Starting in the Summer of 2014, there will be a new league for Minnesota second year Bantams.  It is aptly named the Bantam Elite League.  Based loosely on the Upper Midwest Elite League for top high school players, the Bantam Elite League plans to attract the top Bantams (this year’s first year Bantams) as they head into their final year of youth hockey as second year Bantams.

One League owner said of the League during a phone interview, “this League is perfect for these kids…many will have finished their AAA careers and have completed the Select 15 process, this League is a great place for kids to see where they measure up with the other top players in Minnesota…”  The Bantam Elite League is more than just another League. Players will be given access to top coaches from the area, a Division 1 Scouting service, several US Junior team coaches and scouts, too.

While speaking to the League this week, YHH learned that the league already has commitments from several top players from throughout the state. “Our team of coaches and scouts have watched over 250 kids at this age level over the years in both association and AAA hockey. Our list of invites will be very comprehensive.” They went on to say that as much as they believe in their list of invites, they know there are several kids that will be left off of their Invite List.  As a result, the League is having an open tryout in September to round out the final spots in the League.

The League plans to have an entry Draft once all of their invites are accepted.  Their website (www.bantamelite.com) lists eight teams, but they suspect it to be six (5 Metro and 1 Northern team).  The League is set to kick off in Mid July, playing 14 games, plus a playoff and All-Star Game at the end of September.  Players will be selected in a Draft held in October of 2013.  At their Draft, the League plans to unveil it’s team sponsors, uniforms, and full rosters for the following Summer.

This should be a great League for the top end kids from all over Minnesota.  YHH plans to cover their Invite List, their Entry Draft and obviously some of their game next season.