The idea behind a split season is to stop fighting over the same resources (ice time, players, coaches, etc.) This applies to the Tier 2 travel teams at the Midget level only. The season would begin at the end of August and be finished by the first week in November. November 1st the high school season (including all playoffs) would begin and run through the end of February. Then IF the Tier 2 team qualified for districts, their team would begin preparing for districts and nationals.
Split seasons are used with swimming in the PIAA at almost the same times as hockey. The reasoning is to stop fighting over the same resources (pool time, players, coaches, etc.) More importantly it is to give kids options.
Other states that use the split-season encourage their hockey players to participate in other fall sports like football and soccer in order to encourage developing athletes rather than developing hockey players.
Tom Glavine played hockey and baseball in high school and was even drafted by the L.A. Kings in 1984.