APHL SET TO DROP THE PUCK ON A NEW ERA OF HOCKEY THIS WEEKEND

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APHL SET TO DROP THE PUCK ON A NEW ERA OF HOCKEY THIS WEEKEND

New Leadership, New Ownership Groups, and Renewed Excitement Highlight the 2026–27 Season

October 12, 2026

Buffalo , NY – A new era of hockey is about to begin as the American Premier Hockey League (APHL) prepares to drop the puck on its 2026–27 regular season this weekend, beginning Saturday, October 17.

With a new Board of Directors, new team ownership groups, and a renewed commitment to building a stronger league, the APHL is entering the season with a fresh vision, new energy, and excitement surrounding its future.

The league's new direction focuses on strengthening operations, creating stability among its member organizations, improving the overall fan experience, and establishing a foundation for long-term growth.

NEW LEADERSHIP, NEW VISION

The APHL has undergone significant changes during the offseason, with new leadership taking steps to move the league forward. The newly structured Board of Directors is focused on accountability, cooperation between member organizations, and building a league that teams, players, sponsors, and communities can be proud to represent.

With several new ownership groups joining the league, there is a renewed commitment to professionalism, competitive hockey, and providing affordable family entertainment in communities throughout the Northeast and Midwest.

"This is an exciting time for the APHL," said leadership. "We have new leadership, committed ownership groups, and organizations that believe in what this league can become. Our goal is to build something sustainable, competitive, and exciting for our players and fans. This season represents the beginning of a new chapter for the APHL."

NEW TEAMS, NEW RIVALRIES, NEW EXCITEMENT

The 2026–27 season will feature nine organizations representing communities across New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Ontario, Canada.

The league's member markets include Wooster, Altoona, Three Rivers, Buffalo, Rome, Oswego, Thousand Islands, and Toronto.

With a combination of established hockey markets and new organizations, the APHL expects an exciting season filled with regional rivalries, competitive matchups, and passionate fan support.

Among the new organizations generating excitement is the Copper City Chiefs in Rome, New York, who will begin their inaugural season on Saturday, October 24, at the John F. Kennedy Civic Arena.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

Beyond the action on the ice, the APHL's new leadership is focused on building relationships with local businesses, expanding opportunities for players, and strengthening the connection between teams and their communities.

The league believes that successful organizations begin with strong ownership, dedicated leadership, and an entertaining product that fans want to support.

"This league has an opportunity to take a major step forward," said Jimmy Milliken, Owner and President of the Copper City Chiefs. "As someone who has spent years working in professional hockey, I understand how important strong ownership, leadership, and community involvement are to the success of a league. There's a new level of excitement surrounding the APHL, and I believe we're heading in a very positive direction. We're excited to be part of building its future."

THE PUCK DROPS THIS WEEKEND

The wait is nearly over as APHL teams prepare to take the ice and begin the chase for a league championship.

While the 2026–27 season will bring new faces, new rivalries, and new opportunities, the message from the league is clear: the APHL is moving forward with a renewed sense of purpose.

New Leadership. New Ownership. New Excitement. A New Era of APHL Hockey.

The 2026–27 APHL regular season officially begins Saturday, October 17.

ABOUT THE APHL

The American Premier Hockey League (APHL) is a Senior A hockey league featuring organizations throughout the Northeast, Midwest, and Ontario, Canada. The league is committed to providing competitive hockey, affordable family entertainment, and opportunities for players to continue competing while supporting the communities its teams represent.

American Premier Hockey League (APHL)

League Communications