Uncategorized - Tier 1 Hockey

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 Sanders	Tri State Spartans 11U AAA	11U
Auston cooper	Flyers elite	11U
Will Pratt	Pittsburgh Stars	12U
Graham Speck	Westchester Express	12U
Max Gerspach	Queen City Royals 12uAAA	12U
Max Gerspach	Queen City royals	12U
Michael Berardino	Red Bank Generals	13U
John DiPaolo	Long Island Arrows	15U
Chase Pavlesich	Palmyra Black Knights	15U
Liam Duffy	Red Bank Generals	15U
Ryan Macdonald	Tri State Spartans	15U
Easton Andrews	West Chester wolves	16U
Maksim Sokolovskii	Atlantic Coast Academy 16u	16U
Danny Esposito	PAL Jr Islanders 16U AAA	16U
Keegan Carswell	West Chester Wolves	18U
Rylan Bisel	New Jersey 87’s	18U
Mason Melo	Westchester Express	18U

The 2015 Philadelphia Flyers Elite team are giving back to their community this holiday season.

The Flyers organized a clothing and toy drive as a part of a tradition begun last season as a way to spread positivity and teach the young players the importance of giving back to their community according to Team Manager Lindsay Riggs.

The 2015 Philadelphia Flyers Elite team is showing the true meaning of the season by making a difference in their community. Their efforts are a wonderful example of how hockey can inspire compassion and generosity beyond the rink.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation plays host to two showcases this weekend in Hershey and Philadelphia, PA.

In Hershey, the 9U-12U divisions will take the ice from December 13th-15th while the 15U-18U divisions will hit the ice in Philadelphia.

You can keep up with all the action in every age division at the THF Game Center, where you can find scores, standings and schedules. All games this weekend will be available to stream exclusively on Black Bear TV. Carmo Photography will be on site in Hershey capturing the 9U-12U action.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation and the Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Program is proud to announce that former Stars goaltender Nikita Volsky has formally committed to and signed to play NCAA hockey for the Lake Superior State Lakers Division I Men’s Ice Hockey Team.

Volsky, a native of Minsk, Belarus, first joined the Esmark Stars U16 AAA squad for the 2020-2021 season. He finished his U16 season with a 18-11-1-1 record, including two shutouts, in 32 appearances.

For the 2021-2022 season, Volsky manned the nets for the Esmark Stars U18 AAA squad. He finished that season with a 22-12-2-0 in 36 appearances, including five shutouts.

Volsky returned to the Stars Midget Major U18 team for the 2022-23 season. He completed that season with a 29-7-1-2 record in 39 appearances, including eight shutouts.

Post his career with the Stars AAA program, Volsky signed and spent time with both the Pueblo Bulls and Ogden Mustangs of the USPHL’s NCDC, leading the Mustang’s to the NCDC 2023-24 Finals.

For the 2024-25 season, Volsky signed with the Corpus Christi IceRays of the Junior A North American Hockey League (NAHL). To date this season, Volsky has posted a 14-3-0-0 record in 17 games, including one shutout. That includes a 1.91 goals against average (GAA) and .937 save percentage, which sits him comfortably inside the top 10 in the NAHL …while being the only goalie that has faced more than 500 shots this season.

“We are all very excited and proud of Nikita,” said Stars U18 Head Coach and General Manager, Dave Kosick. “He is an awesome young man who truly worked his tail off.”

“When he came to the States, his goal was to earn a chance to play NCAA Division I hockey,” Kosick added, “and he stayed focused and dedicated to that goal, no matter what hurdles he had to overcome.”

“I’ve been going for a scholarship since I came to America. I am really thankful for my parents who afforded me this opportunity, and for their early wake up calls to watch me play this season,” said Volski.

“The Stars gave me a chance and believed in me,” Volsky added. “Coach Yuri and Coach Kosick provided me with the opportunity and guidance to chase my dream.”

