Atlantic Youth Hockey League

Royals and Avalanche to Meet at Yankee Stadium

Release Date : 02/08/2014

BRONX, NY – The Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League is excited to announce that a high-profile matchup between the Long Island Royals and the North Jersey Avalanche at the Bantam Major level is being held tomorrow, Sunday, February 9th at Yankee Stadium as part of the Yankee Stadium Stadium Series. The game was originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 5, but was rescheduled because of inclement weather.

“Playing at Yankee Stadium will be an incredible experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that our boys will remember for the rest of their lives,” said Royals Manager Rob Mastosimone. “The game was originally cancelled because of the weather, but we are glad to be back on.”

The Royals are currently tied for first place in the AYHL Bantam Major Division with Team Comcast. The Avalanche sit two points behind the pair, so although this will be a non-league game, it’s an opportunity for two of the top teams in the division to play against one another. The teams tied at 2 at the Ice House in October and then played again in the semifinals of the East Coast Prep Shootout, won by the Royals in a shootout. The two teams will face-off in their other AYHL league matchup later in February in Dix Hills.

“This will be the third of four meetings between the two teams this season,” said Avalanche Manager Frank Arcaroli. “The two teams are battling for the top seed in the AYHL Bantam Minor playoffs. The first two games were very entertaining and tomorrow’s game at Yankee Stadium is expected to be the same way.”

“Once we heard that Yankee Stadium was hosting a stadium series game, we reached out to our contact with the New York Islanders and secured the ice slot,” Mastrosimone said. “The Royals then reached out to the Avalanche to be the opponent – we’ve always had an excellent relationship with them and our games have always been competitive.”

"This will be a great opportuinty for our players to get a once-in-a lifetime opportunity," said AMHL President Gene Palecco. "To play at Yankee Stadium, as a part of the Stadium Series, is something neither team will forget. It also showcases two of the top teams at the Bantam Minor level and is a great preview to the AYHL Playoffs."