CONCORD, MA - The Assabet Valley Patriots Minor Hockey Association is pleased to announce that the Program has accepted the offer to join the New England Hockey League ("NEHL") for the 2009-2010 season. "After having evaluated various league platforms, we enthusiastically embrace the NEHL and its member organizations" said Assabet Valley President Greg Carter. "The league is professionally managed and will implement a comprehensive plan to drive parity at all levels ensuring NEHL member program teams compete against like opponents." With the addition of the Assabet Valley Patriots, the NEHL will now have 14 New England organizations competing from Mite Minor to Bantam Majors."

For more information on the NEHL, please visit their websites at www.thenehl.com .

The NEHL includes the following programs:

MA (5): Greater Boston Vipers (Malden), Valley Jr Warriors (Haverhill), Mill City Monsters (Methuen), Red Rangers (Tewksbury), Assabet Valley (Concord); NH (5): NH Avalanche (Hooksett), Cyclones (Hudson), Seacoast Spartans (Exeter), ProAmbition Panthers (Nashua), Monarchs (Hooksett)

VT: Green Mountain Glades (Burlington)

ME: Portland Jr Pirates (Saco)

CT: New England Falcons (Enfield)

NY: Albany Jr River Rats (Albany)

FL: Everblades