skip navigation

EHL and EHLP Welcome Group of New Franchises

By EHL/EHLP, 12/10/21, 9:00AM EST

Share

League Footprint to Cover Four New Markets in Fall of 2022

BOSTON, MA -- The Eastern Hockey League (EHL) and Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP) are pleased to announce a group of new franchises that will be kicking off their respective inaugural seasons next fall. Pending USA Hockey final approval, the EHL will be welcoming in one new team for the 2022-23 season, while there will be three new organizations joining the league at the EHLP level.

The new franchise at the EHL level will be located in Warwick, RI, and will play out of Thayer Arena. The ownership group consists of Toby O'Brien and James Mello, with O'Brien set to serve as the club's President and General Manager, while Mello acts as the Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. The group will be announcing the name for their new franchise in the near future.

As for the locations of the new teams at the EHLP level, the division will be increasing up to 15 total teams with new clubs set to operate in the following three cities -- Glens Falls, NY -- Union, NJ -- Exton, PA.

The Adirondack Thunder, Union Thunder, and Pennsylvania Huntsmen will help increase the EHLP too as large as it has ever been, since the division was formed back in 2015. Stay tuned for details on the coaching staffs for each new respective franchise.

With over 1300 NCAA Commitments since 2013, the EHL has established itself as the leader in Direct-To-College Advancement at the Division II and III levels. Over 90% of the league's commitments have advanced to Division II and III programs, and these alumni have continued to develop and excel throughout their collegiate careers.

To go along with the NCAA Commitments, the EHL has also helped over 80 players work their way up the USA Hockey Ladder of Development to the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the United States Hockey League (USHL).


While the name has changed a couple of times, the model remains the same in the EHLP; to help players develop and prepare for the next step in their journey.

The EHL's sub-division has done a great job promoting players up the ranks of junior hockey, and is responsible for a number of the league's NCAA Commitments. Over 250 players have developed at this level and then made their jump up to the EHL. From there, over 100 players have advanced onto college hockey.

Please join the EHL and EHLP in welcoming four new members of USA Hockey.

Comments