Tier 1 Hockey Federation is thrilled to announce the upcoming installment in the Federation Educational Series: “Agents and Advisors – Do I Need One?” Our featured speaker for this insightful session is none other than NHL certified agent, Jeff Boston, representing Roy Sports Group (RSG).

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 9th

Time: 6:00 pm EST

RSVP: CLICK HERE

This webinar will cover three main topics with time for a Q&A. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to gain valuable insights from an industry expert.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is excited to announce that Biggby Coffee Hockey Club forward Simon Lade has been tendered by the Amarillo Wranglers of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Hailing from Bay Village, Ohio, Lade has proven to be a standout player in his first season with Biggby.

In 39 games played this season, Lade has demonstrated his prowess on the ice, amassing an impressive 27 points with 12 goals and 15 assists. The forward’s performance has not gone unnoticed, catching the attention of the Amarillo Wranglers, who have eagerly tendered him for the upcoming season.

Head Coach Brian Sherry spoke highly of Lade’s contributions to the Biggby Coffee Hockey Club, stating, “Simon is another player who knows what his strengths on the ice are and uses them to be a key factor in games. He is a strong power forward who can score around the net and play physical. We are very happy for Simon to be joining Amarillo next season.”

Lade’s transition to the NAHL is a testament to his dedication and skill on the ice. His ability to find the back of the net and contribute both offensively and defensively has set him apart in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. As Lade embarks on this exciting new chapter with the Amarillo Wranglers, the THF wishes him continued success and growth in his hockey career.

.As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Simon. 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.

For the week ending on December 17th, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the THF KRACH page here.

The teams that are in first in each division are Westchester Express (9U), Wolfpack (10U), CT Jr Rangers (11U), Wolfpack (12U), Rockets (13U), Rockets (14U), Rockets (15U), Rockets (16U), and Rockets (18U).

Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week and Peak Performer ending December 10th, 2023. This weekly feature, running throughout the 2023-24 season, pays tribute to outstanding players across all divisions. Our honorees are selected from player nominations submitted by their respective coaches. You can now commemorate their achievements with customizable Player of the Week merchandise available in the league store.


9U Division:

11U Division:

12U Division:

13U Division:

14U Division:

15U Division:

18U Division:

Honorable Mentions
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention

Ashton KutsakRed Bank Generals9U8Forward
Ayman FlowersWoodbridge Wolfpack9U25Forward
Joey BoscainoRockets9U86Forward
Anthony CosenzaNY Arrows9U19Forward
Jakub SiekPAL Jr Islanders12U9Forward
Martin MrvosTeam Maryland12U38Goalie
Grayden PowellPalmyra Black Knights13U88Forward
Justin MadisonRockets13U29Goalie
Filippas PliastosIndiana Elite16U91Forward
Nathan AlvesIndiana Elite18U2Defense
Angeo BassonColorado Springs Tigers18U1Goalie
Brendan CarberryAmerican Hockey Academy18U74Goalie

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) have announced that 18U Esmark Stars AAA Hockey forward Timur Naletov has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Danbury Hat Tricks.

The 17-year-old forward from St. Petersburg, Russia, has recorded 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists) in 12 T1HF games (through Nov 30) so far this season.

Overall to date, the (6’1″ / 185 lbs.) forward has tallied 27 points (6 goals, 21 assists), including one power play goal, in 34 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad (through Nov. 30).

The 2023-24 season is Naletov’s first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad and second season overall with the Esmark Stars program.

During the 2022-23 season, Naletov registered 48 points (18 goals, 30 assists), including four power play goals and two shorthanded goals game-winning goals, in 31 overall T1HF appearances (12 T1HF regular season, 17 Elite Prospects Cup Series and two THF Playoff games) for Esmark’s U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

Overall during the 2021-22 season, Naletov tallied 103 points (32 goals, 71 assists), including four power-play and three short-handed goals, in 65 games played for the 16U Esmark squad.

