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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In a move that underscores the rising talent within Tier 1 junior hockey, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) has proudly announced that Holden Ward of the Tri State Spartans has been tendered by the Shreveport Mudbugs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL). This announcement not only highlights Ward’s exceptional skill but also serves as a testament to the promising prospects nurtured within the THF.
Holden Ward, a forward hailing from Oceanside, California, has made waves within the junior hockey circuit with his remarkable performance on the ice. Over the course of 65 games for the Tri State Spartans, Ward has exhibited his prowess, tallying an impressive 19 goals and 26 assists, totaling 45 points.
Ward’s journey from California to Louisiana reflects the diverse and expansive nature of junior hockey, where players from across the country converge to pursue their passion for the sport. His dedication, coupled with his natural talent, has earned him this opportunity to take the next step in his hockey career.
For the Tri State Spartans, Ward’s tender with the Shreveport Mudbugs marks a proud moment, affirming their commitment to nurturing and developing top-tier hockey talent. It serves as a reminder of the vital role that tier 1 hockey organizations play in shaping the future of the sport, providing young athletes with the guidance and resources needed to thrive at higher levels of competition.
As Holden Ward embarks on this new chapter with the Shreveport Mudbugs, the Tier 1 Hockey Federation extends its congratulations and best wishes for continued success. His journey exemplifies the essence of junior hockey – a relentless pursuit of excellence, fueled by passion and determination, with boundless opportunities for growth and achievement.
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 (THF) is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the career of Henry Dougherty, a forward hailing from Southington, CT. The talented player, currently representing the Tri-State Spartans, has been tendered by the El Paso Rhinos of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
Dougherty’s exceptional performance throughout the season has not gone unnoticed. In 66 games played for the Spartans, he showcased his prowess on the ice by netting an impressive 16 goals and contributing 19 assists, accumulating a total of 35 points. His dedication, skill, and determination have undoubtedly caught the attention of scouts and teams alike, leading to this exciting opportunity with the El Paso Rhinos.
Being tendered by an organization like the El Paso Rhinos is a testament to Dougherty’s hard work and commitment to his craft. It marks a significant step forward in his hockey journey and opens up new avenues for growth and development in his career.
The THF extends its congratulations to Henry Dougherty on this achievement and wishes him the best of luck as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with the El Paso Rhinos.
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.
HACKENSACK, N.J. — The first Atlantic Affiliate championship of the 2023-2024 season was awarded Sunday morning to the Palmyra Black Knights 12U AAA who edged out the New Jersey Colonials in a 2-0 game that kept everyone on the edge of their seat until the final buzzer. Back and forth, goal line to goal line, the competitive game was locked out 1-0 for the majority of the game.
The Colonials headed into the game with a lot of confidence. They earned their bid to the championship matchup following a win over the Black Knights during the round robin stage Saturday. “I feel good. I think we’ve got a good shot to win,” said Colonials forward Chris Migliaro, who scored against the Knights in that 4-3 victory. “A couple of weekends ago, they beat us twice. We were able to win today, so this is our opportunity to beat them twice too.”
Meanwhile, the Black Knights’ sideline was undeterred, despite falling to the Colonials just minutes before. “I think we can win if we play our game,” said Black Knights defenseman Luke Spittler.
On Sunday, the time for talk was over, as both teams took the ice for the title matchup. A defensive struggle in the first period set the tone for the game, as neither team could put anything on the scoreboard. The Colonials maintained a slight advantage in shots, managing 10 to the Black Knights’ seven. In the second period, a Colonials hooking penalty gave Palmyra the edge they needed to finally break through, as Callan Pearson sent one streaking past the Colonials goalie to give the Black Knights a 1-0 lead.
From there, it was on Palmyra goalie Mason Ecenrode to deliver his team the win, as the Colonials became increasingly persistent to equalize the game. When the Black Knights picked up an ill-advised cross-checking penalty with just over two minutes remaining in the third period, the Colonials realized that the ensuing power play was their best chance to tie things up. They peppered Ecenrode with a barrage of shots, racking up 14 shots in the third period alone, but Eceonrode turned them all away. “I was just trying to stay in my head — just trying to focus on the game and tune everything else out,” Ecenrode said of those frantic final minutes. “It was a full team effort.” He made a series of terrific rejections, including one particularly impressive save where he snagged the puck out of the air while falling backwards.
Thanks in large part to Ecenrode’s heroics, the Black Knights were able to kill the power play, and the Colonials were forced to pull their goalie for a final push. From there, the Black Knights stole the puck and Braden Boblick buried a long-range bomb to put the game out of reach at 2-0. Forty-five seconds later, the Palmyra Black Knights were the Tier-I 12U AAA champions.
Congratulations to our 2024 THF Championships All Tournament Teams! These teams showcase top performers from the past weekends.
