“For many years East Coast hockey players have desired a tuition-free option of Junior hockey,” said USPHL Commissioner Jeff Nygaard. “We have always been told it will never happen. The USPHL owners and operators are now making that happen through their continued commitment to both Junior hockey and NCAA Division I development opportunities.”

Players who desire to stay closer to home in the East will now have not only a tuition-free option but be able to compete in what the USPHL feels will become a pipeline for training, development and NCAA Division I advancement. With 56 percent of NCAA Division I schools in the Northeast -- which matches up with the USPHL’s tuition-free footprint -- the scouting and development opportunities will increase significantly. Last year the USPHL had over 300 college commitments and the league plans on that number steadily growing as the tuition-free league solidifies itself in the marketplace.

The USPHL has submitted a formal application to USA Hockey for approval to be certified as a Tier 2 League. The matter is pending with USA Hockey.

Teams that have been accepted into the new tuition-free division are:

Boston Bandits

Junior Bruins

Connecticut Jr. Rangers

Islanders Hockey Club

Jersey Hitmen

New Jersey Rockets

Northern Cyclones

P.A.L. Jr. Islanders

Rochester Monarchs

South Shore Kings