Uncategorized - Tier 1 Hockey

The West Chester Wolves 16U and 18U Academy Teams have cemented their place in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) as scheduling partners for the upcoming 2024-25 season. With a rigorous 60-game schedule awaiting them, including playoffs, the Wolves are poised to face off against top-tier opponents from the Academy, Prep, and AAA circuits. Backed by a commitment to excellence and holistic player development, the Wolves’ Academy program offers a comprehensive training regimen, complemented by a flexible academic environment for student-athletes.

Under the ownership and operation of ASM Hockey Group LLC, the Wolves benefit from a wealth of experience and resources, ensuring a pathway for talent development from grassroots to elite levels. Their affiliation with the Atlanta Mad Hatters further enhances player opportunities and exposure within the hockey community. Home for the Wolves is the state-of-the-art PNY Sports Arena, boasting top-notch amenities tailored to meet the needs of modern athletes, providing a conducive environment for growth and success.

As anticipation builds for the Wolves’ debut in the THF, excitement reverberates among players, coaches, and fans alike. With a mission grounded in family values, player development, discipline, and tradition, the Wolves are ready to make their mark on the hockey landscape. For those eager to join the pack or support their journey, the Wolves’ website or Program Director R.C. Lyke is just a click or call away. It’s time to unleash the Wolves and let the hunt begin.

#WCW #Family #TimeToHunt

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.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is proud to announce a remarkable achievement in the recently concluded 2024 United States Hockey League (USHL) draft. A total of 24 talented players from THF members and guest teams have been selected, marking a significant recognition of the Federation’s commitment to nurturing top-tier hockey talent.

In Phase 1 of the draft, THF witnessed 12 players have their names called by eight different teams. Among them, 2 players hailed from THF member organizations, demonstrating the high caliber of talent cultivated within the Federation. Nine Players from THF Guest Teams were drafted as well as one player from a new member team.

Moving into Phase 2, the momentum continued with 12 more players finding their place in the USHL. Impressively, 8 players hailed from THF member organizations, solidifying the Federation’s reputation as a breeding ground for hockey excellence. Three players who participated in THF events also caught the attention of USHL scouts, reaffirming the significance of THF competitions in player development. Once again, a player from a new member organization for the 2024-25 season made their mark on the draft, showcasing the immediate impact of THF expansion efforts.

Among the standout performances in the draft, the New Jersey Rockets emerged as a beacon of success, with an impressive tally of 6 players drafted across both phases.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation extends its heartfelt congratulations to all 24 players selected in the USHL 2024 draft. This achievement not only reflects the dedication and hard work of the players but also underscores the collective efforts of THF member organizations, coaches, and staff in fostering a thriving hockey ecosystem. As these talented athletes embark on the next chapter of their hockey journey, THF stands proud as a driving force behind their success, committed to shaping the future of hockey in the United States.

Phase One Draft Picks:

RD	RK
1	14	Dubuque	Nicholas Desiderio	New Jersey Rockets 15’s	THF Member Organization
2	18	Des Moines	Reed Brown	Okanagan (Colorado) 15O	THF Guest Team
3	33	Des Moines	Brayden Thompson	Sioux Falls POWER 16U	THF Guest Team
4	55	Sioux City	Blake Sinclair	Minnesota Lakers 15’s	THF Guest Team
4	59	Dubuque	Kane Johnson	Sioux Falls POWER 16U	THF Guest Team
5	66	Sioux Falls	Luke Wilfley	Okanagan (Colorado) 15O	THF Guest Team
5	72	Omaha	Max Bies	Minnesota Blue Ox 15’s	THF Guest Team
5	73	Muskegon	Lars Hutson	Team Illinois 15’s	THF Guest Team
7	97	Green Bay	Nathan Bienstock	New Jersey Rockets 15’s	THF Member Organization
8	112	Tri-City	Jake Gustafson	San Jose Jr. Sharks 15’s	THF Guest Team
8	114	Madison	Tate Spaulding	Okanagan (Colorado) 15O	THF Guest Team
8	119	Dubuque	Beksultan Makysh	Boston Hockey Academy 15’s	New THF Organization 24-25

Phase Two Draft Picks:

