USPHL, NCDC Alumni Capture 2026 NAHL Robertson Cup Championship With Maryland Black Bears

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) and National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) are proud to recognize several alumni who helped lead the Maryland Black Bears to the 2026 North American Hockey League (NAHL) Robertson Cup Championship.

Maryland captured the Robertson Cup this past weekend, securing the organization’s first-ever NAHL championship and capping off a memorable postseason run with contributions from several former USPHL and NCDC players.

Leading the way in goal was former Mercer Chiefs netminder Dom Gatto, who played in the NCDC from 2023-25. Gatto continued his strong development path in Maryland and played a key role during the Black Bears’ championship season.

On the blue line, defenseman Hayden Klose brought NCDC experience from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights, where he skated during the 2024-25 season. Former P.A.L. Jr. Islanders defenseman Sam Osei also contributed after previously developing in the USPHL Premier during the 2021-22 season.

The Black Bears’ forward group featured several additional USPHL and NCDC alumni, including Lachlan Boomer, who played for the Mercer Chiefs during the 2023-24 NCDC season, and Owen Drury, a former South Shore Kings standout from the 2022-23 campaign. Drury is committed to Stonehill College (NCAA Division I).

Forward Ryan Franks also helped power Maryland’s championship run after spending time with the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders in both the USPHL and NCDC from 2020-25. Franks is committed to Canisius College (NCAA Division I).

Additional contributions came from former Mercer Chiefs forward Filip Kcmarsky, who played in the NCDC during the 2024-25 season, as well as former Jersey Hitmen forward Kristofers Krumins, who skated in the NCDC during the 2022-23 campaign.

The USPHL and NCDC congratulate all former players and the entire Maryland Black Bears organization on winning the 2026 Robertson Cup Championship.