USPHL Announce Division Alignment and Key Organizational Updates
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) have announced a series of structural updates ahead of the 2026-27 season, including divisional alignment updates and key franchise returns, relocations, and expansions.
These initiatives further strengthen the USPHL's commitment to a clear and consistent player development pathway from youth hockey to the NCDC, college hockey, and beyond.
North Division Alignment
The North Division remains a key pillar of the USPHL Premier structure and continues to grow with a focus on stability and development:
- Dells Ducks
- Minnesota Mullets
- Steele County Blades
- Chicago T-Rex (Northwestern Wisconsin)
- Chicago Cougars (Rice Lake, WI)
The division will feature five programs aligned with corresponding NCDC organizations, reinforcing a vertically integrated model. Organizations have already begun building strong ties within their local hockey communities through rebranding efforts and increased engagement.
This structure provides Premier players with direct advancement opportunities while supporting a consistent and structured development environment.
Midwest Division Alignment
The Midwest Division will feature five Premier organizations for the 2026-27 season, further expanding the league's footprint in a key development region:
- Flint Icelanders
- Danville Iron
- Cincinnati Cyclones
- Metro Jets Development Program (MJDP)
- Fresh Coast Freeze
This alignment creates a strong regional presence and provides accessible development opportunities for players throughout the Midwest.
Team Updates and Relocations
Bassano Beavers (Alberta Division)
The USPHL welcomes the return of the Bassano Beavers to the Premier's Alberta Division for the 2026-27 season, marking a renewed chapter for both the organization and the community. After stepping away prior to the 2025-26 season, the Beavers are set to complete the mission they originally set out to achieve, bringing high-level junior hockey to a town that quickly embraced the team.
"Bassano is an amazing community that is undoubtedly deserving of a competitive junior hockey club," said Dave Rathgeber. "The support was immediate and incredible. It was heartbreaking to step away, but we wanted to ensure we could put a product on the ice that matched the quality of the town. Getting a second chance to complete that mission is an opportunity we don't take lightly."
With more time to prepare and lessons learned from their initial attempt, Bassano returns with a stronger foundation and a clear focus on long-term player development. Backed by strong community support and a commitment to advancing players to the NCDC, college hockey, and beyond, the Beavers aim to establish a hard-working, disciplined identity while building a sustainable program for years to come.
"Working with Dave Rathgeber preseason of 2025-26 was bitter-sweet," Mark Kumpel, USPHL Director of Operations said. "His hockey acumen and his extensive knowledge of the Jr hockey landscape is a winning combination. With the limited time to recruit and build a team it was hard reality for the Alberta Division when he had to cease operations. I have little concern that the 2026-27 version of the Beavers will face the same fate this upcoming season."
Battle Creek to Flint Icelanders Relocation (Midwest Division)
The Battle Creek franchise is in the process of being sold and relocated to Flint, Michigan, with former Fresh Coast Freeze coach/GM Jake Lainesse leading the effort. Set to operate out of the 810 Sports Complex beginning in 2026-27, the organization is building toward a sustainable junior hockey presence in a historically strong hockey market.
The Icelanders program brings a comprehensive approach to building a successful junior hockey program, combining player development, hockey operations, and strong organizational leadership. The organization is excited to bring junior hockey back to the 810 Sports Complex. It is more than a new opportunity, it is a return to where it all began.
Operating under a working identity tied to the Flint Icelanders concept, the relocated franchise will focus on establishing deep community ties while leveraging existing youth and high school pipelines in the region. With integrated training facilities, structured billet plans, and strong regional recruiting connections, the organization is committed to creating a full development environment both on and off the ice, with an emphasis on local player retention and long-term growth.
Danville Iron
The Danville Iron will call David S. Palmer Arena home as they prepare to join the USPHL Premier, bringing both credibility and long-term opportunity to the Danville, Illinois community. The addition represents an important step in strengthening the development pathway across the Midwest, providing more accessible opportunities for regional players to advance without leaving home.
"The USPHL is one of the largest and most established junior hockey leagues in North America," said Cheesman. "Bringing that level of structure and visibility into Danville shows this community can support, and be part of a serious development path for players."
Beyond competition, the Iron are committed to becoming part of the fabric of Danville, focusing on player development, community engagement, and youth hockey growth. With a long-term vision centered on sustainability, the organization aims to build something that extends beyond the rink.
"We're going to compete, but success is also measured by development and advancement," Cheesman said. "If we do that the right way, everything else will follow."
The team also recognizes the history within David S. Palmer Arena, emphasizing a responsibility to honor the generations of hockey that came before while building a new chapter the right way.
"Bo Cheesman has approached this venture with great enthusiasm and care," Mark Kumpel, USPHL Director of Operations said. "His vision, work ethic and the values he brings to the table are great assets that provide me with an abundance of confidence that the Iron will grow to be a great franchise in the USPHL."
Chicago T-Rex (Relocation and Organizational Realignment)
The Chicago T-Rex organization is undergoing a strategic relocation and structural realignment ahead of the 2026-27 season. While the franchise itself will move operations to Northwestern Wisconsin, the "Chicago T-Rex" name will remain in the Chicago market at the youth level, with the Chicago Stars U18 team rebranding as the Chicago T-Rex.
This approach reflects a broader organizational vision centered on creating multiple development pathways within the same umbrella. By maintaining the T-Rex identity in Chicago while relocating the junior franchise, the organization aims to strengthen both its geographic footprint and long-term player advancement model, aligning with the league's emphasis on structured, progressive development opportunities.
Club Governor Pete Olson emphasized that the realignment is rooted in a long-term commitment to player development and strengthened regional partnerships.
"Player development isn't one-size-fits-all, and our model reflects that through clearly defined pathways for advancement," said Olson. "By aligning the Chicago T-Rex Premier with the NCDC Minnesota Blue Ox in Northwestern Wisconsin and the Chicago Cougars Premier with the NCDC Northwest Express in Rice Lake, we're creating a more connected system that gives players the opportunity to grow at the right pace and in the right environment. These partnerships allow us to extend our development philosophy across key markets while maintaining consistency in how we train, support, and advance our athletes. We're especially proud to be back in the Minnesota Division and Wisconsin, regions that are deeply rooted in the game and provide an ideal setting for long-term player growth."