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Danville Today
By the People, for the People
Danville Aims to Bring Back Hockey with New USPHL Team
The Danville Iron hockey team is recruiting players worldwide to join the United States Premier Hockey League.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:53am
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A conceptual illustration captures the dynamic energy and fractured perspectives of a new junior hockey team aiming to revive the sport in Danville, Illinois.Danville TodayThe City of Danville, Illinois is working to bring a new junior hockey team to the David S. Palmer Arena as part of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL). The team, called the Danville Iron, is being led by owner and head coach Bo Cheesman, who hopes to recruit 25 players aged 16 to 20 to compete in the league's mid-September to March season. Cheesman wants the team to be an integral part of the Danville community, with players expected to engage with residents and help grow the sport locally.
Why it matters
Danville previously had a junior hockey team called the Danville Wings, and city officials are excited to revive this level of hockey in the community. The new Danville Iron team could provide entertainment and economic benefits, while also developing young talent and inspiring local youth to get involved in the sport.
The details
The Danville Iron hockey team is aiming to join the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), a prominent male junior league. Owner and head coach Bo Cheesman is recruiting players worldwide to fill a 25-player roster of athletes aged 16 to 20. Cheesman wants the team to be an inclusive part of the Danville community, with players expected to engage with residents and help grow the sport locally. The team's name is a nod to the city's industrial history with the former GM plant.
- The Danville Iron hockey team is targeting the USPHL's mid-September to March season.
- Danville previously had a junior hockey team called the Danville Wings.
The players
Bo Cheesman
The owner and head coach of the Danville Iron hockey team, who is leading the effort to bring the new USPHL team to Danville.
Rickey Williams Jr.
The mayor of Danville, Illinois, who is excited to welcome the USPHL team back to the city's David S. Palmer Arena.
What they’re saying
“Together, if we can put all of the passionate people in the same room, it's going to benefit Danville.”
— Bo Cheesman, Owner and Head Coach, Danville Iron
“When I was in high school many moons ago, we had a team called the Danville Wings, and we're excited to bring this level of hockey back to the Arena. We look forward to working with Mr. Cheesman and the Danville Iron staff and players to make them an integral part of this community for years to come.”
— Rickey Williams Jr., Mayor of Danville
What’s next
The Danville Iron team is currently recruiting players worldwide to fill its 25-player roster for the upcoming USPHL season.
The takeaway
Danville's efforts to bring back junior hockey to the city's David S. Palmer Arena could provide a boost to the local community, offering entertainment, economic benefits, and opportunities to develop young talent and inspire the next generation of hockey players.
