The United States Premier Hockey League has announced the formation of the Northwest Division for the 2022-23 season. Joining the league are former Western States Hockey League teams as the Seattle Totems, Bellingham Blazers, and Rogue Valley Warriors make the jump.
Somewhat of a surprise addition is the Vernal Oilers also making the jump, after closing out last season with the Can-Am Junior Hockey League. However, as the lone US-based team, and the CAJHL seeming to be focusing more on Canadian expansion, the move for Vernal provides an easier path.
Bellingham, Rogue Valley, and Seattle were the last remainders of the WSHL, as Rogue Valley and Seattle were never able to get their seasons started. Bellingham attempted to make a go of things, but were unable to sustain enough to continue through to the WSHL’s showcase.
Following the WSHL showcase, the surprise news of the league’s five Canadian teams and Vernal splitting from the league came about, and the CAJHL completed the season with six teams. Vernal’s jump from the CAJHL now leaves that league with six Canadian teams so far.
Also announced is the addition of an expansion team in the Rock Springs Prospectors, playing out of Rock Springs, Wyoming.
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