Uncategorized - Tier 1 Hockey

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) and its tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) have open spots at the 2024 USPHL NCDC Combine Series. Taking place in Chicago (May 11-12) and Boston (May 18-19), this series offers a unique opportunity for 15U-18U players to showcase their skills.

With over 6,000 alumni in college hockey and more than 3,500 players competing annually, the USPHL stands as a leading pathway to collegiate hockey. Through the NCDC, USPHL Premier, and USPHL Elite, players have forged successful careers in college hockey like no other league at the Tier II and Tier III levels.

Limited spots are available for Tier 1 Hockey Federation forwards and defensemen, so act fast to secure your place. Unfortunately, all goalie spots have been filled.

Chicago Skater Registration here and Boston Skater Registration here

Players born between Jan. 1, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2008, are eligible to participate. Registration for each Combine is non-refundable at $325. This investment offers players the chance to showcase their talents in front of NCDC and USPHL Premier coaches, opening doors to future opportunities in college hockey.

Participants can expect a minimum of three scrimmage games, providing valuable playing experience. Additionally, each Combine will feature an informational seminar where players can learn more about the USPHL Development Model and its benefits.

Don’t miss your chance to kickstart your journey to college hockey.

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 Chicago Phantoms AAA Hockey Club is set to elevate Illinois’ youth hockey scene as it announces its membership in the prestigious Tier 1 Hockey Federation for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Headquartered at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena, the club offers top-notch facilities including two ice sheets, a performance training center, and on-site amenities for families and fans.

Sanctioned by USA Hockey and AHAI, the Chicago Phantoms AAA teams will compete within the esteemed Tier 1 Hockey Federation, solidifying their status as a premier youth hockey organization in the state.

With strong affiliations including being the official Tier 1 youth affiliate of the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms and connections with several Black Bear Sports Group Junior Hockey clubs nationwide, the club provides extensive opportunities for player development and advancement.

The Chicago Phantoms AAA Hockey Club is committed to excellence both on and off the ice, aiming to cultivate the next generation of hockey stars while fostering a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication. For more information, visit PhantomsAAA.com.

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.

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!

Parity Spring Festival locations by division and full schedules are now available on the website. This event, will give teams the opportunity to showcase their abilities prior to the THF seeding every team in the league. With each team playing three 30-minute games, the Parity event provides an excellent opportunity for teams to compete against a range of opponents in a shorter amount of time.

The main goal of the Parity event is to ensure that each team is seeded properly, based on their current level of play. This information will ultimately be used to create a more competitive schedule for each team, minimizing lopsided scores throughout the season.

Click here locations
Click here for schedule

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is thrilled to announce the commitment of Gabriel Simpson, a standout defenseman from Team Illinois, to Lindenwood University. Hailing from Lafayette, Colorado, Simpson has showcased remarkable talent throughout his hockey journey, and his decision to join Lindenwood marks an exciting new chapter in his career.

Throughout the current season, Simpson has been a force on the ice, playing in 80 games for Team Illinois. His impressive statistics speak volumes about his skill and dedication, with 14 goals and 24 assists contributing to a total of 38 points.

What adds an extra layer of excitement to this announcement is the timing. Simpson will be joining the Lions for the 2026-27 season, a significant milestone for the program. This season marks the first time the Lions will be eligible to compete in the NCAA tournament since the inception of their NCAA team in the 2022-23 season.

For Simpson, Lindenwood University presents an opportunity not only to excel in his athletic pursuits but also to pursue his academic goals. Lindenwood’s commitment to fostering both athletic and academic excellence aligns perfectly with Simpson’s aspirations, making it an ideal fit for his collegiate journey.

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 Connor Stratton, hailing from Richboro, PA, has committed to playing college hockey with West Chester’s American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) team. Stratton, currently playing for the Philadelphia Revolution, will bring his formidable skills to the Golden Rams of West Chester for the 2024-25 season.

Stratton’s journey to this commitment has been marked by dedication and standout performance. During the current season, he has exemplified his prowess on the ice, appearing in 76 games for the Philadelphia Revolution. In that time, he has showcased his versatility, tallying an impressive 20 goals and 42 assists, accumulating a total of 62 points.

