For the 2019-2020 season, the Roanoke Jr. Dawgs, travel affiliate of Valley Youth Hockey Association, became a member of the Eastern Junior Elite Prospects League (EJEPL).  This league membership will be in addition to the club’s membership in the Carolinas Hockey League (CHL).  Starting the 2020-2021, Jr. Dawgs 10A, 12A, 14A, and 18AA travel teams will participate in the EJEPL, in addition to regular league play in the CHL.

The Eastern Junior Elite Prospects League consists of top Tier I and Tier II teams such as New York Apple Core, Richmond Generals, Philadelphia Little Flyers, Long Island Royals, Boston Bandits, Philadelphia Revolution, Connecticut Oilers, New York City Cyclones, Ashburn Extreme, Piedmont Predators, Charlotte Rush and Carolina Rage.

 “Membership in the EJEPL will help define the Roanoke Jr. Dawgs as a top level travel program,” commented Valley Youth Hockey President Jason Pollard.  “Our players will play against top teams up and down the East Coast, including top programs from the mid-Atlantic and Northeast.  Our membership in the EJEPL will be a significant asset in team and player development.”

 Most of the EJEPL games will be in the form of regional showcases that will take the place of tournaments, creating less travel than would be expected for this type of opportunity.  The EJEPL offers all level of play from U10 through U18.  The league features an all-star jamboree, playoffs, professional web site, professional stats management, coverage in the Junior Hockey News, and end of season awards.

“This will definitely be a very unique opportunity for our players,” said VYHA Player-Coach Committee Chair Paul Haskins.  “Developing our players to the highest degree possible is a top priority for Valley Youth Hockey and our Roanoke Jr. Dawgs travel teams.  Participation in the EJEPL will provide our student-athletes the opportunity to compete and shine in a new environment.”