On behalf of the Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (MET League), we want to take the opportunity to provide perspective to the current state of Junior hockey in the Northeast.
We realize that there is a great amount of confusion in the Northeast regarding Junior hockey. Which leagues are actually remaining as USA Hockey Junior Certified Leagues? Which teams will register as Junior teams for the coming season? What is a “Senior” or “Adult” team? Which teams will have their rosters protected so as to not face loss of players in-season? Which teams will follow the USA Hockey required standards for Junior hockey?
There are many questions and we are hopeful that USA Hockey will provide answers to these and other questions prior to the up coming tryout period. We can assure all prospective Junior players that the MET League and all of its members teams are not involved in any of the confusion. Our focus has never been clearer. The proven and time-honored Junior pathway and all of the structure it provides has never been more important for today’s developing hockey players.
The MET League will proudly be a USA Hockey Certified Tier III Junior League for the coming season. Its what we’ve done for the nearly 50 years. Our League and its members are not involved in any litigation with or against any other team or league.
The MET League has one core mission and that’s to provide our players with the best possible training, Junior-level competition and college showcasing, while protecting each player’s amateur status in order to advance its players to the higher levels of hockey, particularly college hockey.
In the course of the MET League history, we have literally helped in the development of thousands of alum that have collectively advanced to the NHL, AHL, NCAA Division I & III, USHL and other notable professional and amateur ranks. We will continue that tradition.
The MET League is the longest continually operating Junior league in the USA and the main reason behind our record of accomplishments for nearly 50 years, is because we have never lost sight of our mission and commitment to elite player development.
The decisions you make for the coming season require greater scrutiny than ever before. We proudly enter the 2013-14 season with a robust, competitive and stable membership, fully committed to providing an exceptional Junior hockey experience.
Regards,
Gene A. Palecco
AML President
Gene A. Palecco
AML President
