The Hershey Jr. Bears and The Central Penn Panthers have reached a verbal agreement that along with the approval of The AMHL board, the Central Penn Panthers will transfer it's operation of all Tier I AAA youth hockey teams going forward, with the exception of the 2008/09 Midget 16U Tier I AAA age level, which will be operated by The Central Penn Panthers for the upcoming season only.  This agreement will afford The Hershey Junior Bears the opportunity to acquire an AYHL Associate Membership in the AMHL.   The Central Penn Panthers will continue to own and operate all Junior level teams going forward.  It is the expectation of both organizations that final approval of this agreement will be completed no later than the May board meeting for the AYHL and AMHL.  Until that time, The Central Penn Panthers are responsible for all youth teams and will be working under the cooperation and Management of The Hershey Junior Bears. The Hershey Junior Bears will begin the full operation of all teams Squirt through Bantam, upon signing of the pending agreement, and final AMHL Board approval. 

At this time, Junior and Midget 16U Tier I AAA tryouts are slated for April 8, 9, 10 and Bantam Tier I AAA tryouts are slated for April 15, 16, 17, all scheduled to take place at Regency Sportsrink, Lancaster, PA.   Any interested players can find tryout information on the Central Penn Panthers website www.pennpanthers.org.  Information on tryouts for Squirt Tier I AAA through Bantam Tier I AAA will be posted on the Hershey Junior Bears website www.hersheyjrbears.org as soon as it becomes available.

Participating in the Tier I Atlantic Youth Hockey League is a wonderful opportunity for the youth players of the mid-state area to compete at the highest level available through USA Hockey.  The Hershey Junior Bears and The Central Penn Panthers are proud of the work involved to make this agreement possible.  It is our hope that the hockey community will embrace this new cooperative relationship that further unites the hockey experience for all current and future players in our area.

Any questions, please contact Don Helms hdonald361@aim.com