Uncategorized - Tier 1 Hockey

Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce PHA Icemen as a member for the 2023-2024 season. PHA Icemen play out of Valencia, Pennsylvania with five teams joining: U12 (2011), U14 (2009), U15, U16, and U18. This past season was their seventh season and they field teams that play a competitive AA and AAA schedule through tournaments/showcases, and home and away games. Some of the featured coaches within the PHA Icemen are Dave Grimm (U18), Brian Gierczynski (U16), Dean Whittingham (U15), and Mav Goepfert (U14).

Dave is a Class of 2008 Graduate of Slippery Rock University where he played for four seasons on the men’s ACHA Division 1 team. Since graduating from SRU, Dave worked at both the University of Pitt and RMU in their Sports Performance and Strength and Conditioning groups working with collegiate athletes and coaching staff. In 2016, Dave returned to SRU and served as a member of the SRU Men’s Hockey Team Coaching Staff. In 2017, Dave was named Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach which are two roles he held from 2017 to 2020. Coach Dave is the Head Coach for the U18 PHA Icemen and assistant coach of the PHA Icemen U16 team. Dave is also a former officer in the United States Army and lives in Sewickley with his wife and two children.

Brian Gierczynski is a Pittsburgh native and a USA Hockey Level 4 coach. He grew up playing in the Pittsburgh Hornets organization before lacing up for Baldwin High School, where he was a 4-year Varsity letterman and a 2 time SHIHL AAA All Star. He has played hockey all over North America as well as a stint in Omsk, Russia. For the past two seasons, Brian has been the Head Coach of PHA’s 2007 Icemen team. He has previously coached at the U14/U16/U18 levels of both AA & AAA hockey. He has coached players that have moved on to Junior, Prep School, NCAA, and ACHA programs. Brian is co-founder of International Dryland Academy, which is a non-profit organization concentrating on off-ice hockey training where he specializes in Russian dryland training. International Dryland Academy serves as the off-ice trainers of all PHA Icemen teams and is based out of Frozen Pond Arena. He resides in Allison Park with his wife Anastasiya, son Alexander, dog Lucy, and cat Lilly.

Dean has provided private Power Skating and Skills instruction, and for various Youth Hockey Programs for over 10 years. Coach Dean’s love for the game of hockey began at an early age growing up in Toronto, Canada. Dean played amateur hockey from Mite to Junior there, including five years in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) at the AA/AAA levels. Dean has also coached amateur hockey teams from Mite through U18 for the past 17 years and currently serves as the Head Coach of the PHA U14 (08) team. Dean has also coached Freshman, JV & Varsity at the high school level for Pine Richland, and was a major contributor in forming the Pine Richland Development Hockey Program. He has coached players that have moved on to Junior, Prep School, NCAA, and ACHA programs. Dean has served as the Director of Hockey Operations for over 13 years. During his tenure, several of Dean’s initiatives included the formation, development, and oversight of western PA’s first ADM program, the re-design, implementation, and oversight of the tryout process, coaching development as well as the development of in-season player evaluations to name a few. Coach Dean is also part of the ownership of the Frozen Pond Arena where he serves as VP of Operations, President of PHA Icemen, and Director of Hockey Operation for the Pittsburgh Yetis. Dean and his wife Ellen currently reside in Pine Township with their two dogs Pita and Yuki.

Coach Mavrik Goepfert, born and raised in Butler, PA, found his love for hockey at an early age. Mav started playing dek hockey at the age of three and eventually moved on to play ice hockey. Mav grew up playing amateur hockey in Western PA and suiting up for his Butler High School team, where he was a PIHL AAA All-Star his senior year. Following high school, Coach Mav moved on to play two seasons with the Pittsburgh Jr Penguins. During his time with the Jr Penguins, they went on to the USA Junior Nationals twice. Mav concluded his hockey playing career with four years of ACHA Div 1 Hockey at Slippery Rock University. In his freshman and sophomore season, the team qualified and participated in nationals, and in his sophomore season, they won their conference championship. During his time at Slippery Rock, he gained valuable experience while providing private lessons. He has coached Butler High School Varsity as well as experience at Middle School, Junior Varsity, U16, and U18 levels at the AA & AAA level. Mav resides in Butler with his girlfriend Kaitlynn and their dog, Kovey.

