Former Potomac Patriots USPHL Elite, Premier Player Excited For Start Of First NCDC Season With West Chester
By Joshua Boyd / NCDCHockey.com
Owen Norman is about to complete the full upward mobility climb for the United States Premier Hockey League’s junior developmental system, one that has sent more than 6,000 players to college hockey (and more than 300 to NCAA Division I ranks) since 2017.
The former Potomac Patriots USPHL Elite and USPHL Premier player Norman has made the West Chester Wolves’ inaugural NCDC team roster for the 2024-25. Signed, sealed, delivered and he’s ready to fly for the first-year squad and will be applying the lessons learned in past USPHL seasons every time he steps on the ice.
“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity in West Chester and am grateful that God has led me here,” said the 2004-born native of Oro-Medonte, Ont. “I began my junior hockey career in the USPHL and closing it out there is something that I’m excited for.”
When he first started in his USPHL journey, he was playing against his then-future team’s co-owner, R.C. Lyke. While playing for the Patriots, Norman regularly faced the former Richmond Generals, of which Lyke was Head Coach for both their Premier and Elite teams.
He scored 33 points in 26 Elite games for Potomac in 2021-22, the year Lyke would lead his Generals Elite team to the National Championship. Norman also scored four points in 15 Premier games for both Potomac and the former Buffalo Stampede that season. He played in an additional regular season game and three playoff games for the 2022-23 Premier Patriots squad.
“I think that the time I spent in both USPHL Premier and Elite was essential for my development as a player,” said Norman. “I also had the opportunity to visit some new places, meet some great people and make some of my favorite memories. I feel that I made a huge step in the creative side of my game, and found more confidence in my ability to put the puck in the net. I’m thankful to Coach Josh Gratton, who gave me the coaching that I needed to make major strides in my game.”
Norman went on to Tier II hockey in his home country for two seasons, but was excited to reconnect with R.C. Lyke and the Wolves for his NCDC opportunity in the upcoming 2024-25 season.
“I like how welcoming the Wolves organization has been, and the drive to win from Coach Lyke,” said Norman. “I expect for us to be serious contenders when our games begin.”
He knows that with just over 45 days until the season starts, he’ll have to keep working on and off the ice to be the best he can be for West Chester.
“This summer I’m focusing on my strength training and my scoring touch so I can do what I do best with the Wolves,” said Norman.
The NCDC and USPHL wish Owen Norman and the West Chester Wolves the very best of luck in 2024-25!
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