USPHL Advancement In Action: Toledo Forward Elkins Signs With NCDC’s Connecticut Jr. Rangers
By Joshua Boyd / USPHL.com
The USPHL’s unparalleled three-tier development model serves the purpose of bringing in players who have the raw skills and toolset to become college hockey players, but may need seasoning in the USPHL Premier or USPHL Elite before they advance to the top-tier National Collegiate Development Conference.
Every year, hundreds of players advance either from a prior USPHL Premier season or in-season to the NCDC. Toledo Cherokee forward Gavin Elkins is excited to be among the first group of players signed and registered and ready to play NCDC hockey after a prior season in the NCDC. He’ll suit up this year with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers.
“I’m excited to get the chance to play in the NCDC this season. It’s something I’ve been working toward for a while,” said Elkins, a 2005-born forward from Columbus, Ohio. “Playing Premier definitely helped shape my game. It challenged me to compete at a high level and push myself every day. I’ve also spent a lot of time working with Coach Kaleigh Schrock in Fort Wayne. He’s been a big part of my development, from summer skates to giving honest feedback and having real conversations about my goals.”
Elkins scored 18 goals and added 26 assists for 44 points in 41 games for the Cherokee, placing sixth on the team in points. He had previously played in two games with the Cherokee in 2023-24 to begin his junior career coming out of the strong Indiana Elite AAA program.
“I had a really positive experience playing in Toledo and got the chance to play with a solid group of guys and play against strong competition,” said Elkins. “I learned how to step up in big moments and focus on what it really takes to move to the next level. It was a good spot for me to work on my game and gain confidence. I appreciate the coaches and everything I was able to take away from last season.”
Elkins joins a Rangers team that will be coached for the first time by Mike Stanaway, the head coach of the Premier’s Jr. Rangers team from 2023-25. Stanaway coached the Premier Rangers to the 2023-24 National Championship in his first year in Stamford.
“I’m really excited to be joining the Connecticut Jr. Rangers. They have helped a ton of guys grow and get to the next level and I’m excited to be part of the program,” said Elkins. “The coaches are serious about development, and the pace of the NCDC is exactly what I’m looking for to get closer to playing NCAA hockey.”
Like with any athlete, he wants his next season to be better than the last and all those preceding the 2024-25 campaign.
“I want to keep improving all around, especially my speed and ability to make plays under pressure,” said Elkins. “I want to be a guy the team can count on in any situation. The NCDC is fast and physical and I’m excited for that challenge. I’ve been putting in the work this off-season and ready to show what I can do.”