The Icemen have been a key developer of talent when it comes to alumni and where they are now. Mikey Fritz is with the New Hampshire Avalanche in the Eastern Hockey League. Alex Erlain and Riley Mastowski are with Team Maryland (EHL), Tay Melis and Drake Tomak with the Boston Jr. Rangers (EHL), Mario Smith with the Texas Brahamas (North American Tier 3 Hockey League), Aiden Waters with the Hershey Cubs (United States Premier Hockey League), Matthew Bobko with Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL), Damien Busch with Trinity-Pawling Prep (United States High School Prep), Ben Baskinger with Shady Side Academy (USHS Prep) and Daniel Venture with Westminster Prep (USHS Prep).

Be sure to follow PHA Icemen on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Tier 1 Hockey Federation (“THF”) is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Elite Tier-1 Youth Hockey League. The THF provides elite-level competition through an unbalanced schedule among Tier 1 and elite clubs across the U.S. The THF is managed by full-time professional staff and has over 200 elite or AAA teams from 9U-18U. The THF brings together clubs from multiple leagues and states and is the only organization whose members operate franchises in the top junior hockey leagues in the US for NCAA Division I commitments: USHL, NAHL, NCDC, and the top junior hockey leagues for NCAA Division III commitments, the USPHL Premier Division and the Eastern Hockey League.

For the week ending on January 29th, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation rankings are in. This week’s rankings also include THF West. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings here.

The teams that are in first in each division are Pal Jr. Islanders (10U Major), Jersey Hitmen (10U Minor), Rockets (12U Major), Mercer Chiefs (12U Minor), Rockets (14U Major), Pal Jr. Islanders (14U Minor), Rockets (15U Pure), Atlantic Coast Academy (16U) and Esmark Stars (18U). The teams that are in first for THF West are the Wasatch Renegades (14U), Vegas Jr. Golden Knights (15U), Golden State Elite (16U), and Colorado Springs Tigers (18U).

THF South teams can move subdivisions until the final regular season game is played. The final subdivision will include the teams in competition for a playoff spot.

Tier 1 Hockey Federation and Atlantic Hockey Federation are excited to announce the addition of the Red Bank Generals to the THF for the 2023-2024 season. The Generals will also compete in the AHF starting in the 2024-25 season. The Red Bank Generals are based out of Red Bank, New Jersey consisting of 20 teams and 315 players.

The Generals were recently granted Tier I status at the 10U and 12U levels for the 2023-2024 season and will continue to field teams at the Tier II (AA – A – B) levels from 6U – 18U. Yves Heroux, Jack Callahan, Peter Herms, Brendan van Riemsdyk and Terry Jarkowsky are all coaches for Generals teams. Joakim Ryan is a standout General alum who plays in the Swedish Hockey League. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2012 NHL Draft and played five years with the Sharks, Kings and Hurricanes.

The Muskegon Lumberjacks, a member of the United States Hockey League, was sold to Peter Herms, a former Lumberjack player in December of 2022. Herms, is a former college hockey player at New Hampshire . With that purchase, Herms now owns the Lumberjacks, the Red Bank Generals and the Red Bank Armory Ice Complex.

Be sure to follow the Generals on Facebook and Instagram.

Tier 1 Hockey Federation (“THF”) is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Elite Tier-1 Youth Hockey League. The THF provides elite-level competition through an unbalanced schedule among Tier 1 and elite clubs across the U.S. The THF is managed by full-time professional staff and has over 200 elite or AAA teams from 9U-18U. The THF brings together clubs from multiple leagues and states and is the only organization whose members operate franchises in the top junior hockey leagues in the US for NCAA Division I commitments: USHL, NAHL, NCDC and the top junior hockey leagues for NCAA Division III commitments, the USPHL Premier Division and the Eastern Hockey League.

The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Elite Tier-II Youth Hockey League that facilitates games throughout the U.S. for its club members and families. The AHF provides high-quality league games and showcases for over 600 teams in the Mid-Atlantic uniquely catering to its member-owned clubs. The AHF currently fields youth hockey programs at AA, A, and B divisions for the following age groups: the 8U AAA Full Ice, 8U Half Ice, 10U, 12U, 14U, 15U/16U, and 18U age levels. The AHF is truly a unique opportunity as each of the Founders and Member clubs operate at all levels of the youth and junior hockey spectrum from Mite to Midget at the youth level and from Tier III juniors all the way up to Tier I juniors in the USHL. If you are looking for value and exposure to play college hockey, the AHF is also for you.

The THF announces the Players of the Week for the week ending January 29th, 2023. The Players of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2022-23 season that honors players in all divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered.