Lake Superior State University, located in Sault Ste Marie, MI, under the direction of head coach Damon Whitten, is a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) along with Augustana University, Bemidji State University, Bowling Green State University, Ferris State University, Michigan Tech, Minnesota State University, Northern Michigan University, and St. Thomas University.

“We are extremely happy and proud for Nikita,” offered IceRays Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier. “He’s been the best goalie in the NAHL this season and it’s a great get by Lake Superior State.”

The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey program, the oldest Tier I AAA program in the Mid-American District, was founded in 1984 and has continuously provided elite training and showcase opportunities for elite-level amateur hockey players since. The program, one of the oldest Tier I AAA programs under the USA Hockey umbrella, was founded in 1984 and is celebrating its 40th season during the 2024-2025 campaign.

Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week for the week ending December 8th, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.

Nominating Coach: Pierre-Luc Leblond
Player Name: Sean McNeil
Team: NY Dynamo
Division: 10U
Player Jersey Number: 83
Position: Defense

Bryce gives our team a chance to win every game with his athleticism compete level. He is a focused and fierce competitor who has now lead our team to wins against some of the top teams in the THF.

Nominating Coach: Neil Leone
Player Name: Joe Leone
Team: Red Bank Generals
Division: 11U
Player Jersey Number: 29
Position: Forward

With the help of his linemates, Joe scored five times in three games this weekend. His quiet lead by example attitude is greatly valued by his coaches and appreciated by his teammates.

Nominating Coach: Bryan Hluska
Player Name: Brayden Gouger
Team: Utica Jr Comets
Division: 12U
Player Jersey Number: 22
Position: Forward

“Brayden has proven that hard work and determination can turn any opportunity into success, racking up 8 goals and 5 assists in just 4 games. His offensive instinct and work ethic is setting a good example for the team, and he’s showing what can happen when you combine team work with determination.”

Nominating Coach: Dennis Seidenberg
Player Name: Liam Vanderbeek
Team: PAL Jr. Islanders
Division: 13U
Player Jersey Number: 36
Position: Goalie

Liam played outstanding in the 2 games he played making great saves all weekend long .

Nominating Coach: Josh Haines
Player Name: Declan Walty
Team: Philadelphia Revolution
Division: 14U
Player Jersey Number: 8
Position: Forward

Declan had 5 goals in their only game of the weekend against the Mercer Chiefs Saturday 11/30 to secured a 5-2 win.

Nominating Coach: Yves Heroux
Player Name: Brody Riva
Team: Red Bank Generals
Division: 15U
Player Jersey Number: 34
Position: Forward

Brody had 2 goals and 1 assist Vs Mercer Chiefs. He was instrumental for the win against our rival

Nominating Coach: Joe Kummerl
Player Name: Cohen Becker
Team: Ohio Prospects
Division: 18U
Player Jersey Number: 4
Position: Forward

Cohen is a leader on the ice and off the ice for the Prospects. In two games versus Tri-State, Cohen scored 4 goals and added an assist in a +5 rating over the weekend. Additionally, Cohen has recently demonstrated exceptional academic status and earning a National Honors Society Award for the second consecutive year.

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

Crescenzo Lepore	Jersey Mustangs	10U
Luke Cunningham	Philadelphia Revolution	13U
Parker Brown	Colorado Thunderbirds	13U
Declan Walty	Philadelphia Revolution	14U
Christopher O’Connor	NY Dynamo	14U
Jacob Dufresne	Long Island Arrows	18U
Colin Jennings	Long Island Arrows	18U

Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week for the week ending November 24th, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.

Nominating Coach: Alex Beatrie
Player Name: Bryce Carlen
Team: Jersey Mustangs
Division: 10U
Player Jersey Number: 29
Position: Goalie

Bryce gives our team a chance to win every game with his athleticism compete level. He is a focused and fierce competitor who has now lead our team to wins against some of the top teams in the THF.

