The Midwest Elite Hockey league has announced it will launch a new Midget Major league beginning with the 2008-2009 season. The league will consist of the following 4 divisions of 5 teams:
DETROIT DIVISION:
Belle Tire, Little Caesars, Compuware, Victory Honda, and Honeybaked
CHICAGO DIVISION:
Chicago Mission, Chicago Fury, Team Illinois, Chicago Young Americans, Madison Capitols
MID AM DIVISION:
Cleveland Barons, Pittsburgh Hornets, Mahoning Valley Phantoms, S2, St Louis AAA Blues
WEST DIVISION:
PF Changs, Russell Stover, LA Kings, Dallas Stars, Colorado Rampage
Each team will play 46 games with 2 home and 2 away inter division games as well as 6 showcases – each division hosting 3 showcases and travel to each others showcase once.
As well as providing excellent competition for the teams within the league, the new format will also reduce the travel costs for the organizations as well. The Midget Major teams play a rigorous tournament schedule that will now be in part replaced by the showcases that are included in the league schedule. This will eliminate the need to play in tournaments which will positively impact travel and organization costs.
The new Midget league will fly under the MWEHL banner using its rules and policies. USA Hockey will monitor the new league and its development.
The league’s future vision is to encompass the Midget Minors next year and one day all levels using the same format.
