Reporter staff
The Seattle Ravens junior hockey team, which plays in Kent, will compete in the newly formed Pacific Division of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) next season.
The Ravens played its inaugural season in the Northern Pacific Hockey League last year at the Kent Valley Ice Centre.
In addition to the Ravens, the USP3 Pacific Division will include the Eugene Generals, Tri-City Outlaws and West Sound Warriors – all teams the Ravens competed against in the NPHL. The Ravens remain a Tier III developmental team for teens, a lower level than the Tier I Seattle Thunderbirds who play in the Western Hockey League at the ShoWare Center.
The USPHL announced the addition of the Pacific Division last month, one month after the NPHL, which was formed in 2000, began exploring a merger.
“The USPHL is the top college development platform in the country,” former NPHL commissioner Garry Swain said in a media release. “Its alumni are tearing up higher levels of hockey. For any player growing up on the West Coast who wants to be a part of that success, they now have four excellent options to choose between.”
The Ravens management is excited about the opportunity as well.
“This move furthers our goal of providing the best possible development and advancement opportunities for players in the Northwest,” Ravens general manager Adam Speer said in the release. “It is a major move into a great junior hockey league.”
In the past two years, the USPHL has had more than 500 players advance to the collegiate level.
“We will be taking our players right into the heart of college hockey country,” Speer said.
Ravens players will have numerous exposure and scouting opportunities throughout the year. During the upcoming season the Ravens will participate in USPHL showcases in Chicago and Boston.
“We are thrilled with the opportunities the USPHL offers our returning players and recruits,” Ravens coach Adam Kurtenbach said.
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