Mid American High School Hockey League president Tim Ealey is like a youngster on Christmas morning, eyeing his presents under the bright and shiny Christmas tree.
“I don’t know how excited the players are about the partnership with Global Entertainment, the Missouri Mavericks and the city of Independence and the Independence Events Center,” Ealey said, “but the staff of the Mid American High School Hockey League never – NEVER! – envisioned something like this. I don’t think we could be any more excited than we are at this time.”
The league will also have an Independence feel. The former Lee’s Summit team has become the Independence Junior Mavericks and will be affiliated with the Central Hockey League expansion team that will call the Events Center home.
The Mid America High School Hockey League (MAHSHL) promotes the game at the high school level in the Mid-America region of the United States in a positive manner.
The league provides an equal opportunity for the high school-aged player to learn the game, increase their skill level, and share in the enjoyment of playing competitive hockey.
MAHSHL specifically provides a platform for the high school-aged player who does not qualify or desire to play AA or AAA Midget hockey.
“It is our desire that each participant – player, coach, referee, and parent – finds a supportive environment that encourages development to his or her maximum potential,” Ealey said.
“The League will promote competition and fun within a positive environment. In doing so, it will help instill in young players the value and importance of teamwork and exemplary sportsmanship.”
Teams from the metro area, including the Independence Junior Mavericks, will play games on both the practice ice and event ice at the new center in Independence, with a handful of the 61 games coming before and after Maverick games.
“These kids are used to playing in front of two or three dozen fans,” Ealey said, “and now, they are going to have the opportunity to play in front of hundreds of fans – maybe even more. I don’t think that will really sink in until they have the opportunity to experience it.”
When Ealey learned that the Events Center was coming to Kansas City, he contacted Global Entertainment, the operator of the facility, and the Mavericks.
“The Mavericks got back to me immediately and I believe they were as interested in our league as we were interested in them. It has been a wonderful partnership.”
Teams in the league are from the immediate metro area, Jefferson City, St. Joseph, Mo., Springfield, Mo., Wichita, Kan., and Springdale, Ark.
“With the addition of the Events Center and with the venues in and around the state, we will be playing on nine different rinks in the region,” he said. “This league has been around for a decade. This year will be a very special year.”
The league begins play this weekend at the Events Center community rink. The Junior Mavs varsity will play host to Rockhurst at 3:40 p.m. Sunday. Rockhurst also plays Jefferson City at 10:20 a.m. Sunday. Junior varsity matches precede each varsity contest.
Games are scheduled for the Events Center community rink and the main ice every weekend through Feb. 21.
Mid America High School Hockey Leauge Core Values:
• Advocate USA Hockey’s core values of sportsmanship, respect for individuals, integrity, the pursuit of excellence, enjoyment, loyalty and teamwork. Emphasize that honesty, integrity and fair play go hand in hand with developing playing skills, winning and having fun.
• Provide a fun, safe and rewarding experience for all participants, their high school or local hockey association, and their families.
• Provide the best practice and game facilities reasonably available to the league participants within their respective communities.
• Develop and promote positive relationships with all parties providing those facilities.
• Develop and maintain a positive reputation for the MAHSHL by requiring all participants - players, coaches, parents and administrators - to exhibit sportsmanship and behavior that is beyond reproach at all times.
• Attract and retain coaches of the highest personal and professional caliber. Provide ongoing educational opportunities for all personnel.
For more information on the MAHSHL go to www.mahshl.com.