“Timur is very talented player with a great set of offensive skills,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “Eclipsing the 100-point mark, last season, was quite an accomplishment and demonstrated his ability to get on the scoresheet and make an impact in all games he plays in. He will present Danbury with a young talented forward who is a high-end offensive threat.”

Naletov becomes the third member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club. Teammates Alex Thomas, Colorado Grit, and Max Rutkowski, Oklahoma Warriors, had both previously signed tender agreements with the NAHL teams.

The Hat Tricks, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team East Division along with the Johnstown (PA) Tomahawks, Maine Nordiques, Maryland Black Bears, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, New Jersey Titans, Northeast (MA) Generals, Philadelphia (PA) Rebels and Rochester (NY) Jr Americans, play in the Danbury Ice Arena in Danbury, CT, and are led by new Head Coach Patrik Stefan.

As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Connor. 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.

For the week ending on December 10th, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the THF KRACH page here.

The teams that are in first in each division are Westchester Express (9U), Mid Fairfield Rangers (10U), CT Jr Rangers (11U), Wolfpack (12U), Rockets (13U), Rockets (14U), Rockets (15U), Rockets (16U), and Rockets (18U).

In an exciting move for the Tier 1 Hockey Federation, Team Maryland Forward Owen Roberts has been tendered by the Mercer Chiefs of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC). This announcement comes as Roberts continues to make a significant impact on the ice, showcasing his skills and contributing significantly to Team Maryland’s success.

Roberts has been on fire this season, displaying remarkable prowess with a tally of 20 goals and 11 assists, accumulating an impressive 31 points in just 43 games. His stellar performance has caught the attention of the Mercer Chiefs, a testament to his dedication, hard work, and undeniable talent on the ice.

Head Coach Rob Broderick of the Mercer Chiefs expressed his enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, “Owen is a terrific player and is playing for a top-notch program under Robbie Murden, and his coach Peter Leboutillier is one of the best! Can’t wait to see Owen in a Chiefs uniform!” 

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation serves as a breeding ground for exceptional talent, and the tendering of Owen Roberts by the Mercer Chiefs reinforces the league’s commitment to nurturing and promoting young athletes. The NCDC, as a premier developmental league, provides a stepping stone for players like Roberts to further hone their skills and compete at a higher level, preparing them for potential future success.

.As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Connor. 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.

Repost from PAL Ice Hockey

P.A.L. Ice Hockey and Long Island Whalers are excited to announce a merger that will begin with the 2024-2025 hockey season. This union will mark a significant milestone in Long Island’s hockey landscape. P.A.L. Ice Hockey and Long Island Whalers hockey programs will merge at the Tier I and Tier II levels under P.A.L. Ice Hockey.  The objective of the new model is to offer current members of both organizations the opportunity for consolidation within our region to improve the consistency of the level of play within each age group and skill level.   The partnership will provide players on Long Island four distinctive advantages: 1) Professional and dedicated coaching staff; 2) Increased access to ice time and off-ice facilities; 3) Competitive teams at all levels; and 4) Increased focus on development for every tier.  For incoming Whalers players as well as current P.A.L. families, the P.A.L. Ice Hockey model will provide all players and teams with a competitive and balanced schedule through their participation in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation and Atlantic Hockey Federation. The increased professional hockey staff, as well as an additional player pool will provide families with a focus on skill development and hockey IQ while ensuring players are placed in the best possible situation to allow for maximum development and individual and team success. A few key highlights of the program include:

This merger will give players a clear pathway through youth hockey at various levels of play from the Learn to Play Programs to the Tier I P.A.L. Jr Islander program.  P.A.L. and Whalers will now be able to offer multiple levels and options for players of all skill levels with movement opportunities as they grow and develop as hockey players. P.A.L.’s staff will work hard to identify players and make recommendations to Black Bear Sports Group’s affiliated Junior hockey teams (pre-college), P.A.L. Jr Islanders (NCDC), Maryland Black Bears (NAHL) and Youngstown Phantoms (USHL).

