The Bantam Elite League unveiled its six teams for the 2016 season, reducing the number of teams from eight in 2015 to to six this coming season. The contraction of teams eliminated 60 spots to the league for incoming second year Bantams. "Last year we added two teams to account for how well the 2014 North team did," said league administrator Todd Hauch. "In order to strengthen the league to a new level, we went back to one North team and added a Futures team."

The Futures team is composed of a statewide collection of incoming first year Bantams born in the second half of 2002. "The Futures team is a group of highly talented players we feel will be very competitive," said Hauch. "Last year we brought Bobby Brink and Matt Gleason into the league and they were outstanding. We think a team of younger guys like that will be fun to watch."

The teams will compete over four weekends in August and September. With the final weekend a playoff weekend.

Since the league started in 2014, the quality of play has been impressive. Alumni include Gavin Hain (North Dakota commit) and Blake McLaughlin (Minnesota commit) from the champion North team and Clayton Phillips (Minnesota commit), Jaxon Nelson (Minnesota commit) in 2014. In 2015, alums include Grant Silinoff, Trevor Janicke and Jack Perbix, all three have committed to Notre Dame to name just a few of the high end talent that have played the last two seasons.

Important Dates

August 6-7 - Training Camp
August 12-14 - Regular Season (Moorhead)
August 19-21 - Regular Season (Bloomington)
September 9-11 - Regular Season (Bloomington)
September 16-18 - Playoffs (Bloomington)

Metro teams (Bruins, Kings, Flyers and Penguins) may play 2-3 weekday games in August.