Vermont Lumberjacks to join EHL in 2014-15

Press Release

BOSTON, Mass. -- After more than two years without Junior hockey in Vermont, the Eastern Hockey League's (EHL) Vermont Lumberjacks will make that absence a distant memory.  When the Green Mountain Glades moved to Portland, Maine, at the end of the 2011-2012 season the residents of Burlington, Vt., found themselves in a very unfamiliar situation -- no Junior Hockey.  The Lumberjacks will fill that void this upcoming 2014-15 season.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Vermont Lumberjacks organization to bring Junior Hockey back to Burlington," said Melissa Cate, Leddy Park Arena Manager.  "Hockey is part of the fabric of Vermont and the arrival of the Lumberjacks program will bring new excitement and energy to Leddy Arena and our skating community.  We welcome the Lumberjacks to their new home and look forward to working together to build a successful program for them here in Burlington.”

As the EHL continues to expand its footprint as the top Junior hockey league on the East Coast, Vermont was an obvious choice for the League to put a team.  “The Burlington area is a proven Junior market with strong local support that will offer our student-athletes the stage on which to perform in front of our target audience," said EHL Director of Hockey Operations and former NHL player Mark Kumpel.  "Burlington's proximity to NCAA schools like St. Michaels, Norwich, Middlebury, Plattsburg and the University of Vermont, and the commitment of a strong ownership group, will provide players and the league the opportunity to thrive. The EHL is better today with the addition of the Lumberjacks.”

Vermont has had a tradition of fielding highly competitive Junior hockey teams.  The Vermont Lumberjacks are fortunate to be able to have former Glades head coach Chris Line take the helm for the Lumberjacks’ inaugural season.  Line’s strong hockey background and solid experience as a head coach, creates high expectations for both the organization and the League as well.

"I am very excited to have Junior Hockey back in Vermont," said Line.  "I look forward to helping the Lumberjacks establish themselves in such a great community and strong league. We will strive to produce top-notch citizens and players on their journey to college hockey.”

The Lumberjacks Prospect camp will be May 2-4 at the Leddy Park Arena in Burlington.  For information on the Vermont Lumberjacks and their upcoming Prospect Camp, visit the team’s website www.VermontLumberjacks.com.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)