Uncategorized - Tier 1 Hockey

For the week ending on November 19th, 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 Wolfpack (9U), Mid Fairfield Rangers (10U), CT Jr Rangers (11U), Wolfpack (12U), Rockets (13U), CP Dynamo (14U), PAL Jr Islanders (15U), Rockets (16U), and Rockets (18U).

Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week and Peak Performer ending November 12th, 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: Nominating Coach: Roy Scott

Team: Woodbridge Wolfpack
Player’s Name: Liam Hansen
Jersey Number: 28
Position: Forward
Liam has great hands, always seems to find his open teammate with a dynamic pass, or the back of the net. Very special player.

10U Division: Nominating Coach: Brian Florek

Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Player’s Name: Weston Florek
Jersey Number: 3
Position: Forward
Weston did a great job moving the puck this weekend. His unselfish play led to 2 goals and 8 assists in 2 games played. He played hard offensively and defensively and it showed on the scoresheet. Great example of teamwork!

11U Division: Nominating Coach: David Ball

Team: Rockets Hockey
Player’s Name: AJ Acuria
Jersey Number: 23
Position: Defense
“AJ was asked to learn a new position and responded with out hesitation, his compete and effort was unbelievable. Played all 5 games with a energy and effort unmatched by any other player on our team or any team we played against. Great job AJ”

12U Division: Nominating Coach: Ryan Williams

Team: Woodbridge Wolfpack
Player’s Name: Jonah Scott
Jersey Number: 22
Position: Defense
Jonah is team oriented, loyal, respected, disciplined, and a leader.

13U Division: Nominating Coach: Mark Presinzano

Team: Jersey Hitmen
Player’s Name: Chase Lovell
Jersey Number: 22
Position: Forward
Chase had the weekend that all players dream of. Putting up a Hat Trick against the Rockets on Friday night and than posting another Hat trick on Sunday against Woodbridge which included the game winner in OT. Chase had an 8 point weekend 6 goals and 2 assist only one word explains his weekend “Awesome” well done young man.

14U Division: Nominating Coach: Chris Joseph

Team: NY Arrows
Player’s Name: Nathan Sobel
Jersey Number: 34
Position: Forward
2 big goals against Utica in game 2 that were 6 seconds apart.

15U Division: Nominating Coach: Joe Minnix

Team: Westchester Express
Player’s Name: James Munoz
Jersey Number: 17
Position: Forward
James stepped up for the Express this weekend scoring 3 goals and 1 assist vs the NJ Jets. Including the game winning goal in OT in our 3-2 win. In non-league action he netted another 2 goals vs the Nj Avalanche 15U AA. James continues to lead through his effort and his “WE” philosophy.

16U Division: Nominating Coach: Eric Conway

Team: Westchester Express
Player’s Name: Jack Broderick
Jersey Number: 65
Position: Center
Broderick paced the Express with a stat line of two goals and five assists for seven points in an 8-1 victory over Connecticut Junior Rangers.

18U Division: Nominating Coach: David Kosick

Team: Esmark Stars
Player’s Name: Alex Thomas
Jersey Number: 85
Position: Forward
“Alex had an outstanding showing this past weekend as the Stars grabbed four THF wins with a pair over Team Maryland (6-5 and 6-3) and the Jersey Hitmen (4-3 and 8-1). Thomas scored four goals, including a three-goal hat-trick in the 8-1 win over the Jersey Hitmen, in the Star’s fourth and final game of the weekend, and he added five assists, picking up points in all four games. “Alex creates opportunity, pure and simple,” said Stars Head Coach Dave Kosick. “And he thrives in the big moments.” “He had another outstanding weekend … this time against two of the top clubs in the T1HF,” Kosick added.

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

Joseph Vicich	NY Arrows	9U	55	Defense
Anthony Cosenza	NY Arrows	9U	19	Forward
Gianluca Milack	NY Arrows	9U	22	Center
Joseph Adinolfi	NY Arrows	11U	81	Forward
Jonah Scott	Woodbridge Wolfpack	12U	22	Defense
Max Cohen	Jersey Hitmen	12U	91	Forward
Marcus Cassidy	Rockets Hockey	13U	2	Forward
Ralph Mirachi jr	Rockets Hockey	14U	8	Defense
Chase Goldman	NY Arrows	15U	82	Forward
Brandon Eigner	New Jersey Jets	15U	5	Defense
Brendan Dalton	NY Arrows	16U	Dalton	Forward
Eddie Kienzle	NJ 87s	18U	19	Forward
Angeo Basson	Colorado Springs Tigers	18U	1	Goalie
Jordan Bowman	Northern Cyclones	18U	17	Forward
Jacob Cowie	Westchester Express	18U	41	Goalie
Nick Mele	American Hockey Academy	18U	13	Goalie
Landon Buterbaugh	Esmark Stars	18U	65	Goalie

