Edmonton, AB / Middlesex Centre, ON — The Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL) is pleased to announce that EPIC Hockey Academy (EPIC HA) will join the league for the 2026–27 season (SZN5) as an 18U AAA Hub, marking the league’s first official presence in the province of Ontario.
Located in Middlesex Centre, Ontario, EPIC HA represents a major step forward in the league’s long-term national growth strategy and signals the first phase of expansion into one of Canada’s most competitive hockey regions.
EPIC HA is led by majority owner, Chris Chant, with day-to-day leadership and operational support from his management group, including Eoin McInerney. The organization has established a strong reputation within the local sporting community and has built a solid foundation of programming, development infrastructure, and athlete support systems.
A Key Step in National Expansion
“This is a very exciting moment for our league,” said Richard Nault, Commissioner of the JPHL. “Ontario is one of the most important hockey regions in North America, and welcoming EPIC Hockey Academy as our first Hub in the province represents a significant milestone for the continued evolution of the JPHL.”
Nault emphasized that the move into Ontario is part of a thoughtful expansion plan designed to strengthen the league’s footprint while maintaining its operational standards.
“Our philosophy has always been to grow responsibly,” he explained. “As we enter SZN5 in 2026–27, we are seeing the level of play, professionalism, and organizational quality within the JPHL reach new heights. Expanding into Ontario with a partner like EPIC HA allows us to continue building the league in a sustainable way while maintaining the high standards we expect across every Hub.”
Tyrel Spitzer, VP Sports Programming and Sports Properties, adds “This strategic expansion represents the next important step in realizing the long-term vision of the JPHL. As our league continues to grow, we are excited to welcome great people into our community who share our commitment to athlete development. Together, we will continue working to create opportunities that help our athletes and their families achieve their goals both on and off the ice.”
A Strong Partner in Middlesex Centre
EPIC Hockey Academy has steadily built a presence within the Middlesex Centre and greater London-area hockey community through its commitment to high-level development and athlete-focused programming.
With an established leadership structure and growing infrastructure, the organization is well positioned to introduce the JPHL’s model to Ontario athletes and families.
“Chris Chant, Eoin McInerney, and their leadership team have demonstrated a clear vision for what they want to build,” said Nault. “They bring credibility, organization, and a strong connection to their community. We believe EPIC HA will play an important role in helping us introduce the JPHL experience to Ontario.”
Looking Ahead to SZN5
The addition of EPIC HA continues the league’s measured expansion across Canada and into new regions across North America.
While additional markets remain under evaluation, the JPHL will continue to prioritize strategic and staged growth.
“Our goal is not simply to add teams,” Nault added. “It is to strengthen the overall experience within the league — from competition and events to operations and athlete development. We are building a modern hockey environment that supports players, families, and organizations at the highest level.”
The 2026–27 season (SZN5) will mark another important chapter for the JPHL as the league continues to expand its national footprint and elevate the AAA development landscape.
About the JPHL
The Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL) is an AAA hockey league committed to delivering a progressive, athlete-focused development environment. With teams across multiple provinces and expanding into new regions, the league continues to build a modern pathway for elite youth hockey players across North America.
