Congratulations to all the teams who have battled their way to the THF Playoffs! This weekend, the best of the best in the 13U-18U divisions hit the ice, ready to compete for the championship. Get ready for high-stakes matchups, intense competition, and unforgettable moments!

🛍️ Get Your Championship Merch!

Show off your THF pride with exclusive playoff merchandise!

đź“Ť On-Site Locations:
🗓️ Friday: Available at ProSkate Arena
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday: Available at Ice Land Arena

đź›’ Prefer to shop online? Order your gear now! Click here to shop!

đź“… Stay Updated

Make sure you’re in the know with all game details, including brackets, schedules, and protocols before the puck drops! Click here for all the info!

Once again, congratulations to all our playoff teams—we’ll see you on the ice! 🏒🔥

Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier I Hockey Federation (TIHF)
are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Landon Watson has signed a North American
Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Maryland Black Bears.
The 2024-25 season is Watson’s first season with the Pittsburgh Star’s program and Stars U18
Midget Major squad.
The (6’4″ / 195 lbs.) 18-year-old from Pittsburgh, PA, has registered 13 points (6 goals, 7
assists), including three power play goals, in 22 T1HF appearances so far this season. Overall,
this season to date, Watson has tallied 24 points (6 goals, 18 assists), including three power play
goals, in 50 games played for the Stars (through Feb. 9).
“Landon is a great pick-up for Philly,” said Pittsburgh Stars 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “He is
an outstanding two-way defenseman, who brings a high hockey IQ and skill set to both ends of
the ice.”
The Black Bears, who play in the NAHL’s ten-team East Division along with the Danbury (CT)
Jr Hat Tricks, Elmira (NY) Aviators, Johnston (PA) Tomahawks, Maine Nordiques, New
Hampshire Mountain Kings, New Jersey Titans, Northeast (MA) Generals, Philadelphia (NJ)
Rebels and Rochester (NY) Junior Americans, play in the Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Piney
Orchard, MD, and are led by Head Coach Clint Mylymok.

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 drops the puck for one final showcase for the 2024-25 season this weekend. 

The 13U and 14U age divisions will take the ice this weekend in Chicago in the final showcase of the season as teams from the east coast travel to the Chicago to take on midwest opponents such as the Ohio Prospects, Chicago Phantoms and Milwaukee Admirals. 

The puck drops this morning with the first contest of the weekend taking place between the Philadelphia Revolution and Team Alaska in a cross division matchup. 

You can keep up with all of the most up to date schedules, scores and standings at the THF GameCenter and stream all games exclusively on Blackbear TV. 

The THFe kicks off a holiday weekend full of action at almost every age level in two different cities this weekend. 

The youngest members of the THF, playing in the 9U-12U divisions, will hit the ice in Pittsburgh at THF Pittsburgh. 

The oldest skaters in the THF will show down in Michigan at THF Detroit, featuring the 15U-18U Divisions. 

Both age groups will be skating starting today, January 18th, 2025 through Monday. You can keep up with all the action no matter the showcase at the THF Game Center and stream every game of both showcases on Black Bear TV.

Jan. 17, 2025 – The Tier I Hockey Federation is excited to announce the creation of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) 18U Division for the 2025-26 season. This division will serve independent Tier I / AAA / Academy teams in North America and, as with the rest of the USPHL, will not be a part of USA Hockey. Nine organizations have committed to assembling 10 teams for the USPHL 18U inaugural season, with more coming in a later announcement. The USPHL 18U Division will be administrated by the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (“THF”). The THF serves as a direct pathway for junior and college hockey with over 50 organizations and almost 300 teams from 9U-18U. The new USPHL 18U Division will play 40 games in a competitive mix of intra-division games along with attending USPHL Showcases, playing in a junior hockey atmosphere.

