Carly - Tier 1 Hockey

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is excited to announce that Biggby Coffee Hockey Club forward Simon Lade has been tendered by the Amarillo Wranglers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Hailing from Bay Village, Ohio, Lade has proven to be a standout player in his first season with Biggby.

In 39 games played this season, Lade has demonstrated his prowess on the ice, amassing an impressive 27 points with 12 goals and 15 assists. The forward’s performance has not gone unnoticed, catching the attention of the Amarillo Wranglers, who have eagerly tendered him for the upcoming season.

Head Coach Brian Sherry spoke highly of Lade’s contributions to the Biggby Coffee Hockey Club, stating, “Simon is another player who knows what his strengths on the ice are and uses them to be a key factor in games. He is a strong power forward who can score around the net and play physical. We are very happy for Simon to be joining Amarillo next season.”

Lade’s transition to the NAHL is a testament to his dedication and skill on the ice. His ability to find the back of the net and contribute both offensively and defensively has set him apart in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. As Lade embarks on this exciting new chapter with the Amarillo Wranglers, the THF wishes him continued success and growth in his hockey career.

.As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Simon. If you have a player whose achievements you would like to see featured in our announcements, please fill out the form here. We are eager to share the stories of these rising stars as they advance in their hockey careers.

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) have announced that 18U Esmark Stars AAA Hockey forward Timur Naletov has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Danbury Hat Tricks.

The 17-year-old forward from St. Petersburg, Russia, has recorded 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists) in 12 T1HF games (through Nov 30) so far this season.

Overall to date, the (6’1″ / 185 lbs.) forward has tallied 27 points (6 goals, 21 assists), including one power play goal, in 34 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad (through Nov. 30).

The 2023-24 season is Naletov’s first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad and second season overall with the Esmark Stars program.

During the 2022-23 season, Naletov registered 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists), including four power play goals and two shorthanded goals game-winning goals, in 31 overall T1HF appearances (12 T1HF regular season, 17 Elite Prospects Cup Series and two THF Playoff games) for Esmark’s U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

Overall during the 2021-22 season, Naletov tallied 103 points (32 goals, 71 assists), including four power-play and three short-handed goals, in 65 games played for the 16U Esmark squad.

“Timur is very talented player with a great set of offensive skills,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “Eclipsing the 100-point mark, last season, was quite an accomplishment and demonstrated his ability to get on the scoresheet and make an impact in all games he plays in. He will present Danbury with a young talented forward who is a high-end offensive threat.”

Naletov becomes the third member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club. Teammates Alex Thomas, Colorado Grit, and Max Rutkowski, Oklahoma Warriors, had both previously signed tender agreements with the NAHL teams.

The Hat Tricks, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team East Division along with the Johnstown (PA) Tomahawks, Maine Nordiques, Maryland Black Bears, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, New Jersey Titans, Northeast (MA) Generals, Philadelphia (PA) Rebels and Rochester (NY) Jr Americans, play in the Danbury Ice Arena in Danbury, CT, and are led by new Head Coach Patrik Stefan.

As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Connor. If you have a player whose achievements you would like to see featured in our announcements, please fill out the form here. We are eager to share the stories of these rising stars as they advance in their hockey careers.

In an exciting move for the Tier 1 Hockey Federation, Team Maryland Forward Owen Roberts has been tendered by the Mercer Chiefs of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC). This announcement comes as Roberts continues to make a significant impact on the ice, showcasing his skills and contributing significantly to Team Maryland’s success.

Roberts has been on fire this season, displaying remarkable prowess with a tally of 20 goals and 11 assists, accumulating an impressive 31 points in just 43 games. His stellar performance has caught the attention of the Mercer Chiefs, a testament to his dedication, hard work, and undeniable talent on the ice.

Head Coach Rob Broderick of the Mercer Chiefs expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Owen is a terrific player and is playing for a top-notch program under Robbie Murden, and his coach Peter Leboutillier is one of the best! Can’t wait to see Owen in a Chiefs uniform!”

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation serves as a breeding ground for exceptional talent, and the tendering of Owen Roberts by the Mercer Chiefs reinforces the league’s commitment to nurturing and promoting young athletes. The NCDC, as a premier developmental league, provides a stepping stone for players like Roberts to further hone their skills and compete at a higher level, preparing them for potential future success.

