EMIPRE LEAGUE TO GO YOUNGER

EMPIRE LEAGUE TO GO YOUNGER

February 25^th was a watershed day for the Empire Junior Hockey League as the Board of Governors voted to eliminate 20 year old players from the League.

The League currently has a restriction of no more than 4-20 year olds per team. Under the new rule, the number of 20 year olds will be reduced to a maximum of 2 per team in the 2010-2011. Starting with the 2011-2012 season there will be no 20 year olds in the League.

The move was made to inform potential players and their parents that, as a B League operating in the East, we are committed to player development and advancement. More than half of this year’s teams have already committed to younger rosters. The transition will help those teams who do have older players to adjust over time.

Both the EJHL and the Chair of USA Hockey’s Junior Council are in full support of this move.

By making the league more attractive to the premier 14-16 year olds while at the same time providing a place for talented 17-19 year olds to further develop, we hope to be seen as the league of choice for development and as a feeder to the EJHL and other Junior. A programs.