Every year the same question is asked by players and parents as they try and decide what the best path to achieve their hockey objectives. There are many alternatives available. According to a survey of college coaches the most heavily scouted leagues were all at the level of Junior Hockey. Junior Hockey provides many opportunities for a player to improve and showcase their individual and team skills. The opportunities are provided through a schedule of highly competitive league games and participation in showcase and league tournaments including national tournaments. Additionally, Junior Hockey clubs frequently provide additional training and educational opportunities that enhance the player’s educational and current training programs. These programs include preparation for college entrance examinations such as the SAT and ACT tests and off ice strength and conditioning programs. No other programs offer the same variety of opportunities that Junior Hockey does. Both the ECAC and Hockey East recruit almost all their players from the ranks of Junior Hockey.

Junior Hockey is the pinnacle of the skill development program offered by USA Hockey, and the ultimate challenge for players wishing to test themselves and retain their amateur status. Athletes age 20 and under as of December 31 are eligible for Junior Hockey. Junior Hockey is an alternative for exceptional athletes who demand a greater challenge than that provided by prep school teams, high school varsity or club teams, or area midget teams. The purpose of Junior Hockey is to develop and prepare the exceptional athlete for career advancement either in collegiate programs and/or professional opportunities.

Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is comprised of 170 teams.  Our teams are geographically diverse, ranging from North to South to the Midwest.

The USPHL fields teams in a variety of divisions from Junior to the all-youth Eastern Hockey Federation. 

The USPHL is uniquely positioned to facilitate a clear path way for players graduating from Bantam who are looking to progress through Midget and Junior Hockey on to college and professional hockey.  Each division provides a critical step in the progression to fulfilling a player’s ultimate goal of becoming a collegiate or professional hockey player. 

Teams have been selected to participate in specific USPHL divisions based upon geography, strong player pools, rink ownership, financial strength and history of success and integrity at the highest level. 

The ultimate goal of the USPHL is to prepare and develop players for college hockey (and beyond) through a tiered development program.

Unlike any other league in North America, within the USPHL it is possible for a player to advance through an organization starting at mites and ending in junior hockey. 

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), which operates in 17 of the 50 United States, is the Nation’s largest amateur ice hockey league.  The league is comprised of 170 teams.  Players in the USPHL are 8 to 21 years of age.   Overall, the USPHL has had over 2,500 players advance to the collegiate level; and even more have advanced to other levels of the game.