The Tier 1 Elite Hockey League held the first of seven U15 & U16 team showcases on September 13-15 at the Taylor Ice Arena. For the last two years USA Hockey has been discussing the advantages of having a U15 division, and after watching this weekend we couldn't agree more.  

Up until this time in the player’s career they have played in a two year system, minor or major.  Players who move from U14 to a U16 program  are now competing for a position on a team with players who are a year older and many have just completed a year at playing at the higher level. Many of the players who do not advance to the U16 level are the late birth date players who need the extra time to develop. Very few of the players who are not chosen at this time ever return to Tier 1 hockey. This would allow 20 players per organization to continue under the USA banner and to play and be instructed at the highest level for youth players.  

We believe this is a good idea and fits right in with age appropriate hockey, and high performance training.  The 12 teams in this start up division are the Colorado Rampage, L A Kings, Colorado Thunderbirds, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars, TPH Thunder, Milwaukee Jr. Admirals, Belle Tire, TeamComcast, Philadelphia Flyers, Cleveland Barons, and the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite. Next season we expect this division will grow!

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