NCDC Announces Five New Teams for 2025-26 Season
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 13, 2025
NCDC Announces Five New Teams for 2025-26 Season
Expansion Brings Tuition-Free Junior Hockey to Canada and Northern New England
Nashua, N.H. – The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) and its tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) proudly announce the addition of five new teams for the 2025-26 season. This expansion brings NCDC hockey into new Canadian markets and further strengthens its footprint in northern New England.
“The NCDC is focused on being a primary step for players on the pathway to college hockey,” said Tony Zasowski, USPHL Deputy Commissioner. “We’ve identified key areas for growth and are excited to bring high-level development opportunities to these new markets.”
“The interest in tuition-free Junior A hockey is growing across both Canada and the United States,” said Kevin Abrams, of the NCDC. “The future provides exciting opportunities for communities and fans, as well as players and their families.”
Eastern Charlotte, New Brunswick
Owned by Ted Colley, the Eastern Charlotte team will launch with a community-driven naming contest. The team will play at the historic Eastern Charlotte Recreation Complex, also known as “The Hive.”
“We are ecstatic about joining the NCDC,” said Colley. “Being part of an organization as proactive as the NCDC is something that has been missing from the Canadian hockey landscape.”
St. Stephen, New Brunswick
Also owned by Colley, the St. Stephen franchise marks a return of high-level junior hockey to the region after a seven-year absence.
“High-caliber junior hockey is back in St. Stephen,” said Colley. “The community deserves it and has been incredibly supportive throughout the process.”
Woodstock Slammers – Woodstock, NB
The legendary Woodstock Slammers return under the ownership of Chris and Rhea Reaves, who also own the NCDC’s Casper Warbirds. The team will compete out of the AYR Motor Centre and will be led by Jason Tatarnic, a veteran coach with 945 career games and a .664 winning percentage.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to be joining the NCDC,” said Rhea Reaves, Alternate Governor. “Woodstock is a loyal and passionate hockey town, and we’re excited to bring high-caliber, tuition-free junior hockey back to the community. I’m also thankful to Andrew McCain and all those who served on the Slammers board from 2003-2018. I also thank Derek Croney, who designed the original logo.”
Presque Isle Frontiers – Presque Isle, ME
Located in northeastern Maine, the Presque Isle Frontiers will be the first NCDC team based in northern Maine. Also owned by the Reaves family, the Frontiers will play at The Forum.
“Presque Isle has a deep love for hockey and a passionate fan base,” said Chris Reaves. “It’s the perfect location to build a program rooted in tradition, development, and community pride.”
Universel Quebec – Quebec City, QC
Universel Hockey expands into the NCDC with its second team, Universel Quebec, following the success of College Universel Gatineau and Sherbrooke in the USPHL Premier.
“We are excited to continue our growth and offer multiple levels of competition and development,” said Marco Pietroniro, Director of Hockey for Universel. “Quebec City has a strong hockey culture and we’re proud to bring the NCDC to such a historic market.”
The team will play out of Seminaire Saint-Francois, also home to the Blizzard Quebec AAA program
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. The league’s Junior Divisions include the tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), and the Premier and Elite Divisions. The USPHL has sent more than 10,000 players to college hockey, including over 4,600 to the NCAA, and 18 NCDC alumni have been selected in the NHL Draft.
Media Contact:
Joshua Boyd
USPHL Communications Director
Email: media@usphl.com
Website: www.usphl.com/ncdc