On Monday we received an email from New Jersey Hitmen President Jim Hunt referencing the story we published earlier in the morning USPHL – Why They Are Not USA Hockey Sanctioned In 2013
After a little phone tag I was able to speak with Mr. Hunt on a variety of subjects. Several questions that readers, players and parents have been asking can now be answered.
When asked about player insurance, we were informed that the USPHL will be selecting coverage based on a bid process and insurance equal to that of USA Hockey’s will be provided to players.
When asked about billeting and other critical organization standards, Mr. Hunt informed us that although not USA Hockey Sanctioned, that every organization will operate under the USA Hockey established guidelines and protocals.
Going further, Mr. Hunt made it clear that staying as an independent league this year made more sense than joining AAU. Mr. Hunt said, “We are USA Hockey guys. We always have been and always will be. Although we will not be santioned by USA Hockey, every player and every coach will still be required to register and be members of USA Hockey.”
When asked if the USPHL will seek USA Hockey sanctioning in the future, Mr. Hunt informed us that the application for USA Hockey santioning was submitted on April 15th. It was submitted according to the established guidelines and within the accepted time frame.
Going further, Mr. Hunt also made it clear that organizations were planning on continuing with the EJHL while expanding their offerings with the USPHL.
Mr. Hunt also offered some insight into how the USPHL came about being formed. The founding members offered several suggestions to the rest of the EJHL that were rejected for one reason or another. Re-alignment under a relegation format was suggested, along with some scheduling changes.
What was clear from the conversation is that the USPHL is committed, and they believe that they will provide the highest level of play possible on the east coast. What was also clear is that they continue to believe that the EJHL is a very good league and they will continue to support it and assist other league members in recruiting.
In the end the conversation was a positive one, and one that answered many questions.
Joseph Kolodziej – Publisher
