The 2026 NCDC Dineen Cup Playoffs pushed forward on April 4 with key results shaping both the New England Conference and the remaining divisional brackets. Three division champions have officially been crowned in New England, while the Atlantic Division is down to one deciding game and the Mountain Division Final matchup is locked in.
Game Recaps – April 4
Utica Jr. Comets 1, Worcester Railers JHC 0
Utica closed out the Central Division Final behind a tight defensive effort, with Tanner Wisniewski scoring the lone goal in the second period. The Comets take the series 3-1 and advance.
Mercer Chiefs 4, P.A.L. Junior Islanders 0
Mercer forced a decisive Game 5 with a dominant shutout performance. Nicholas Rockey led the way with two goals, while the Chiefs controlled play throughout to even the series at 2-2.
Jersey Hitmen 3, Rockets Hockey Club 2 (OT)
The Hitmen punched their ticket to the Atlantic Division Final as Derek Tremblay scored the overtime winner. Jersey now awaits their opponent between P.A.L and Mercer.
Lewiston MAINEiacs 4, Woodstock Slammers 2
Lewiston capped off a strong North Division Final, securing the 3-1 series win behind a balanced offensive attack and advancing as division champions.
Grand Junction River Hawks 4, Idaho Falls Spud Kings 0
Grand Junction finished off their semifinal series in convincing fashion, earning a 3-1 series win to move on to the Mountain Division Final.
Utah Outliers 4, Ogden Mustangs 3 (OT)
In a back-and-forth battle, Utah completed the sweep with an overtime victory, advancing 3-0 in the series to reach the Mountain Division Final.
Atlantic Division – One Game to Decide It
The Atlantic Division semifinal between the P.A.L. Junior Islanders and Mercer Chiefs is now tied 2-2, setting up a decisive Game 5.
- Winner advances to face Jersey Hitmen in the Atlantic Division Final
- Jersey awaits after eliminating Rockets Hockey Club (3-1 series)
New England Conference Round-Robin Set
The field is now finalized for the New England Conference Round Robin (April 9-11), featuring three division champions:
- East Division Champion: South Shore Kings (def. Islanders Hockey Club, 3-0 series)
- Central Division Champion: Utica Jr. Comets (def. Worcester Railers JHC, 3-1 series)
- North Division Champion: Lewiston MAINEiacs (def. Woodstock Slammers, 3-1 series)
Each team advanced with strong series performances, setting up a highly competitive round-robin format to determine who will move on to the conference final.
Mountain Division Final Set
The Mountain Division Final matchup is officially locked in:
- Grand Junction River Hawks vs. Utah Outliers
Both teams advanced in convincing fashion and will now battle in a Best-of-5 series for the division title.
What’s Next
- New England Round Robin (April 9-11) determines the conference finalist
- Atlantic Division Game 5 decides who faces Jersey
- Mountain Division Final gets underway
The playoff picture is tightening, with division champions crowned and the road to the Dineen Cup becoming clearer by the day.
The post Dineen Cup Playoff Update | New England Division Champions Crowned, Atlantic Nears Final, Mountain Final Set appeared first on USPHL – United States Premier Hockey League.