The goal of the new model will be developing homegrown players out of Long Island and advance players from Mites to the many Junior programs under P.A.L. and our affiliates, all the while maintaining its history, integrity, values, and dedicated hard work from both organizations. This consolidation will not displace any families from either organization, but it will provide more opportunity, development, greater support and expand the pathway for all our families. The relationship between both organizations has always been strong, and we are all looking forward to building on that platform and strengthening hockey on Long Island.

“I’m thrilled to combine forces with the Long Island Whalers,” expressed Mark Cole, the newly appointed Tier 1 hockey director. “Our shared passion for the sport and dedication to nurturing talent will allow us to revive and propel the Tier 1 program to prominence once again.”

“This alliance signifies a promising future for hockey on the island. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with all the resources that are available through both Black Bear and P.A.L.” stated Rob Hare, the appointed Youth Hockey director. “Our collective goal is to not only elevate the program’s quality but also expand access for aspiring young athletes passionate about hockey.”

FAQ:

  1. Are any current teams being displaced? That is a good question to ask, and the answer is no. There will be a place for every current family in both organizations and in fact we will be growing the number of teams in all age groups allowing for more local players to participate.
  2. Which rink will teams play out of? All team will be playing out of Northwell Health Ice Center,

The Rinx, The Hub or Iceworks. Geographical locations of players will be kept in mind while

making the practice schedule, and game ice will be available at all locations.

Questions?

While we understand there will be many questions you may have, we will be setting up meetings with each team during practices from both organizations over the course of the next month. We look forward to seeing you there!

In the meantime, please feel free to email Ron Kinnear, ronkinn@icloud.com; Mark Cole, colezy44@yahoo.com; Rob Hare, rhare@lisportshub.com

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF)

have announced that 18U Esmark Stars AAA Hockey forward Mykyta Yalovyi has signed a

North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Lone Star Brahmas.

The 17-year-old forward from Donetsk, Ukraine, has recorded 17 points (8 goals and 9 assists),

including one power play goal and one shorthanded goal in 14 T1HF games to date.

Overall the (6’3’t; / 190 lbs.) forward has tallied 41 points (19 goals, 22 assists), including four power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 36 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad to date (through Dec. 3).

The 2023-24 season is Yalovyi’s first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad and second season overall with the Esmark Stars program.

During the 2022-23 season, Yalovyi registered 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in 14 T1HF

appearances for Esmark’s U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Yalovyi tallied 60 points (31 goals, 29 assists), including six

power-play and three short-handed goals, in 66 games played for the 16U Esmark squad.

“Mykyta is a man-child with tremendous strength who can dominate a game,” said Esmark 18U

head coach Dave Kosick. “As he continues to mature and harnesses his game, the sky is the limit for him in terms of where he will end up playing. His style of play should fit in well with Lone

Star and the Southern Division of the NAHL.”

Yalovyi becomes the fourth member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender

with a Junior A club. Teammates Alex Thomas, Colorado Grit; Max Rutkowski, Oklahoma

Warriors; and Timur Naletov, Danbury Hat Tricks had all previously signed tender agreements

with the NAHL teams.

The Brahmas, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX)

Wranglers, Colorado Grit, Corpus Cristi (TX) IceRays, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, New Mexico Ice

Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in

the NYTEX Sports Centre in North Richland Hills, TX, and are led by Head Coach Dan

Wildfong.

As always, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is committed to celebrating and supporting the success of talented young athletes like Connor. 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.

Join us for the THF Game of the Week, an exhilarating live-streamed hockey match every weekend on the Federations Hockey YouTube Channel. Throughout the season, family, friends, coaches, and scouts can tune in to catch the action-packed U18 THF matchups via the THF Mobile App or Website.

This week’s featured game showcases South Shore Kings U18 team as they face off against the NJ 87’s U18 team. Be sure not to miss this exciting showdown, scheduled for Sunday at 12:30 pm ET, and taking place at Jersey Shore Arena in Wall Township, NJ.

In case you missed the last thrilling matchup on Sunday, December 10th, where Esmark Stars went head-to-head with the Rockets, you can still catch the highlights and the full game replay right here.

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.