Founding members of the USPHL 18U Division include the Thunder Hockey Club, Rocky Mountain Moose, Somang Hockey Academy, Hawkesbury Knights, Le Sommet Faucons, NPU Rebels (two teams), Universel Gatineau, Universel Sherbrooke, and the Kingston Wranglers.

“This league creates a direct pipeline from youth hockey to junior & college hockey, helping players develop the skills needed to thrive at the next level and catch the attention of scouts,” said USPHL Senior Advisor Kevin Abrams. “We look forward to expanding this division, and other youth divisions, across North America as well as helping develop players for our USPHL junior teams.”

“USA Hockey serves as the ultimate barrier to youth hockey development. The THF is looking for ways to serve independent teams in the US and Canada that are looking to provide top level AAA hockey but are being blocked by USA Hockey Affiliates,” said USPHL Deputy Commissioner and THF Commissioner Tony Zasowski. “This division is a great opportunity to provide competitive hockey with premier advancement opportunities with ties to the USPHL and THF.”

For more information about the USPHL 18U Division e-mail info@tier1hockeyfederation.com

About The United States Premier Hockey League 
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is comprised of over 150 teams, fielding more than 20,000 players aged 8-21 in more than 100 organizations across the North, South, Midwest, West, and Canada. Our Junior Divisions consist of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), a tuition-free junior hockey division and our Premier and Elite Divisions, all geared toward college and pro placement. Our youth and midget divisions (operated through the Tier 1 Hockey Federation) field full season 8U through 18U teams. The USPHL has sent over 8,000 players to all levels of college hockey all-time including over 4,200 into NCAA college hockey, with more than 550 advancing to NCAA Division I hockey. The USPHL has also had 18 players who played in the NCDC drafted by NHL teams. For more information visit usphl.com.

About The 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. A team of dedicated professionals manages the THF with over 200 AAA teams, ranging from 9U-18U age levels. The THF is 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 Elite Division. This unique structure ensures that THF players can access various opportunities to further their hockey careers at the college level and beyond.

Tier 1 Boys across 11U-18U

National-Bound Tier 1 Boys across 13U-18U

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce that NY Dynamo Forward Santino Barloco has been tendered by the Utica Jr Comets of the NCDC. 

Barloco, a 2007 born forward and native of Houston, TX, is playing in his first season with the Dynamo and has amassed 28 points in 34 games after tallying 67 points in 73 games last season with the Rocky Mountain Roughriders. 

Barloco has been tendered by the Utica Jr. Comets, who skate out of Adirondack Bank Center and the Utica University Nexus Center in Utica, NY. 

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 the commitment of Rockets Hockey Club forward Vladimir Provorov to play NCAA Div. I hockey with Ohio State University in the Big Ten. 

Provorov, a 2008 born forward from Yaroslavl, Russia, is in his first full season with the Rockets after playing 6 games last season. In just a dozen games this season, he has put up 30 puts in THF play. 

Provorov will join the Buckeyes in the 2027-28 season, playing in the Big Ten Conference. 

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 saddened to share the news of the passing of CT Chiefs 16U forward Will Neeb this week. Below is a release from CT Chiefs President Brandon Johnson

Dear Families,

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Will Neeb, a 16U AAA Full Season player, in a car accident this past Monday evening.

Will was an exceptional hockey player, leading his team in scoring this season. His talent and passion for the game were evident to all who watched him play. Coaches Ike Corriveau and Trent Thomas first noticed Will at the CT High School All-Star game, where his skill and dedication stood out. Shortly after being recruited for the 16U AAA Full Season team, Will immersed himself in training with Coach Trent, driven by his unwavering love for hockey.

Will’s relentless work ethic, positive attitude, and leadership by example made him not only a standout athlete but also a beloved teammate. His presence on and off the ice will be deeply missed.

Our hearts go out to the Neeb family during this unimaginable time, and our thoughts and prayers are with them. As an organization, we are committed to supporting them in any way we can.

We will share details about services, donations, and where to send flowers as soon as that information becomes available.

