The West Michigan Hounds to be a part of Newly Formed Tier 1 Hockey Association

12-9-2014

FROM: WEST MICHIGAN HOUNDS

CONTACT: TOM BERRY T.BERRY@WMHOUNDS.COM

West Michigan Elite Hockey Association Awarded  as Tier 1 AAA for 2015-16

KALAMAZOO, MI A new opportunity for youth elite
hockey development was announced today by the newly formed West Michigan Elite
Hockey Association (WMEHA) Tier 1 Hockey will now be available for all levels
of hockey from Pee Wee through Midget for all District 6 communities.  The Tier
1 award was granted by the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) at its
annual December meeting.

The Associations include the West Michigan Hounds, Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey
Association, Grand Rapids Amateur Hockey Association, Lansing Hockey Club, Grand
Valley, Jackson, HAWK, Rockford,  Muskegon Chiefs, Battle Creek, GR Blades, and
Kentwood.  The 14 associations joined together in an unprecedented effort to
coordinate their resources to support the program.  Each association will
continue its house and travel programs.
 
GRAHA Director Jean Laxton  said, "This creates an opportunity for our
young elite athletes to develop in their home geographic area.  It is our
intention to allow these players to skate and develop within their own
associations."

By combining our efforts we can do more for our youth, said Tom Berry of The West
Michigan Hounds.  "Individually we're a drop, together we're an ocean."

Lansing Hockey Club Director Jeff Mitchell said "We look forward to our
associations' growing together to benefit our youth."

The 14 associations plan to meet over the next few weeks to sort out
logistics, programs, coaches, and expectations by age group for the elite Tier 1
program.   A joint announcement will be made in mid January. 

For information, contact Tom Berry at: tberry@wmhounds.com

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