At the May 10 Executive Board Meetting, MAHA approved the implementation of a pilot program for the 2014 - 2015 season that will provide a split season option for Midget A & AA teams. Under this new program teams will now be able to compete in a new, earlier season starting in August, a late season starting in late-November, or in both.

Having an early season allows high school age players, not playing other fall sports, to compete at a high level in preparation for the MHSAA season. Those teams playing in the early season will have a playoff at the end of that season to qualify teams for the State Finals, which will be played immediately after the MHSAA season is done. The winner of the finals will represent Michigan at the USA Hockey National Championship.

Upon completion of the early season, it will be time for the tryouts and formation of MHSAA teams. Once the MHSAA tryouts are complete, the late season teams will finalize their rosters and begin play. Forming teams for a later season will help those players who either did not make their high school hockey team or those that play fall sports to find a team to play on. In the past, some of those players may have dropped out of hockey because they could not find a team to play on.

"We think this program will benefit both MHSAA and MAHA hockey players," said Don Wright MAHA High School Hockey Director. "The current system creates a lot of uncertainty and stress on the players who want to play high school hockey. They have to gamble on which team they might make and hope they gamble correct so they have a place to play comes November. These expanded opportunities will also allow for increased skill development of these players prior to the start of the MHSAA season".

"There are a lot of positives to this change." said George Atkinson MAHA President. "The split season will help associations encourage more players to come out for the early season to improve their skills and get ready for the High School season. It will also provide an opportunity through the late season for more players who were playing other sports in fall to join. Overall this will benefit both the associations and the rink owners too by eliminating some of the uncertainties and creating more opportunities and teams that players can participate on."

Teams wishing to play the traditional full season will be allowed to as well. Those declaring as full-season teams will participate in the normal time frames and follow the traditional time timeline with playoffs ending with the State Championship in mid-March. For more information on the pilot program download the program overview and timeline here. If your team is interested in participating, contact Don Wright at don@arcticcoliseum.net