For the week ending on November 12th, 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 Wolfpack (9U), Mid Fairfield Rangers (10U), CT Jr Rangers (11U), Wolfpack (12U), Wolfpack (13U), Pittsburgh Predators (14U), PAL Jr Islanders (15U), Rockets (16U), and Rockets (18U).

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Maxwell Rutkowski has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Oklahoma Warriors.

The 2023-24 season is Rutkowski’s third season with Esmark’s AAA program and second season with the Star’s U18 Midget Major squad. Through Nov 9, the (5’9” / 180 lbs.) 18-year-old from Export, PA, has registered 2 points(1 goal, 1 assist), in eight T1HF appearances this season. Overall, this season to date, Rutkowski has tallied 28 points (9 goals, 19 assists), including two power play goals, in 27 games played for Esmark (through Nov. 9).

During the 2022-23 season, Rutkowski registered 28 points (18 goal, 10 assists), in 29 T1HF appearances helping lead Esmark’s U18 AAA squad to the league’s inaugural regular season 18Utitle, the T1HL’s inaugural playoff championship and the USPHL Cup Championship. Overall during the 2022-23 season, Rutkowski tallied 50 points (21 goals, 29 assists), including one power-play and one short-handed goal, in 47 games played for the 18U Esmark squad in a season in which he missed 23 games due to injury.

“Max is going to be a good fit in Oklahoma,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, “He is a tough kid who can play in all situations … penalty kill, shut-down line, forechecker who will thrive in a heavy, big body game.”

“He is the type of player who checks off a lot of boxes for a coaching staff and one who works each day to succeed on the ice,” Kosick added.

Rutkowski is the first member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the 2024-25 season. The Warriors, 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, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the Blazers Ice Center in Oklahoma City, OK, and are led by Head Coach Garrett Roth.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is thrilled to announce defenseman Cade Kozak of Team Maryland has officially signed a tender agreement with the Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Hailing from Isanti, Minnesota, Kozak has distinguished himself on the ice, showcasing his skills as a formidable defenseman. This season, the talented player has been a crucial asset for Team Maryland, amassing an impressive 23 points in just 28 games. His stellar performance has not only caught the attention of his current team but has also paved the way for an exciting opportunity with the Colorado Grit.

Team Maryland Head Coach Robbie Murden expressed his enthusiasm for Kozak’s signing, emphasizing the player’s embodiment of the core values the team is striving to cultivate. “Cade exudes all of the pillars we are focusing the transformation of Team Maryland AAA hockey around – he is ultra-competitive, has infectious energy, is coachable, and a great teammate,” said Murden. Kozak’s influence extends beyond his on-ice prowess, as he serves as a role model for many of the younger national-bound players within the Team Maryland organization.

As Kozak embarks on this new chapter with the Colorado Grit, Team Maryland eagerly anticipates his continued growth and success. Murden expressed confidence in Kozak’s ability to thrive in the junior hockey ranks, highlighting the positive impact the defenseman has had on the U18 team’s pursuit of their goals.

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.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Alex Thomas has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Colorado Grit.

The 2023-24 season is Thomas’ first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad.

Through Nov 9, the (5’10” / 165 lbs.) 18-year-old from North Huntington, PA, has registered 11 points (7 goals, 4 assist), including two power-play goals, in eight T1HF appearances this season for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall, this season to date, Thomas has tallied 38 points (21 goals, 17 assists), including eight power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 27 games played for Esmark (through Nov. 9).

“Alex is an extremely gifted player with an explosive skill set,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “He has the tools to succeed in the NAHL and Colorado landed a talented player who will give them a high-end offensive threat.”

Thomas is the second member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club. Teammate Max Rutkowski previously signed with the NAHL’s Oklahoma Warriors.

The Grit, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX) Wranglers, Corpus Cristi (TX) IceRays, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the Greely Ice House in Greely, CO, and are led by Head Coach Steve Haddon.

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 Team Maryland U18 team as they face off against the Jersey Hitmen U18 team. Be sure not to miss this exciting showdown, scheduled for Sunday at 8:45 am ET, and taking place at Ice Vault in Wayne, NJ.