RD	RK
4	51	Muskegon	Carter Sanderson	Sioux Falls POWER 16U	THF Guest Team
6	113	Sioux Falls	Sheldon Rioux	Colorado Thunderbirds 16U #92	New THF Organization 24-25
10	141	Muskegon	Sebastian Vitali	Rockets Hockey Club 18U	THF Member Organization
10	144	Tri City	Jake Broderick	Westchester Express 16U	THF Member Organization
11	155	Des Moines	Brendan Espenell	Sioux Falls POWER	THF Guest Team
12	170	Des Moines	Logan Hughes	Team Maryland 18U	THF Member Organization
13	193	Youngstown	Kade Kanaly	Flyers Elite 15U	THF Member Organization
15	223	Youngstown	Anthony Casper	Flyers Elite 18U	THF Member Organization
16	228	Omaha	Alex Hriczov	Rockets Hockey Club 15U	THF Member Organization
18	263	Sioux Falls	Camden Pantekoek	Sioux Falls POWER 15’s	THF Guest Team
19	274	Cedar Rapids	Joseph Fenton	Rockets Hockey Club 18U	THF Member Organization
22	329	Green Bay	Frantisek Netusil	Rockets Hockey Club 16U	THF Member Organization

The Sylvania Youth Hockey Club (SYHI) has long been a cornerstone of hockey development in Sylvania, Ohio. With a commitment to fostering a love for the game at all levels, SYHI has consistently provided opportunities for players of diverse backgrounds and skill levels. As the 2024-25 season approaches, the announcement of the Sylvania North Stars joining the Tier 1 Hockey Federation marks a significant milestone in the club’s journey towards excellence.

SYHI’s dedication to player development and organizational growth has been unwavering. Recognizing the importance of cultivating a strong culture within the organization, SYHI engaged in discussions with USA Hockey, welcoming insights from coaches and stakeholders. Through these discussions, it became evident that a robust organizational culture is essential for maximizing player and coach potential.

Central to the club’s philosophy are three core values: a love for the game, respect, and a commitment to hard work. These values not only shape the way hockey is played within the organization but also serve as guiding principles for personal growth both on and off the ice. By emphasizing skill development, skating ability, and hockey sense, SYHI aims to provide its players with a comprehensive foundation for success.

Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Hudson “Huddy” Howard has signed a Eastern Hockey League (EHL) tender agreement with the New Jersey 87s.

“I am so very proud of Huddy,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “Look in the dictionary under teammate and you will see his photo. Not only is a very talented hockey player, who can and does fill many roles, but he is also an awesome teammate and young man. He conducts himself with such a selfless nature making him the ultimate teammate.”

The 18-year-old forward from Anchorage, AK, recorded 7 points (4 goals and 3 assists), in 23 THF regular season games and 4 THF Playoff Games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the THF League Playoff Championship game.

Overall the 5’11” / 170 lbs. forward tallied 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists), including one power play goal, in 68 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Howard’s second season with the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program and Midget Major squad.

During the 2022-23 season, Howard recorded 6 points (4 goals and 2 assists), in 12 THF regular season games and 4 THF Playoff Games.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Howard tallied 22 points (10 goals, 12 assists), including seven power play goals, in 70 games played for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

“Don’t let stats fool you,” Kosick added. “Huddy handles multiple roles that don’t always show on a scoresheet, but are just as valuable to a winning formula.”

Howard becomes the tenth member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Howard joins 18U teammates Mark Trischler (Kenai River Brown Bears), 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, in signing tender agreements with the NAHL teams; and Hunter Furman, who signed a tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL).

The 87s play in the EHL’s s six-team South Division along with the New Jersey Bears (NJ), Pennsylvania Huntsmen (PA), Philadelphia Hockey Club (PA), Philadelphia Little Flyers (PA), and Team Maryland (MD).

Overall, the EHL has 22 clubs split into four divisions.

The 87s call the Jersey Shore Arena in Wall, NJ, home and are led by Head Coach Adam Houli.

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.

Tier 1 Hockey Federation is pleased to announce the start of THF Officiating Program. The officiating program is set to launch in May 2024 and open to anyone in the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) District.

The goals and objectives are to increase the officiating pool for the 2024-25 season along with a comprehensive classes, games and evaluations.

The AAHA District Officiating Program will also provide training for The USA Hockey Officiating Certification, which will allow the officials to work during the spring and summer tournaments.

This program will enable you to work with experienced officials and build a solid foundation so you can officiate in the 2024 -25 season.

There is more than just officiating games and being compensated for your efforts, officiating will also develop life skills that will help you outside of hockey, leadership skills, communication, managing people, and conflict resolution.