.As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Connor. If you have a player whose achievements you would like to see featured in our announcements, please fill out the form here. We are eager to share the stories of these rising stars as they advance in their hockey careers.

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF)

have announced that 18U Esmark Stars AAA Hockey forward Mykyta Yalovyi has signed a

North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Lone Star Brahmas.

The 17-year-old forward from Donetsk, Ukraine, has recorded 17 points (8 goals and 9 assists),

including one power play goal and one shorthanded goal in 14 T1HF games to date.

Overall the (6’3’t; / 190 lbs.) forward has tallied 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists), including four power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 36 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad to date (through Dec. 3).

The 2023-24 season is Yalovyi’s first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad and second season overall with the Esmark Stars program.

During the 2022-23 season, Yalovyi registered 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 14 T1HF

appearances for Esmark’s U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Yalovyi tallied 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists), including six

power-play and three short-handed goals, in 66 games played for the 16U Esmark squad.

“Mykyta is a man-child with tremendous strength who can dominate a game,” said Esmark 18U

head coach Dave Kosick. “As he continues to mature and harnesses his game, the sky is the limit for him in terms of where he will end up playing. His style of play should fit in well with Lone

Star and the Southern Division of the NAHL.”

Yalovyi becomes the fourth member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender

with a Junior A club. Teammates Alex Thomas, Colorado Grit; Max Rutkowski, Oklahoma

Warriors; and Timur Naletov, Danbury Hat Tricks had all previously signed tender agreements

with the NAHL teams.

The Brahmas, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX)

Wranglers, Colorado Grit, Corpus Cristi (TX) IceRays, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, New Mexico Ice

Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in

the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, TX, and are led by Head Coach Dan

Wildfong.

In an exciting development for the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF), Zander Lipsett, a promising player from the Tri State Spartans, has received a tender offer from the Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky, Lipsett has emerged as a standout player, showcasing his prowess with an impressive performance in the current season. In 27 games, he has contributed significantly to his team’s success, tallying an impressive 12 goals and 20 assists for a total of 32 points.

Tri State Spartans’ Head Coach, Ryan McGinnis, expressed his confidence in Lipsett’s abilities, stating, “It comes as no surprise that Steve Howard in Austin found value in Zander. Zander is one that translates to the NAHL with his internal motivating actions on and off the ice. We look forward to seeing his continued growth as a student of the game with the Austin Bruins.”

McGinnis’ remarks shed light on Lipsett’s work ethic and determination, not only as a skilled player but also as a dedicated student of the game. The emphasis on Lipsett’s internal motivating actions suggests that he brings more than just physical prowess to the team; he carries a passion for the sport that extends beyond the rink.

Excitement is buzzing in the world of Tier 1 Hockey Federation as Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey’s standout forward, Riley Fast, recently inked a tender agreement with the North American Hockey League (NAHL)’s Maryland Black Bears. Hailing from East Lansing, Michigan, Fast has been making waves with his remarkable performance on the ice.

Fast’s impressive season with Biggby’s 18U AAA team has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in securing this opportunity. In 34 games this season, he showcased his prowess by amassing an impressive 30 points. His ability to contribute both offensively and defensively caught the attention of scouts, leading to this significant milestone in his hockey journey.

Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey’s 18U Head Coach, Brian Sherry, had high praise for Fast, describing him as a “strong two-way center-man who possesses a scoring touch and a physical presence on the ice.” Sherry went on to emphasize Fast’s character, noting that the young forward has not only displayed excellence in his gameplay but also embodies qualities that contribute positively to the team dynamic.

Coach Sherry expressed his confidence in Fast’s future, stating, “Riley has great things coming his way in his hockey career.” This endorsement speaks volumes about Fast’s potential impact as he takes the next step in his hockey journey with the Maryland Black Bears in the competitive environment of the NAHL.

The NAHL is renowned for its role in developing top-tier talent, and Fast’s signing with the Maryland Black Bears opens a new chapter in his pursuit of excellence. As he prepares to transition to the next level of competition, fans and supporters eagerly anticipate witnessing the continued growth and success of this promising young player.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Maxwell Rutkowski has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Oklahoma Warriors.

