Carly - Tier 1 Hockey

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) have announced that Esmark Stars 16U AAA Hockey defenseman Talan Del Signore has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Minnesota Wilderness.

“Talan is an extremely gifted player,” said Star’s U16 head coach, Yuri Krivokhija. “His skill set at his age is off the charts.”

The 17-year-old defenseman from Trafford, PA, recorded 11 points (4 goals and 7 assists), in 19 THF regular season appearances.

Overall the 5’8″ / 165 lbs. defenseman tallied 30 points (10 goals, 20 assists), including four power-play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 45 games played for the Star’s U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

The 2023-24 season was Del Signore’s first season with the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program.

“Talan has only truly begun to tap into his talent,” Krivokhija added. “It will be fun to see how he progresses.”

Del Signore becomes the 14th member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender or come to an agreement with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Del Signore joins 18U teammates Nathan Burlando (Minnesota Mallards), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors), Jacob Stock (Watertown Shamrocks), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Mark Trischler (Kenai River Brown Bears), and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, who all signed tender agreements with NAHL teams; Jackson Furman, who signed a tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL); Hudson Howard, who signed a tender agreement with the New Jersey 87s in the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EHL); and Carmen D’Ambrosio who signed a player agreement with the Florida Eels of the USPHL, in committing to a junior team for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The Wilderness play in the NAHL’s eight-team Midwest Division along with the Anchorage Wolverines (AK), Chippewa Steel (WI), Fairbanks Ice Dogs (AK), Janesville Jets (WI), Kenai River Brown Bears (AK), Springfield Jr Blues (IL), and Wisconsin Windego.

The Wilderness play in the Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet, Minnesota, and are led by Head Coach David Boitz.

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.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Jacob Stock has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Watertown Shamrocks.

“Jacob is one of those players with an instinct to be in the right place at the right time,” said Star’s U18 head coach, Dave Kosick.

“He is a crafty and gifted offensive player who can score goals … in a variety of situations … while also getting under the skin of and creating chaos for an opponent.”

The 18-year-old forward from Clairton, PA, recorded 12 points (7 goals and 5 assists), in 27 THF regular season games and playoff games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the THF League Playoff Championship Game.

Overall, the 5’10” / 150 lbs. forward tallied 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists), including two power-play goals, in 68 games played for the Star’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Stock’s second season with the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program.

During the 2022-23 season, Stock recorded 9 points (4 goals and 5 assists), in 14 THF regular season and playoff games for Esmark’s U16 squad.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Stock tallied 57 points (31 goals, 26 assists), including one (1) power play goal and five (5) shorthanded goal, in 65 games played for Esmark’s U16 AAA Midget Major squad.

“As this will be the Shamrocks inaugural season, Jacob has an opportunity from the beginning to establish a role with them,” Kosick added. “He is the style of player all teams are seeking … an agitator who can put up points.”

Stock becomes the 13th member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender or come to an agreement with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Stock joins 18U teammates Nathan Burlando (Minnesota Mallards), Mark Trischler (Kenai River Brown Bears), Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors) and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, who all signed tender agreements with NAHL teams; Jackson Furman, who signed a tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL); Hudson Howard, who signed a tender agreement with the New Jersey 87s in the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EHL); and Carmen D’Ambrosio who signed a player agreement with the Florida Eels of the USPHL, in committing to a junior team for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The Shamrocks will join the NAHL’s eight-team Central Division along with the Aberdeen Wings (SD), Austin Bruins (MN), Bismarck Bobcats (ND), Minnesota Mallards, Minot Minotauros (ND), North Iowa Bulls (IA), St. Cloud Norseman (MN) and Watertown Shamrocks (SD).

The 2024-25 season will be the inaugural season in the NAHL for the Shamrocks, along with their fellow Central Division opponent Minnesota Mallards.

The Mallards will play in the new Prairie Lakes Ice Arena in Watertown, South Dakota, and are led by Head Coach Casey Kirley.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Nathan Burlando has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Minnesota Mallards.

“Nathan is a great addition for the Mallards,” said Star’s U18 head coach, Dave Kosick.

“He is a gifted player who can fill several roles. An outstanding face-off man who wins a majority of his face-offs; a gifted offensive player who is creative with the puck and scores goals; and an outstanding penalty killer, from face-off to reading an opponent’s power play and understanding how to disrupt it.”

The 18-year-old forward from Canonsburg, PA, recorded 22 points (10 goals and 12 assists), in 25 Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) regular season games and playoff games, in helping lead the U18 Stars to the THF Playoff Championship game.

Overall the 5’10” / 170 lbs. forward tallied 49 points (24 goals, 25 assists), including one power-play goal, in 65 games played for the Star’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Burlando’s fourth season with the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program.

