Aviator hockey joins elite USPHL division

UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE ADDS 45 TEAMS TO HIGH PERFORMANCE YOUTH DIVISION

The Aviators among elite teams joining the largest amateur ice hockey league in the country

For immediate release:

Link to usphl.com: http://bit.ly/1RkorzB

Boston, MA (March 1, 2016) – The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) has announced the addition of 45 new teams to its High Performance Youth Division.  The new teams will represent 13 organizations competing in the premier and elite levels of the league.

 “We are very excited to have our youth teams competing in the USPHL,” stated Potomac Patriots Executive Vice President RJ Zeigler. “The USPHL has provided our midget and junior teams an enormous amount of exposure, development, and growth thanks to their innovative, player-first development platform.  Extending that platform to our youth levels will provide our players and families a tremendous opportunity.”

 The High Performance Youth Divisions will extend the USPHL’s renowned brand of player development to younger aged players seeking unrivaled player training and competition.  The premier and elite levels are each comprised of 14 and under (Bantams), 12 and under (Peewees), and 10 and under (Squirts).  However, the premier level will also include the sub-levels of both major and minor age divisions. 

 “The USPHL is all about player development and advancement,” Richmond Generals Head Coach and Hockey Director RC Lyke said. “Players and families have realized that if you want to advance your game, this is the league to do it.  It’s very exciting to now be offering that opportunity to our 14-and-under, 12-and-under, and 10-and-under teams.”

 The USPHL’s High Performance Youth Division will focus on a unique and innovative player development model that is centered on skill acquisition, pragmatic game scheduling and player retention and advancement.  The youth platform of the USPHL will also provide players an assortment of developmental opportunities unrivaled by any traditional youth hockey league on the east coast.

Youth organizations that will compete in the USPHL’s High Performance Youth Division for the 2016-17 season include the New Jersey Rockets, Jersey Hitmen, Westchester Express, Hartford Junior Wolfpack, Richmond Generals, Potomac Patriots, Jersey Shore Whalers, New York Aviators, Hatfield Ice, and P.A.L. Junior Islanders who are affiliated with the NHL’s New York Islanders.

 Bob Crawford, (Hartford Wolf Pack President) former USA Hockey Tier 3 Junior Council Caucus Chairman and New England district director, and Jim Hunt, (Jersey Hitmen President) former NCAA Division 1 head coach and national team coach, will serve as Deputy Commissioners.

  The USPHL is currently accepting youth organization applications for the 2016-17 season.  Organizations interested in joining the USPHL’s High Performance Youth Division can apply by emailing Leigh Dean at Leigh@usphl.com.

 For more information about the USPHL’s High Performance Youth Division, visit usphl.com/HighPerformanceYouth.

 United States Premier Hockey League social media accounts:

Twitter: @USPHL Facebook: UPSHL

 The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL.com), which operates in 18 of the 50 United States, is the nation’s largest amateur ice hockey league.  The league is comprised of 167 teams representing 57 organizations.  Players in the USPHL are 8 to 21 years of age.   Over the past two years, the USPHL has seen over 500 of its players advance to the collegiate level.