The Tier 1 Hockey Federation and the Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Program is proud to announce that former Stars goaltender Nikita Volsky has formally committed to and signed to play NCAA hockey for the Lake Superior State Lakers Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Team.
Volsky, a native of Minsk, Belarus, first joined the Esmark Stars U16 AAA squad for the 2020-2021 season. He finished his U16 season with a 18-11-1-1 record, including two shutouts, in 32 appearances.
For the 2021-2022 season, Volsky manned the nets for the Esmark Stars U18 AAA squad. He finished that season with a 22-12-2-0 in 36 appearances, including five shutouts.
Volsky returned to the Stars Midget Major U18 team for the 2022-23 season. He completed that season with a 29-7-1-2 record in 39 appearances, including eight shutouts.
Post his career with the Stars AAA program, Volsky signed and spent time with both the Pueblo Bulls and Ogden Mustangs of the USPHL’s NCDC, leading the Mustang’s to the NCDC 2023-24 Finals.
For the 2024-25 season, Volsky signed with the Corpus Christi IceRays of the Junior A North American Hockey League (NAHL). To date this season, Volsky has posted a 14-3-0-0 record in 17 games, including one shutout. That includes a 1.91 goals against average (GAA) and .937 save percentage, which sits him comfortably inside the top 10 in the NAHL …while being the only goalie that has faced more than 500 shots this season.
“We are all very excited and proud of Nikita,” said Stars U18 Head Coach and General Manager, Dave Kosick. “He is an awesome young man who truly worked his tail off.”
“When he came to the States, his goal was to earn a chance to play NCAA Division I hockey,” Kosick added, “and he stayed focused and dedicated to that goal, no matter what hurdles he had to overcome.”
“I’ve been going for a scholarship since I came to America. I am really thankful for my parents who afforded me this opportunity, and for their early wake up calls to watch me play this season,” said Volski.
“The Stars gave me a chance and believed in me,” Volsky added. “Coach Yuri and Coach Kosick provided me with the opportunity and guidance to chase my dream.”
Lake Superior State University, located in Sault Ste Marie, MI, under the direction of head coach Damon Whitten, is a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) along with Augustana University, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State University, Northern Michigan University, and St. Thomas University.
“We are extremely happy and proud for Nikita,” offered IceRays Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier. “He’s been the best goalie in the NAHL this season and it’s a great get by Lake Superior State.”
The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey program, the oldest Tier I AAA program in the Mid-American District, was founded in 1984 and has continuously provided elite training and showcase opportunities for elite-level amateur hockey players since. The program, one of the oldest Tier I AAA programs under the USA Hockey umbrella, was founded in 1984 and is celebrating its 40th season during the 2024-2025 campaign.
As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes. 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.
Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week for the week ending December 8th, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.
Nominating Coach: Pierre-Luc Leblond
Player Name: Sean McNeil
Team: NY Dynamo
Division: 10U
Player Jersey Number: 83
Position: Defense
Bryce gives our team a chance to win every game with his athleticism compete level. He is a focused and fierce competitor who has now lead our team to wins against some of the top teams in the THF.
Nominating Coach: Neil Leone
Player Name: Joe Leone
Team: Red Bank Generals
Division: 11U
Player Jersey Number: 29
Position: Forward
With the help of his linemates, Joe scored five times in three games this weekend. His quiet lead by example attitude is greatly valued by his coaches and appreciated by his teammates.
Nominating Coach: Bryan Hluska
Player Name: Brayden Gouger
Team: Utica Jr Comets
Division: 12U
Player Jersey Number: 22
Position: Forward
“Brayden has proven that hard work and determination can turn any opportunity into success, racking up 8 goals and 5 assists in just 4 games. His offensive instinct and work ethic is setting a good example for the team, and he’s showing what can happen when you combine team work with determination.”
Nominating Coach: Dennis Seidenberg
Player Name: Liam Vanderbeek
Team: PAL Jr. Islanders
Division: 13U
Player Jersey Number: 36
Position: Goalie
Liam played outstanding in the 2 games he played making great saves all weekend long .
Nominating Coach: Josh Haines
Player Name: Declan Walty
Team: Philadelphia Revolution
Division: 14U
Player Jersey Number: 8
Position: Forward
Declan had 5 goals in their only game of the weekend against the Mercer Chiefs Saturday 11/30 to secured a 5-2 win.