During the 2022-23 season, Burlando recorded 6 points (1 goal and 5 assists), in 11 THF regular season and playoff games for Esmark’s U18 squad and helped lead them to the THF’s inaugural season Playoff Championship.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Burlando tallied 44 points (23 goals, 21 assists), including five power-play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 49 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

During the 2021-22 season, Burlando tallied 53 points (25 goals, 28 assists), including one power-play goal and two shorthanded goals, in 67 games played for Esmark’s U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

And during the 2020-21 season, Burlando tallied 36 points (17 goals, 19 assists), including five power-play goals and two shorthanded goals, in 65 games played for Esmark’s U15 AAA Midget Minor squad.

“Joining a new franchise in the NAHL should afford Nathan a great opportunity to establish himself from the start,” Kosick added.

Burlando becomes the 12th member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender or come to an agreement with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Burlando joins 18U teammates Mark Trischler (Kenai River Brown Bears), Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors) and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, who all signed tender agreements with NAHL teams; Hunter Furman, who signed a tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL); Hudson Howard, who signed a tender agreement with the New Jersey 87s in the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EHL); and Carmen D’Ambrosio who signed a player agreement with the Florida Eels of the USPHL, in committing to a junior team for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

The Mallards will join the NAHL’s eight-team Central Division along with the Aberdeen Wings (SD), Austin Bruins (MN), Bismarck Bobcats (ND), Minot Minotauros (ND), North Iowa Bulls (IA), St. Cloud Norseman (MN) and Watertown Shamrocks (SD).

The 2024-25 season will be the inaugural season in the NAHL for the Mallards, along with their fellow Central Division opponent Watertown Shamrocks. The Mallards will play in the Forest Lake Sports Center in Forest Lake, MN, and are led by Head Coach Terry Watt.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is excited to announce that Flyers Elite forward Colin Myers has committed to play College Hockey Federation Division 2 hockey at Penn State University – Harrisburg. Myers, a talented forward hailing from Philadelphia, PA, has demonstrated his prowess on the ice through his contributions to both the Flyers Elite program and Father Judge High School this season.

During his tenure with Flyers Elite, Myers played in 36 games, showcasing his skills and dedication with 4 goals and 5 assists, totaling 9 points. His performance at Father Judge High School was equally impressive, where he appeared in 15 games, netting 3 goals and 9 assists for a total of 14 points.

Myers’ commitment to Penn State Harrisburg is a significant step in his hockey career. The Nittany Lions are the reigning National division champions in the Delaware Valley College Hockey Conference, and Myers is set to join their ranks this fall.

Trio of Philadelphia Revolution Players Commit to College Hockey Programs

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to announce that three standout players from the Philadelphia Revolution have made commitments to further their hockey careers at various esteemed college programs across the United States.

Reilley Burke, a skilled defenseman hailing from Lehighton, Pennsylvania, and a proud alumnus of the Revolution, showcased his talents last season with the Charlotte Rush in the USPHL. Drawing attention with his exceptional play, Burke has officially committed to the ACHA program at the University of Illinois. His dedication and prowess on the ice promise to make a significant impact on the Illini’s defensive lineup.

Another notable commitment comes from Ryan Carr, a dynamic center originating from Bryn Mawr, PA. Carr’s impressive performance for both the Revolution and Radnor High this season caught the eye of recruiters, tallying an impressive 49 points with 24 goals and 25 assists. Carr has chosen to further his academic and hockey journey at Lehigh University, a member of the ECHA conference within the ACHA Division I. His versatility and scoring ability are sure to bolster Lehigh’s offensive capabilities.

Lastly, Liam Donahue, a forward from Washington Crossing, PA, rounds out the trio of commitments. With two goals and three assists totaling five points, Donahue has secured a spot on High Point University’s CHF (College Hockey Federation) Division 2 team. High Point competes in the ACCHL conference, where Donahue’s skill set is expected to flourish, contributing to the team’s success.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation congratulates Reilley Burke, Ryan Carr, and Liam Donahue on their commitments to these esteemed college hockey programs. Their dedication, hard work, and talent exemplify the caliber of players developed within the Philadelphia Revolution organization. We wish them continued success as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their hockey careers.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is proud to announce a remarkable achievement in the recently concluded 2024 United States Hockey League (USHL) draft. A total of 24 talented players from THF members and guest teams have been selected, marking a significant recognition of the Federation’s commitment to nurturing top-tier hockey talent.

In Phase 1 of the draft, THF witnessed 12 players have their names called by eight different teams. Among them, 2 players hailed from THF member organizations, demonstrating the high caliber of talent cultivated within the Federation. Nine Players from THF Guest Teams were drafted as well as one player from a new member team.

