Jim Lites, President and CEO of the NHL Stars made the announcement this morning. Lites said, "We have embraced youth hockey and are deeply committed to growing the game at every age and skill level, but we want to balance participation with the development of the top players from the region. We would like nothing more than to see more of our young NHL prospects to be homegrown in our youth league."

The new League will feature four "Charter Member Organizations" competing at the AA level. Three organizations will be Dallas based (DJHA, Alliance and the Dallas Jr. Stars), and one organization in Houston (Wild). Additional AA members where competitive will be allowed from Austin (Texas Jr. Stars) and Oklahoma (OKC). Each organization will be allowed ONE team at AA in each age division.

The League will accept one additional AA organization at Midget Major and Midget Minor reflecting the number of potential players currently in the Dallas market at the midget age groups. The Allen Americans have been accepted to fill the fourth Midget AA slot (minor and major). Other "Affiliate Member Organizations" will compete at the A and B levels as determined by leveling play and evaluations.

The following organizations have already accepted membership and will be participating in the DSTHL:

• Allen Americans
• Alliance Youth Hockey Association (AYHA)
• Dallas Junior Hockey Association (DJHA)
• Dallas Junior Stars
• Dallas Oilers
• Dallas Stars Elite
• Houston Wild
• Lone Star Wolves
• Oklahoma City
• Texas Aces
• Texas Jr Stars (Austin)

The DSTHL teams will follow established protocols for game scheduling and game play will mirror USA Hockey official playing rules. Format for playoffs will be established by the Executive Committee.For additional information check the League web site often (www.dsthl.com ) as updates will be posted there.