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JWHL Welcomes New Members for 2017-2018 Season

By JWHL, 03/09/17, 4:15PM EST

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JWHL WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS FOR 2017-2018 SEASON

For Immediate Release – March 9, 2017

The Junior Women’s Hockey League (JWHL), which recently concluded it’s 10th season of operation, is excited to add new teams and expand divisions for next season.

- Little Caesars (Detroit, Michigan USA)

"The JWHL is excited to add the Little Caesars Hockey Club at the 14, 16 and 19 Divisions," announced JWHL co-founders Kush Sidhu of the Washington (DC) Pride and Bill Driscoll of the North American Hockey Academy (NAHA, Stowe VT). "With Little Caesars ties to the Detroit Red Wings organization, we're adding the strength of a NHL Original-Six club, and a great youth hockey organization."

“Joining the JWHL is a very positive step for our Little Caesars Girls Program in terms of exposure, competition and opportunity,” said Manon Rheaume, Leader of the Little Caesars Girls Program. “It is another example of our commitment to the development of our players on and off the ice, as we look to help them reach the next level of their playing careers at the collegiate level, while furthering their education off the ice.”

"We believe in the vision and opportunity to grow and promote the game of hockey with like-minded teams," said Kris Draper, Assistant to the General Manager of the Detroit Red Wings.”

- Ottawa Lady 67s (Ottawa, Ontario Canada)

The Ottawa 67s brand has a storied history in Canada, and the Lady 67s while relatively new, are a very deep organization who will be able to offer the top level of competition in North America to their strong organization of girls hockey. The 67s will join the JWHL in the 19 Division.

"The Lady 67's primary goal is a commitment to the development of its young women and joining the JWHL will play a big role in that," said Tim Belanger, Director of the Ottawa Lady 67s. "Our organization strives to develop its players not only hockey-wise, but also with respect to life skills which will benefit them after hockey."

- Newbridge Academy (Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia Canada)

Newbridge Academy, with 10 years of experience serving Atlantic Canada on the boy's side, is a young but quickly emerging program in the girl's hockey world. With deep hockey roots Newbridge Academy, who moves into their new school this fall, is excited to join the 16 & 14 Divisions of the JWHL.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to play in a league that cares about the development of the women’s game," said Newbridge Academy's Paddy Flynn, Director of Varsity Hockey Programs. "Joining the JWHL will support the schools efforts to grow and maximize our growing visibility in the female hockey community, and it gives our female student-athletes a great opportunity as they continue their development in academics and athletics."

Existing JWHL member Chicago Young Americans (CYA) announced they plans to add its 16 team to that division beginning next season.

"The JWHL is excited to welcome these new teams," said JWHL co-founders Bill Driscoll (North American Hockey Academy) and Kush Sidhu (Washington Pride). "The teams in the JWHL share a common philosophy of developing their female athletes and being a stepping stone for many of the girls to college hockey and for some of the top players to their National Team programs."