USPHL Advancement In Action: Elmira Defenseman Carroll Signs With NCDC’s Utah Outliers

Jett Carroll

The USPHL’s unique three-tier development model continues to pave the way for players with the potential to become college hockey standouts, offering a structured path from the USPHL Premier or Elite to the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC). Each season, numerous players make the leap from the Premier to the NCDC, and Elmira Impact defenseman Jett Carroll is thrilled to be among those advancing. The 2005-born defenseman from Surrey, BC, Canada, has signed with the Utah Outliers for the upcoming NCDC season.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity to move up to the NCDC with the Utah Outliers,” said Carroll. “Playing in the Premier was an important step in my development. It gave me the ice time and experience I needed to prepare for this next challenge. I know the NCDC is a faster, more competitive league, and I’m looking forward to competing at that level and continuing to grow as a player with Utah. I’ve heard great things about the organization, and I can’t wait to get started.”

Carroll’s time with the Elmira Impact in the USPHL Premier was instrumental in shaping his game. He credits the team’s culture and coaching staff for his growth as a player.

“The best part about playing in Elmira was definitely the culture and the group of guys in the room, including the coaching staff,” Carroll noted. “We had a close team, and being in that environment every day made it fun to come to the rink and push each other to be better. The coaches gave me the opportunity to get lots of ice time and play in different situations, which was a great learning experience. This really elevated my confidence and helped me further develop my game.”

The Utah Outliers, known for their strong track record of player development and advancement, are an ideal fit for Carroll’s ambitions.

“I think Utah’s a really solid program with a proven track record,” he said. “They’ve got a great reputation for moving guys on and developing players. In talking to the coaches and staff in Utah, it sounds like a very disciplined program with a ‘Team First’ mentality, which has always appealed to me. My goal is to play hockey at the NCAA level, and I think being a part of the Outliers gives me a great chance to take that next step.”

As he prepares for the NCDC, Carroll is focused on elevating his skills to meet the demands of the higher level of competition.

“I want to continue developing as an all-around defenseman who can be relied on in all situations,” he explained. “That means being strong defensively, making smart plays with the puck, and contributing whenever the team needs me—whether it’s in key defensive situations or helping drive the play offensively. Playing at the NCDC level will be a great opportunity for me to push my game to the next level.”

Carroll’s move to the NCDC with the Utah Outliers marks an exciting new chapter in his hockey journey, as he continues to work toward his ultimate goal of playing NCAA hockey. With his dedication and the support of a proven program like the Outliers, Carroll is well-positioned to make his mark in the NCDC this season.