In case you missed the thrilling matchup from last Friday on November 10th, where Rockets went head-to-head with the Jersey Hitmen, 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.

Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week and Peak Performer ending November 5th, 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: Nominating Coach: Roy Scott

Team: Woodbridge Wolfpack
Player’s Name: Joseph Fasenella
Jersey Number: 74
Position: Forward
Working hard, battling in corners. JJ is a great player on and off the ice.

10U Division: Nominating Coach: Brian Florek

Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Player’s Name: Finley Baker
Jersey Number: 21
Position: Forward
Finn played excellent at both ends of the ice this weekend notching 4 goals and 1 assist. More impressive than the points was his back checking and play in the defensive zone. He is the true definition of a great teammate on the bench and in the locker room as well.

11U Division: Nominating Coach: Dan Shribman

Team: CT Jr Rangers
Player’s Name: Finn Hanrahan
Jersey Number: 24
Position: Forward
Finn was plus 6 with 4 points including 3 goals in two wins against a high-end Woodbridge team. He scored the game-winning goal with 2 seconds left in game 1 and was on the ice for every goal our team scored. He also played great defensively.

12U Division: Nominating Coach: David Ehrlich

Team: PAL Jr Islanders
Player’s Name: Jake Evans
Jersey Number: 97
Position: Forward
Jake’s offensive skills were on display this weekend, scoring 3 points. 1 of which was a penalty shot showing off some silky mitts and finding the back of the net.

13U Division: Nominating Coach: Julie Lenz

Team: NY Arrows
Player’s Name: Brendan Mitnick
Jersey Number: 41
Position: Goalie
Brendan played with this newfound confidence that was a game changer for himself and the team. Strong and steady between the pipes. 3 games, 2 wins, 4 goals against, and 95 saves!!!

14U Division: Nominating Coach: Ron Raykin

Team: NJ Rockets
Player’s Name: Gabriel Sherman
Jersey Number: 17
Position: Forward
Keep up the good work!

16U Division: Nominating Coach: Brian Gratz

Team: Indiana Elite
Player’s Name: Jake McIntosh
Jersey Number: 11
Position: Forward
Jake had 3 multi-point games for 8 total points in 3 wins, including scoring a game-winning goal and assisting on another game-winning goal on the weekend.

18U Division: Nominating Coach: Eric Conway

Team: Westchester Express
Player’s Name: Michael Sciabarra
Jersey Number: 44
Position: Defense
The slippery puck-moving defenseman had two goals and an assist, including the overtime GWG to secure the win over the Connecticut Chiefs 3-2 on Halloween. He then added two assists in a 5-3 loss to the Philly Revs this past Sunday, having Sciabarra in on 5 of 6 goals for the Express last week.

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

Elise Furstein	Tri State Spartans	10U	4	Forward
Luke Slattery	Woodbridge Wolfpack	12U	59	Forward
Creed Timbrook	Tri State Spartans	13U	13	Defense
Chris McFadden	Flyers Elite	13U	10	Forward
Patrik Ula	Westchester Express	14U	97	Center
Jacob Wenner	Colorado Springs Tigers	18U	25	Forward
Breck Buettner	Colorado Springs Tigers	18U	29	Forward
Alex Insana	NJ 87S HC	18U	33	Goalie
Logan Tomasello	American Hockey Academy	18U	17	Forward

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is delighted to anounce that Harrison Smith, an exceptional forward from Wellington, Florida, has recently inked a tender agreement with the Maryland Black Bears in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Smith’s performance with Team Maryland this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from the sunny state of Florida, Smith has demonstrated his prowess on the ice by amassing a staggering 50 points in just 30 games. This outstanding achievement has not only solidified his reputation as a rising star but also captured the attention of the Maryland Black Bears.

This exciting development is a testament to Smith’s dedication and skill on the rink, and it opens up an exciting new chapter in his promising hockey career.

Smith’s journey from Team Maryland to the Maryland Black Bears is a testament to the incredible talent pipeline fostered by the Tier 1 Hockey Federation. It exemplifies the commitment of both players and organizations to the sport, and we look forward to witnessing Harrison Smith’s continued growth and success in the NAHL.

For the week ending on November 5th, 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 New Jersey Jets (9U), Mid Fairfield Rangers (10U), CT Jr Rangers (11U), Wolfpack (12U), Wolfpack (13U), Pittsburgh Predators (14U), PAL Jr Islanders (15U), Rockets (16U), and Team Maryland (18U).