–

Age Level / Division: 10U

Team: NY Aviators

Player: Rocco Sampogna (F) – Games: 3, Goals: 9, Assists: 2

“Dominant with the puck!” said Coach James Karp.

–

Age Level / Division: 12U

Team: NJ Rockets

Player: Marcus Cassidy (F) – Games: 2, Goals: 4, Assists: 2

“Marcus has worked hard all season and was rewarded with a very strong offensive and defensive game!” said Coach Wes Dorey.

–

Age Level / Division: 13U

Team: Woodbridge Wolfpack

Player: James Lynott (D) – Games: 2, Goals: 1, Assists: 1

“James has continued to put up points all season for the Wolfpack and is currently the highest scoring defenseman at 14U Minor. James has worked hard off and on the ice all season long.” said Coach Jeff Angert.

–

Age Level / Division: 14U

Team: Team Maryland

Player: R.J. Radtke (D) – Games: 4, Goals: 1, Assists: 3

“RJ had a strong weekend for us in Tampa Bay for the Elite Prospects Cup Series scoring once and adding 3 assists, for a point-a-game for the weekend. RJ was very strong in his puck retrievals, board battles, and controlling the play in the large amount of minutes that he plays.” said Coach Shawn Grant.

–

Age Level / Division: 15U

Team: Rockets Hockey Club Elite

Player: Hunter Mabee (F) – Games: 2, Goals: 4, Assists: 3

“Hunter was dominant in the offensive zone!” said Coach Daniel Kennedy.

–

Age Level / Division: 16U

Team: Mercer Chiefs Elite

Player: Kyle Pechalski (F) – Games: 4, Goals: 1, Assists: 3

“Kyle was instrumental in our 4-2 win over the Rockets this weekend, notching a hat trick while also helping kill off some important penalties late in the game.” said Coach Dan Pressl.

–

Age Level / Division: 18U

Team: Esmark Stars U18 AAA

Player: Ian Norkevicus (D) – Games: 5, Goals: 2, Assists: 6

“Ian was a force in our Florida Tournament. Eight points was only the tip of the iceberg to his game.” said Coach Dave Kosick.

–

HONORABLE MENTIONS

12U
Sam Thorpe (F) – Rockets
Thomas Fox (G) – Mercer Chiefs

15U
Anthony Brereton (D) – Rockets
Kyle Mclauglin (G) – Esmark Stars
Tyler Haley (G) – Esmark Stars

16U
Callahan Schultz (G) – Mercer Chiefs

Saturday is THF Game of the Week Game Day, a Live-Stream game broadcast series on the Federations Hockey Channel. Each week throughout the season, family, friends, coaches and scouts will log on to watch exciting U18 THF match-ups on the Federation Hockey Channel via the THF Mobile App or Website. This week’s game features PAL Jr Islanders U18 visiting Philadelphia Flyers Elite U18, Sunday at 11:00 am ET from Pennsauken Skate Zone in Pennsauken Township, NJ.

The THF has partnered with Play-by-Play Productions of Princeton, NJ to produce the HD telecasts. Play-by-Play is an industry leader in Live-Streaming elite youth and amateur sporting events, serving dozens of clients from throughout the U.S. and overseas.

For the week ending on January 22nd, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation rankings are in. This week’s rankings also include THF West. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings here.

The teams that are in first in each division are Pal Jr. Islanders (10U Major), Jersey Hitmen (10U Minor), Rockets (12U Major), Mercer Chiefs (12U Minor), Rockets (14U Major), Pal Jr. Islanders (14U Minor), Rockets (15U Pure), Rockets (16U) and Esmark Stars (18U). The teams that are in first for THF West are the Wasatch Renegades (14U), Vegas Jr. Golden Knights (15U), Golden State Elite (16U), and Colorado Springs Tigers (18U).

THF South teams can move subdivisions until the final regular season game is played. The final subdivision will include the teams in competition for a playoff spot.

The World Junior Championship took place this past month in Iceland, and one of our U18 premier goalies was there to take home gold!

Stephen Chen from the Mercer Chiefs represented Team China in the WJC. Chen won Goaltender of the Tournament, with three wins, a 0.959 save percentage, 1.33 goals against on average, and one shutout.

The World Juniors Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation for national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world.

Chen said, “It’s an experience of a lifetime and I am super proud to have represented my country for the first time, and I look to win more in the future.”

