Here are your Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week and Peak Performer ending September 22nd, 2024. Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.
New this season: Vote for the Peak Performer of the Week on our Instagram stories every Tuesday to Wednesday at noon!
10U Division: Nominating Coach: Corey Lamoureux
Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Player’s Name: Wyatt Campbell
Jersey Number: 33
Position: Forward
Wyatt played two great games and scored two huge goals for us, one in each game. He is new to the team and has been a great addition on and off the ice!
11U Division: Nominating Coach: Brett Annetts
Team: Tri State Spartans
Player’s Name: Elijah Trego
Jersey Number: 8
Position: Defense
Elijah had a solid weekend. He contributed offensively multiple times and had a solid defensive weekend.
12U Division: Nominating Coach: Yevhenii Pastukh
Team: Rockets
Player’s Name: Ivy Lin
Jersey Number: 51
Position: Goalie
A very important player in our team.
13U Division: Nominating Coach: Brendan van Riemsdyk
Team: Red Bank Generals
Player’s Name: Brayden Scuorzo
Jersey Number: 88
Position: Forward
Brayden always plays the right way regardless of points. So, it is fun to see an unselfish player get rewarded like this.
14U Division: Nominating Coach: Bob Criscuolo
Team: Flyers Elite
Player’s Name: CJ Young
Jersey Number: 41
Position: Goalie
CJ picked up where he left off last season and backstopped his team to their first two wins of the season with a poised and focused effort. He recorded 65 saves on 68 shots in leading the team to 3-1 and 3-2 (OT) wins.
15U Division: Nominating Coach: Cole Schneider
Team: Philadelphia Revolution
Player’s Name: Christian McDonald
Jersey Number: 35
Position: Goalie
Christian played all 4 games this weekend and registered two shutouts against Rochester Americans and Bigby Coffee. He was the backbone of our team this weekend.
16U Division: Nominating Coach: Cole Schneider
Team: Philadelphia Revolution
Player’s Name: Sam Norton
Jersey Number: 7
Position: Forward
Sam had a great weekend leading his team to a 3-0-1 record. He registered 7 points in 4 games.
18U Division: Nominating Coach: Patrick Jarrett
Team: Palmyra Black Knights
Player’s Name: Hayden Klose
Jersey Number: 47
Position: Defense
Hayden stepped up and showed his leadership with 2 OT goals and took a puck to the ear that required 24 stitches but remained on the bench for the remainder of the game as he wanted to be with the boys. LEADER!
HONORABLE MENTIONS
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention
| Mila covert | Flyers Elite | 11U |
| Santino Bumbolo | Utica Jr. Comets | 12U |
| Nathan Falco | Hartford Jr Wolfpack | 13U |
| Nick Silacci | Red Bank Generals | 15U |
| Braden Morin | PHA Icemen | 15U |
| Trace Whitlock | West Chester Wolves | 16U |
| Mike Johnson | PAL Jr Islanders | 16U |
| Brandon Kim | West Chester Wolves | 16U |
| RJ Cavalcante | West Chester Wolves | 16U |
| Carson Widener | Black Knights Academy | 16U |
| Dovlat Butaev | Lincoln Stars | 16U |
| Ryan Crouse | PHA Icemen | 16U |
| Quinn Simmons | West Chester Wolves | 18U |
| Jacob Aranda | West Chester Wolves | 18U |
| Jakob Herron | West Chester Wolves | 18U |
| Simon Mateas | Boston Jr. Bruins | 18U |
| Jace Appelhans | Lincoln Stars | 18U |
Tier 1 Hockey Federation’s NY Dynamo alum Steven Townley has been named captain of the Dartmouth Big Green Men’s NCAA Division I hockey team for the 2024-25 season. This role highlights Townley’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and steady growth throughout his hockey career.
Now a senior at Dartmouth, Townley’s journey to this achievement has been remarkable. Before joining the Big Green in 2021-22, he played his final season of youth hockey with the NY Dynamo, where his development paved the way for a successful transition to junior hockey in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) and the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC).
