Aviator expands hockey program to junior level

New York Aviators begin inaugural season at Aviator Sports and Events Center this month

BROOKLYN, NY – SEPTEMBER 13, 2016 ­– Aviator Sports and Events Center, home to New York City’s only Tier I-AAA youth hockey program, is now home to the New York Aviators of the USPHL Elite League, North Division. This junior-level team is owned and operated by Aviator Sports and Events Center, and all the team’s home games will be played at the facility on Rink A. The home-opener of the 2016-17 season is at 8 p.m., on Saturday, September 24, 2016 against the Jersey Hitmen. Admission is free, and games will be streamed live on fasthockey.com.

“The addition of a junior hockey team to our program is another milestone for what we have built from scratch here at Aviator, ” Chris Werstine, Director of Ice Operations said. “We’ve had junior teams play here in the past, but now this is our own. It’s a huge opportunity for us to continue to grow youth hockey in New York City.”

Players from across North America have been arriving in Brooklyn over the last few weeks, taking residence with local host families in New York City and on Long Island.

“Playing hockey at this level is a big accomplishment for these players,” Werstine said. “Some of our players come from as far away as Alaska and it changes their lives forever. We’re grateful for the families that have stepped up and made room in their homes for the players.”

At the helm of the New York Aviators, serving as general manager and head coach, is Jeremy Meehan. Before joining the Aviator staff, Meehan was an assistant coach Nichols College, the 2014 ECAC Northeast Champions. Meehan began his coaching career at the youth level coaching multiple Providence Capitals Hockey teams from (2009 – 2013) and served as Head Coach of the Boston Warriors U18 AAA Tier 1 Team, leading them to the National Championship game of the (NJPHL) in March of 2012.

“This is a very exciting time for the Aviator hockey program,” Meehan said. “As an organization, we have a philosophy and a dedication to teaching the game. It’s our goal to help all of our players get to the collegiate level.”

The New York Aviators will play 44 games this season, including 17 at Aviator. The Elite North Division boasts tough competition. On the schedule this season are the Jersey Hitmen, Junior Bruins, Syracuse Stars, Team Beijing, P.A.L. Junior Islanders, Potomac Patriots, Rochester Monarchs, the Islanders Hockey Club, and the South Shore Kings.

For the complete schedule and more information, visit https://www.AviatorSports.com/NYAviators.

ABOUT AVIATOR SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTER Aviator Sports and Events Center, located at Floyd Bennett Field (FBF) in Brooklyn, is a premier multi-sport and recreational complex. FBF was NYC’s first municipal airport and is part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Aviator has refurbished four historic aircraft hangars and surrounding grounds, in partnership with the National Park Service. The area includes the 175,000 square foot indoor sports, entertainment and recreation complex, adjoining outdoor turf fields and 35 acres of land space for outdoor events. Aviator provides a wide variety of sports leagues and activities, including Aviator Athletics, camps, Tier 1 youth hockey, ice skating, gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, soccer, football and much more. For more information, visit AviatorSports.com or call 718-758-7500.

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Media Contact:
Katrina Doell
katrina@aviatorsports.com
718-758-7565