Rod Broderick, general manager and coach of the Chiefs said, “This is really amazing. This couldn’t have happened to a better kid.” We are beyond proud of you Stephen!”

Saturday is THF Game of the Week Game Day, a Live-Stream game broadcast series on the Federations Hockey Channel. Each week throughout the season, family, friends, coaches and scouts will log on to watch exciting U16 THF match-ups on the Federation Hockey Channel via the THF Mobile App or Website. This week’s game features Revolution Elite U16 visiting PAL Jr Islanders U16, Saturday at 1:20 pm ET from Northwell Ice Center in East Meadow, NY.

The THF announces the Players of the Week for the week ending January 22nd, 2023. The Players of the Week is a weekly feature during the 2022-23 season that honors players in all divisions. Only players that are nominated by their respective teams are considered.

–

Age Level / Division: 9U

Team: Jersey Hitmen

Player: Peyton Ahrens (F) – Games: 3, Goals: 2, Assists: 4

“Peyton chipped in 6 points helping the Hitmen to a 2-1 record over the weekend. His effort, attitude & energy have been paramount these past few weeks driving the team to numerous important victories. There’s also nobody that backchecks harder & more consistently than #86!” said Coach Daniel Sabato.

–

Age Level / Division: 11U

Team: Wolfpack Hockey Club

Player: Brayden McCree (F) – Games: 4, Goals: 11, Assists: 2

“The heart and soul of our team continued to lead us this weekend.” said Coach Donald Kane.

–

Age Level / Division: 12U

Team: Philly Revolution Elite 2010

Player: Andy Norton (G) – Games: 2, Goals Against: 0

“Two low scoring games and Andy turned away every shot!” said Coach Brian Green.

–

Age Level / Division: 14U

Team: New Jersey Jets

Player: Rhône Armiljo (F) – Games: 3, Goals: 5, Assists: 1

“He was involved in 4 out of the 5 goals that the Jets scored against Revolution with 3 goals and 1 assist. In the non- league game, he scored 2 out of the two goals that theJets scored.” said Coach Magnus Elgstam.

–

Age Level / Division: 16U

Team: Pal Jr. Isles

Player: Alex Bedard (F) – Games: 2, Goals: 1, Assists: 1

“Alex was our best player in both games and he created goals off the forecheck that he never was credited for. ” said Coach Arron Asham.

–

Age Level / Division: 18U

Team: Esmark Stars U18 AAA

Player: Peter Baldwin (G) – Games: 1, Goals Against: 0, Shots Against: 25

“Baldwin stopped all 25 shots he faced in posting a shutout in a 4-0 THF win. Peter was on top of his game and backstopped us to a big win!” said Coach Dave Kosick.

–

HONORABLE MENTIONS

10U
Mason Chen (F) – Woodbridge Wolfpack

14U
Sean Felker (D) – PAL Jr Islanders
Connor Dubeau (D) – PAL Jr Islanders
Antonio Brenneman (G) – Team Maryland

16U
Griffin Hart (F) – Potomac Patriots
Tyler Manto (F) – Philadelphia Revolution
Luke Perdidio (F) – Philadelphia Revolution

18U
Ethan Miller (F) – Philadelphia Flyers Elite
Jeremy Wilson (F) – Team Maryland
Luke Rubin (F) – Team Maryland

Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce the next webinar in the Federation Educational Series which will be Agents and Advisor, and Do I Need One. The Federations continue the education series that has featured guest speakers about college hockey opportunities in the ACHA and NCAA. The next speaker covers agents and advisors featuring the one and only NHL certified agent, Jeff Boston of the Roy Sports Group.

Jeff Boston is an NHLPA Certified Agent with the Roy Sports Group (RSG). Jeff joined RSG in 2007 and has utilized a continually growing network of amateur and professional contacts to recruit and support players with professional aspirations in the United States and Ontario. Featured clients of the RSG include Nico Hischier (NJ Devils), Philipp Grubauer (Seattle Kraken), and Ben Bishop (Buffalo Sabres).

The THF is working with RSG to invite all players and their families to an exclusive webinar presentation. The presentation will cover different types of advisors, when you should get one, and the value of an agent/advisor.

Roy Sports Group “Agents and Advisors”

Date: Tuesday, January 31st

Time: 6:00 pm EST

RSVP: CLICK HERE

This webinar will cover three main topics with time for a Q&A. This is for all players in the Federations wishing to learn more about agents and advisors in hockey.