Season Preview: Alberta Division
In 2025–26, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) unveiled its newest regional venture: the Alberta Division, featuring six teams that will compete primarily amongst themselves.
The division comprises:
Bassano Beavers (Bassano, Alberta – Bassano Arena)
General Manager Riley Tucker says the focus began with building the right foundation in preparation for the 2025-26 season.
“Our focus started with the hiring of key staff, including Morten Kjolby as Head Coach,” said Tucker. “From there, we’ve been adding players who fit the style of program we want to build — centered around development and exposure. I think we’re on the right track to ice a competitive team when the puck drops in Alberta for the first time in USPHL Premier history this October.”
Tucker sees the league’s arrival in Alberta as a milestone for the game in the province. “The USPHL model will benefit from the tremendous talent pool here, and I expect explosive growth in the coming years,” he added. “Many kids leave Alberta to join USPHL teams in the U.S., so this is an excellent opportunity for them to stay closer to home and still get that same quality of hockey.”
With signings set to be announced in the coming weeks, the Beavers are committed to advancing players through the USPHL ladder and beyond.
“We want to build a program that gets players to the next level — whether it’s an NCDC call-up, college, or professional opportunities,” Tucker said.
Calgary Bandits (Calgary, Alberta)
The Bandits are owned by Jason Stajkowski, who will also serve as President and General Manager of the Bandits. For the 2025-26 season, they will play in neutral sites around the city of Calgary, with an official home rink to be announced. For the new season, they are joining fellow first-year USPHL teams the Bassano Beavers, Diamond Valley Rockies, Hanna Havoc, Southern Alberta Mustangs and Three Hills Titans as members of the new Alberta Division, the USPHL’s first group of teams in western Canada.
“We’re happy to be joining a strong, established league dedicated to developing young players and moving them on to college,” said Stajkowski. “This will allow more players from Calgary the opportunity to play and develop at home locally. We’ve created a strong ladder development within our organization and this team allows the players in our program the opportunity to play and develop with us from U7 all the way to Junior.”
“We are excited to welcome the Calgary Bandits to the USPHL Premier Alberta Division,” said Mark Kumpel, Director of Operations for the USPHL Premier and Elite. “Their addition brings our division to an even six teams, allowing for a balanced and highly competitive schedule that benefits our players, attracts scouts, and keeps fans engaged.”
Diamond Valley Rockies (Diamond Valley, Alberta – Oilfields Regional Arena)
The Diamond Valley Rockies are entering their inaugural 2025–26 season with excitement and determination. Built around a strong core of local Alberta players complemented by talent from across North America, the Rockies are focused on creating a hardworking, competitive environment where athletes can grow on and off the ice. Character, commitment, and a willingness to put in the work have been the cornerstones of this year’s roster.
Joining the USPHL Premier League and competing in the Alberta Division is a tremendous opportunity for both the organization and the community. The division promises to be highly competitive, with each team eager to establish itself in a league that continues to expand its reach in Western Canada. For the Rockies, this means meaningful games against quality opponents and exposure for players to scouts and coaches at the next level.
Looking ahead, the organization’s priority is player development and advancement. The Rockies are committed to providing a platform for athletes to progress to higher levels of junior, collegiate, and professional hockey. With early interest already being shown in members of the roster, the club is optimistic about its ability to help players achieve their goals while building a strong foundation for future seasons.
Hanna Havoc (Hanna, Alberta – Hanna Agri-Sports Complex)
The Hanna Havoc are ready to bring a small-town, blue collar energy to the USPHL from Hanna, Alberta, located approximately 210 kilometers (130 miles) northeast of Calgary. The Havoc will play in the Hanna Agri-Sports Complex, which has a seating capacity for hockey of 1,000.
Owners Travis St. Laurent and B.J. Scheelar are excited to be a part of the USPHL and offer their players new advancement opportunities.
“‘Havoc’ suggests intensity, chaos and force, exactly the kind of energy small town hockey thrives on,” said St. Laurent. “Competing in this prestigious league provides our players a valuable opportunity to grow, develop and showcase their talents on a broader stage. We’re thrilled to bring our passion, grit and competitive spirit to the USPHL and represent the people of Hanna and the surrounding community with pride.”
Southern Alberta Mustangs (Stavely, Alberta – Stavely Arena)
The Mustangs join the Premier from Stavely, Alberta, approximately 100 kilometers (75 miles) to the south of Calgary. A new team, they are excited to bring fans to Stavely Arena, which has a 700-seat capacity.
Lisa May is the Owner and Co-General Manager of the Mustangs. She purchased the name and branding from a prior Mustangs team that played in the Can-Am Junior Hockey League. Mike Gilroy will be Head Coach and Co-General Manager for the Southern Alberta Mustangs.
“This is a huge step forward for our organization and for Southern Alberta hockey,” said May. “Our players, families, and communities now have direct access to one of the top development platforms in North America.”
Three Hills Titans (Three Hills, Alberta – Centennial Place Arena)
The Three Hills Titans are excited to make their debut in the town that is located approximately 125 kilometers (78 miles) northeast of Calgary. They will be playing at Centennial Place Arena beginning this fall.
Mike Gilroy joins Terry Hoffart and Tim Keating as co-owners of the Titans, and they are eager to build a contender from the ground up.
“Success starts with a foundation of great people that are good hockey players. That’s how champions are built,” added Gilroy.
This expansion marks the USPHL’s introduction into Western Canada, complementing its existing presence in Quebec, Ontario, and New Brunswick.
The launch of the USPHL Premier Alberta Division is a pivotal milestone for both the league and junior hockey in Western Canada. With six vibrant communities now connected through this new regional circuit, strong competition and meaningful exposure lie ahead.
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.