However, unprecedented developments allowed the SAHL to be included in a partnership with the Eastern Junior Hockey League and to operate under the infrastructure and guidance of the EJHL as an affiliate member organization.

The SEJHL began play in 2006 as USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier III Junior C league.

[1] With the elimination of Junior A, B and C by USA Hockey prior to the 2011–12 season, the league began to operate as the EJHL South under an affiliation with the Eastern Junior Hockey League until its dissolution at the end of the 2012–13 season.

The EJHL folded after many of its teams left to form the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) leading to the EJHL south to reorganize and take the name Eastern Elite Hockey League.

However, prior to the EEHL's first season the league merged with the new USPHL to form the Elite Division.