18U
F – Harrison Smith #24 Team Maryland
F – Nathan Burlando #11 Esmark Stars
F – Mason Kaplan #21 Team Maryland
D – Aiden Tarasovich #73 Esmark Stars
D – Alex Helgeson #29 Jersey Hitmen
G – Logan Hughes #1 Team Maryland
16U
F – Wyatt Ewanchyna #10 Flyers Elite
F – Lucas Marshall #26 American Hockey Academy
F – Brady Logue #65 Flyers Elite
D – Jackson Accardi #18 Rockets Hockey
D – Tyler Rush #33 American Hockey Academy
G – Jonathan Georgiano #30 Flyers Elite
15U
F – Viktor Dudenkov #90 American Hockey Academy
F – Michael Granata #28 American Hockey Academy
F – Trevor Hill #91 Palmyra Black Knights
D – Derek Schliebner #3 Esmark Stars
D – Michael Domina #77 Palmyra Black Knights
G – Rakhymbek Rakhymzham #70 American Hockey Academy
14U
F – Gilbert Sudaley #77 PAL Jr Islanders
F – Stanley Xenakis #51 Rockets Hockey
F – Mason Law #13 Rockets Hockey
D – Nicholas Branda #88 PAL Jr Islanders
D – Charles Logan #11 CT Jr Rangers Elite
G – Kyle Antonucci #30 PAL Jr Islanders
13U
F – Christopher Conklin #93 Rockets Hockey
F – Deverin Warner #88 Wolfpack Hockey
F – John Foye #16 Rockets Hockey
D – Nathan Bertz #25 Palmyra Black Knights
D – Ryan Sisco #76 Wolfpack Hockey
G – Justin Madison #29 Rockets Hockey
12U
F – Alex Wolanski #18 Wolfpack Hockey
F – Grayson Van Raalte #10 Mercer Chiefs
F – Maxwell Schaefer #29 Palmyra Black Knights
D – Ethan Stremmel #57 Palmyra Black Knights
D – Jonah Scott #22 Wolfpack Hockey
G – Mason Ecenrode #79 Palmyra Black Knights
12U Silver
F – Leon Pivovarov #87 Arrows
F – Aiden Honan #13 Red Bank Generals
F – Danis Kaliev #47 Red Bank Generals
D – Gavin Hananel #16 Arrows
D – Krystof Lockey #14 Team Maryland
G – Tyler Lloyd #30 Red Bank Generals
11U
Brayden DeBlock #93 Rockets Hockey
Kellan Fitzgerald-Brown #16 Rockets Hockey
Ethan Ling #2012 CT Jr Rangers Elite
Finn Hanrahan #2012 CT Jr Rangers Elite
Maddox Coy #41 Indiana Elite
Lucas Epstein #41 Rockets Hockey
11U National Silver
Patrick Walker #5 Rockets Hockey
Leonardo Zimbaro #10 CT Jr Rangers
Jeremy Shepherd #6 CT Jr Rangers
William Klochkov #19 Rockets Hockey
Charles Mehling #4 CP Dynamo
Zachary Amsellem #77 Rockets Hockey
11U Atlantic Silver
Kieran Schweigert #34 Palmyra Black Knights
Henry Montrone #88 Mid Fairfield
Lucas Barnes #88 Palmyra Black Knights
Daniel Dvorkin #5 Revolution Elite
Mark Morav #91 Revolution Elite
Mason Gaughan #19 Palmyra Black Knights
10U
Quentin Pressau #91 Mid Fairfield
Ryan Hellinger #8 Mid Fairfield
Connor Calli #97 Utica Jr. Comets
Kevin Qian #16 Wolfpack Hockey
Noah Maree #97 Wolfpack Hockey
Carter Quick #32 Mid Fairfield
10U Silver
Garrett Hurley #28 Red Bank Generals
Vincent Presutti #8 Rockets Hockey
Cooper Connors #17 Red Bank Generals
Roman Ilyaich #11 Arrows
Nicholas Colosi #83 Red Bank Generals
Luca Patsey #79 Red Bank Generals
9U
Mason Lynch #12 CP Dynamo
William Phillips #8 CP Dynamo
Gus Kendrick #76 Red Bank Generals
Benjamin Geltzeiler #81 Red Bank Generals
Matthew Kulik #87 Utica Jr. Comets
Andrew Liamero #31 CP Dynamo
9U Silver
Jeffrey Rutigliano #13 Westchester Express
Michael O’Gara #11 Westchester Express
Justin Yafimau #97 Wolfpack Hockey
Ayman Flowers #25 Wolfpack Hockey
Maksim Panasenko #92 Revolution Elite
Luca Odoardi #30 Westchester Express
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation successfully concluded its last weekend of the 2024 Championships. Congratulations to all the teams that participated, and a special acknowledgment to our Champions as well as Finalists.
9U Champions: Westchester Express
9U Silver Cup Champions: CP Dynamo
10U Champions: Mid Fairfield Rangers
10U Silver Cup Champions: Red Bank Generals
11U Champions: Rockets
11U Atlantic Silver Cup Champions: Palmyra Black Knights
11U National Silver Cup Champions: Rockets
Congratulations to all the teams that have successfully advanced to the 2024 THF Championships! We are looking forward to seeing you all on the ice for the last weekend of Championships. The featured divisions for this weekend include 9U-11U.
To facilitate a smooth experience, we have provided Game Protocols and Tie Breakers/Points Awarded documents below to address any questions you may have. We kindly ask you to review this information thoroughly before reaching out with inquiries.
For your convenience, a Championships Game Center has been set up, offering schedules, stats, and brackets for the upcoming weekend.
Additionally, merchandise, personalized Championship banners, pucks, and tumblers will be available online only.
We look forward to seeing you all this weekend!
Tier 1 Hockey Federation is pleased to announce Academic Honor Roll, with a total of 1,146 THF athletes being recognized. To earn a spot on the THF Honor Roll, the student-athlete must have a 3.5 GPA or higher. Congratulations to all our scholar-athletes for this academic achievement! It is a reflection to their commitment in both the classroom and our league.