POTSDAM — The Empire Junior Hockey League announced the addition of a 20th team Thursday, the New York Jr. Coyotes, who will play their games at SUNY Potsdam.

The Junior "B" league hopes to draw players from the north country.

"There are a lot of quality players in that area who would not otherwise be serviced by junior hockey," said league commissioner Don Kirnan in a statement. "This should be a good fit for both the Coyotes and our league."

Jason LeClair has been named coach and director of hockey operations for the team.

The league features teams from across the Northeast, including squads based in Albany, Syracuse and Buffalo.

The north country last featured a team in the league from 1998-99 with the North Country Ice, which was based in Watertown. The team suspended play before the 1999-2000 season.

Player tryouts for the Coyotes are scheduled from May 30-June 1. The team is slated to start the season in late August. For more information, log on to the team's Web site at www.nyjrcoyotes.com