2026-27 USPHL Premier Season Preview: North Conference
The 2026-27 USPHL Premier Season Preview Series continues with a look at the North Conference.
Five programs make up this year’s North, with a mix of returning organizations, a new program in Kinni and several teams offering direct development pathways toward the NCDC and college hockey. Player development, advancement and building strong team cultures will be central themes throughout the conference.
Here is a team-by-team look at the North Conference entering 2026-27.
Dells Ducks
Head Coach: Austin Phillips
Team Owner: Shaun Falzone
The Dells Ducks enter 2026-27 with an almost completely rebuilt roster and a group the organization believes is ready to compete.
“We have a team who is ready to play and ready to compete,” Falzone said.
With no returning players, leadership will need to emerge from an incoming group that features a combination of younger athletes and players with previous experience.
“We are half young athletes and half experienced players,” Falzone said. “Experienced ones will have to be leaders and help the young players grow within the game.”
The offseason provided Dells with an opportunity to rebuild the program from the ground up, beginning with finding the right coaches and players who share the organization’s work ethic.
The Ducks expect that new group to bring energy throughout the season.
“Young and hungry,” Falzone said. “They are ready to compete and just play.”
Playing together will be the biggest key in the North Conference.
“Being a team who can play together and work as one,” Falzone said.
Development and advancement are also central to the organization’s mission. Dells has a direct affiliation with the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings’ NCDC program, providing players with a visible pathway toward Tier II opportunities.
“The Dells Ducks’ primary goal is not simply to give players a place to play junior hockey,” Falzone said. “Our goal is to develop each player and help him advance to the highest level his ability, work ethic, academics and commitment will allow.”
For the Ducks, success will extend beyond the standings.
“A successful season means that the players who arrive in Wisconsin Dells are noticeably better hockey players and better prepared young men when they leave our program,” Falzone said.
Hudson Havoc
Head Coach: Nick Decheine
2025-26 Record: 4-36-2-1, 11 points
The Hudson Havoc enter the 2026-27 Premier season looking to take a significant step forward after finishing last season with four victories.
Under Head Coach Nick Decheine, Hudson will look to establish a new foundation in a reshaped North Conference while continuing to provide players with opportunities to develop within an organization that now also operates at the NCDC level. Decheine is listed as the Havoc’s Premier coach for the upcoming season.
The addition of an NCDC team gives Premier players another target within the organization as they work toward advancement. For Hudson, the focus will be on developing the Premier roster throughout the season, competing consistently and creating opportunities for players to move forward in their junior hockey careers.
Kinni Spirit
Head Coach: Peter Di Salvo
2025-26 Record: First Premier Season
The Kinni Spirit begin their inaugural USPHL Premier season in 2026-27 with player development at the forefront.
“Development and skill set,” Di Salvo said of the program’s primary strengths entering its first season.
With no returning roster, the Spirit will begin building their identity from scratch. Blade Darling is one newcomer Di Salvo believes can make an immediate impact.
Kinni’s offseason recruiting focused on more than simply assembling a lineup.
“Recruiting to create a healthy team environment for our inaugural season,” Di Salvo said.
On the ice, the Spirit expect to establish a straightforward identity.
“Smart, physical, determined,” Di Salvo said.
Playing simple, physical hockey will be important as Kinni adjusts to the Premier level and begins competing against established programs throughout the North.
The organization also sees its affiliate relationship as an important component of player development.
“Our direct line with our affiliate,” Di Salvo said. “Working together to create a direct line of systems.”
For Kinni, the first season will also be about establishing something away from the ice.
“Creating a fanbase and environment where our players, owners, coaches and fans enjoy each game,” Di Salvo said.
Minnesota Mullets
Head Coach/Owner: Chris Walby
2025-26 Record: 11-31-1-0, 23 points
The Minnesota Mullets enter 2026-27 with veteran leadership, strong goaltending and an organization preparing for its 12th season.
“We have solid goaltending, a great group of guys and a veteran presence returning,” Walby said. “I’m very excited about the new players that are joining us and continuing to build on the tradition and culture we’ve built here over the past 11 seasons.”
Will Bitenc is one returner Walby expects to take a major step both on and off the ice.
“I feel Will Bitenc is about to have a great season on and off the ice,” Walby said. “A breakout season in terms of point production, but also a key player as one of the leaders on this year’s team.”
Rookie goaltender McCoy Guenther is another player the Mullets believe could contribute early.
Walby also added to the organization’s development staff during the offseason with Assistant Coach Jack Seamans and Skills Coach Carter Schram.
Seamans previously played for the Mullets, served as a captain and went on to an NCAA career at SUNY Canton. Schram currently plays at Augsburg University and will work with the team in a skills-development role.
Despite changes to the roster, the Mullets’ identity remains consistent.
“Our identity doesn’t change much from year to year,” Walby said. “Some non-negotiables are always to work hard, block shots and finish checks. We want to be extremely disciplined and difficult to play against each night.”
Minnesota will place an emphasis on approaching the season one night at a time.
“We need to focus on one game at a time and enjoy the journey,” Walby said. “This is junior hockey. The best time in a player’s life.”
Development and college advancement have been at the center of the program throughout its history.
“We’ve been operating for 11 years in this league with a strong focus on developing our players into college athletes,” Walby said. “We’ve had a lot of success, moving 80-plus kids into great schools. We have faith in our process.”
For Walby, the ultimate goal goes beyond a particular number in the standings.
“Our goal is always the same,” Walby said. “Make this the most memorable and fun year of hockey you’ve ever had.”
Northwest Express
Head Coach: Joe Dibble
2025-26 Record: 30-10-3-0, 63 points
The Northwest Express return to the Premier level after a 30-win season in 2025-26 and enter the new year looking to remain among the North Conference’s top programs.
Joe Dibble leads the Premier team, while the organization also now operates an NCDC program, creating another potential advancement opportunity for Express players within the same organization.
After finishing with 63 points last season, Northwest will look to build on that foundation while continuing to emphasize development and exposure for its players.
With both Premier and NCDC teams now operating within the organization, the Express have an additional pathway for players to work toward higher-level opportunities while competing in a North Conference featuring several programs with similar advancement goals.