Jan. 17, 2025 – The Tier I Hockey Federation is excited to announce the creation of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) 18U Division for the 2025-26 season. This division will serve independent Tier I / AAA / Academy teams in North America and, as with the rest of the USPHL, will not be a part of USA Hockey. Nine organizations have committed to assembling 11 teams for the USPHL 18U inaugural season, with more coming in a later announcement. The USHPL 18U division will be administrated by the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (“THF”). The THF serves as a direct pathway for junior and college hockey with over 50 organizations and almost 300 teams from 9U-18U. The new USPHL 18U division will play 40 games in a competitive mix of intra-division games along with attending USPHL Showcases playing in a junior hockey atmosphere.
Founding members of the USPHL 18U Division include the Thunder Hockey Club, Rocky Mountain Moose, Somang L-L Hockey (two teams), Hawkesbury Knights, Le Sommet Faucons, NPU Rebels
(two teams), Universel Gatineau, Universel Sherbrooke, and the Kingston Wranglers.
“This league creates a direct pipeline from youth hockey to junior & college hockey, helping players develop the skills needed to thrive at the next level and catch the attention of scouts,” said USPHL Senior Advisor Kevin Abrams. “We look forward to expanding this division, and other youth divisions, across North America as well as helping develop players for our USPHL junior teams.”
“USA Hockey serves as the ultimate barrier to youth hockey development. The THF is looking for ways to serve independent teams in the US and Canada that are looking to provide top level AAA hockey but are being blocked by USA Hockey Affiliates,” said USPHL Deputy Commissioner and THF Commissioner Tony Zasowski. “This division is a great opportunity to provide competitive hockey with premier advancement opportunities with ties to the USPHL and THF.”
For more information about the USPHL 18U division e-mail info@tier1hockeyfederation.com
About The United States Premier Hockey League
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is comprised of over 150 teams, fielding more than 20,000 players aged 8-21 in more than 100 organizations across the North, South, Midwest, West, and Canada. Our Junior Divisions consist of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), a tuition-free junior hockey division and our Premier and Elite Divisions, all geared toward college and pro placement. Our youth and midget divisions (operated through the Tier 1 Hockey Federation) field full season 8U through 18U teams. The USPHL has sent over 8,000 players to all levels of college hockey all-time including over 4,200 into NCAA college hockey, with more than 550 advancing to NCAA Division I hockey. The USPHL has also had 18 players who played in the NCDC drafted by NHL teams. For more information visit usphl.com.
About The Tier 1 Hockey Federation
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Tier-I Youth Hockey League that offers a highly competitive environment for Tier 1 and elite clubs nationwide, with an unbalanced schedule that ensures top-level play. A team of dedicated professionals manages the THF with over 200 AAA teams, ranging from 9U-18U age levels. The THF is the only organization whose members operate franchises in the top junior hockey leagues in the US for NCAA Division I commitments, including the USHL, NAHL, NCDC, and the top two junior hockey leagues for NCAA Division III commitments, the USPHL Premier Division and Elite Division. This unique structure ensures that THF players can access various opportunities to further their hockey careers at the college level and beyond.