Let us come together as a hockey family to honor Will’s memory and support one another through this difficult time.

#STICKOUTSFOR12

With deepest sympathy,

Brandon Johnson
President
CT Chiefs Hockey

Our condolences go out to Will’s parents, family and the hockey community around him during this sad time.

Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week for the week ending December 15th, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.

Nominating Coach: Ryan Dolan
Player Name: Blake Roberts
Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Division: 9U
Player Jersey Number: 21
Position: Goalie

Blake played excellent this weekend. He made big saves in big times in all four games to keep the team in the game or ahead in the game. The biggest save was a big breakaway save in the second period to keep the game the palmyra black knights ahead 1-0. Way to go Blake and keep up the hard work. 

Nominating Coach: Corey Lamoreux
Player Name: Cam Fritz
Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Division: 10U
Player Jersey Number: 9
Position: Defense

Cam has a tremendous weekend scoring a goal and notching 4 assists. Not only did Cam bring his offensive game this weekend, he continued his shutdown role on defense. Cam is a big defenseman with a heavy shot and great on-ice vision consistently finding teammates up ahead of the play. 

Nominating Coach: Cody Inlgis
Player Name: Ryan Mayer
Team: Jersey Hitmen
Division: 11U
Player Jersey Number: 16
Position: Goalie

Nick was stellar in two wins this weekend. Making big saves at key moments in both games. 

Nominating Coach: Connor Morris
Player Name: Walter Buczak
Team: Ohio Prospects
Division: 12U
Player Jersey Number: 52
Position: Goalie

Walter had two great games this weekend at the THF Hershey showcase leading us to 2 victories giving up 1 goal in each win. 

Nominating Coach: Dennis Seidenberg
Player Name: Conor Laffey
Team: PAL Jr. Islanders
Division: 13U
Player Jersey Number: 18
Position: Forward

Connor played 3 great games and was a force on offense 

Nominating Coach: Bobby Barbera
Player Name: Robbie Fenn
Team: NY Arrows
Division: 14U
Player Jersey Number: 14
Position: Goalie

A rock solid performance earned Robbie a 29 save shutout against the Mercer Chiefs in the Arrows 6-0 win on Sunday 

Nominating Coach: Nicholas Minerva
Player Name: Jacob Tucznio
Team: Westchester Express
Division: 15U
Player Jersey Number: 40
Position: Forward

One of the most dynamic players in his age class. Jacob continues to dominate almost every game he has been apart of and has been instrumental in the teams success so far! 

Nominating Coach: Dean Whittingham
Player Name: Carson Paglia
Team: PHA Icemen
Division: 16U
Player Jersey Number: 26
Position: Forward

Strong performance this past weekend at THF Philly, posting 2 goals and 3 assists.

Nominating Coach: Darius Radziszewski
Player Name: Joseph Violante
Team: NJ 87’s
Division: 18U
Player Jersey Number: 3
Position: Forward

Joe registered over 2 points per game this weekend in a massive effort to boost his team to a 3-1 record in the THF Philadelphia event.

HONORABLE MENTIONS
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention

Mark SandersTri State Spartans 11U AAA11U
Auston cooperFlyers elite11U
Will PrattPittsburgh Stars12U
Graham SpeckWestchester Express12U
Max GerspachQueen City Royals 12uAAA12U
Max GerspachQueen City royals12U
Michael BerardinoRed Bank Generals13U
John DiPaoloLong Island Arrows15U
Chase PavlesichPalmyra Black Knights15U
Liam DuffyRed Bank Generals15U
Ryan MacdonaldTri State Spartans15U
Easton AndrewsWest Chester wolves16U
Maksim SokolovskiiAtlantic Coast Academy 16u16U
Danny EspositoPAL Jr Islanders 16U AAA16U
Keegan CarswellWest Chester Wolves18U
Rylan BiselNew Jersey 87’s18U
Mason MeloWestchester Express18U