USPHL Announces Player-Centric “Player Choice” Model for the NCDC
In alignment with the continued evolution of junior and NCAA hockey toward greater player choice, transparency, and development flexibility, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) has approved a new player-centric procurement model for the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC).
As an independent league, the USPHL operates with the flexibility to adapt to the changing landscape of player development. This structure allows the league to prioritize opportunity, advancement, and player choice, building a model that reflects how players develop today.
The policy, approved by the USPHL Executive Committee at the recommendation of the NCDC Competition Committee, represents a significant step forward in aligning the league’s structure with its core mission: to provide a development pathway that prioritizes the individual needs and progression of each player.
A Fully Integrated Development Model
The USPHL remains uniquely positioned offering a fully integrated development pathway, from youth and midget hockey through Junior 18U, Premier, and NCDC.
With the implementation of enhanced affiliate player rules, NCDC teams now have increased access to players within their organizations and designated affiliates, creating a more seamless development environment.
In many USPHL markets, Premier and NCDC teams operate within the same facility and organizational structure, allowing for real-time development, call-ups, and daily interaction, without the need for external mechanisms to simulate integration or mandated draft picks for each club. This structure allows players to develop at their own pace, maintain choice and flexibility in their development path, and move between levels within the same organization as their game progresses. During the 2025-26 season, 133 players competed at both the Premier and NCDC levels, demonstrating the strength and effectiveness of the league’s internal development model.
Changes to Player Procurement
Elimination of the Entry Draft
As the junior hockey landscape continues to evolve, the NCDC is adapting to better reflect the realities of modern player development. The NCDC will eliminate its entry draft, shifting to a model that prioritizes direct relationships between players and organizations.
This approach recognizes that each team offers a unique development environment, players and families are better served by choosing the right fit, and development is not one-size-fits-all.
Additionally, as the league continues to evolve, including the growth of partial scholarship models, the USPHL believes:If a player is investing in their development, they should retain the ability to choose the program that best fits their goals.
Enhanced Player Freedom
Any tuition-paying player in the USPHL or NCDC becomes a free agent seven (7) days after the conclusion of their season. Organizations may retain players through Junior Player Agreements (JPA) within their own system
“The NCDC continues to evolve to reflect the needs of today’s players,” Tony Zasowski, USPHL Commissioner said. “Our goal is to create an environment that mirrors the NCAA model, one that prioritizes development, choice, and long-term success. This new model reinforces a simple belief: players should have the ability to choose the path that is right for them. Whether that means progressing within their organization or exploring new opportunities, the system should support, not restrict, that decision. The strength of the USPHL lies in its depth and flexibility, and this structure allows players to move through that system at the pace that best fits their development.”
A Player-First Approach
The adoption of this model reflects the USPHL’s ongoing commitment to a system built around opportunity, not restriction
As the junior hockey landscape continues to shift, the USPHL remains focused on one guiding principle:Providing every player with the opportunity to choose the path that best supports their development and future.