The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to congratulate Atlantic Coast Academy forward Samuel Courtemanche on his commitment to Yale University, where he will continue his academic and athletic career with the Bulldogs.

Courtemanche put together an outstanding 2025-26 campaign with Atlantic Coast Academy, appearing in 65 games and recording 72 points. His strong offensive production and consistent play helped establish him as one of the top forwards in the Federation while earning the attention of both junior and collegiate programs.

The St. Bruno, Quebec native took another major step in his hockey journey this past June when he signed with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm. Courtemanche will suit up for the Storm during the 2026-27 season before joining Yale University for the 2027-28 season, where he will compete in the Ivy League and ECAC Conference.

Courtemanche’s commitment is another example of the advancement opportunities available to players competing in the THF and the continued success of Atlantic Coast Academy in preparing student-athletes for the next level.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation congratulates Sam and his family on this incredible accomplishment and wishes him the very best as he begins the next chapter of his hockey career in the USHL, NCAA, and beyond.

Know a THF Player Taking the Next Step?

The THF is committed to celebrating the advancement of its players. If you or your player has committed to a college program or junior hockey team, we’d love to recognize their achievement.

Submit your commitment here!

Former Palmyra Black Knights head coach Patrick Jarrett is heading back home as the newest assistant coach of the Soo Greyhound in the Ontario Hockey League. 

Jarrett returns to the OHL after spending time with the Hamilton Bulldogs from 2018-2020 as an assistant coach.

The Sault Ste. Marie native had an illustrious playing career, highlighted by being selected first overall by the Mississauga IceDogs in the 2000 OHL Priority Selection. During his time in the OHL, he spent three seasons as captain of the Owen Sound Attack after being traded in the 2001-02 season. 

Jarrett went on to be selected in the fifth round of the NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators and spent ten seasons playing professional hockey in Europe. 

Most recently, Jarrett spent the past two seasons with the Palmyra Black Knights 16U and 18U programs in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. Prior to his time with PBK, Jarrett was a coach with the Skipjacks Hockey Academy in York, Pennsylvania from 2021 to 2024. 

Jarrett and the Greyhounds kick off their season Friday, September 18 with their home opener against the Saginaw Spirit.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation continues to solidify its place as one of the premier development leagues in youth hockey, as players with THF club experience were selected 76 times across the 2026 junior hockey draft season.

From the Canadian Hockey League’s Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League, and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League drafts to the United States Hockey League and North American Hockey League drafts, THF clubs were represented at every level of junior hockey. The 76 selections showcase the Federation’s continued commitment to developing players and preparing them for success at the next level.

Every draft selection represents years of development, competition, and opportunity. This year’s results are another reflection of the strength of THF member clubs and the elite environment they provide for players pursuing junior hockey and beyond.

Canadian Hockey League Drafts

THF clubs produced 24 selections across the three Canadian Hockey League member leagues, highlighted by an outstanding showing in both the Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Drafts.

The biggest moment came when Mount St. Charles defenseman Thomas Boisvert was selected first overall by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the QMJHL Draft, becoming the first overall selection in one of the premier junior hockey drafts in North America.

The OHL Draft featured 11 players with THF club experience, led by Chase Schulberger of the Woodbridge Wolfpack, who was selected 15th overall by the Flint Firebirds. Additional selections came from Mount St. Charles, Team Maryland, South Kent School, NJ Rockets, and Woodbridge Wolfpack.

The QMJHL Draft also saw 11 THF players hear their names called, with Atlantic Coast Academy, American Hockey Academy, Mount St. Charles, Seacoast Performance Academy, South Kent School, and Woodbridge Wolfpack all represented.

The Western Hockey League Draft added two more THF players, as Mount St. Charles standouts Charlie Fox and Arjun Mangadu were selected to continue their development in the WHL.

USHL Continues to Value THF Talent

The United States Hockey League once again turned to THF clubs during both phases of its annual draft, selecting 31 players across Phase I and Phase II.

