FLORHAM PARK, N.J. – The Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League (AMHL), parent organization of the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL), today announced two developments for the 2027-2028 season: the addition of the Rockets Hockey Club and Woodbridge Wolfpack to the AYHL, the premier Tier I AAA youth hockey league on the East Coast, and the launch of a new Tier II youth hockey league.
Rockets Hockey Club & Woodbridge Wolfpack to Join AYHL
The Woodbridge Wolfpack and Rockets Hockey Club will join the AYHL as Members for the 2027-2028 season, alongside USA Hockey Development League teams currently in the league, North Jersey Avalanche and Philadelphia Jr. Flyers. All four Atlantic District programs awarded USA Hockey Development League membership will be part of the league.
With these additions, the AYHL grows to 17 associations across Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
New Tier II League to Serve Every Level of Play
The Atlantic Metropolitan Hockey League will launch a Tier II youth hockey league fielding teams at the AA, A and B levels, based in USA Hockey’s Atlantic District, starting with the 2027-2028 season. The new group will run alongside the AYHL.
“Our Tier I AAA associations have grown the game exponentially and we are excited to offer a new opportunity for every family in the youth hockey ecosystem to be part of our programming,” said AMHL President Gene Palecco. “While amateur hockey across the nation goes through a transition period with the launch of USA Hockey’s Development League, we have heard the feedback from families and hockey leaders. The AMHL is prepared to offer a player-first development pathway for every level of play.”
Among the founding members of the new Tier II league are the Rockets Hockey Club, North Jersey Avalanche, Philadelphia Hockey Club, Philadelphia Jr. Flyers and Woodbridge Wolfpack. Additional members, including the Tier I AYHL members, are expected to participate.
“We are proud to welcome the Rockets and Woodbridge, two of the most successful national associations in youth hockey,” continued Palecco. “Our league has always prioritized player development, and this reaffirms our commitment with an even stronger pipeline to higher levels. The changes announced today position the AMHL as the premier youth hockey organization in the country.”
The AMHL will announce the name of the Tier II league and additional information in the coming weeks. For more information about the AMHL and the latest updates on the player-first development model, visit AtlanticHockey.org. Clubs interested in joining the Tier II league may apply using this form.
