CT Chiefs North Acquire Former Eastern Charlotte NCDC Franchise

USPHL • NCDC Features • CT Chiefs North Acquire Former Eastern Charlotte NCDC Franchise

CTChiefsNorth-release

Chiefs North NCDC Team Will Operate In Biddeford, Maine, in 2025-26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Aug. 7, 2025

Nashua, N.H. – The United States Premier Hockey League (“USPHL”) is pleased to announce that the CT Chiefs organization has acquired the National Collegiate Development Conference (“NCDC”) franchise formerly known as the Eastern Charlotte Kingfishers.

The team will play as the CT Chiefs North for the 2025-26 season at Biddeford Ice Arena in Biddeford, Maine. The Chiefs team will be part of the North Division of the New England Conference. 

“We are thrilled to be joining the NCDC and proud to bring Junior Hockey back to the CT Chiefs organization. The Chiefs NCDC team gives each of our players a great route directly into college hockey,” said Chiefs Owner Brandon Johnson. “We are excited to expand our presence to the vibrant community of Biddeford, Maine. Our goal is to bring fast-paced, high-level competition and become a cornerstone of family-friendly entertainment in the region.”

Veteran bench boss Greg Heffernan is reuniting with the organization as the CT Chiefs North General Manager and Head Coach. Coach Heffernan has earned a strong reputation for developing talent and advancing players to the collegiate level-averaging more than 10 per season.

“His extensive network and dedication to player growth make him a tremendous asset to our program,” added Johnson. 

“This is an exciting time for the NCDC and the New England Conference’s new Northern Division,” said Kevin Abrams, the NCDC’s Director of Operations. “The new location in Biddeford, Maine, fits the footprint well, with minimal schedule impact. Adding a solid and experienced ownership group and hockey operations team makes this transition relatively seamless.” 

The CT Chiefs are currently preparing for their NCDC Main Camp, which will run Aug. 15-17 at Newington (Conn.) Arena. Learn more at https://ctchiefshockey.com/ncdc-main-camp/. Interested players should contact greg@ctchiefs.com.

 

About The United States Premier Hockey League

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.