Phase I showcased the next generation of elite prospects, while Phase II recognized players who have continued to develop and establish themselves as junior-ready talent.

THF clubs represented throughout the USHL Draft included Mount St. Charles, Rockets Hockey Club, Seacoast Performance Academy, Boston Hockey Academy, Colorado Rampage, Flyers Elite, Islanders HC, Mercer Chiefs, PAL Jr. Islanders, Team Maryland, and Boston Advantage.

The continued success in the USHL Draft reflects the Federation’s ability to develop players capable of competing in the nation’s only Tier I junior hockey league.

Another Strong Showing in the NAHL

The North American Hockey League Drafts produced another outstanding year for THF clubs, with 21 players selected between the Entry Draft and Futures Draft.

The Entry Draft featured players ready to make the jump into one of North America’s top junior leagues, while the Futures Draft highlighted the next wave of talented prospects preparing for that opportunity.

THF organizations represented in the NAHL Drafts included Atlantic Coast Academy, Black Bear National Academy, Chicago Phantoms, CT Jr. Rangers, Mercer Chiefs, Mount St. Charles, Palmyra Black Knights, Pittsburgh Stars, Rockets Hockey Club, Seacoast Performance Academy, South Kent School, Team Maryland, and Woodbridge Wolfpack.

A Record of Development

Across every junior league, one message was clear: THF players are earning opportunities at the next level.

Whether selected in the CHL, USHL, or NAHL, these 76 draft picks represent the continued growth of the Federation and the commitment of its member clubs to developing elite players.

The breadth of the selections is equally impressive. Players from programs across the THF were chosen by organizations throughout the United States and Canada, demonstrating that the Federation’s impact extends far beyond any one club or region.

As another junior draft season comes to a close, the results speak for themselves. Seventy-six selections across North America’s premier junior leagues stand as another milestone for the Tier 1 Hockey Federation and another reminder that the THF continues to provide one of the strongest pathways to junior hockey anywhere in the game.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to congratulate Atlantic Coast Academy alum Maksim Sokolovskii on being selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, taking another major step in his hockey journey.

Sokolovskii’s selection marks another milestone for both Atlantic Coast Academy and the THF, showcasing the Federation’s continued ability to develop players capable of reaching hockey’s highest levels.

The Kazakhstan native arrived in North America for the 2024-25 season, joining the Atlantic Coast Academy 16U program. In his first season on the continent, Sokolovskii quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing young defensemen in his age group. The 6-foot-8 blueliner totaled 34 goals and 50 assists for 84 points, combining elite offensive production with the physical presence that has become his calling card.

His standout campaign earned him the opportunity to make the jump to the Ontario Hockey League for the 2025-26 season, where he suited up for the London Knights. Competing against some of the best junior players in the world, Sokolovskii recorded eight points while continuing to develop his defensive game and adapting to the speed of major junior hockey.

Already one of the most unique prospects in the 2026 draft class, Sokolovskii has drawn attention throughout the hockey world for his rare combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts.

At 6-foot-8 and 238 pounds, he uses his reach and physicality to disrupt plays, win puck battles, and protect the defensive zone. Scouts have also praised his skating ability, noting that he moves exceptionally well for a player of his stature and has shown flashes of offensive creativity, particularly when getting shots through traffic from the blue line.

While still considered one of the younger and more raw defensive prospects in the draft, his tremendous upside made him one of the most intriguing selections available. Evaluators believe that with continued development, Sokolovskii has all the tools to become a high-impact defenseman at the professional level.

His development is set to continue with the London Knights before he begins his collegiate career at the University of Maine during the 2027-28 season.

Sokolovskii’s journey from Atlantic Coast Academy to the NHL Draft is another example of the opportunities available through the THF and the Federation’s commitment to preparing players for success at every level of the game.

