About the NCDC
The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) is a Tier II junior ice hockey league in the U.S., operated by the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). It features players aged 16-21, focusing on developing talent for NCAA college hockey. The NCDC offers a high level of competition emphasizing skill development, academic achievement, and exposure to college scouts making it an attractive option for top prospects.
Top Rated Teams
Ranked by THR grade
2026 NCDC rankings
The best NCDC teams in every category, from verified reviews, alumni advancement, and five seasons of results
All Teams
Boston Dogs
Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC)
Boston Jr. Rangers (NCDC)
Casper Warbirds
Connecticut Chiefs (NCDC)
Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC)
Connecticut RoughRiders
County Moose
Fresno Monsters
Hudson Havoc
Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC)
Jersey Hitmen (NCDC)
Lake Tahoe Lakers
Lewiston MAINEiacs
Mercer Chiefs (NCDC)
Minnesota Blue Ox
Minnesota Squatch
New England Wolves
New York Dynamo (NCDC)
Northern Cyclones (NCDC)
Northern Maine Pioneers
Ontario Jr. Reign
P.A.L. Jr. Islanders (NCDC)
Rock Springs Miners
Rockets Hockey Club (NCDC)
South Shore Kings (NCDC)
Springfield Jr. Pics (NCDC)
Thunder Hockey Club (NCDC)
Toledo Cherokee
Universel Collège Quebec (NCDC)
Universel Collège Sherbrooke (NCDC)
Utah Outliers
Utica Jr. Comets (NCDC)
Ventura Vikings
Vernal Oilers
West Chester Wolves (NCDC)
Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights (NCDC)
Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings
Woodstock Slammers
Worcester Railers JHC (NCDC)Quick Facts
~32 teams in 2025-26, expanding dramatically to 67 member organizations across 8 conferences for 2026-27
Moving to a player-centric “Player Choice” model for 2026-27, replacing the previous entry-draft and 8-tender system
1,000+ USPHL alumni in college hockey every season; 200+ NCDC players advanced to college in 2024-25 (42 to NCAA D1)
The USPHL's top junior level; mostly tuition-free (verify by team)