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16 U and 18 U Divisions Close at the Mid-Point in the Season

By EJEPL, 11/20/13, 9:15PM EST

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NEW YORK..... The 16 U and 18 U division races are heating up at the season's mid-point. Some very exciting action and close games have highlighted the EJEPL's sophomore season. In the 16 U, the NY Apple Core is 8-0, led by Ken Mclean's 11 goals. Brian Kelly leads Coach Mykul Haun's club with (8) assists. Goalie Brian Ketchabaw has an incredible .981 save percentage.

Right there with the 'Core are the GNY Stars (7-1-1), the CT. Oilers (8-3-1), and the Boston Bandits, (3-1) who will catch up with games shortly. The Little Flyers (5-2) will be dangerous as the field turns for home. There are (8) teams within (4) points of each other in the standings. The Northern Cyclones will be hosting a December League showcase as will the Boston Bandits in January.

Stat wise-- behind Mclean's (11) goals are Brandon Mitchell (9) --RI Hitmen, and the Oilers' Brian Silard (9). Max Fuld --Ct. Oilers leads the 16 U division with (12) assists.

There are 15 teams in the 16 U division and the top (8) will make the playoffs in February. The Krach rating system will be used to ensure the fair alignment of playoff teams as the regular season schedule is unbalanced. This set-up is used in various other Leagues also.

In the 18 U circuit, the Richmond Generals & RI Hitmen (9-1 and 8-1) respectively are statistically at the top of the (11) team bracket, but the Monarchs (4-0), CP Dynamo (4-0) & Igloo Jaguars (5-1-1) loom close behind with games in hand.

The Igloo Jaguars Riley Horvath (9) leads the division in goals. RI Hitmen teammates Tucker Alberigo & Eric Pesola are tied for second with (8) goals each. The Hitmen's Eric Pesola leads the division with (15) points. CP Dynamo's Brandon Rathwell leads the 18 with a .974 save percentage and a stingy 0.45 GAA.

"The action and games will be great in the second half of the season" stated Commissioner Henry Lazar. "The teams are very close in competitive balance and the play has been very good."

"Many of these players have a great future ahead of them," added Lazar.

The League's All-Star event will be Sunday night January 19, and Monday morning January 20 at the Bridgewater Ice Center, Bridgewater, MA. The 16 U and 18 U top players will play 2 games in their division, one each day. Many College scouts have already committed to have scouts at the event which will also be telecast on the Fast Hockey network. From all of us at the EJEPL, Have a great Holiday Season and great 2014.