Simi Valley selected for elite junior hockey franchise as USHL eyes West Coast expansion
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — The nation's only Tier I junior hockey league has named Simi Valley among six West Coast markets targeted for new franchises by the 2027-28 season, raising the prospect of a sports and entertainment venue that could bring professional-caliber junior hockey, concerts and community events to the city.
The United States Hockey League announced the expansion June 24, identifying markets in California and Arizona as part of a broader push to bring elite player development opportunities to the western United States. The effort was developed in collaboration with the National Hockey League and USA Hockey.
The local franchise is listed under the ownership group Leorjay Sports, according to the league's announcement. A city press release did not identify the ownership group by name or provide further details about it.
The five other targeted markets are San Diego, with Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Sakic among the ownership partners; Orange County, with Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne; Northern California; Prescott Valley, Ariz.; and Phoenix.
Reports indicate that incoming owners are scheduled to meet with league personnel in July to determine items needed for a 2027-28 launch, including venues, leases and team branding.
A vision beyond the rink
City officials framed the announcement as more than a sports story.
"Simi Valley is honored to be identified in this exciting expansion effort," Mayor Dee Dee Cavanaugh said in a statement. "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."
Stakeholders have outlined a proposal for a multi-use arena that would host hockey alongside concerts and other community events, though specific site details have not been released. The city said additional information regarding the team, development location and potential community partnerships would be shared in the months ahead.
Hockey Hall of Famers back the push
The USHL expansion is backed by Hockey Hall of Famers who are helping lead the league's western growth initiative.
Los Angeles Kings President Luc Robitaille, who played 19 seasons in the NHL primarily with the Kings and was an eight-time All-Star, called the effort a collaborative one.
"Simi Valley is a region with tremendous potential, and they are stepping up in a big way with this commitment," Robitaille said in a statement. "This effort will strengthen the development pathway for young athletes while creating a destination that brings people together through sports, entertainment and community events."
Joe Sakic, who played his entire 20-year NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche organization and currently serves as the team's president of hockey operations and general manager, emphasized the league's development model.
"Junior hockey represents a critical juncture in a young player's development," Sakic said. "The league's model creates an atmosphere where players are preparing for the next step in their personal and professional careers."
The USHL pipeline
The USHL currently has 16 member clubs, concentrated in the Midwest. The Madison Capitols were the league's last expansion team, joining in 2014.
More than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The league has produced more than 285 NHL Draft selections since 2020. Nine of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners played in the USHL. Twenty-one players on the 2026 U.S. Olympic men's hockey gold-medal-winning team played in the league.
The USHL serves as the highest level of junior hockey in the United States. Players are typically between 16 and 20 years old and are not paid, preserving their NCAA eligibility. The league operates as a development pathway to college and professional hockey.
What about Iceoplex?
Simi Valley is already home to Iceoplex Simi Valley at 131 W. Easy St., a two-sheet facility with NHL and Olympic-sized ice. The rink serves as a training center for multiple hockey organizations, including the Ventura Mariners, the LA Kings High School League, and CSUN and Cal Lutheran college hockey, and offers skating instruction, hockey programs, curling and other ice sports.
The city's press release made no mention of any connection between the proposed USHL franchise and Iceoplex.
Anthony Angelini, director of tourism and government affairs for the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce, said a new arena would benefit all existing local businesses.
"If they do decide to build a new ice complex, we do not see it as competition," Angelini told CLAIR. "Any new facilities would only bolster our reputation as a hockey destination and drive overall interest in hockey across the board. When Simi Valley is known as the regional hockey destination, all the current places will benefit."
What happens next
The league and ownership groups have until 2027 to finalize venue agreements and launch operations. The city has committed to releasing more information about the team, development location and potential community partnerships in the coming months.
For a city without a professional sports franchise, the USHL announcement represents a chance to join a league with deep ties to Olympic and NHL rosters. Whether the ownership group can deliver a venue and a team in three years remains the question residents will be watching.
