Season Preview: Atlantic Division
The Atlantic Division remains one of its strongest, featuring a mix of long-standing contenders and newcomers. The 2025–26 USPHL Elite Atlantic Division promises high stakes, elite talent, and compelling storylines. Whether you’re tracking a standout forward, a future college prospect, or just want to watch a tightly contested division, this season is packed with promise.
The division comprises:
- Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Stamford, CT – Chelsea Piers)
The Jr. Rangers enter the new season aiming to establish themselves as a consistent contender in the Northeast. Known for skill development and depth across their lineup, they’ll look to turn that into results in a competitive divisional race.
- Elmira Impact (Elmira, NY – First Arena)
Elmira continues to grow its program at historic First Arena, blending local talent with strong recruits. With speed and energy as trademarks, the Impact look to climb the standings and make a bigger push in the postseason.
- Hersey Cubs (Hersey, PA – Herseypark Arena)
The Cubs return to one of the league’s most unique venues with renewed focus on structure and discipline. They aim to build on their foundation by tightening defensive play and developing young scorers ready to step up.
- Jersey Hitmen (Wayne, NJ – Ice Vault Arena)
A perennial powerhouse, the Hitmen once again bring a balanced mix of veteran leadership and new talent. Their reputation for tough, playoff-ready hockey continues to make them a measuring stick for the rest of the division.
- P.A.L Jr. Islanders (Hauppauge, NY – The Rinx at Hidden Pond Park)
The Jr. Islanders are primed to showcase a fast, skilled brand of hockey. With a proven track record of advancing players to higher levels, their focus remains on development while chasing another strong campaign.
- Red Bank Generals (Red Bank, NJ – Red Bank Armory Ice Complex)
The Generals enter the season looking to solidify their identity and bring a grittier, hard-to-play-against style. Depth throughout the roster will be key as they aim to take steps forward in divisional competition.
- Rockets Hockey Club (Bridgewater Township, NJ – Bridgewater Sports Arena)
The Rockets continue to emphasize high-tempo hockey built on skill and puck possession. With strong player development pathways, they look to stay competitive in the division while spotlighting rising talent.
- Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights (Pittston, PA – Revolution Ice Centre)
The Knights are prepared to compete with a balanced approach that blends physical play with scoring touch. Their strong culture and consistent coaching staff put them in position to be a difficult opponent night in and night out. The Knights continued their dominance, having clinched the Atlantic Division and secured their fourth straight trip to the USPHL Elite Championships in the 2024-25 season.
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.