Season Preview: Midwest Division
The USPHL Premier Midwest Division promises another competitive season in 2025-26, featuring a mix of experienced programs and exciting developmental squads. Fans can expect hard-nosed hockey, skillful playmakers, and teams ready to stake their claim atop the standings.
Chicago Cougars
The Cougars are looking to build off last season with a mix of returning talent and promising newcomers. The Cougars finished the 2024-25 season with a 23-21 record. The team is led by Head Coach Steve Maltais. Known for their disciplined structure and balanced approach, Chicago will rely on veterans to lead the way while integrating young players eager to make an impact. Expect a team that competes hard in all three zones and emphasizes team-first hockey.
Chicago Crush
The Chicago Crush USPHL Premier team had a strong 2024-25 season in the Midwest Division, finishing second in the standings with a regular season record of 29-11-4. The squad led by Phil Bushbacher is looking to take another step forward for the organization in player development and competitive growth.
Chicago T-Rex
The Chicago T-Rex bring speed and skill to the Midwest Division. Head Coach Danny Randall looks to a roster that blends experience and youth, they aim to be fast, aggressive, and difficult to play against. Fans should expect an exciting, high-tempo style of play.
Fort Wayne Spacemen
Fort Wayne enters the season looking to build on a foundation of grit and perseverance. Head Coach of the Premier squad, Kaleigh Schrock is ready for the upcoming season after a monumental season last year. Fort Wayne had the best record in the Midwest Division last season going 39-12. The Spacemen are committed to playing a physical, hard-working brand of hockey that stresses accountability in all areas of the ice. Leadership from returning players will be crucial as the team integrates new faces and aims to compete against some of the Midwest Division’s top squads.
Metro Jets Development Program (MJDP)
The MJDP serves as a pipeline of young, skilled talent ready to make the jump to higher levels of junior hockey. The MJDP finished last season with a record of 24-25. This developmental team emphasizes skill growth, conditioning, and high-tempo play, giving players a chance to refine their game while competing in a challenging environment. While the focus is on development, the Jets are always prepared to challenge every opponent and show the depth of talent in their program.
The 2025-26 Midwest Division is shaping up to be a competitive, entertaining slate of games. With a mix of veteran leadership, emerging talent, and high-tempo hockey, fans in the Midwest can look forward to a season of exciting matchups and intense playoff battles.
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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.
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