2026 Clark Cup Playoffs: Conference Semifinals Schedule, Matchups & Predictions

The USHL's top teams face off in a best-of-five series to determine the conference champions

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:38am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a USHL hockey game, with players and the puck fragmented into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, crimson red, and white.The USHL's Conference Semifinals showcase the league's commitment to developing elite hockey talent through a display of skill, strategy, and determination.Fargo Today

The 2026 Clark Cup Playoffs are set, with the United States Hockey League (USHL) unveiling the dates, times, and matchups for the Conference Semifinals. This year's tournament promises an exciting showcase of talent as teams compete in a best-of-five series to determine the conference champions. The Eastern Conference will see the #6 Madison Capitols take on the #1 Youngstown Phantoms, while the #5 Muskegon Lumberjacks challenge the #2 Dubuque Fighting Saints. In the Western Conference, the #5 Lincoln Stars will face the #1 Sioux Falls Stampede, and the #3 Sioux City Musketeers will battle the #2 Fargo Force.

Why it matters

The USHL is renowned for its development of top-tier hockey players, with over 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players having USHL experience. The league's commitment to player growth and its player-first approach create an optimal environment for nurturing talent and preparing players for the highest levels of competition. The Conference Semifinals will showcase the league's legacy and impact on the sport of hockey.

The details

In the Eastern Conference, the #6 Madison Capitols will face off against the #1 Youngstown Phantoms, with the first two games taking place at the Phantoms' arena. The #5 Muskegon Lumberjacks will challenge the #2 Dubuque Fighting Saints, with the first two games in Dubuque and potential road wins for the Lumberjacks in Games 3 and 5. In the Western Conference, the #5 Lincoln Stars will take on the #1 Sioux Falls Stampede, while the #3 Sioux City Musketeers will face the #2 Fargo Force.

  • The Conference Semifinals will take place in the 2026 Clark Cup Playoffs.
  • Game 1 and 2 of each series will be held at the higher-seeded team's arena.

The players

Madison Capitols

The #6 seed in the Eastern Conference, known for their determined spirit and aim to disrupt the Phantoms' dominance.

Youngstown Phantoms

The #1 seed in the Eastern Conference, a force to be reckoned with and looking to capitalize on their home-ice advantage.

Muskegon Lumberjacks

The #5 seed in the Eastern Conference, known for their tenacity and aim to upset the higher-seeded Fighting Saints.

Dubuque Fighting Saints

The #2 seed in the Eastern Conference, a powerhouse in the league and eager to showcase their depth and experience.

Lincoln Stars

The #5 seed in the Western Conference, known for their dynamic attack and aim to exploit any weaknesses in the Stampede's defense.

Sioux Falls Stampede

The #1 seed in the Western Conference, with their home-ice advantage potentially tipping the scales in their favor.

Sioux City Musketeers

The #3 seed in the Western Conference, a disciplined unit aiming to neutralize the Force's offensive threats.

Fargo Force

The #2 seed in the Western Conference, with their home-ice advantage providing an extra layer of challenge for the Musketeers.

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What’s next

The Conference Semifinals will determine the conference champions, who will then advance to the Clark Cup Finals to compete for the league championship.

The takeaway

The 2026 Clark Cup Playoffs showcase the USHL's continued commitment to developing top-tier hockey talent and producing players who captivate fans and inspire future generations. The Conference Semifinals will be a thrilling display of skill, strategy, and the league's enduring legacy.