APHL Expands East: Thousand Island Raiders Join the League, Set to Play in Clayton, NY

Clayton, NY – June 9, 2025
The American Premier Hockey League (APHL) is proud to announce its latest expansion franchise—the Thousand Island Raiders—who will call Cerow Recreation Park Arena in Clayton, New York home for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

The Raiders mark a major step in the continued growth of the APHL’s Eastern Division, helping bridge a key regional gap while tapping into the rich hockey culture of Central New York. With a deep pool of hockey fans, multiple SUNY campuses nearby, and storied programs like Syracuse University anchoring the region, Clayton offers the perfect environment for a competitive semi-professional team.

"The addition of the Raiders is a huge win for the league," said Nick Graham, APHL Director of Hockey Operations. "Clayton has all the ingredients for a successful hockey market—passionate fans, strong community support, and a facility like Cerow Recreation Park Arena that’s ready to host fast-paced, hard-hitting hockey. We’re excited to see what this team brings to the ice."

Sporting a bold identity and pirate-themed spirit, the Raiders are ready to make waves in the APHL, both on and off the ice.

"This is more than just another team—this is a strategic step forward for the league," added Joshua Way, APHL President. "We’re not just expanding—we’re elevating the level of play, regional reach, and community impact. The Raiders are going to be a force."

The Raiders will begin play in October 2025, with full schedules and ticket information to be released in the coming months.

⚓️ Hoist the sails. The Raiders have arrived.

For more updates, follow the APHL at www.aphl.hockey and on social media.

#HoistTheSails #ThousandIslandRaiders #APHLHockey #ClaytonNY #EasternDivision #CerowArena #PremierLevelHockey #ExpansionNews