IRON CITY FORGE ANNOUNCE FPHL AFFILIATION WITH BLUE RIDGE BOBCATS

June 16, 2025 (Pittsburgh, PA) — The American Premier Hockey League (APHL) continues to gain momentum as the Iron City Forge, based in Western Pennsylvania, officially announce their affiliate partnership with the Blue Ridge Bobcats of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). This move marks the fourth APHL team to establish a formal relationship with an FPHL franchise, solidifying the league’s commitment to player advancement and professional development.

The Forge-Bobcats partnership creates a direct development path for players, giving standout APHL athletes an opportunity to be evaluated and called up to the professional ranks throughout the season.

🗣️ Iron City Forge Leadership Statement:

“We are ecstatic to affiliate with Blue Ridge,” said Forge leadership. “This partnership is more than just a logo connection—it’s a shared belief in building the right culture, pushing our players to succeed, and giving them a clear path to reach the next level. Western Pennsylvania is a blue-collar, hard-working hockey region, and we’re proud to carry that tradition forward by providing our athletes with real, tangible opportunities to grow into professional players.”

🗣️ APHL League President Joshua Way added:

“We’re proud to welcome another FPHL affiliate into the fold. The Forge-Bobcats partnership is another example of how the APHL is creating real opportunity and raising the bar for player development across the league. Our goal has always been to be a proving ground for talent, and partnerships like this validate the strength of our mission.”

The Blue Ridge Bobcats, based in Wytheville, Virginia, are entering their second FPHL season and have been steadily building a reputation for competitive play and community engagement. Their new affiliation with the Forge offers roster flexibility, prospect depth, and a greater scouting presence at the APHL level.

The Iron City Forge, known for their gritty, hard-nosed style of play, now join a growing list of APHL teams with FPHL affiliations, including:

• Wooster Bulls – Carolina Thunderbirds

• Summit City Distillers – Monroe Moccasins

• Northern Michigan Warhounds – Indiana Sentinels

• Iron City Forge – Blue Ridge Bobcats

This announcement continues the APHL’s strong offseason of growth, reinforcing its identity as a competitive and upwardly mobile league built for both player development and long-term sustainability.

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