The New York Islanders announced today that they are partnering with Pride in Athletics for Life (P.A.L.) Hockey, a non-profit, amateur hockey organization, for a momentous partnership on Long Island.

“This partnership is an unbelievable opportunity for boys and girls on Long Island to have access to the best hockey expertise, instruction and rinks in our area,” P.A.L. Executive Director Tom Palamara said. “By teaming with the Islanders, we can help develop our players into great athletes, and more importantly, great people, through a streamlined structure of teams.”

This partnership marks the formal creation of the P.A.L. Junior Islanders Hockey Club. The organization will operate teams at six different levels, including: mite, squirt, peewee, bantam, midget and junior. All levels of the P.A.L. Jr. Islanders will split their practice and game time between two home rinks, Islanders Iceworks in Syosset, NY and The Rinx in Hauppauge, NY.

“Teaming with P.A.L. solidifies our commitment to youth hockey on Long Island,” Islanders General Manager Garth Snow said. “The experience that the overall P.A.L. organization brings to the table is paramount to the success of this program. Not only will this strengthen the overall quality of hockey on Long Island, but we believe our new partnership will also strengthen the overall quality of our community.”

The Islanders and P.A.L. will work in conjunction, providing coach and player development, hockey expertise, marketing assets, promotional assistance and public relations support. The team will assist directly with youth hockey on Long Island at the Tier I level and provide co-branding for the teams at the Tier II and Tier III levels.

The P.A.L. executive board currently consists of ten volunteer board members, but will expand to 12 to include Islanders Assistant Coach and Senior Advisor to the GM Doug Weight, as well as another member of the Islanders organization.

One of the oldest, most well-respected hockey organizations in the Northeast, Pride in Athletics for Life represents the message we have been delivering to our players since 1975. Skate with the passion which drives your desire to succeed. Treat your fellow teammates, opponents and our great game of hockey with respect. Live your life with integrity during all that life brings you. Approach your life with discipline both on and off the ice and never lose the enthusiasm for life, sport or the desire to achieve. P.A.L. Ice Hockey has travel teams, recreational house leagues, skills development, and USA Hockey initiation programs. This organization is not affiliated with Suffolk Police Athletic League.