Nominating Coach: Yves Heroux
Player Name: Brody Riva
Team: Red Bank Generals
Division: 15U
Player Jersey Number: 34
Position: Forward
Brody had 2 goals and 1 assist Vs Mercer Chiefs. He was instrumental for the win against our rival
Nominating Coach: Joe Kummerl
Player Name: Cohen Becker
Team: Ohio Prospects
Division: 18U
Player Jersey Number: 4
Position: Forward
Cohen is a leader on the ice and off the ice for the Prospects. In two games versus Tri-State, Cohen scored 4 goals and added an assist in a +5 rating over the weekend. Additionally, Cohen has recently demonstrated exceptional academic status and earning a National Honors Society Award for the second consecutive year.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention
| Crescenzo Lepore | Jersey Mustangs | 10U |
| Luke Cunningham | Philadelphia Revolution | 13U |
| Parker Brown | Colorado Thunderbirds | 13U |
| Declan Walty | Philadelphia Revolution | 14U |
| Christopher O’Connor | NY Dynamo | 14U |
| Jacob Dufresne | Long Island Arrows | 18U |
| Colin Jennings | Long Island Arrows | 18U |
Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week for the week ending November 24th, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.
Nominating Coach: Alex Beatrie
Player Name: Bryce Carlen
Team: Jersey Mustangs
Division: 10U
Player Jersey Number: 29
Position: Goalie
Bryce gives our team a chance to win every game with his athleticism compete level. He is a focused and fierce competitor who has now lead our team to wins against some of the top teams in the THF.
Nominating Coach: Chris Barcless
Player Name: Adam Davino
Team: Mercer Chiefs
Division: 11U
Player Jersey Number: 29
Position: Goalie
Adam ONLY let in 1 goal on 67 shots this weekend in 2 games. He had a 50 save shutout on Sunday! INCREDIBLE!
Nominating Coach: Chris Barcless
Player Name: Bradley Messerol
Team: Mercer Chiefs
Division: 12U
Player Jersey Number: 9
Position: Forward
Bradley’s consistent play each week is a big part of our teams success.
Nominating Coach: Dennis Seidenberg
Player Name: Breaker Seidenberg
Team: PAL Jr. Islanders
Division: 13U
Player Jersey Number: 44
Position: Defense
Breaker played strong defensively and also contributed on offense
Nominating Coach: Bob Criscuolo
Player Name: Bennett Stanton
Team: Flyers Elite
Division: 14U
Player Jersey Number: 5
Position: Forward
Bennett continued to be a major factor in our teams offense and this weekend was no exception. With our team scoring 9 goals on the weekend, Bennett recorded four goals and two assists culminated in leading our team to a 4-2 win on Sunday with a natural hat trick!
Nominating Coach: Brennan Thompson
Player Name: Andrew Moawad
Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Division: 15U
Player Jersey Number: 39
Position: Goalie
Andrew has been a brick wall in net for the PBK 15u team. On Saturday, Andrew helped the Black Knights secure a 1-0 OT win with a 29 shot shutout over the Philadelphia Revolution. He followed up Saturday’s performance with a 27 save, 5-2 win over the Revolution, going 2-0 on the weekend. In Andrew’s last six starts in goal, he has had four shutouts and has only allowed 5 goals on 179 shots against (.972 Save %)!!!
Nominating Coach: Mike Mattison
Player Name: Trevor Hill
Team: Black Bear National Academy
Division: 16U
Player Jersey Number: 16
Position: Forward
Influenced the play in all 3 zones. Ended the weekend as +10.
Nominating Coach: Dean Whittingham
Player Name: JJ Tensuan
Team: PHA Icemen
Division: 18U
Player Jersey Number: 58
Position: Defense
JJ is the Captain of the team and works extremely hard during every practice and game, plays defence very well and is also an offensive threat. In two games this weekend, he scored 2 goals, had 4 assists and was plus 7!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention
| Michael Lodato | NY Arrows | 10U |
| Andrew Toskos | Jersey Hitmen | 11U |
| Landon Umba-Neuwinger | Hartford Jr. Wolfpack | 13U |
| Wyatt Pastorius | Colorado Thunderbirds | 13U |
| Jacob Kosokhar | Long Island Arrows | 15U |
| Ryder Grigoli | Red Bank Generals | 15U |
| Ryan Crouse | PHA Icemen | 16U |
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation kicks off another exciting weekend of showcase action, this time in Pittsburgh, PA.
A number of top matchups will face off this weekend, including 13U #1 ranked Palmyra Black Knights versus the #6 ranked Pittsburgh Stars (Red) as well as #4 ranked Mercer Chiefs versus #5 ranked NY Dynamo. On the 14U side, the #7 ranked Palmyra Black Knights take on the #12 ranked Chicago Phantoms in a top 15 matchup.
The 13U and 14U divisions will face off in the Steel City this weekend, keep up with scores, standings, and schedules at the THF Game Center and stream all games exclusively on Black Bear TV!
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is pleased to announce the commitment of Team Maryland Alum, Harrison Smith, to continue his hockey career at Sacred Heart University.
Smith, a native of Wellington, Florida, is currently playing junior hockey in the NAHL with the Maryland Black Bears but spent last season with Team Maryland, posting 129 points in 72 games. This season with the Black Bears, Smith has tallied 20 points in 21 games.
Smith will join the Sacred Heart University Pioneers, who play in the ECAC at the conclusion of his junior hockey career.
As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes. 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.
Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week for the week ending November 17th, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.
