Men's Ice Hockey | 9/1/2026 3:34:18 PM

Clay Burns has been named Manager of Graphic Design and Video for the United States Hockey League (USHL), the League announced Tuesday.

Burns brings years of professional design experience to the USHL, having most recently served as Creative Services Intern with the Bridgeport Islanders in the American Hockey League (AHL), where he created content including game introductions, hype videos, and crowd interactions. The Exeter, N.H., native has worked to establish brand identities as a freelancer for various healthcare, sports, and entertainment companies. He recently developed a suite of video animations for Hartford Athletic to use for the 2026 United Soccer League (USL) season. 

In his capacity with the USHL, Burns will apply his design and motion graphic experience to elevate the League's brand and increase its visibility on-site and online. Burns will serve as the USHL's creative lead, producing short-form and long-form video content, graphics, copy, and other visuals that align with USHL brand strategy and messaging. Additionally, he will be responsible for designing and updating logos, signage, and collateral to support owned channels, League events, and player-focused initiatives.

"I am thrilled to be joining an amazing team at the USHL, and I am looking forward to advancing the visual language of the league," said Burns.

About the USHL

The United States Hockey League (USHL) and its 16 teams are committed to being the world's leading junior hockey league. This season, more than 50% of NCAA Division I men's hockey players and nearly 25% of NHL players have USHL experience. The USHL has developed more than 315 direct NHL Draft picks since 2020, and nine of the last 10 Hobey Baker Award winners, including Macklin Celebrini (Chicago Steel).

Elevated through the recently announced Declaration of Excellence with the NHL and USA Hockey, the league's player-first approach, including a 2:1 practice-to-game ratio and a schedule with 90% of games played on weekends, provides its players with the optimal environment for athletic and personal growth, creating pathways for the next generation of stars like Auston Matthews (NTDP), Kyle Connor (Youngstown Phantoms), Jeremy Swayman (Sioux Falls Stampede), and Johnny Gaudreau (Dubuque Fighting Saints).