During his collegiate career, Townley has proven to be a vital asset to Dartmouth, appearing in 86 games and tallying 16 points over three seasons. His appointment as captain for his final season is a testament to his commitment, work ethic, and leadership on and off the ice.
Photo courtesy of dartmouthsports.com
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is excited to announce the start of the 2024-25 Game of the Week series, starting with the upcoming Pittsburgh Showcase this weekend. Running from September 20th to 22nd, teams from the 15U, 16U, and 18U Divisions will converge in Pittsburgh for the second THF Showcase of the season, with matchups taking place across multiple arenas.
The Game of the Week will debut with a triple-header, showcasing top-tier talent from across the divisions. Action starts at 8:00 am sharp with a 16U Division showdown between the Pittsburgh Stars and the PAL Jr. Islanders. Following this matchup, the 15U Division will see the Pittsburgh Stars face off against the Colorado Thunderbirds at 10:00 am. The triple header concludes with a thrilling 18U Division contest between the Pittsburgh Stars and Compuware at noon.
All games at the Pittsburgh Showcase will be streamed exclusively on Black Bear TV, where you can tune into the three Games of the Week for free by creating a Black Bear TV profile.
Stay up to date on scores and standings throughout the weekend by visiting the THF Game Center.
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is excited to announce the release of the first KRACH rankings for the 2024-25 season. As teams hit the ice and competition heats up, the KRACH system offers a clear view of how teams are performing, based on both their win/loss record and the strength of their opponents.
KRACH, short for Ken’s Ratings for American College Hockey, is a statistical model that adjusts team rankings by factoring in not just wins and losses, but also the difficulty of a team’s schedule. This makes it one of the most balanced ways to measure team performance across divisions. A team’s KRACH ranking is essentially a multiplier of their win/loss ratio and their strength of schedule.
The THF KRACH rankings will be updated weekly, with new rankings available every Monday night at 5 pm. Teams and fans can view the full list of rankings on the THF Game Center. To learn more about how KRACH works, click [here].
Get Involved as a Score Reporter
Want to help ensure the most accurate and up-to-date scores are reflected in the rankings? You can become a score reporter or approver by visiting HockeyPowerRankings.com.
Stay tuned for the next update and keep following the THF for more news, schedules, and highlights!
Tier 1 Hockey Federation Players of the Week is back for the 2024-25 season, starting with the week ending September 15, 2024! Each week, we spotlight standout players from across all divisions, selected from coach nominations.
New this season: Vote for the Peak Performer of the Week on our Instagram stories every Tuesday to Wednesday at noon!
11U Division: Nominating Coach: Neil Leone
- Team: Red Bank Generals
- Player’s Name: Garrett Hurley
- Jersey Number: 24
- Position: Forward
- “Garrett had a tremendous weekend. Eight points in two games, highlighted by two short handed goals. His hard work on the penalty kill lead the team to two straight wins.”
12U Division: Nominating Coach: Bryan Hluska
- Team: Utica Jr. Comets
- Player’s Name: Jude Sestito
- Jersey Number: 43
- Position: Forward
- “Jude played all 200 feet of the ice, with grit and tenacity all four games this weekend. He made his presence on the ice stand out by forechecking, back checking and creating plays all weekend.”
15U Division: Nominating Coach: Terrence O’Neill
- Team: Jersey Hitmen
- Player’s Name: Liam Amabile
- Jersey Number: 4
- Position: Defense
- “Liam dominated on defense while also having a 7 point weekend.”
18U Division: Nominating Coach: JT Henke
- Team: Northern Cyclones
- Player’s Name: Pavel Barclay
- Jersey Number: 19
- Position: Forward
- “Pavel has been the driving force for 18P in THF play so far. He registered 3 assists in the 3-3 tie vs Maine and recorded the OT GWG on Sunday vs IHC. He has a 3-8-11 stat line so far through the first 6 games.”
HONORABLE MENTIONS
All players nominated by a coach receive an Honorable Mention
| Jack Yacisin | Palmyra Black Knights | 11U |
| Lucas Rotter | Colorado Thunderbirds | 13U |
| Jacob Tuczino | Westchester Express | 15U |
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is excited to launch the 2024-25 season with the highly anticipated Minnesota Showcase, taking place from September 13-15th in the Minneapolis area. This weekend event marks the first THF showcase of the season, offering an exciting opportunity for top-level competition as teams from across the nation converge to compete in this unique showcase.
