The Metropolitan Junior Hockey League (North Division) has grown to 18 teams to kickoff the 2008-2009 season.  The Binghamton Jr. Senators, North Jersey Avalanche and New Jersey Renegades are the new additions to the league.

The Binghamton Jr. Senators have now been part of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League (Jr. A Tier III) for the past two seasons, and the Junior B MET team will be a great addition to their organization.

“We will now have the opportunity to develop players from the ground up,” stated AJHL head coach Pierre Laganiere.  Binghamton will be able to start at the grass roots from players in the youth leagues in Central and Southern New York, and then will be able to develop them at the Junior B level.

Binghamton, New York is a great market for hockey.  Almost every game at the Chenango Ice Arena is filled to capacity.  The addition of the Binghamton Jr. Senators to the MET League will give talented players from the Central New York area a great avenue to play junior hockey in a great hockey town.

Pete Fiorentino has been named the head coach of the Binghamton Jr. Senators MET League team.  He is happy to be a part of the Binghamton organization and looks forward to the opportunity of developing players in the top Junior B league in the country.

The two other additions to the MET League come from the Garden State of New Jersey.  The North Jersey Avalanche will rejoin the league for the 08-09 season under the reigns of President – Monica May, Executive Director – Dan May and GM / Head Coach – David Caminiti.

The idea of bringing ten southern teams into the Met League was motioned and passed last week at the MetJHL Annual Spring Meeting.  The MET League will form a South Division that will consist of the ten teams, split into two divisions.  “It is great to have these teams on board.  They are great organizations and this move will create exciting and competitive Junior B hockey along the entire East Coast from Maine to Florida,” explained President Glenn Hefferan.  This will also be a great opportunity for the growth of junior hockey in non-traditional hockey markets.

Royals and Individual Achievements Recognized at Awards Banquet
May 31, 2008

Last Wednesday night the MET League recognized all the individuals who over achieved last season at the AMHL awards banquet.  It was also a night of gratitude to the Long Island Royals who won the Keegan Cup and the Junior B National Championship.  “It is extremely important to reward the players and coaches who have over achieved, but more importantly, it is great to see both the AJ and Met leagues together with the parents, players, coaches, and owners for a fantastic evening,” said president Glenn Hefferan.

The MetJHL conducted their annual Junior Board meeting last week to prepare for the 2008-2009 season.  This will be the leagues 42nd season and President Glenn Hefferan expressed his enthusiasm for the season ahead.

Along with the addition of the South Division, the Binghamton Jr. Senators have added a team to the league along with the North Jersey Avalanche.  The New Jersey Renegades will also play their first season in the MET League as they have purchased the Bethlehem Blast’s franchise.

AMHL Says Goodbye to a Valued Volunteer
May 31, 2008

Linda Clifford, VP of the AJHL, MetJHL and AYHL has stepped down from her position this year.  After being around hockey for many years, she has put in 25 great years with the AMHL.  At the AJ / MET awards banquet, Linda was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her services to the league. 

We thank Linda for her dedication and years of service and wish her the best of luck in the future.

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