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87's to expand at the 16u and 18u levels

By Anthony Di Paolo, 01/08/21, 2:00PM EST

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87's ready to grow its organization with two youth hockey teams

The New Jersey 87's are excited to announce the expansion of the organization with two youth hockey teams at the 16u and 18u levels.

Starting in the 2021-2022 season, the 87's will feature teams in the EHL, EHLP, 18u and 16u. Each youth team will play a schedule that will include games at the top showcases in the northeast as well as games against some of the top organizations in the northeast region.

Head coach Adam Houli spoke about the new youth teams and what it means for the organization's growth. 

"Expansion was the next natural step for our program. When we envisioned the 87's, we always took a different approach, we wanted to build from the top down and bounce back from the bottom to the top," Houli said. "To us, this allowed us to focus and make sure we did everything in our power to make the NJ 87's the desired place to play. We could not be more excited to announce expansion and continue to build upon the blocks we have already laid."

Since the 87's were founded as a junior hockey franchise in 2017, the organization quickly developed a reputation as a powerhouse in the Tier III Eastern Hockey League. Playing three seasons in the EHL and four seasons in the EHL Premier Division, the 87's two teams have combined for nearly 200 victories and have produced numerous NCAA commitments. 

Houli explained that two youth teams will provide additional opportunities for young hockey players to develop their game in the Garden State. 

"U18 and U16 are levels that are integral to a player's development. It does not mean this is the final factor or the point in which a player reaches full potential but rather the player realizes his full potential and desire to play at the next level," he said. "The 87's sole purpose is to make sure each and every player understands their own path and how to best obtain their goals in that path.

"I am beyond excited for the expansion of the NJ 87's program. I know how hard we work to make sure we are successful both on and off the ice, adding more programs to our family is a dream come true. We truly have a ladder of development within our own program and that could not excite me more."

Those interested in learning more about the program can reach out to Hockeyops@nj87s.com or fill out the player interest form located on our website at www.nj87s.com or at @NJ87sEHL via Twitter.