Billings Cattle Punchers Join NAHL's Mountain Division
The North American Hockey League announced that the Billings Cattle Punchers have been approved to compete in the 2026‑27 season, marking the franchise's debut in the Tier II Junior A circuit.
The team will be placed in the newly created Mountain Division, which also welcomes clubs from Idaho, Utah and Colorado, expanding the league's geographic footprint.
Home Ice at Signal Peak Energy Arena
Cattle Punchers will host their home games at the state‑of‑the‑art Signal Peak Energy Arena in Billings, a facility that previously served the Billings Bulls during their NAHL tenure from 2003 to 2006.
The arena's modern amenities and capacity are expected to provide an energetic environment for both players and fans.
Leadership Looks Forward
Chris Hall, vice president of the Cattle Punchers, said the move represents a major milestone for the organization and its supporters.
Mark Frankenfeld, president and commissioner of the NAHL, welcomed the new franchises, emphasizing the league's growth and the competitive balance they will bring.
The transition from the National Collegiate Development Conference to the NAHL reflects a strategic shift toward a USA Hockey‑sanctioned pathway for elite junior talent.
Fans in Montana and across the western United States can look forward to a fresh slate of rivalries as the Mountain Division begins play next fall.