Nominating Coach: Pierre-Luc Leblond
Player Name: Will Phillips
Team: NY Dynamo
Division: 10U
Player Jersey Number: 8
Position: Forward
Will has been one of our most consistent players all season, and this weekend was no exception. His compete level, hard work in practice and extra work on and off the ice are paying off. Will’s puck management allowed him to pick up one goal and 5 assists. He is a great playmaker, but also a very good teammate. Great weekend Will, keep up the good work!
Nominating Coach: Carl Orth
Player Name: Mila Covert
Team: Flyers Elite
Division: 11U
Player Jersey Number: 88
Position: Goalie
Mila had a very strong weekend as our team won 2 out of 4 games in the THF CT Showcase. She made major saves in our OT victory over the Arrows. Her hard work and tenacity helped her team. Very strong performance.
Nominating Coach: Mark Dubeau
Player Name: Leo Palamara
Team: PAL Jr. Islanders
Division: 12U
Player Jersey Number: 9
Position: Forward
Leo had a great weekend at the THF CT showcase
Nominating Coach: Chris Barling
Player Name: Joseph Catalano
Team: Jersey Hitmen
Division: 13U
Player Jersey Number: 5
Position: Forward
Joseph had 2 goals and 1 assist to lead the Hitmen to a 7-0 victory over Westchester Express South
Nominating Coach: Timothy Quinn
Player Name: Connor Quinn
Team: Hartford Jr. Wolfpack
Division: 14U
Player Jersey Number: 12
Position: Forward
We only had one game this weekend, and it was a close one, but Connor was the difference in a 3-2 OT win over CP Dynamo. He scored in the first period with a one timer off a set faceoff play, hit the crossbar later on, and was a threat to score whenever he had the puck. It OT he beat two defensemen took it in front and roofed it for the winner.
Nominating Coach: Maverick Goepfert
Player Name: Cooper Hoehn
Team: PHA Icemen
Division: 15U
Player Jersey Number: 76
Position: Forward
With a short bench due to injuries, Cooper put the weight on his shoulders and helped his team with 3 important victories, contributing 2 goals and 4 assists. Including a 3-0 comeback against Philly Revolution.
Nominating Coach: Dean Whittingham
Player Name: Colby Bartos
Team: PHA Icemen
Division: 16U
Player Jersey Number: 8
Position: Forward
Elevated the play of his team with his physical play and adding 2 goals and helper.
Nominating Coach: Philip Patenaude
Player Name: Broxton Ingle
Team: Colorado Thunderbirds
Division: 18U
Player Jersey Number: 24
Position: Forward
Broxton had a 4 goal game against Nashville on Friday and added 2 assists Saturday and Sunday to cap off a 6 point weekend.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention
| Spencer Fox | NY Arrows | 10U |
| Brayden Bitely | NY Dynamo | 11U |
| Kendall Annetts | Tri State Spartans | 11U |
| Grayson Aguilar | Rockets Hockey | 12U |
| Jamie Putnam | Westchester Express | 12U |
| David Lockwood | Hartford Jr. Wolfpack | 13U |
| Austin Iula | Jersey Hitmen | 13U |
| Connor laffey | PAL Jr. Islanders | 13U |
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce that Atlantic Coast Academy forward Brady Hawkins has been tendered by the New Jersey Hitmen.
Hawkins, a Florida native, is skating in his third season with Atlantic Coast Academy and has tallied 17 points in 27 games this season after a 68 point campaign last season.
Hawkins is tendered by the Jersey Hitmen, members of the NCDC who skate out of the Ice Vault in Wall, New Jersey.
As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes. 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 Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to announce that Atlantic Coast Academy defenseman Garrett Church has been tendered by the Jersey Hitmen of the NCDC.
Church, a 2006 born native of Syracuse, NY, is skating in his third season with Atlantic Coast Academy. He has tallied 10 points in 23 games so far this season after posting 40 points in 64 games last season.
Church is tendered by the Jersey Hitmen, a member of the NCDC, who skate out of the Ice Vault in Wayne, NJ.
As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes. 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 puck drops on the East Coast in Connecticut this weekend for the THF’s Connecticut Showcase.
Teams from the 9U-12U divisions of the THF will take part in the showcase this weekend, taking place in arenas across Connecticut beginning today, November 15th and ending on Sunday, November 17th.
You can keep up with schedules, standings, and scores at the THF Game Center and stream all games in all divisions exclusively on Black Bear TV.
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce that Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey defenseman Gavin Norwood has been tendered by the Bismarck Bobcats of the NAHL.
Norwood, a 2007 birth year and native of Spring Arbor, Michigan, is skating in his second season in a row with Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey. He has tallied 6 points in 16 games this season after putting up 5 points in 12 games last season with Biggby.
Norwood is tendered by the Bismarck Bobcats, skating out of Bismarck, North Dakota and playing in the North American Hockey League.
As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes. 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.