach Matt Ellis.

This season, the focus is on growth and competitiveness. “Our outlook for this season is about developing our players to move to the next level while also being competitive and one of the top teams in the league,” Ellis said. “We will foster my concept of being a family on and off the ice, not just a team. We have a nice group of five or so solid vets who are great leaders on and off the ice, followed by some really excited new vets and rookies. We will be a tough team to beat from top to bottom,” Ellis added.

Fans can expect an exciting new era of Havoc hockey. “We have a new look, exciting new colors, a new logo, and staff from owners to coaches. We are excited to be a part of the great community of Hudson, WI, and cannot wait to show who we are,” Ellis said. With veteran leadership, promising rookies, and a fresh identity, the Havoc are ready to make a statement in the North Division this season.

Minnesota Blue Ox

The Minnesota Blue Ox enter their ninth season in the USPHL Premier as a staple of the Midwest Division, embodying a “players-first” culture that prioritizes development, grit, and community. Based out of the Coon Rapids Ice Center, the Ox are led by Head Coach and General Manager Jay Witta. The squad finished last season with a 22-24 record. With a focus on fast, physical play and skill development, the Blue Ox aim to “thin the herd” and contend for another division title in a balanced schedule that kicks off with road matchups against familiar foes like the Minnesota Mullets.

Minnesota Mullets

The Minnesota Mullets enter the 2025-26 season building on the success of last year, when they won 27 games and advanced to the second round of the playoffs. “That page has been turned and we are looking forward to what 2025-2026 will bring,” said Head Coach Chris Walby.

Walby is optimistic about this year’s roster. “I’m very excited about this new group and see a ton of potential in each player. Captain Zach Monson returns for a third straight season and looks great. Zach put a lot of work in this summer and is going to be a big part of our success.”

While the team leans on youth, Walby sees big upside. “We’re somewhat of a younger team, but with a lot of hard work and attention to detail, I see us having another strong season and a deep run in the playoffs.”

With a mix of returning leadership and promising young talent, the Mullets aim to continue their winning ways and make a strong impact in the North Division this season.

Minnesota Outlaws

The Minnesota Outlaws are embarking on a new chapter in East Bethel, Minnesota. Under Head Coach Jimmy Jensen, the team is focused on player development and building a competitive roster. With a mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers, the Outlaws aim to make a strong impact in the Midwest Division this season.

Minnesota Squatch

The Minnesota Squatch enter the 2025–26 season with confidence and high expectations after another successful campaign a year ago. Fresh off their second straight trip to Nationals, the Squatch are setting their sights on a rare achievement: a three-peat.

Head Coach and GM Chic Pojar knows this season won’t come without challenges. The Squatch lost several key forwards who were among the league’s top producers, leaving big skates to fill on offense. But with a strong mix of returning veterans and promising newcomers, the team is poised to remain a powerhouse in the Midwest Division.

Leading the charge up front will be returning forwards Danylo Tsybulskyi and Lukas Plank, both expected to anchor the offense and provide veteran leadership. On the blue line, defensive mainstays Braeden Erickson and Braeden Kerr return to stabilize the back end. Pojar is also excited about new additions, including skilled center Bennet Prokop and speedy winger Cole Perkins, who bring fresh energy to the lineup.

Between the pipes, the Squatch boast experience and reliability with goaltenders Preston Farr and Peyton Anderson. Veteran forward Jackson Heichert and defenseman Jeb Gould will also play key roles, bringing leadership and consistency to a deep roster.

“This team is built for speed and playmaking,” Pojar said. “We expect to have three lines of skilled forwards that can produce on any given night. We’re not the heaviest team, but our speed and skill will generate plenty of offense.”

Fans can expect an exciting, possession-focused style of play from the Squatch this year. The team looks to stretch the ice and keep opponents on their heels, delivering a fast-paced brand of hockey that has become their trademark.

With momentum from back-to-back Nationals appearances and a roster designed for creativity and quick strikes, the Minnesota Squatch are ready to chase history and thrill their loyal fan base once again.

Northwest Express

The Northwest Express, formerly known as the Minnesota Moose, have relocated to Spooner, Wisconsin, and are ready to make their mark in the Midwest Division. With a commitment to player development and a strong team culture, the Express are set to compete at a high level this season.

Steele County Blades

The Steele County Blades, based in Owatonna, Minnesota, continue to uphold the region’s rich junior hockey tradition. With a roster featuring returning veterans and promising newcomers, the Blades are focused on competing at a high level in the Midwest Division.

Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings

The Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings are coming off a successful 2024–25 season, finishing with a 39-12-0 record. With a strong core returning, the Riverkings are poised to be a top contender in the Midwest Division this season. Fans can expect a high-energy, competitive team ready to make a deep playoff run.

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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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