JAY PEAK, Vt. – [Sept. 19, 2025] – For decades, Jay Peak Resort has welcomed skiers and riders from Québec, whose traditions and families have helped shape the culture of the mountain. That cross-border bond now extends beyond the slopes and onto the ice. This fall, Universel Academy, a Sherbrooke-based hockey program, will bring its inaugural National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) season to Jay Peak.
Universel will host 24 of its 54 regular-season games at the resort’s Ice Haus Indoor Skating Arena, cementing Jay Peak as a new hub for elite, pre-collegiate hockey. This highly competitive program also organizes two important showcases: the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) Jersey Hitmen Classic (Sept. 11–14, Wayne, NJ) and the South Shore Kings Presidents Day Showcase (Feb. 12–16, 2026, Foxboro, MA).
The home opener is set for Monday, Sept. 22 at 1:00 p.m. against the Boston Dogs. Marking not only Universel’s first-ever NCDC home game, but also another milestone in Jay Peak’s shared story with Québec.
Jay Peak and its surrounding towns are no strangers to cross-border relationships. Many families have roots that stretch across both Vermont and Québec, bound by shared traditions and history. That spirit of connection now extends to the rink, where spectators are invited to cheer on Universel Academy and visiting teams throughout the season. Fans can expect fast-paced, high-caliber hockey in an arena atmosphere as authentic as the mountain culture itself.
A Natural Fit
“We chose Jay Peak because it’s a lively, welcoming destination with so much happening year-round,” said Charlie Blunt, Universel Academy media contact. “That energy and steady flow of visitors create incredible exposure for our players and our program. Being so close to other league teams makes travel easier, and the strong fan presence here gives our athletes the kind of atmosphere that pushes their development and reflects the spirit of our school.
Building Players, Building Bridges
Universel Academy’s roster features athletes ages 17–20 from Canada, the United States, and Europe, all united by the program’s mission to prepare players for advancement to NCAA, U Sports, ACHA, and professional opportunities. According to Marco Pietroniro, Director of Hockey for Universel Academy, partnering with Jay Peak is a key step in that journey. “We are committed to supporting our players’ progression while offering a competitive home environment. Jay Peak’s energy and community presence make it an ideal setting for this first NCDC season.”
About the NCDC
The NCDC is a tuition-free junior hockey league within the USPHL system. It provides a high-level development path for players aspiring to collegiate and professional careers. Universel Academy’s debut at the NCDC level marks an important milestone for the program and its athletes.
For the full schedule, ticketing and additional details, visit jaypeakresort.com/events
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Jay Peak Resort is a four-season destination in Northern Vermont, located near the Canadian border and approximately 60 miles north of Burlington. Jay Peak is best known for its extensive winter terrain and consistently high snowfall, recording the highest annual snowfall average of any ski area in Eastern North America—over 350 inches per year. The resort comes to life in all seasons with a mix of outdoor recreation, events, and mountain hospitality. Amenities include Vermont’s only indoor waterpark—featuring a retractable roof for year-round access—an 18-hole championship golf course, heated outdoor pool, multi-purpose turf fields, disc golf, and scenic Aerial Tram rides to the 4,000-foot summit. Lodging options range from hotel rooms to multi-bedroom cottages, supported by multiple dining venues and year-round programming for families, couples, and groups.
