SEJHL Ascension to Junior B

For Immediate Release
January 18, 2010
(Rockledge, FL)

     The Southeast Junior Hockey League (“SEJHL”) announces today its ascension to the level of Junior B effective for the 2010-2011 season.   The advancement of the SEJHL to the Junior B level was approved by the USAH Junior Council during the 2010 Winter meetings held in Orando, Florida.  The SEJHL was awarded this substantial progression based on the strength of the performance of the league on a national basis as well as the integrity of the member organizations that form the foundation of the South’s first and oldest junior hockey league.

“This is a major step for the SEJHL and it reflects the achievements of the league as a whole, the strength of team ownership, and the talent and quality of the players that compete in this league.  The movement to Junior B will increase player visibility and advancement opportunities and will place this league among the elite in junior hockey”, stated SEJHL President Rick Ninko.  The SEJHL has received national attention for player development, player advancement and team competitiveness on a national basis.  SEJHL teams have appeared in the USAH National Championship game each of the past three years and claimed the USA Hockey National Championship Trophy in 2007-2008.

Junior hockey is the bridge between youth hockey and collegiate hockey and provides the platform for players to develop the needed skills along with academic achievement to be prepared to play collegiate or professional hockey.  Nearly 80% of all players participating at the NCAA level participated at some level of junior hockey prior to becoming eligible for collegiate competition. The SEJHL is comprised of nine member organizations and serves primarily the 11 states that make up the Southeastern District of USA Hockey.  The league includes players from the USA, Canada and Europe and has been USA Hockey sanctioned and commenced operations in 2004.