The 2023-24 season is Rutkowski’s third season with Esmark’s AAA program and second season with the Star’s U18 Midget Major squad. Through Nov 9, the (5’9” / 180 lbs.) 18-year-old from Export, PA, has registered 2 points(1 goal, 1 assist), in eight T1HF appearances this season. Overall, this season to date, Rutkowski has tallied 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists), including two power play goals, in 27 games played for Esmark (through Nov. 9).

During the 2022-23 season, Rutkowski registered 28 points (18 goal, 10 assists), in 29 T1HF appearances helping lead Esmark’s U18 AAA squad to the league’s inaugural regular season 18Utitle, the T1HL’s inaugural playoff championship and the USPHL Cup Championship. Overall during the 2022-23 season, Rutkowski tallied 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists), including one power-play and one short-handed goal, in 47 games played for the 18U Esmark squad in a season in which he missed 23 games due to injury.

“Max is going to be a good fit in Oklahoma,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, “He is a tough kid who can play in all situations … penalty kill, shut-down line, forechecker who will thrive in a heavy, big body game.”

“He is the type of player who checks off a lot of boxes for a coaching staff and one who works each day to succeed on the ice,” Kosick added.

Rutkowski is the first member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the 2024-25 season. The Warriors, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX) Wranglers, Colorado Grit, Corpus Cristi (TX) IceRays, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the Blazers Ice Center in Oklahoma City, OK, and are led by Head Coach Garrett Roth.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is thrilled to announce defenseman Cade Kozak of Team Maryland has officially signed a tender agreement with the Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Hailing from Isanti, Minnesota, Kozak has distinguished himself on the ice, showcasing his skills as a formidable defenseman. This season, the talented player has been a crucial asset for Team Maryland, amassing an impressive 23 points in just 28 games. His stellar performance has not only caught the attention of his current team but has also paved the way for an exciting opportunity with the Colorado Grit.

Team Maryland Head Coach Robbie Murden expressed his enthusiasm for Kozak’s signing, emphasizing the player’s embodiment of the core values the team is striving to cultivate. “Cade exudes all of the pillars we are focusing the transformation of Team Maryland AAA hockey around – he is ultra-competitive, has infectious energy, is coachable, and a great teammate,” said Murden. Kozak’s influence extends beyond his on-ice prowess, as he serves as a role model for many of the younger national-bound players within the Team Maryland organization.

As Kozak embarks on this new chapter with the Colorado Grit, Team Maryland eagerly anticipates his continued growth and success. Murden expressed confidence in Kozak’s ability to thrive in the junior hockey ranks, highlighting the positive impact the defenseman has had on the U18 team’s pursuit of their goals.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Alex Thomas has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Colorado Grit.

The 2023-24 season is Thomas’ first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad.

Through Nov 9, the (5’10” / 165 lbs.) 18-year-old from North Huntington, PA, has registered 11 points (7 goals, 4 assist), including two power-play goals, in eight T1HF appearances this season for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall, this season to date, Thomas has tallied 38 points (21 goals, 17 assists), including eight power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 27 games played for Esmark (through Nov. 9).

“Alex is an extremely gifted player with an explosive skill set,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “He has the tools to succeed in the NAHL and Colorado landed a talented player who will give them a high-end offensive threat.”

Thomas is the second member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club. Teammate Max Rutkowski previously signed with the NAHL’s Oklahoma Warriors.

The Grit, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX) Wranglers, Corpus Cristi (TX) IceRays, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the Greely Ice House in Greely, CO, and are led by Head Coach Steve Haddon.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is delighted to anounce that Harrison Smith, an exceptional forward from Wellington, Florida, has recently inked a tender agreement with the Maryland Black Bears in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Smith’s performance with Team Maryland this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from the sunny state of Florida, Smith has demonstrated his prowess on the ice by amassing a staggering 50 points in just 30 games. This outstanding achievement has not only solidified his reputation as a rising star but also captured the attention of the Maryland Black Bears.

This exciting development is a testament to Smith’s dedication and skill on the rink, and it opens up an exciting new chapter in his promising hockey career.

Smith’s journey from Team Maryland to the Maryland Black Bears is a testament to the incredible talent pipeline fostered by the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. It exemplifies the commitment of both players and organizations to the sport, and we look forward to witnessing Harrison Smith’s continued growth and success in the NAHL.