The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is the largest junior amateur ice hockey league in the nation and the only one to span the entire continental United States and parts of Canada.

 

At the top of the USPHL is the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), a Tier II Tuition-Free junior hockey division. The NCDC consists of 28 teams across three divisions—New England, Atlantic, and Mountain—offering elite competition for players looking to develop and advance to NCAA and professional hockey.

 

The Grand Junction River Hawks are proud to compete in the Mountain Division, and play seven of the other Mountain division teams. 

 

The NCDC playoffs will feature the three division champions along with a wild card team, all competing for the league title and the opportunity to lift the prestigious Dineen Cup.

 

Teams in the Mountain division are backed by strong ownership, great facilities, and a dedicated staff committed to developing players both on and off the ice.

 

A Pathway to College and Professional Hockey

The NCDC is a non-import league, meaning teams can recruit elite players from around the world while maintaining a strong developmental focus for American players. This creates a direct pipeline to NCAA Division I hockey and professional opportunities. Players have the chance to perform in front of scouts and college coaches throughout the season, increasing their exposure and opportunities at the next level. For the 2024-2025 season, 178 players have already been selected for NCAA Division I rosters.

 

The Grand Junction River Hawks are excited to represent the Mountain Division and continue the league’s tradition of elite player development and advancement to the next level.