Glenn Hefferan is known as one of the good guys in Tier III junior hockey. For over 20 years he lead the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League and was a large part of its growth and success on the east coast.
Glenn is now back and in charge of the re-activated North Jersey Avalance. A founding member of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League in the 2002-03 season, the Avalanche applied for, and received, the reactivation of their junior franchise for 2013-14. The team will play out of the Ice House facility in Hackensack and will be a member of the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League.
Hefferan was the 2012 recipient of the Dr. John J. McMullen Service to New Jersey Hockey Award. He brings more than 25 years of experience in hockey to the table, in addition to time served on USA Hockey’s board of directors.
When speaking to the local press Hefferan had the following to say when it comes to promoting and developing players;
“When we sign players, there is very specific language in their contract about player promotion,” said Hefferan. “We definitely do not want to stand in anyone’s way, so if a player gets the opportunity to play in the USHL — or the NAHL or even prep school — we will tear up the contract on the spot. We want to be known as an organization that develops and moves players on — to any higher level and, if for some reason we are unable to move players directly from our franchise, then I work will work with my brothers [other GMs] to do so.”
That will be a refreshing breath of fresh air to parents and players alike. Unfortunately there have been many players who have left leagues on the east coast complaining that they were not allowed to leave for higher levels when they had the opportunity because some teams required compensation.
The proof is in the pudding so they say. Along with the Long Island Gulls (newly part of the Ferraro brothers’ organization), the Avalanche will be partnering up with the USHL this fall, for the USHL Atlantic Challenge. The event will be a combination of USHL preseason games, featuring up to six USHL franchises, along with a schedule of U14, U16 and U18 events. This will be the first event for the USHL on the East Coast.
Experience matters. Glenn Hefferan brings a wealth of it, and a rolodex full of connections. There will be little surprise when the Avalanche experience short and long term success to those who have had the experience to work with him.
