Junior hockey is a special brand of excitement, not least because of the year-to-year turnover and inevitable surprises. 

The powerhouses from the 2023-24 season have seen their stars graduate to the college ranks. Each of the league’s 30 point-per-game scorers from 2023-24 (min. 20 games) have taken their talents elsewhere, leaving the first-time draft-eligible Benjamin Kevan of the Des Moines Buccaneers as the highest scorer returning, having logged 57 points in 59 appearances last season.

With such massive movement at the top of every team’s lineup, openings and minutes are plentiful early in the season for young talents to cement themselves as stars in the league, enhancing both the thrill and unpredictability of the league.

While a handful of the top USA-based prospects for the upcoming NHL draft have already leaped to the college ranks, including James Hagens, Logan Hensler, and Sascha Boumedienne, there remains plenty of skill in the USHL’s draft-eligible crop this year.

Among those, Adam Benák will vie to cement his place in the first round by bringing dynamic offence to the Youngstown Phantoms in his first season on North American ice. The 5-foot-7 pivot will, however, have to contend with the USNTDP’s physical defencemen – including Charlie Trethewey and Carter Amico – who will aim to inflict pain on forwards around the league.

Throughout the season, we will follow the progression of the league’s standout teams and players in our Stock Watch series. But for now, here’s a preview of the USHL season.