04/27/2026
Congratulations to the Summit City Distillers for winning the APHL Governors Cup for the 2025/2026 season. You are absolutely deserving of this championship.
After much consideration, I am announcing my resignation as President of the American Premier Hockey League (APHL), effective ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
I want to begin by thanking all of our team ownership groups, players, and fans for their support over the past three seasons. Your commitment to the game is what made this league possible.
I also want to be clear—my intention was never to operate a league. My goal was simply to own a team and compete within an established league. However, when the Union Hockey League (UHL) folded abruptly, teams were left without a place to play. Ownership groups came together to create the APHL, and I was nominated to lead the league during that time of uncertainty.
Over the past three seasons, I am proud of what we were able to build together. We grew the APHL into a 10-team international Senior A hockey league and worked to create opportunities for players to continue competing at a high level. Along the way, I brought in additional leadership support, including a Director of Hockey Operations, a Director of Officials, and a Commissioner, all to strengthen and grow the league.
This league was never perfect—but it was always evolving. We worked hard to learn, adapt, and improve wherever possible. What many may not realize is that nearly all of our staff were volunteers. These individuals dedicated countless hours every week without compensation, driven purely by their passion for the game and commitment to the players.
Operating at this level of hockey comes with challenges. It is common for teams to come and go due to financial pressures, community support, and the realities of player recruitment and retention. Despite those challenges—and despite ongoing criticism—our staff continued to push forward to create a viable and competitive environment.
That said, there were also setbacks. A small percentage of players demonstrated a lack of respect, discipline, and ability to compete at the level required, which ultimately impacts opportunities for others. Additionally, some organizations failed to maintain accountability—whether in enforcing discipline, meeting financial obligations such as league dues and fines, or simply following established processes and procedures. Those issues made it increasingly difficult to sustain the standard we were working to achieve.
With that, I believe this is the right time for new leadership to step in with a fresh vision and direction for the APHL. I have formally transitioned leadership for the 2026/2027 season, and I fully support the new leadership.
To the teams that remained committed and operated with professionalism throughout the season—I wish you nothing but success in your next chapter, whether in the APHL or elsewhere. The love of the game is bigger than any one league or individual. Providing players with the opportunity to continue playing the game they love is what truly matters.
I also want to personally thank our officials. You receive more criticism than anyone in this league, yet your role is absolutely essential. We could not have done this without you, and I sincerely appreciate your commitment over the past three seasons.
Finally, thank you to Ed Howaniec, Nick Graham, and Troy Boze for your dedication and efforts. I wish each of you the very best in your future endeavors.
I encourage everyone to continue supporting the remaining teams, and newly joining teams in the 2026/2027 season and to stand behind the new leadership group as they guide the league forward. The league may shift in geopgraphic area, however will continue to offer our players a place to compete.
Josh Way
Former President
American Premier Hockey League
