The ownership group of Ryan Cruthers, Jocelyn Langlois and Saul Salama have announced the creation of the Lake Tahoe Lakers, an expansion team that will play in the USPHL Premier Pacific Division starting with the 2021-22 season at South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.

This ownership group is no stranger to the USPHL as they currently own the reigning Premier and Elite national champion Charlotte Rush, as well as the Charleston Colonials.

“We are extremely excited to bring our culture and development model to Lake Tahoe,” said the Lakers ownership group. “We believe Lake Tahoe Academy and their leadership will be a great partner for a development model for kids through the Lake Tahoe region and beyond.”

Founded in 2012, the USPHL is comprised of more than 550 teams, fielding more than 11,000 players in more than 100 organizations. Teams are geographically diverse, ranging from North and South to the Midwest and West Coast. The goal of the USPHL is to prepare and develop players for college hockey (and beyond) through a tiered development program. The USPHL has sent more than 2,000 players to college hockey in its eight years of existence.

“The USPHL has done an excellent job promoting and advancing its players to college hockey, and we are proud to be members of this great league,” the ownership group added. “We believe our track record with player advancement, college placement and competitive success – and now coupled with the location of Lake Tahoe – makes it an ideal location for a junior hockey player looking to advance.”

The Lakers will reveal their logo, jerseys and other information in the coming weeks.

The Lakers are currently looking for a head coach and prospective players. For any coach or player interested in joining the Lakers, contact Cruthers at cruthersr@gmail.com.