Moving into Phase 2, the momentum continued with 12 more players finding their place in the USHL. Impressively, 8 players hailed from THF member organizations, solidifying the Federation’s reputation as a breeding ground for hockey excellence. Three players who participated in THF events also caught the attention of USHL scouts, reaffirming the significance of THF competitions in player development. Once again, a player from a new member organization for the 2024-25 season made their mark on the draft, showcasing the immediate impact of THF expansion efforts.

Among the standout performances in the draft, the New Jersey Rockets emerged as a beacon of success, with an impressive tally of 6 players drafted across both phases.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all 24 players selected in the USHL 2024 draft. This achievement not only reflects the dedication and hard work of the players but also underscores the collective efforts of THF member organizations, coaches, and staff in fostering a thriving hockey ecosystem. As these talented athletes embark on the next chapter of their hockey journey, THF stands proud as a driving force behind their success, committed to shaping the future of hockey in the United States.

Phase One Draft Picks:

RD	RK
1	14	Dubuque	Nicholas Desiderio	New Jersey Rockets 15’s	THF Member Organization
2	18	Des Moines	Reed Brown	Okanagan (Colorado) 15O	THF Guest Team
3	33	Des Moines	Brayden Thompson	Sioux Falls POWER 16U	THF Guest Team
4	55	Sioux City	Blake Sinclair	Minnesota Lakers 15’s	THF Guest Team
4	59	Dubuque	Kane Johnson	Sioux Falls POWER 16U	THF Guest Team
5	66	Sioux Falls	Luke Wilfley	Okanagan (Colorado) 15O	THF Guest Team
5	72	Omaha	Max Bies	Minnesota Blue Ox 15’s	THF Guest Team
5	73	Muskegon	Lars Hutson	Team Illinois 15’s	THF Guest Team
7	97	Green Bay	Nathan Bienstock	New Jersey Rockets 15’s	THF Member Organization
8	112	Tri-City	Jake Gustafson	San Jose Jr. Sharks 15’s	THF Guest Team
8	114	Madison	Tate Spaulding	Okanagan (Colorado) 15O	THF Guest Team
8	119	Dubuque	Beksultan Makysh	Boston Hockey Academy 15’s	New THF Organization 24-25

Phase Two Draft Picks:

RD	RK
4	51	Muskegon	Carter Sanderson	Sioux Falls POWER 16U	THF Guest Team
6	113	Sioux Falls	Sheldon Rioux	Colorado Thunderbirds 16U #92	New THF Organization 24-25
10	141	Muskegon	Sebastian Vitali	Rockets Hockey Club 18U	THF Member Organization
10	144	Tri City	Jake Broderick	Westchester Express 16U	THF Member Organization
11	155	Des Moines	Brendan Espenell	Sioux Falls POWER	THF Guest Team
12	170	Des Moines	Logan Hughes	Team Maryland 18U	THF Member Organization
13	193	Youngstown	Kade Kanaly	Flyers Elite 15U	THF Member Organization
15	223	Youngstown	Anthony Casper	Flyers Elite 18U	THF Member Organization
16	228	Omaha	Alex Hriczov	Rockets Hockey Club 15U	THF Member Organization
18	263	Sioux Falls	Camden Pantekoek	Sioux Falls POWER 15’s	THF Guest Team
19	274	Cedar Rapids	Joseph Fenton	Rockets Hockey Club 18U	THF Member Organization
22	329	Green Bay	Frantisek Netusil	Rockets Hockey Club 16U	THF Member Organization

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Hudson “Huddy” Howard has signed a Eastern Hockey League (EHL) tender agreement with the New Jersey 87s.

“I am so very proud of Huddy,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “Look in the dictionary under teammate and you will see his photo. Not only is a very talented hockey player, who can and does fill many roles, but he is also an awesome teammate and young man. He conducts himself with such a selfless nature making him the ultimate teammate.”

The 18-year-old forward from Anchorage, AK, recorded 7 points (4 goals and 3 assists), in 23 THF regular season games and 4 THF Playoff Games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the THF League Playoff Championship game.

Overall the 5’11” / 170 lbs. forward tallied 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists), including one power play goal, in 68 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Howard’s second season with the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program and Midget Major squad.

During the 2022-23 season, Howard recorded 6 points (4 goals and 2 assists), in 12 THF regular season games and 4 THF Playoff Games.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Howard tallied 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists), including seven power play goals, in 70 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

“Don’t let stats fool you,” Kosick added. “Huddy handles multiple roles that don’t always show on a scoresheet, but are just as valuable to a winning formula.”

Howard becomes the tenth member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Howard joins 18U teammates Mark Trischler (Kenai River Brown Bears), Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors) and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, in signing tender agreements with the NAHL teams; and Hunter Furman, who signed a tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL).

