The 2026 NCDC Dineen Cup Playoffs pushed forward on April 6 with the Atlantic Division Final now set, as the P.A.L. Junior Islanders punched their ticket with a Game 5 victory. The schedules for both the Mountain Division Final and the New England Conference Round Robin have also been finalized.
P.A.L. Junior Islanders 2, Mercer Chiefs 1 (OT)
Philippe Aube opened the scoring for Mercer in the first, but Shawn Swavely answered later in the period for P.A.L. The game stayed locked at 1-1 until Algirdas Jaras buried the OT winner to send P.A.L. through. PAL outshot Mercer 52-34. P.A.L. wins series 3-2.
Atlantic Division Finals
Atlantic Division Final (Best-of-5): P.A.L. Junior Islanders vs. Jersey Hitmen
Game 1 – April 9 (2:00 PM) – Northwell Health Ice Center
Game 2 – April 10 (2:00 PM) – Northwell Health Ice Center
Game 3 – April 13 (6:00 PM) – Ice Vault Rink 3
Game 4 – April 14 (6:00 PM) – Ice Vault Rink 3
Game 5 – April 16 (2:00 PM) – Northwell Health Ice Center
New England Conference Round-Robin Set
The field is now finalized for the New England Conference Round Robin (April 9-11), featuring three division champions:
East Division Champion: South Shore KingsÂ
Central Division Champion: Utica Jr. CometsÂ
North Division Champion: Lewiston MAINEiacs
Round-Robin Schedule:
April 9 – South Shore Kings vs. Lewiston MAINEiacs (4:00 PM)
April 10 – Utica Jr. Comets vs. Lewiston MAINEiacs (6:30 PM)
April 11 – South Shore Kings vs. Utica Jr. Comets (6:30 PM)
Mountain Division Final Set
The Mountain Division Final matchup is officially locked in with Grand Junction River Hawks vs. Utah Outliers
Series Schedule (Best-of-5):
Game 1 – April 10 (7:30 PM) – River City Sportplex
Game 2 – April 11 (7:30 PM) – River City Sportplex
Game 3 – April 17 (12:00 PM) – River City Sportplex
What’s Next
New England Round Robin (April 9-11) determines the conference finalist
Atlantic Division Final: Jersey Hitmen vs. P.A.L. Junior Islanders
Mountain Division Final gets underway
The playoff picture is tightening, with division champions crowned and the road to the Dineen Cup becoming clearer by the day.
Keep up to date with all the Dineen Cup action via the Playoff Hub.
