U.S. Hockey League Selects Simi Valley for a New Franchise

The City of Simi Valley welcomes today's announcement by the United States Hockey League (USHL), the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league, naming Simi Valley as one of six West Coast markets targeted to launch a USHL franchise by the 2027-28 season.

The announcement introduces a new USHL franchise that will bring elite junior hockey to Simi Valley while serving as an anchor for a proposed sports and entertainment destination. Stakeholders have outlined a vision for a venue that would include a hockey arena that would also host concerts, entertainment events, and other community gatherings. The space has the potential to become a regional destination for sports, entertainment, and tourism, attracting visitors from throughout Southern California while creating new recreational and economic opportunities for the community.

"Simi Valley is honored to be identified in this exciting expansion effort. This vision represents more than a hockey franchise. It has the potential to create a new destination for sports, entertainment, and tourism in the region," said Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh. "We are excited about the possibilities this opportunity brings and look forward to exploring how this vision may be realized for the benefit of the Simi Valley community."

The league's expansion effort is supported by a distinguished group of hockey leaders, including Hockey Hall of Famers Luc Robitaille, Joe Sakic, and Teemu Selänne, who are helping advance opportunities for elite player development throughout the western United States.

Los Angeles Kings President Luc Robitaille indicated his excitement about expanding opportunities for players and families throughout the western United States. "This has been a collaborative effort between an influential group of partners who share a common vision of growing the game of hockey. Simi Valley is a region with tremendous potential, and they are stepping up in a big way with this commitment. This effort will strengthen the development pathway for young athletes while creating a destination that brings people together through sports, entertainment, and community events."

The USHL's western expansion initiative was developed in collaboration with the National Hockey League (NHL), USA Hockey, and project stakeholders. The effort includes six targeted regions across California and Arizona and is intended to expand access to elite competition and player development opportunities while strengthening the pathway for young athletes pursuing collegiate and professional hockey careers closer to home.

The USHL is the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and a premier development pathway for athletes advancing to NCAA Division I hockey and professional careers, including the NHL. More than 50 percent of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25 percent of NHL players have USHL experience. The league currently consists of 16 member clubs, with the Madison Capitols serving as the league's most recent expansion franchise, joining the USHL in 2014.

As venues continue to be considered throughout the Simi Valley region, additional information regarding the hockey team, development location and discussion, potential community partnerships, and future opportunities will become available in the months ahead.

The City of Simi Valley looks forward to commencing discussions and working with project stakeholders and sharing updates as this exciting initiative moves forward.

About the United States Hockey League

The United States Hockey League is the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league and is widely recognized as one of the premier player development leagues in the world. The league currently consists of 16 member clubs and has produced more than 285 NHL Draft selections since 2020. Nine of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners have USHL experience, and the league continues to serve as a primary pathway to NCAA Division I hockey and the National Hockey League.