The 87s play in the EHL’s s six-team South Division along with the New Jersey Bears (NJ), Pennsylvania Huntsmen (PA), Philadelphia Hockey Club (PA), Philadelphia Little Flyers (PA), and Team Maryland (MD).

Overall, the EHL has 22 clubs split into four divisions.

The 87s call the Jersey Shore Arena in Wall, NJ, home and are led by Head Coach Adam Houli.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce that Marcello Santiago, a forward for the Philadelphia Revolution, has been tendered by the New Jersey Rockets of the US Premier Hockey League’s National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Santiago, a standout performer in the current season, has made a significant impact on the ice, contributing 4 goals and 6 assists across 31 games. His offensive skills, combined with his dedication and work ethic, have made him a pivotal player for the Revolution, capturing the attention of higher-level teams.

Marcello Santiago’s tender to the New Jersey Rockets marks a significant step forward in his hockey career, reflecting his growth as a player and his readiness to take on new challenges at the next level. The Tier 1 Hockey Federation and the Philadelphia Revolution extend their best wishes to Marcello as he prepares to embark on this exciting new phase of his career.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to announce the selection of three of its member players in the 2024 OHL Priority Draft this past weekend.

Chase Gaughan of the Palmyra Black Knights was the first THF player off the board in round 3, pick 45 selected by the Sarnia Sting. Gaughan, a forward from Annville, PA, put up 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points in 27 games for the Black Knights.

Team Maryland defenseman Sean Matthew Goyette would be selected in the 6th round as the 115th overall pick by the Mississauga Steelheads. Goyette, hailing from Hawkesberry, ON, posted 24 goals and 37 assists for 61 points in 66 games for Team Maryland this season.

Peter Chlebowski, goaltender for Team Illinois, would be the final THF player selected in the draft in the 10th round at pick 195 by the Mississauga Steelheads. Chlebowski, a native of Rosemont, IL, played in 20 games this season and posted a record of 7-11-2 for Team Illinois while maintaining a .904 SV%.

The THF congratulates all of its players selected in this year’s OHL Priority Draft and celebrates all advancement for its member players. 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 (THF) is thrilled to announce that the Colorado Rampage will be joining its ranks for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Hailing from Monument, Colorado, the Rampage brings with it a rich tradition of excellence and a commitment to elite player development.

Established in 2002, the Colorado Rampage has carved out a reputation for producing high-quality hockey players. As of January 1, 2024, the organization has seen 25 professional players, 77 NCAA players, and over 110 Tier 1 and Tier 2 Junior players come through its ranks. Boasting an impressive track record, the Rampage has clinched 9 CAHA state championships and 4 Rocky Mountain District championships.

One of the key strengths of the Rampage lies in its top-notch facilities and coaching staff. Situated in a privately owned and family-operated facility at Monument Ice Rinks, athletes have access to state-of-the-art training amenities at an elevation of over 7,000 feet. This unique advantage provides an edge in conditioning and performance development.

The coaching staff at the Rampage is unparalleled, with experience spanning high-level Junior, NCAA, Professional, NHL, and Olympic arenas. Notable achievements include coaching multiple US Olympic teams, featuring former Olympic figure skaters, NHL alumni with extensive playing and coaching experience, and AHL alumni with over 1000 games coached professionally.

Moreover, Monument Ice Rinks is also home to the 365 Performance Hockey Academy, offering athletes a comprehensive training experience. With access to hybrid/online learning platforms, athletes can balance their academic and training schedules effectively. The 365 Performance Gym, staffed by certified trainers with backgrounds in NCAA, Professional, and Olympic sports, offers cutting-edge equipment tailored to elevate physical and mental performance.

The addition of the Colorado Rampage to the Tier 1 Hockey Federation promises to elevate the level of competition and further enrich the hockey landscape. As the Rampage embarks on this new chapter, they bring with them a legacy of excellence and a commitment to shaping the future of hockey.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Colorado Rampage gears up for an exciting debut in the THF during the 2024-25 season!

About Tier 1 Hockey Federation
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Tier-I Youth Hockey League that offers a highly competitive environment for Tier 1 and elite clubs nationwide, with an unbalanced schedule that ensures top-level play. The THF is managed by a team of dedicated professionals with over 290 AAA teams, ranging from 9U-18U age levels.

One of the key advantages of the THF is its ability to bring together clubs from multiple leagues and states, providing a unique opportunity for young players to compete against the best in the country. But what truly sets the THF apart is the fact that it’s the only organization whose members operate franchises in the top junior hockey leagues in the US for NCAA Division I commitments, including the USHL, NAHL, NCDC, and the top two junior hockey leagues for NCAA Division III commitments, the USPHL Premier Division and the Eastern Hockey League. This unique structure ensures that THF players have access to a wide variety of opportunities to further their hockey careers at the college level and beyond.