The United States Premier Hockey League will span the entire continental United States in 2020-21. The USPHL is welcoming the Fresno Monsters, San Diego Sabers, Anaheim Avalanche (Now Long Beach Shredders), Utah Outliers, Southern Oregon Spartans, Las Vegas Thunderbirds, Pueblo Bulls and Northern Colorado Eagles.
Here is some game video. It's very early in the process of developing high-level junior hockey in Southern California but I have high hopes for success in the future.
The new teams give the USPHL Premier Division a presence in 24 of the lower 48 states for 2020-21, the largest footprint for any junior league in the United States. The new teams will form two new distinct conferences of the USPHL Premier and are designed to provide more time on the ice and in the classroom while keeping travel costs manageable within their region.
To benefit from the unparalleled USPHL Showcase Series and the college exposure it provides, these teams will make at least one trip to the East Coast for showcase games and each Conference will have representation at the USPHL National Championships. Announcements regarding additional members to the new USPHL West Coast Conferences will be made in the coming weeks. Anyone interested in joining this group or the USPHL should reach out to the USPHL League Office at info@USPHL.com.
Member Organizations of the USPHL:
Long Beach Shredders (Formerly Anaheim Avalanche): Founded in May of 2021. The United States Premier Hockey League is proud to announce that the Long Beach Shredders will join the USPHL Premier’s Pacific Division after purchasing the franchise formerly owned by the Anaheim Avalanche. The owners of the Long Beach Shredders are Emerson and Danette Etem. Emerson, a native of Long Beach, was a first-round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. Along with representing Team USA on the U.S. National Team Development Program, he also led the major junior Western Hockey League in goals (61) in 2011-12, one year before making his NHL debut with the Ducks. Etem went on to play in 173 regular seasons and 23 playoff games in the NHL, with the Ducks as well as the New York Rangers, posting 54 combined points in his NHL career. He also played in the American Hockey League for portions of seven seasons. You can find the Shredders on social media, on Twitter (@lbshredders), Instagram (@longbeachshredders) and on Facebook (Long Beach Shredders).
Formerly, Avalanche entered their previous league in 2012-13 as the former Ontario Avalanche. The Avs moved to Anaheim in 2019, moving into the NHL Ducks’ former practice facility, The Rinks-Anaheim Ice. The Avalanche have made the playoffs each year since 2014, reaching the league semifinals that year. Alumni have moved directly to NCAA III teams such as SUNY-Canton and Curry College.
longbeachshredders.com
San Diego Sabers: The Sabers join the USPHL under Olympian, NHL Draft pick, and former AHL, Finnish and Czech pro player Tomas Kapusta. The Sabers will continue operation at the Iceplex, located in Escondido, Calif. The Sabers organization is focused on, and has been very successful in, players’ development and advancement. Players from all over the world are joining Sabers to obtain the best hockey experience possible in the attractive San Diego Area known for its beaches, parks, and warm climate.
Ontario Jr. Reign: The Ontario Jr. Reign General Manager Tomas Kapusta and President Ben Frank established the Ontario Jr. Reign in the USPHL as a natural extension of the Jr. Reign youth hockey club - the official youth hockey club for the professional AHL hockey team Ontario Reign and proud affiliate of the NHL Los Angeles Kings. The introduction of these high-performance Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs gives athletes a unique opportunity to play high-level junior hockey in California while preparing them for a collegiate career. Read More.
Las Vegas Thunderbirds: It’s no wonder the Las Vegas Thunderbirds had a successful inaugural campaign with 26 wins in 2019-20. Their President, John Marks, is one of the most successful coaches in North American pro hockey. In addition to joining the USPHL, the Thunderbirds are excited to begin practicing and playing their home games at City National Arena, which is also the practice facility for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.
About The USPHL
The United States Premier Hockey League of 2020-2021 will be the nation’s largest amateur ice hockey league and the only league to span the continental United States and parts of Canada. The USPHL will field approximately 550 teams representing over 100 organizations comprised of 11,000 players spanning the ages of 6 through 20.
Overall, across all of its divisions, the USPHL had more than 1,200 alumni playing college hockey in 2019-20 and more than 250 playing pro hockey, including in the NHL.