MAHA announces midget/high school split season pilot program

By Michael Caples –

Starting in the 2014-15 season, Midget A and AA players won’t necessarily have to decide between travel and high school hockey.

The Michigan Amateur Hockey Association has announced a new pilot program for the upcoming year that will allow for Midget A and AA teams to compete in a new, earlier season that begins in August, a late season that starts in late November (which is when high school hockey starts) or both.

In a release from the MAHA, the pilot program is designed to give an early season option for high school hockey players who wish to compete at a high level before the start of their MHSAA (high school) season. The teams that play in the early season will have a playoff at the conclusion of their season for qualification into the state finals, which will take place immediately following the MHSAA season.

The winner of the finals will represent Michigan at the USA Hockey National Championships.

After the early season concludes, tryouts and team formations for MHSAA high school programs will begin. Once that is finalized, ‘late season’ Midget A and AA teams will form, allowing for competitive hockey for players who did make their high school program or were uninterested in playing MHSAA hockey.

“We think this program will benefit both MHSAA and MAHA hockey players,” said Don Wright, MAHA high school hockey director, in a release. “The current system creates a lot of uncertainty and stress on the players who want to play high school hockey. They have to gamble on which team they might make and hope they gamble correct so they have a place to play comes November. These expanded opportunities will also allow for increased skill development of these players prior to the start of the MHSAA season.”

Teams who wish to play a traditional full season still can, as well. By declaring as a full-season team, programs can participate in the normal time frame and follow the traditional timeline with playoffs ending at the state championship in March.

“There are a lot of positives to this change.” said MAHA president George Atkinson. “The split season will help associations encourage more players to come out for the early season to improve their skills and get ready for the High School season. It will also provide an opportunity through the late season for more players who were playing other sports in fall to join. Overall this will benefit both the associations and the rink owners too by eliminating some of the uncertainties and creating more opportunities and teams that players can participate on.”

Click here for more information on the pilot program or click here to see the new season timelines.