By Joshua Boyd / USPHLPremier.com
Order is 2023-24 regular season finish
Metro Jets Development Program (MJDP)
Season Opener: Sept. 26 vs. Fort Wayne Spacemen
The Metro Jets, as an organization, have been able to field two teams that have each won 28 games or more every season since 2020-21. The Metro Jets Development Program have been able to qualify for each Nationals tournament over that same stretch. The Jets organization pride themselves on having well over 50 strong, determined and dedicated USPHL Premier players every season.
“We are excited about this upcoming season as it is another rebuild, like it is every season for our Development Program team,” said General Manager Justin Quenneville. “Our expectations remain the same every year and that is to be the best versions of ourselves on Week 1 and continue to build from there. Our division is competitive and every game is a battle, so we don’t expect anything less again this season.”
The Jets opened their training camp in early September, as they don’t begin play until Sept. 26, so roster-wise, all spots are still up for grabs on the MJDP. “We are currently in the process of evaluating,” Quenneville confirmed.
“We are going to be a very young, energetic and hungry team this year,” said Quenneville. “We have a few players joining our program with existing junior experience, but they are all here to invest in themselves and become the best versions of themselves.”
Fort Wayne Spacemen
Season Opener: Sept. 26 vs. Fort Wayne Spacemen
The Spacemen have enjoyed a pair of consecutive National Championship trips since 2023, and they hope to keep that record up, even with a team featuring less veteran players than they’ve had in the past.
“We expect to be very competitive. It’s definitely an opportunity for new players to step up. Our division has improved drastically the last few years. Advancing two teams to the Elite eight last year is a step in the right direction. The Chicago Crush were also right there and will compete with anyone in the league,” said Head Coach Lincoln Kaleigh Schrock, of his 2024-25 squad.
The Spacemen were able to see some of their junior-eligible players advance on to Tier II hockey, “which will give an opportunity for new guys to step in and fill roles right away.”
Up front, watch for Tucker Tone, Brody Burge and Jackson Cothron to have an impact on the offensive side, while third-year defenseman Michael Scully provides stability on the blue line. Another returning player, Thomas Cheeney, brings great versatility.
“Thomas Cheeney is another one who can play both forward or defense. He’s looking to rebound off an outstanding rookie year,” said Schrock.
The Spacemen also brought in some strong junior veterans to help build a base for leadership and guidance.
“Brody Vachon and Antoine Bonin both played Premier last year and will be joining us this season. We needed to revamp our D-core after losing some age-outs. We feel like they can provide veteran leadership,” said Schrock. “We also brought Maksym Maiuk in who showcased himself very well at Pueblo’s NCDC camp. He’ll start the year here and he’s a kid we can develop into a Tier 2 defenseman.”
Newcomers to watch include 6-foot-7-inch 2007-born goaltender Herman Zippeldt, along with Rex ’05 Woolington, and forwards ’07 Colin Robison – a Fort Wayne native – and ’05 Hayden Stratman.
“Replacing Max Zinchenko won’t be an easy task, but Herman has the size and athleticism to play at a higher level. Rex is an Indiana kid with skill who sees the ice well. He will be a top six-defenseman off the bat,” added Schrock. “Colin and Hayden will look to make the Premier roster. Both are rookies to junior we really like and will make in impact.”
Several players will be moving up from the Elite Spacemen of last year, including Dylan Shpak, Will Moynahan, Dylan Davis, Jack Backstrom and Sam Baldry.
“Shpak will start on the Premier roster. Davis and Moynahan work extremely hard and had great Elite rookie seasons,” said Schrock. “We’re expecting Backstrom to get Premier games after a year of Elite development. Baldry, Captain of our Elite team last year, took the off-season seriously and will have a Premier opportunity. We’ll have some very difficult decisions, but we like where we are, talent-wise.”
Chicago Crush
Season Opener: Oct. 12 vs. Chicago Cougars
As the 2024-2025 USPHL Midwest Premier season approaches, the Chicago Crush are eager to build on last year’s success with a roster that blends veteran leadership and emerging talent. Coaches Steve Maltais and Phil Bushbacher are confident that this year’s squad has the depth and drive to compete for the Midwest Division title.
“We are very eager to start the season and build off of what was a tremendous 2023-2024 season,” said Maltais. “As a club, we took a huge step forward and are looking to solidify our place as one of the top organizations in the league.”
The Crush return key veterans, including fan favorite Spencer Kauke (45 points), Logan Fernandes, William Kenny, Ryan Brown, Austin Kessel as well as defensive standouts Cyler Brogle and Brody Luzbetak. These seasoned players will be joined by top performers moving up from the Elite Squad, such as the scrappy Cole Darlas, Vincent Cerrentano, Jace Levine, Niko Dougan, Chris Frachalla, and Johnny Augusta.
“We are fortunate enough to return a number of key contributors from last season,” Bushbacher said. “Players like Johnny Augusta, a Midwest All-Star goaltender last season, will provide us with leadership on and off the ice. The experience and talent of these players will make us stronger across the board.”
With a focus on continuing player development and creating a winning culture, the Crush have set high expectations for the season.
“We know that we have to improve each day if we want to accomplish our goals as a group,” added Maltais.
To the USPHL community and fans, the Chicago Crush are ready for an exciting season of competitive hockey. The blend of experienced veterans and fresh talent from within the organization ensures a dynamic and formidable team that is prepared to challenge for divisional supremacy.
