HACKENSACK, N.J. (MAY 5, 2019) --- Today, a compilation of prominent youth hockey organizations that share a vision for player-focused development announce the formation of “The Northeast Pack.” The regional hockey league will bring some the Northeast’s highest-rated players and organizations together beginning with the 2019-2020 season.

The Northeast Pack will be comprised of the following organizations at the 14U, 15U, 16U & 18U levels:

• North Jersey Avalanche
• Dicks Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Pens Elite
• Buffalo Jr. Sabres
• South Kent School Selects Academy (15-18U Only)
• Mount St. Charles Hockey Academy
• Mid-Fairfield Rangers (14U Only)

Our Mission:  To empower our players and teams to thrive; through focused development, consistent high-level competition and a dedication to education.  

Our Vision:  With a mindset of pushing standards to new heights, our league was created for the benefit of our athletes and families. Building, improving and sustaining a brand that will prepare our players on the ice, but as importantly, off the ice helped to outline our guiding principles:

• Through open communication and collaboration, sharing best practices to further strengthen all league organizations. 
• Family and education conscious schedule
• Providing a consistent, competitive environment which will provide ability to develop through failure
• Fostering individual and team growth leading to upward trajectory 
• Recognizing and celebrating individual and team success

“It is with great enthusiasm that the North Jersey Avalanche participates in what is bound to be one of the most exciting, competitive, and elite youth hockey leagues in the country, said Dan May, President of the North Jersey Avalanche organization.  “To be able to form a league in the North East boasting some of top teams in the nation is a testament to the coaches, administrative staff, and the consistent high quality player development of these five relatively local organizations.  The Avalanche are proud to be a member of this exclusive class of organizations, coaches, and players.”

The Northeast Pack will begin play this upcoming 2019-2020 season, with each organization hosting a showcase weekend to comprise a 16 game schedule, which would then lead to our league playoffs.  The league season begins in September with North Jersey Avalanche hosting the 15U age group.  The overall schedule is listed below:

Regular Season

September 13-15, 2019                                        15U                                             Host – North Jersey Avalanche

October 18-20, 2019                                              16,18U                                       Host – South Kent School Selects Academy

November 15-17, 2019                                         15,16,18U                                Host – Buffalo Jr. Sabres

December 13-15, 2019                                         15,16,18U                                Host – Mount St. Charles

January 17-19, 2020                                               14U                                             Host – Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Pens Elite

February 7-9, 2020                                                 15,16,18U                                Host – North Jersey Avalanche

Playoffs

February 21 - 23, 2020                                          14,15,16,18U                          Host – Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Pens Elite

“We are extremely excited to join with and compete against some of the most well respected and successful organizations in the country,” said Doug Holewa, Director of South Kent School Selects Academy.  “The strength of our collective programs maximize competition and exposure.”

Each of the league showcase venues line up to be very accessible to the many NCAA Division 1 institutions that are located just a few hours away, creating tremendous exposure opportunity for the players.  All event schedules including game times will be added to RinkNet shortly, allowing all NCAA, USHL, and Major Junior coaches and scouts the ability to plan their recruiting schedule.   

 “The Buffalo Jr. Sabres organization has put a lot of effort into strategically aligning ourselves with the best competition to help our players improve on the ice and also receive maximum exposure,” said Kevyn Adams Buffalo Jr. Sabres President.   We feel that this league will put our players in a great position to improve and develop.”

The Northeast Pack website will be operational very soon, and will house all events, schedules, rosters, and other pertinent information.  Additionally, Social media accounts have already been established and you can follow us on Twitter @NortheastPack and Instagram @northeastpack1127. 

“We are very excited to begin play in the Northeast Pack this upcoming season, as this begins a new chapter for Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite program,” said Danny MacKinnon, Director, Elite Hockey.  “We look forward to partnering with four highly competitive organizations with a common goal to help promote and develop young hockey players onto the next level.”

For any inquiries about our league, please contact us via email at northeastpack1127@gmail.com.

The Northeast Pack

Banded Together to Drive, Develop and Differentiate