USPHL, NCDC Alumni Compete For 2026 ECHL Kelly Cup Championship

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) and National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) are proud to recognize four alumni competing in the 2026 East Coast Hockey League (ECHL) Kelly Cup Finals between the Kansas City Mavericks and the Florida Everblades.

The championship series features former USPHL and NCDC players who have advanced through the junior hockey pathway to reach one of the top professional leagues in North America.

Forward Bobo Carpenter played for the Islanders Hockey Club in the USPHL Premier during the 2013-14 season before advancing to Boston University. During his collegiate career, Carpenter served as both an alternate captain and team captain, wearing the “C” for the Terriers during the 2018-19 season. Following graduation, Carpenter began his professional career in the American Hockey League, skating for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Milwaukee Admirals. He later spent a season with the Florida Everblades, followed by a year overseas with the Belfast Giants of the Elite Ice Hockey League, before returning to the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks for the 2025-26 season.

Forward Casey Carreau spent time with the South Shore Kings organization during the 2012-13 season before continuing his development in the NCDC with the Boston Jr. Bruins in 2018-19. Carreau went on to play NCAA Division I hockey at both Boston College and Niagara University before beginning his professional career. Following graduation, he joined the Kansas City Mavericks and has spent the past three seasons with the organization, helping lead the club to the 2026 Kelly Cup Finals.

Forward Will Gavin spent time in the USPHL early in his development before playing three seasons in the NCDC. He skated with the South Shore Kings during the 2017-18 season and later starred for the Northern Cyclones from 2018-20, where he emerged as one of the league’s top offensive players. Gavin went on to play NCAA Division I hockey at Air Force Academy before advancing to the professional ranks, and now has the opportunity to compete for a Kelly Cup championship with the Kansas City Mavericks.

Florida defenseman Connor Doherty is another product of the Boston Jr. Bruins organization, where he spent five seasons developing before skating in the USPHL Premier during the 2013-14 campaign. Following his time in the league, Doherty advanced directly to NCAA Division I hockey at Sacred Heart University, where he played four seasons for the Pioneers. Since turning professional, Doherty has built a lengthy ECHL career with Worcester, Kansas City, Maine, and Florida, helping the Everblades reach the 2026 Kelly Cup Finals.

The presence of multiple USPHL and NCDC alumni in the Kelly Cup Finals further demonstrates the strength of the league’s development pathway. From junior hockey to NCAA programs and professional leagues throughout North America and Europe, USPHL and NCDC alumni continue to make an impact at every level of the game.

The USPHL and NCDC congratulate Bobo Carpenter, Casey Carreau, Will Gavin, and Connor Doherty on reaching the 2026 Kelly Cup Finals and wish them the best as they compete for an ECHL championship.

Full Kelly Cup Coverage: https://echl.com/2026-kelly-cup-bracket