The United States Premier Hockey League announced today it will operate as an independent junior league in 2013-14, instead of its previously announced intention to operate as an adult league within USA Hockey. The USPHL intends to submit application materials to USA Hockey with the objective to begin playing as a certified junior league in 2014-15.
The USPHL will sponsor three levels of hockey overall, including 16U and 18U Midgets in addition to Juniors. The USPHL organizations will maintain teams in their existing junior leagues including the Eastern Junior Hockey League and Empire Junior Hockey League where applicable.
“It’s important to us to have an affiliation with USA Hockey and after hearing the legitimate concerns related to our plan to operate as an adult league, we felt that the best way forward was to go down the path we’ve announced today,” said Richard Gallant. “While we’ll play outside of USA Hockey for our Junior division, all of our players will be members of the organization and play under its rules. We’ll also consult with USA Hockey to provide for the proper player protection rights, player safety, the registering of import players and other matters the USPHL believes are critical in administering and executing the league.”
The USPHL members have each developed a complete player development model where, at present, over 2,000 boys and girls train, compete and enjoy the sport of ice hockey. These programs go beyond the on-ice experience to include education, leadership and community service components to help foster a complete student-athlete. The member organizations believe the USPHL will provide the next step in high performance training and competition and will provide unmatched exposure to NCAA hockey programs for young aspiring hockey players.
Tryouts for the USPHL will continue to occur throughout the month of April. The USPHL will commence competition in September of 2013. Please visit the USPHL website at www.usphl.com or the member organizations for specific information regarding the registration and tryout process.