The entire THF family congratulates Maksim on this incredible accomplishment and looks forward to following his continued development as he pursues his NHL dream.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to congratulate Brian Sherry, Head Coach of the Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey 18U team, on being named the next head coach of the Odessa Jackalopes of the North American Hockey League. 

Sherry takes the next step in an accomplished coaching career after spending the past 11 seasons leading the Meijer/Biggby AAA Hockey programs, where he built a reputation for developing players and preparing them for advancement to the junior and collegiate levels. Throughout his career, his teams have captured Michigan Amateur Hockey Association state championships and the NAPHL Dixon Cup while helping hundreds of athletes reach the next stage of their hockey journeys. 

In addition to his success behind the bench, Sherry previously served with the United States National Team Development Program as Assistant Director, where he was responsible for recruiting the 1997 and 1998 NTDP classes. His extensive experience in player evaluation and development has made him one of the most respected coaches in the game. 

“I am very excited and grateful for this opportunity to make the next step in my coaching career,” Sherry said following the announcement. “I look forward to working with the hockey staff to bring a championship pedigree to this great organization.” 

The THF congratulates Coach Sherry on this well-deserved opportunity and wishes him continued success as he begins his next chapter with the Odessa Jackalopes.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation continues to showcase its commitment to player development, with 21 current THF players selected in the 2025 North American Hockey League Futures and Entry Drafts.

The NAHL is one of the premier junior hockey leagues in North America and serves as a proven route to NCAA hockey and beyond. The Futures Draft allows NAHL organizations to identify and protect top 16-year-old prospects for future seasons, while the Entry Draft gives teams the opportunity to select players who are eligible to compete immediately.

This year’s draft results are another testament to the high level of competition and development found throughout the THF and its member clubs.

NAHL Futures Draft

Six THF players were selected in the 2025 NAHL Futures Draft:

NAHL Entry Draft

Fifteen more THF players heard their names called during the 2025 NAHL Entry Draft:

The success doesn’t stop with this year’s draft class. Just a few weeks ago, 21 alumni from THF clubs competed in the Robertson Cup Final Four, with 11 alumni helping the Maryland Black Bears capture the Robertson Cup championship. Their success, combined with this year’s draft results, continues to highlight the impact THF clubs are making at the junior hockey level.

Congratulations to all 21 players on this outstanding accomplishment. The entire THF community looks forward to watching the next chapter of their hockey careers unfold.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to announce that the Springfield Aces will join the THF beginning in the 2026-27 season, bringing one of Western Massachusetts’ growing youth hockey organizations into the league’s competitive landscape.

Based out of Springfield, Massachusetts, the Aces have continued to build a strong foundation centered around player development, high-tempo practices, and a commitment to helping athletes reach the next level. The organization offers teams from U8 through U14 and operates out of CYR Arena.

“Our mission is to provide local players an elite organization focused on development and skill progression,” the Springfield Aces state on their website. That development-first mentality aligns directly with the THF’s commitment to providing high-level competition and opportunities for players and families across the region.

The addition of the Aces further strengthens the THF’s footprint in New England and adds another competitive program to the league’s growing membership heading into 2026-27. The organization has already established itself as a rising presence in the region, with strong performances across multiple age levels in recent seasons.

The THF is excited to welcome the Springfield Aces, their players, coaches, and families to the league and looks forward to seeing the program hit the ice in THF competition next season.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation was well represented on junior hockey’s biggest stage this weekend as 21 alumni of THF teams competed in the 2026 Robertson Cup Final Four, highlighted by the Maryland Black Bears capturing the Robertson Cup Championship.

Leading the way was former Team Maryland standout Harrison Smith, who was named Robertson Cup MVP after a dominant season in which he led the entire North American Hockey League in scoring.

Smith’s performance throughout the season and championship run marked a major milestone not only for his career, but also for the continued development success of THF programs at the junior level.