In a special collaboration, the THF is partnering with the Minnesota High Performance League, the sole Tier 1 league in the state. This partnership allows THF and Minnesota High Performance teams to face off in an exclusive setting, where these high-caliber teams will challenge each other for the first time this season. With matchups across the 13U to 18U divisions, fans and scouts alike can expect fast-paced, competitive hockey as the future stars of the game hit the ice.
The Minnesota Showcase will be hosted at various rinks throughout the Minneapolis area, creating a dynamic atmosphere of hockey action all weekend long. Whether you’re a local fan or following from afar, live updates, scores, and highlights will be available through the THF Game Center on our website, keeping you connected to all the action as it unfolds.
Don’t miss out on the excitement as the THF Minnesota Showcase sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable season of THF hockey!
The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is pleased to announce the commencement of the 2024-25 regular season, starting today. This season boasts a remarkable lineup of 54 organizations and over 200 teams, ranging from 9U to 18U, demonstrating exceptional talent across the United States. While the majority of teams are concentrated along the East Coast, the THF’s influence extends into the Midwest with teams in Michigan and Illinois, and as far afield as Colorado and California.
The THF will host a series of showcases throughout the season for various age groups, providing teams with the opportunity to compete at the highest level. The season will culminate with the championships in late February, where top teams will vie for the prestigious title.
Please note that the Tier 1 Hockey Federation does not have a centralized agreement with a streaming service. Instead, each rink selects its own streaming partner. Starting September 16, 2024, games played at certain venues will be streamed exclusively on Black Bear TV. For details on video streaming options at individual rinks, please contact the rinks directly.
Prepare for a thrilling season filled with intense competition and memorable moments on the ice! Stay updated on all the action by following the THF on social media.
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier I Hockey Federation (THF) have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Jack Ammons has signed a United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) tender agreement with the Railers Junior Hockey Club.
The 18-year-old forward from Raleigh, NC, recorded 8 points (2 goals and 6 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” / 175 lbs. forward tallied 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists), including one power play goal, in 68 games played for the Star’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.
The 2023-24 season was Ammon’s first season with the AAA Stars program.
“Jack is a solid get for the Railers,” said Stars 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “His skill set will allow him to check many boxes in terms of finding and securing a role and place at the junior level. Jack’s desire to succeed will serve him well as he makes the jump to the next level.”
Ammons becomes the second Star’s player to sign a tender with a NCDC Club for the ’24-’25 season, joining teammate Jackson Furman, who previously signed with the Northern Cyclones.
Overall, Ammons becomes the thirteenth player from the 2023-24 Esmark Stars AAA Program to sign a tender with a Junior A Club for the 2024-25 season. He joins 18U teammates Nathan Burlando (Minnesota Mallards), Jackson Furman (Minnesota Mallards), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors), Jacob Stock (Watertown Shamrocks), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Mark Trischler (Kenai River Brown Bears), and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, and 16U defenseman Talon Del Signore, who signed with the Minnesota Mallards, who all signed tender agreements with North American Hockey League (NAHL) Junior A Clubs for the upcoming season. Additionally, teammate Hudson Howard signed a tender agreement with the New Jersey 87s of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EHL).
The Railers Junior Hockey Club will join the NCDC’s eight-team New England Division, along with the Boston Junior Rangers (MA), Islanders Hockey Club (MA), Northern Cyclones (NH), Seacoast Spartans (NH), South Shore Kings (MA), Thunder Hockey Club (NH), Utica Jr Comets (NY), and Wilkes Barre Scranton Knights (PA).
The 2024-25 season will be the Railer’s inaugural season in the NCDC. The Railers will play in the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center in Worcester, MA, and will be led by Head Coach Sean Bertoni.
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 that 23 alumni of THF clubs received invites and participated in NHL Player Development Camps this off-season.
What are NHL Player Development Camps?