Nominating Coach: Chris Barcless
Player Name: Adam Davino
Team: Mercer Chiefs
Division: 11U
Player Jersey Number: 29
Position: Goalie

Adam ONLY let in 1 goal on 67 shots this weekend in 2 games. He had a 50 save shutout on Sunday! INCREDIBLE!

Nominating Coach: Chris Barcless
Player Name: Bradley Messerol
Team: Mercer Chiefs
Division: 12U
Player Jersey Number: 9
Position: Forward

Bradley’s consistent play each week is a big part of our teams success.

Nominating Coach: Dennis Seidenberg
Player Name: Breaker Seidenberg
Team: PAL Jr. Islanders
Division: 13U
Player Jersey Number: 44
Position: Defense

Breaker played strong defensively and also contributed on offense

Nominating Coach: Bob Criscuolo
Player Name: Bennett Stanton
Team: Flyers Elite
Division: 14U
Player Jersey Number: 5
Position: Forward

Bennett continued to be a major factor in our teams offense and this weekend was no exception. With our team scoring 9 goals on the weekend, Bennett recorded four goals and two assists culminated in leading our team to a 4-2 win on Sunday with a natural hat trick!

Nominating Coach: Brennan Thompson
Player Name: Andrew Moawad
Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Division: 15U
Player Jersey Number: 39
Position: Goalie

Andrew has been a brick wall in net for the PBK 15u team. On Saturday, Andrew helped the Black Knights secure a 1-0 OT win with a 29 shot shutout over the Philadelphia Revolution. He followed up Saturday’s performance with a 27 save, 5-2 win over the Revolution, going 2-0 on the weekend. In Andrew’s last six starts in goal, he has had four shutouts and has only allowed 5 goals on 179 shots against (.972 Save %)!!!

Nominating Coach: Mike Mattison
Player Name: Trevor Hill
Team: Black Bear National Academy
Division: 16U
Player Jersey Number: 16
Position: Forward

Influenced the play in all 3 zones. Ended the weekend as +10.

Nominating Coach: Dean Whittingham
Player Name: JJ Tensuan
Team: PHA Icemen
Division: 18U
Player Jersey Number: 58
Position: Defense

JJ is the Captain of the team and works extremely hard during every practice and game, plays defence very well and is also an offensive threat. In two games this weekend, he scored 2 goals, had 4 assists and was plus 7!

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

Michael Lodato	NY Arrows	10U
Andrew Toskos	Jersey Hitmen	11U
Landon Umba-Neuwinger	Hartford Jr. Wolfpack	13U
Wyatt Pastorius	Colorado Thunderbirds	13U
Jacob Kosokhar	Long Island Arrows	15U
Ryder Grigoli	Red Bank Generals	15U
Ryan Crouse	PHA Icemen	16U

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation kicks off another exciting weekend of showcase action, this time in Pittsburgh, PA.

A number of top matchups will face off this weekend, including 13U #1 ranked Palmyra Black Knights versus the #6 ranked Pittsburgh Stars (Red) as well as #4 ranked Mercer Chiefs versus #5 ranked NY Dynamo. On the 14U side, the #7 ranked Palmyra Black Knights take on the #12 ranked Chicago Phantoms in a top 15 matchup.

The 13U and 14U divisions will face off in the Steel City this weekend, keep up with scores, standings, and schedules at the THF Game Center and stream all games exclusively on Black Bear TV!

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is pleased to announce the commitment of Team Maryland Alum, Harrison Smith, to continue his hockey career at Sacred Heart University.

Smith, a native of Wellington, Florida, is currently playing junior hockey in the NAHL with the Maryland Black Bears but spent last season with Team Maryland, posting 129 points in 72 games. This season with the Black Bears, Smith has tallied 20 points in 21 games.

Smith will join the Sacred Heart University Pioneers, who play in the ECAC at the conclusion of his junior hockey career.