More Tier II is on the way in New York State. The NAHL is expanding and making a new home in Elmira New York.
The North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) Board of Governors has approved a membership to operate in Elmira, NY. The Elmira Aviators will compete in the East Division beginning in the 2024-25 season.
The Aviators, who’s name honors the area’s contributions to the development of air travel and known as the “Soaring Capital of the World”, are the second NAHL team based in New York.
“We are excited to be a cornerstone in the efforts to bring a renaissance to downtown Elmira and Chemung County,” Aviators owner Marc Stemerman said.
The Aviators will play out of First Arena, a 3,784-seat multi-purpose facility located in downtown Elmira. First Arena features two ice surfaces, a full-service restaurant and bar, 31 luxury suites, meeting/community rooms, and other amenities.
“It is an exciting time for the city of Elmira as they welcome a NAHL team into their community,” NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld said. “Elmira has a great hockey tradition and the Aviators will develop some great rivalries in the East Division. We are equally excited about Marc Stemerman’s passion to invest in the Elmira community to bring an NAHL team to the community.”
The Aviators will be the tenth team in the NAHL’s East Division which currently includes: Danbury Hat Tricks (Danbury, CT), Johnstown Tomahawks (Johnstown, PA), Maine Nordiques (Lewiston, ME), Maryland Black Bears (Odenton, MD), New Hampshire Mountain Kings (Hookset, NH), New Jersey Titans (Middletown, NJ), Northeast Generals (Attleboro, MA), Philadelphia Rebels (Sewell, NJ), and Rochester Jr. Americans (Rochester, NY).
Keep and eye on Elmira and how this development effects the USPHL Premier Elmira Impact team. Things are getting interesting on the east coast.
