Bethesda, MD (January 20, 2022) – The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is pleased to announce the following plans for its 2022-23 Full-Ice Mite AAA season: (1) The AHF is taking over the administration of the former Atlantic 8 hockey league; (2). The Full-Ice Mite AAA division will include a 36-game schedule that will mirror a typical Tier I schedule including three showcases, and; (3) The Full Ice Mite AAA division will add the CT Oil Kings (Westchester Express affiliate), CT Hurricanes (CT Jr. Whalers affiliate) and LI Monarchs (LI Royals affiliate) as full members of the Mite division bringing the total planned teams to at least 15 for next season. Several clubs will field Mite Major and Mite Minor teams further expanding the competitive level of the league.

The AHF is also pleased to announce that the Lancaster Firebirds will be joining the AHF as a half-season member for 2022-23.

“Our league continues to innovate and bring our families the product that they want for their hockey players,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “We are grateful to Monica and Dan May for all the work they did with the Atlantic 8 and look forward to building on their successes with our Full-Ice Mite AAA division this fall.”

“With the addition of several of the Atlantic 8 teams, the Oil Kings, Hurricanes, and the Monarchs, now with a total of 15 organizations represented, we believe the AHF has all of the best Full-Ice Mite AAA teams in the Mid-Atlantic,” said Black Bear VP of Hockey, Matt Kiernan. “The AHF is about providing a high-level affordable hockey experience for our players and families, and we believe that this division will be a great start for the next generation of hockey players.”

“The Full-Ice Mite AAA Division will have the support of our full-time dedicated team and will receive the same attention that all of our players at every level of the AHF currently enjoy,” said Tim Fingerhut, AHF Commissioner. “If you want to play at the highest levels in our district, the AHF continues to show that it is the league of choice for our customers.”

About the Atlantic Hockey Federation, Inc.

The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is a USA Hockey-sanctioned elite Tier II youth hockey league that facilitates games throughout the Mid-Atlantic and seeks to lower costs for its member-owned clubs and their families. The AHF was founded by leading hockey organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, including the Montgomery Blue Devils, New Jersey Bandits, Rockets Hockey Club, Hollydell Hurricanes, Team Philadelphia, and the 17 Black Bear Sports Group–owned clubs. Each of the Founders operate at all levels of youth and junior hockey, from Mite through to Midget at the youth level and from Tier III (EHL and USPHL), Tier II (NAHL and NCDC), to Tier I (USHL) at the junior level. If you are looking for the best value, the AHF is for you. If you are looking for exposure to play college hockey, the AHF is also for you.

Contact Info: Matt Kiernan, V.P. Hockey, mkiernan@blackbearsportsgroup.com

* AHF Full Ice Mite AAA teams are not registered with USA Hockey