On March 4, 2013, the directors of each Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) franchise met to discuss the upcoming 2013/2014 season. At this meeting the directors amade the decision that each existing EJHL franchise to participate in the EJHL with their franchise’s top rated team and top rated players for the upcoming season.
This is now up in the air with the USPHL announcing tryouts.
TJHN has learned from both EJHL and USPHL sources that the relationships between the organizations starting USPHL clubs are strained to the point where lawyers are critically involved.
The EJHL members that are also fielding USPHL clubs were ordered to appoint six new franchise directors for the 2013/2014 EJHL season. Paul Jenkins (Islanders), Mike Anderson (Jr. Bruins), Ken Hulst, (Jr. Pirates), Nick Regas (Hitmen), John Gurskis (Kings) and Kyle Robertson (Breakers).
These appointments were made prior to the March 4th meeting, which was held as a formal introduction of the directors to the league. The appointments were made based upon an order that coincides with an ongoing investigation.
Sources within both sides are indicating that the EJHL is looking for ways to remove the USPHL founding members from the EJHL all together. Some sources are saying that “there is no way I will work with those teams again.” another source said “all they do is lie and will tell you what you want to hear depending on which side youre on.”
USA Hockey wanted the groups to work out a solution. It was thought that had been accomplished just two weeks ago when both sides met and the new directors were put in place. The confusion in the eastern junior marketplace has now become a serious concern.
Sources within several Mid Western Junior organizations are now reporting a massive amount of interest from players and parents on the east coast who are seeking to leave certain programs.
Other sources are concerned on how USA Hockey has allowed the USPHL to use the “senior” hockey registration process when it has previously been denied to several organizations under the same basic principals the USPHL is promoting.
Clearly the battle lines have been drawn, and this story is likely to play out throughout the off season.
