Atlantic Youth Hockey League

The AMHL Launches "Junior Hockey 2.0"

Release Date : 11/10/2015

FLORHAM PARK, NJ - The Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League (AMHL) is proud to announce its new initiative named “Junior Hockey 2.0”. This initiative will restructure the League’s Junior Program for the 2016-17 Season. League Management along with six AMHL organizations, who are considered to be leaders in Junior Hockey, will be focused on renewing the AMHL’s Tier III junior hockey program as a powerful player development platform. The AMHL will unveil the new Two-Tiered junior league name, member teams, new website and structure in early December.

As part of the initiative, the League will operate a Central Scouting Bureau with its scouts targeting local, regional and national events and tournaments. All scouted events will be published in advance. The league is also considering possible locations for player combines.

“Junior hockey is a vital part of a hockey player’s development, especially those players that aspire to play any level of college hockey. It’s no secret that Tier III Junior hockey has lost its identity and its sense of mission over the past few seasons. The AMHL and its member teams are taking the necessary steps to refocus its junior program so that it can deliver a cost-effective program, with rigorous training guidelines and competition, with carefully planned exposure events hosted in college venues“, stated AMHL President Gene Palecco.

In addition to the USA Hockey requirements for Junior Hockey, the League is adopting additional criteria for both on and off -ice team operations; 40 to 50 game regular season schedule with its primary showcases hosted at NCAA Division I or III College venues. The League is currently in communication with at least nine Universities and expects final site selections by March of 2016.

Mr. Palecco made the following statement: “The AMHL created and perfected the two-tiered approach to Junior hockey in the Northeast. Our AJHL / MJHL leagues served as a transformational player develop program that supported its players moving to the highest levels of the game, from the NAHL & USHL, to college and the National Hockey League. There was no holding our players back either; we fully support the USA Hockey Ladder of Development. In 2012, when we allowed the AJHL to separate, and operate completely independently from the AMHL, the environment and competitiveness of Tier III Junior hockey had fallen dramatically. Our mission is to restore the quality and integrity back into Tier III Junior hockey.”

For additional information about “Junior Hockey 2.0” and the AMHL’s Junior program, please contact League President, Gene Palecco. Those seeking coaching opportunities with member teams or with the League’s Central Scouting Bureau, please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected].