Congratulations to the 2026 JPOL Champions & Award Recipients

Content Courtesy of Junior Premier Hockey

The 2026 annual Junior Premier Outdoor League (JPOL) came to a close on June 7 with the crowning of Champions in the U-16 and U-19 Elite as well as the JPOL U-14, U-16 and U-19 Combined. The Region 8 Championship was held a week earlier at the Virginia Beach Training Center on May 30 and 31.

This year Junior Premier Hockey went through a restructuring process of its outdoor league, in an effort to streamline and make each event move competitive and combining most of the regions into one combined event. So the Regional JPOL that has been running for more than 12 years was restructured in a different format.

JPH was also very fortunate and for the first time able to play all matches on AstroTurf! A lot of appreciation goes to the colleges and universities that granted access and use of their facilities. JPOL will continue to build upon and develop strong working and supportive relationships with the venues that continue to make their facilities affordable and accessible to youth club hockey and the JPH programs.

While playing in a format mirroring that of NCAA and the International Hockey Federation (FIH), JPOL U-16 and U-19 Elite continues to showcase some of the nation's top youth hockey players and clubs, as well as some of the top umpires and officials.

The continued goal of JPOL Elite is to create stronger competition across all Regions and to make players, coaches, officials and spectators more familiar with the NCAA and FIH formats of 15-minute quarters with clock stoppages, thus creating an easier transition to the next level of competition, as participants move to the next stage in their promising hockey careers.   

Over the course of the spring season the benefits of participation were evident across all regions. Improvements in the quality of performance was seen across the board at the various Championships which reflected the commitment of the players, parents, coaches, umpires, technical officials and many others. 

The continued success of the JPOL would not be possible without the support of many who tirelessly give their time and experience. Much appreciation to the club directors, coaches and their membership who join the JPOL each spring to make the league possible. Also, thanks goes to the Umpire Managers (UMs), Technical Delegates (TDs) and their staff of dedicated Technical Officers (TO) and Umpires - you all give so much of your time and talent to be part of this event and its continued successes. 

Much appreciation to the JPOL Site Coordinators who stepped forward to make sure the officials and volunteer staff are nourished and hydrated at each venue. The Video Operators who did a great job capturing the moments and making them available on the JPH YouTube Channel, and last but not least the Athletic Trainers (ATC) and Physiotherapists who were ever and always present to attend to any and all injuries sustained on and off the field.

JHP wants to send a special thanks and appreciation to the volunteer parent Judges provided by each club who stepped up each week to give a helping hand at the technical table. The made sure that the results, game clock and statistics were correct. Tank you for your service!

To the dedicated JPH Directors who put in countless volunteer hours behind the scenes which allows JPH to continue to plan and organize these events. Thank you all for continuing to help Grow the Game!

A shout out to those college coaches who took the time to attend. It is always a pleasure to see coaches in attendance showing their support for this event and hope you will continue to attend and include it as one of your recruiting events.

Special recognition to major sponsors Rothman Orthopedics, apparel sponsor, and Harrow Sports USA, official individual awards sponsor. Thank you for your continued support!

To USA Field Hockey and their staff who JPH worked with closely throughout the year. The continued support shown in working together for the good of the sport and the wider USA Field Hockey Membership is greatly appreciate.

And now, a recognition and congratulations to the 2026 JPOL Champions and Special Award recipients for an outstanding performance.