The Maryland Black Bears roster featured an impressive collection of THF alumni, showcasing the depth of talent developed across Federation member organizations. Additional THF alumni also competed with the Minnesota Wilderness, Lone Star Brahmas, and Austin Bruins during the Robertson Cup Final Four weekend.

Programs represented among the Final Four included Mount St. Charles Academy, Team Maryland, Westchester Express, Mercer Chiefs, Rockets Hockey Club, PAL Junior Islanders, South Kent School, New York Saints, Flyers Elite, Hartford Junior Wolfpack, and Jersey Hitmen.

THF Alumni Competing at the Robertson Cup Final Four

Maryland Black Bears

Minnesota Wilderness

Lone Star Brahmas

Austin Bruins

From league championships to individual honors, THF club alumni continue to make their presence felt at every level of the game. With a Robertson Cup title and MVP performance now added to the list, the Federation’s impact on the junior hockey landscape continues to grow.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation reached a new milestone on the national stage this week, as its member programs combined for a record-setting 37 selections across Phase I and Phase II of the United States Hockey League Draft, held May 4-5.

This marks the most USHL Draft picks in league history for the THF, further solidifying its position as one of the premier development platforms in youth hockey.

The USHL Draft is a critical step in the North American development pathway, with Phase I spotlighting top 15U talent and Phase II expanding opportunities across a deep pool of elite players. Across both phases, THF athletes were consistently targeted by USHL organizations, a reflection of the league’s depth, exposure, and commitment to advancement.

Leading the way was Mount St. Charles Academy, which saw a strong group of players selected, including a top-five selection as Michael Campbell was taken 5th overall by the Chicago Steel. The program continued to make its presence felt throughout the draft, showcasing its ability to develop high-end talent ready for the next level.

Woodbridge Wolfpack also delivered an impressive performance, with a large group of players selected across both phases. Their depth and consistency were evident as they saw multiple players come off the board throughout the draft.

Additional THF programs represented in the draft included Atlantic Coast Academy, Notre Dame Hockey Academy, Seacoast Performance Academy, South Kent School, Team Maryland, Pittsburgh Stars, and the Rockets Hockey Club, all contributing to the Federation’s historic total.

From early round selections to key late-round additions, THF players were consistently identified for their skill, development, and readiness to compete at the next level. The record-setting total reflects the continued growth of the Federation and its role as a true pipeline to junior hockey.

Full List of THF USHL Draft Selections

Atlantic Coast Academy

Mount St. Charles

Notre Dame Hockey Academy

Pittsburgh Stars

Rockets Hockey Club

Seacoast Performance Academy

South Kent School

Team Maryland

Woodbridge Wolfpack

With a record 37 selections, the THF continues to raise the bar and reinforce its place on the national stage.

As the path to junior hockey continues to evolve, THF remains at the forefront, providing a national platform where players are seen, developed, and ultimately advanced to the highest levels of the game. Stay tuned this summer as more junior league drafts take place and we follow the progression of even more THF athletes and their advancement into junior hockey and beyond. 

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to announce that guest team registration is now officially open for the 2026-27 Showcase Series.

Each season, THF Showcases provide a premier platform for elite competition, bringing together top Tier 1 programs from across the country to compete on the national stage. With high-level matchups, strong organizational representation, and unmatched exposure opportunities, the Showcase Series continues to be a cornerstone of the THF experience.

The 2026-27 schedule features a full slate of events hosted at top-tier facilities, giving teams the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best competition in youth hockey while gaining valuable visibility.

Guest teams are now invited to be part of the action. Registration is available directly through each individual showcase page, with spots expected to fill quickly.

Programs looking to elevate their competition level and showcase their talent on a national platform are encouraged to secure their place early.

View the full 2026-27 Showcase schedule and register here:
https://www.tier1hockeyfederation.com/showcases/

The stage is set for another season of elite competition — and it starts at the THF Showcases.