– By Chicago Crush Staff
Chicago Cougars
Season Opener: Oct. 12 at Chicago Crush
Chicago Cougars USPHL Season Preview: Building on Last Season’s Success
As the Chicago Cougars enter their 10th season in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), the team is looking to build on last year’s accomplishments with a mix of returning talent, promising new additions to the team including welcoming Coach Anthony Rohde to the staff.
Premier General Manager and Head Coach Josh Dallmann is optimistic about the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.
As the Cougars prepare for the upcoming season, Coach Dallmann and Rohde are focused on building team chemistry and continuing the development of his young players.
“Our goal is to improve every day and compete for a championship,” Dallmann stated. “We have the talent and the work ethic to make some noise in the USPHL this season.”
The Cougars’ net is well-protected with the return of ’06 goaltenders Cameron Boville and Sam Burcal.
“Our goaltending situation is strong,” Dallmann said. “Both Cameron and Sam gained valuable experience last year, and we’re expecting them to be cornerstones for our defensive efforts this season.”
The Cougars’ defense will be anchored by returning ’05’s Trey Henderson and Aiden Middendorf. “Trey and Aiden give us a solid foundation on defense,” Dallmann added. “Their experience and leadership will be crucial as we integrate some of our younger players into the lineup.”
The Cougars are very excited about the return of ’04 forward Ben Moak, who will be returning for his third season with Chicago. Last year, in an injury-shortened 20-game stint, he scored 10 points.
“Having Ben back at 100 percent is huge for us,” Dallmann emphasized. “His experience and scoring touch will be invaluable to our offensive production.”
There are a number of new players joining with prior junior experience, including a pair coming up from last year’s Elite Cougars team. Jack Schejbal (’07) scored 19 points in 30 Elite games last season, and Caleb Schulz (’06) put up 11 points in 35 games last year at the Elite level. Another former Elite player, from the Crush Elite team that went to Nationals, is ’05 Leo Riani, who put up 17 points.
Owen Plumert, an ’05 forward, joins with 22 points in 42 USPHL Premier games already under his blades.
“We’re thrilled with the mix of returning players and new additions to our forward group,” Dallmann said. “The combination of experience and young talent should make us a dangerous team offensively.”
With a solid goaltending tandem, experienced defenders, and a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy up front, the Chicago Cougars are poised for an exciting and competitive 2024-25 USPHL season.
Motor City Gamblers
Season Opener: Oct. 9 vs. Metro Jets Development Program
The Gamblers are continuing to put together some of their strongest teams in their now eight-year Premier history. As recently as 2022-23, they matched their franchise wins record of 26. General Manager/Head Coach Jason McCrimmon – the U.S. recipient of the NHL’s 2023 Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award – is excited with the direction of the Gamblers.
“We are very excited for the season to start. I feel that we are well-balanced at every position. We have a good mix of veterans and newcomers that will compete every day,” said McCrimmon. “The Midwest Division continues to get stronger every year, and it’s going to be even stronger this season. We are prepared to battle for the top spot. The Motor City Gamblers are Ready to Roll!”
There is a healthy number of Gamblers program veterans coming back, such as Ignacy Drozd, Chris Wilson and Isaac Bunk. All played key roles on the Elite team last year and are expected to make a big impact at the Premier level. Bunk scored at an average rate of a point per game in his time with the Premier last year.
“We have a handful of returners that we are excited to have back to lead the way,” McCrimmon said. “I’m looking forward to watching them play huge roles in our success this season.”
The Gamblers also were able to sign a large group of junior-experienced players who will also help steer the newcomers to becoming top junior players and college hockey prospects.
“We will have a strong core of junior experienced players coming in from solid programs from around the country. Aiden Vestal, Ethyn Fultz, Alex Khammo, RJ Graziano, Jonah Stern, Landon Shirley, Isaac Mansfield, Wyatt Bolling, Billy Hamilton, Trevor Balagna, Fischer Smith, Christian Jackson, Alex Yueng, Alexei Spence, and Seamus McCoy will all have a major impact in our locker room and on the ice!” added McCrimmon.
With more than a month until their first game, the newcomers are all still working to show McCrimmon and his staff what they are capable of, and why they should be Premier players from the get-go.
“We have a great group of younger players coming in, they are working hard to contribute on and off the ice,” McCrimmon added. “I’m excited to see their development throughout the season.”
Decatur Blaze
Season Opener: Oct. 19 vs. Chicago Crush
The Decatur Blaze will keep working back up to the point where they are a Nationals-level team, as the Blaze had qualified for the ultimately canceled 2020 Nationals. Owner, GM and Head Coach Zac Pearson knows what it takes to win in the Premier, and he is working the long game towards becoming a top team in the league.
“The Blaze are in Year 2 of the rebuild with only nine returning players,” said Pearson. “We have added quite a few new players who are international players. We will look for them to help take us on the next step of this rebuild.”
Connor Wilson returns to the Blaze for a third season after serving as Captain in 2023-24. He scored 27 points last season, and “will be a great leader for us as he is a hard worker.”
That theme continues with Tyler Suva, an ’05 forward who won the Hardest Worker team award. That is the characteristic that Pearson is looking for out of his 2024-25 team.
“That is what our motto will be: Outwork Our Opponents,” added Pearson.
