The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) continues its strategic growth, announcing the addition of six new teams for the 2025-26 season across its Premier and Elite divisions. The expansion will strengthen the Canada, Southeast, Atlantic, and New England divisions, reinforcing the league’s commitment to its existing partners.
Three teams will join their respective Premier Divisions: Universel Academy (Canada); NY Dynamo (Canada), and Charleston Colonials (Southeast). Three teams will join the Elite Division: Charleston Colonials (Southeast), Red Bank Generals (Atlantic), and Junior Bruins (New England).
“These teams showcase the ongoing growth and influence of the USPHL as it strengthens its presence across North America,” said USPHL Deputy Commissioner Tony Zasowski. “The USPHL is excited to continue to attract great owners and teams as a key step in the pathway to college hockey.”
Premier: Universel Academy (Canada Division)
Marco Pietroniro is the Academy Director of the Universel Academy Premier team, adding to the growing junior hockey presence in the Quebec province. The team will play and train in Quebec City. This addition builds on the existing Universel program, which already supports athletes in the province, further strengthening the Universel franchise’s commitment to developing young talent at the junior level.
“It’s exciting to be able to create a larger path and extend the division within the province,” said Academy Director Marco Pietroniro. “The USPHL is expanding rapidly in Canada, and we believe the future is very strong for the league in Quebec and beyond.”
Premier: NY Dynamo (Canada Division)
Operating out of the Ameri-Can North Sports Center in Plattsburgh, New York, the NY Dynamo Premier team will complement its NCDC counterpart in Clifton Park, New York. As a Tier 1 Hockey Federation member club. The NY Dynamo continues to expand its program, providing additional opportunities for players to develop and advance within the organization’s structured pathway.
“The NY Dynamo Organization’s development model is focused on progressing youth hockey players on a path leading through high-level youth hockey to junior hockey, to college hockey and beyond,” said Josh Laber, NY Dynamo owner. “The USPHL is a tremendous opportunity for players to use to help develop their skills and eventually play college hockey.”
Premier/Elite: Charleston Colonials (Southeast Division)
Returning to the USPHL for the first time since 2021, the Charleston Colonials will field both Premier and Elite teams and play out of the Ice Palace in North Charleston, South Carolina.
“The Colonials’ return is a testament to the region’s passion for hockey,” said General Manager Michael Jannace. “We believe that our program will set the bar for all junior programs.”
Elite: Red Bank Generals (Atlantic Division)
Following a successful inaugural season at the Premier level, the Red Bank Generals are expanding into the Elite division for 2025-26. Both teams will play at the Red Bank Armory Ice Complex in Red Bank, New Jersey. As members of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation and the Atlantic Hockey Federation, along with their established Premier team, Red Bank continues to provide a comprehensive development pathway for its players.
“This is an important part of the growth in our organization,” said Jack Callahan, Red Bank Premier Head Coach. “Adding an Elite team provides a complete pathway for our players from mites through juniors to achieve their goal of playing NCAA hockey.”
Elite: Junior Bruins (New England Division)
The Junior Bruins, based at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, will add an Elite team alongside their newly announced NCDC team.
“The Junior Bruins have been a national leader in college commitments for over 20 years, and we are uniquely qualified to guide our players to the highest levels of hockey,” said General Manager Mike Anderson. “We are excited to return to the Elite Division where we have previously operated successfully for many years.”
