Atlantic Youth Hockey League

AMHL Announces 2016-17 Season Plans

Release Date : 02/22/2016

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League (AMHL), which operates the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) and the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (MJHL), has some exciting developments on the horizon, which will positively impact both leagues for the coming season. One of the major developments for the AYHL is the addition of the Futures Division and the 15 Pure Tier I level.

The 15 Pure Tier I Division is a new USA Hockey Pilot Project for 15-year old players (2001’s for the 2016-17 Season). Its purpose is to provide a single birth year program for the Nations top 15-year-old players, a concept being recommended from College Hockey community. “Once again, the AYHL is in the forefront of player development. Many of our member clubs have already structured their teams in preparation for this new, National Tournament level and we are excited to play a major role,” remarked AYHL President, Gene Palecco.

“The AYHL is uniquely positioned to have a robust 10 to 12 team Division for the 15 Pure level, have received our first Showcase Host request from a Division I NCAA facility. Again, its about taking the lead; the AYHL lead the initiative to split up what was once a 3 and half year National Midget program and we lead the initiative to created 16U and 18U hockey. Our 15 Pure program along with our other levels will have some of the best teams in the country and certainly be the most competitive League on the Eastern seaboard” added Palecco.

One of the other big developments is the addition of the AYHL Futures Division. The purpose of this program is in response to the scheduling demands of top Tier II teams both from within the AYHL and those seeking to be associated with AYHL. This program will help offer a method for a new avenue into the AYHL, while providing a more diverse schedule for current Members. For additional information regarding AYHL Futures or a Membership Application, please contact League President, Gene Palecco at [email protected].

The AYHL’s Competition Committee has developed a highly progressive competition structure for the 2016-17 season and as a result, several highly ranked teams have expressed interest in participating in the AYHL for next season. The League plans to make those announcements within the next sixty days.

On the Junior Hockey front, the MJHL, which is celebrating its 50^th season this year is in final negotiations with the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for it to take on a major management role of the MJHL’s Junior Program. This includes various branding strategies, operating standards, showcasing and various scheduling opportunities. “The NAHL and the MJHL have a long successful history and we are excited about the potential this will bring our players” stated MJHL Commissioner, Richard Foster.

The AMHL will be hosting an open forum on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 9:30am, for parents and players during the AYHL Playoffs, being held at Ice Line in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the forum is to discuss these issues and any other questions from AYHL families and future AYHL families.

For more information about the AMHL or its Leagues (AYHL & MJHL) please contact league President Gene Palecco at [email protected].