NHL Player Development Camps are annual events organized by NHL teams to help develop and evaluate young talent within their organization and potential prospects. These camps typically take place during the summer and offer an opportunity for players, often recently drafted or signed, to train and improve their skills under the guidance of professional coaches and staff. The camps include on-ice training sessions, off-ice workouts, and educational seminars on nutrition, mental preparation, and other aspects essential for professional athletes.
This off-season, 23 players received invites to 17 different teams’ camps, including three players receiving invites from the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Florida Panthers. Colorado had three THF Club Alumni at their camp, while Nashville and San Jose had two each, and a single player attended camps in Boston, Buffalo, Columbus, Minnesota, Montreal, New York (Rangers), Ottawa, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Vancouver, Vegas, and Winnipeg.
View a complete list of the THF Club Alumni who attended camps below:
| NHL Team | Player Name | Team |
| Boston Bruins | Gleb Veremyev | Rockets Hockey Club |
| Buffalo Sabres | Sean Keohane | South Shore Kings* |
| Colorado Avalanche | Chris Romaine | South Shore Kings* |
| Colorado Avalanche | Mick Frechette | Northern Cyclones* |
| Colorado Avalanche | Reilly Connors | Connecticut Jr. Rangers |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | James Fisher | Boston Junior Bruins |
| Florida Panthers | C.J. Foley | South Shore Kings* |
| Florida Panthers | Liam McLinskey | Jersey Hitmen |
| Florida Panthers | Tyler Muszelik | Rockets Hockey Club |
| Minnesota Wild | Nate Benoit | Northern Cyclones |
| Montreal Canadiens | Ben Merrill | Boston Advantage/South Shore Kings* |
| Nashville Predators | Caeden Herrington | CP Dynamo |
| Nashville Predators | Teddy Stiga | Islanders Hockey Club* |
| New York Rangers | Brett Berard | South Shore Kings* |
| Ottawa Senators | Nicholas Van Tassell | Rockets Hockey Club |
| Philadelphia Flyers | Ryan Remick | Jersey Hitmen/Rockets Hockey Club |
| San Jose Sharks | Collin Graf | Boston Junior Bruins |
| San Jose Sharks | Gregory Japchen | P.A.L. Jr. Islanders |
| Tampa Bay Lightning | Cooper Flinton | Northern Cyclones* |
| Toronto Maple Leafs | Brendan Fitzgerald | Islanders Hockey Club |
| Vancouver Canucks | Christian Felton | Skipjacks Hockey Club/Boston Junior Bruins* |
| Vegas Golden Knights | Cade Alami | Jersey Hitmen/Connecticut Jr. Rangers |
| Winnipeg Jets | Kyle Penney | Boston Junior Bruins* |
| *-Organizational Alumni |
Three alum of THF Clubs heard their names called in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft on June 28th and 29th at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
Kamil Bednarik – F – Elk Grove, Ill.
The 61st overall pick in the second round by the New York Islanders spent a season playing for the New Jersey Rockets before heading to the US National Team Development Program (USNTDP) for two seasons. The 2006 born forward put up 65 points in 61 games with the USNTDP’s U18 team this past seasons and will play for Boston College this fall.
Blake Montgomery – F – Annapolis, MD
Montgomery, a fourth round pick by the Ottawa Senators, spent time with Team Maryland, SkipJacks Hockey Club and Seacoast Performance Academy before finding himself in the USHL with the Lincoln Stars. Montgomery put up 43 points in 58 games this season with the Stars.
Fisher Scott – D – Carbondale, CO
Scott, the seventh round pick by the Detroit Red Wings, played for the Colorado Thunderbirds before a two season stint in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. The 2004 born defenseman put up 33 points in 61 games with the Saints this season and will spend next season with Colorado College in the NCAA.
The achievements of Kamil Bednarik, Blake Montgomery, and Fisher Scott highlight the exceptional talent and dedication fostered by THF Clubs. Their journeys from youth hockey to the NHL Entry Draft serve as a testament to their hard work and the support they received from their clubs and coaches. As they embark on the next chapters of their careers, their success continues to inspire future generations of players within the THF community.