The Golden Rams, who compete in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey Association (ECHA) within the ACHA Division 1, are set to gain a valuable addition to their roster in Stratton. His combination of scoring ability, playmaking skills, and work ethic will undoubtedly bolster the team as they strive for success in the upcoming season.

For Stratton, this commitment represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to his craft. It’s a testament to his talent and potential that he has earned the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level, further honing his skills and making strides towards his athletic goals.

Parity Spring Festival dates by division are now available on the website. This event, will give teams the opportunity to showcase their abilities prior to the THF seeding every team in the league. With each team playing three 30-minute games, the Parity event provides an excellent opportunity for teams to compete against a range of opponents in a shorter amount of time.

9U 2015 – Sunday, April 21st
10U 2014 – Saturday, April 20th
11U 2013 – Sunday, April 21st
12U 2012 – Saturday, April 20th
13U 2011 – Saturday, April 20th
14U 2010 – Sunday, April 21st
15U 2009 – Saturday, April 20th
16U 2008 – Sunday, April 21st
18U 2007 – Saturday, April 20th

In Charlotte, North Carolina, the Queen City Royals have been granted Tier 1 status by their affiliate for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Established in 2020, the Queen City Royals have steadily climbed the ranks, garnering success and recognition at the Tier 2 level over the past four years. Now, they are poised to make their mark on the highest stage of competition in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF).

The announcement of Queen City’s elevation to Tier 1 status is not just a testament to the team’s prowess on the ice but also reflects the growing stature of hockey in the Charlotte area. With a commitment to excellence and a drive to compete against premier-level competition, the Queen City Royals are ready to showcase their skills and talent on a bigger stage.

At the heart of the Queen City Royals’ success lies their state-of-the-art training facility, the Extreme Ice Center, located in Indian Trail, NC. Owned and operated by the same ownership as the Royals, the Extreme Ice Center boasts 2.5 sheets of ice, a full weight room, and an academy dedicated to nurturing and developing hockey talent. This top-notch facility provides the perfect environment for players to hone their skills and reach their full potential.

Under the leadership of Hockey Director Mike Busto and President/GM Brendan Logan, the Queen City Royals are set to field teams at multiple age levels, including 10U, 12U, 13U, 14U, 16U, and 18U. With a comprehensive program designed to cater to players of all ages and skill levels, the Royals are committed to providing high-level exposure and opportunities for growth to each and every member of their organization.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier I Hockey Federation (THF) have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Jackson Furman has signed a United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones.

The 18-year-old forward from Westerville, OH, recorded 12 points (5 goals and 7 assists), in 23 THF regular season games and 4 THF Playoff Games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the League’s 18U AAA Championship game.

Overall, the 5’11” / 170 lbs. forward tallied 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists), including one power play goal and two game-winning goals, in 68 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Furman’s second season with the Esmark Stars program.

During the 2022-23 season, Furman recorded 8 points (2 goals and 6 assists), in 12 THF League regular season games and 4 THF Playoff Games, helping lead the Stars to the THF Playoff Championship.

Overall during the ’22-’23 campaign, Furman tallied 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists), including two power play goals, in 62 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

“Jackson is a true Swiss Army knife,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “His skill set and on-ice compete level allowed us to use him in all settings … from special teams (penalty kill and power play) to end-of-game scenarios. He brings such a tenacity and desire to succeed to each game and practice that will not allow him to be outworked. That skill set and his drive to succeed should afford him a bright Junior opportunity.”

In addition to his success on the ice, Furman was also selected as an All-State Lacrosse player in the state of Ohio last season.

Furman becomes the eight member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the upcoming season, and the first to sign a NCDC tender, as he joins 18U teammates 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 have all previously signed tender agreements with the NAHL teams.

The Norther Cyclones are in the six-team New England Division of the USPHL’s 18-team NCDC Division, along with the Boston Junior Bruins, Islanders Hockey Club (MA), Twin City Thunder (ME), South Shore Kings (MA) and Utica (NY) Comets.

The Northern Cyclones play in the Cyclones Arena in Hudson, NH, and are led by Head Coach Bill Flanagan.