For more information: contact AHF Referee in Chief Kevin Keiper kkeiper@atlantichockeyfederation.com or Eugene Binda genercblackbear@gmail.com

To register:
https://www.refereescrease.net/about.html
https://www.refereescrease.net/contact.html

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is excited to announce that Marcello Santiago, a forward for the Philadelphia Revolution, has been tendered by the New Jersey Rockets of the US Premier Hockey League’s National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Santiago, a standout performer in the current season, has made a significant impact on the ice, contributing 4 goals and 6 assists across 31 games. His offensive skills, combined with his dedication and work ethic, have made him a pivotal player for the Revolution, capturing the attention of higher-level teams.

Marcello Santiago’s tender to the New Jersey Rockets marks a significant step forward in his hockey career, reflecting his growth as a player and his readiness to take on new challenges at the next level. The Tier 1 Hockey Federation and the Philadelphia Revolution extend their best wishes to Marcello as he prepares to embark on this exciting new phase of his career.

The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) and its tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) have open spots at the 2024 USPHL NCDC Combine Series. Taking place in Chicago (May 11-12) and Boston (May 18-19), this series offers a unique opportunity for 15U-18U players to showcase their skills.

With over 6,000 alumni in college hockey and more than 3,500 players competing annually, the USPHL stands as a leading pathway to collegiate hockey. Through the NCDC, USPHL Premier, and USPHL Elite, players have forged successful careers in college hockey like no other league at the Tier II and Tier III levels.

Limited spots are available for Tier 1 Hockey Federation forwards and defensemen, so act fast to secure your place. Unfortunately, all goalie spots have been filled.

Chicago Skater Registration here and Boston Skater Registration here

Players born between Jan. 1, 2004, and Dec. 31, 2008, are eligible to participate. Registration for each Combine is non-refundable at $325. This investment offers players the chance to showcase their talents in front of NCDC and USPHL Premier coaches, opening doors to future opportunities in college hockey.

Participants can expect a minimum of three scrimmage games, providing valuable playing experience. Additionally, each Combine will feature an informational seminar where players can learn more about the USPHL Development Model and its benefits.

Don’t miss your chance to kickstart your journey to college hockey.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to announce the selection of three of its member players in the 2024 OHL Priority Draft this past weekend.

Chase Gaughan of the Palmyra Black Knights was the first THF player off the board in round 3, pick 45 selected by the Sarnia Sting. Gaughan, a forward from Annville, PA, put up 23 goals and 30 assists for 53 points in 27 games for the Black Knights.

Team Maryland defenseman Sean Matthew Goyette would be selected in the 6th round as the 115th overall pick by the Mississauga Steelheads. Goyette, hailing from Hawkesberry, ON, posted 24 goals and 37 assists for 61 points in 66 games for Team Maryland this season.

Peter Chlebowski, goaltender for Team Illinois, would be the final THF player selected in the draft in the 10th round at pick 195 by the Mississauga Steelheads. Chlebowski, a native of Rosemont, IL, played in 20 games this season and posted a record of 7-11-2 for Team Illinois while maintaining a .904 SV%.

The THF congratulates all of its players selected in this year’s OHL Priority Draft and celebrates all advancement for its member players. 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 Chicago Phantoms AAA Hockey Club is set to elevate Illinois’ youth hockey scene as it announces its membership in the prestigious Tier 1 Hockey Federation for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Headquartered at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena, the club offers top-notch facilities including two ice sheets, a performance training center, and on-site amenities for families and fans.

Sanctioned by USA Hockey and AHAI, the Chicago Phantoms AAA teams will compete within the esteemed Tier 1 Hockey Federation, solidifying their status as a premier youth hockey organization in the state.

With strong affiliations including being the official Tier 1 youth affiliate of the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms and connections with several Black Bear Sports Group Junior Hockey clubs nationwide, the club provides extensive opportunities for player development and advancement.

The Chicago Phantoms AAA Hockey Club is committed to excellence both on and off the ice, aiming to cultivate the next generation of hockey stars while fostering a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork, and dedication. For more information, visit PhantomsAAA.com.

The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (THF) is thrilled to announce that the Colorado Rampage will be joining its ranks for the upcoming 2024-25 season. Hailing from Monument, Colorado, the Rampage brings with it a rich tradition of excellence and a commitment to elite player development.

Established in 2002, the Colorado Rampage has carved out a reputation for producing high-quality hockey players. As of January 1, 2024, the organization has seen 25 professional players, 77 NCAA players, and over 110 Tier 1 and Tier 2 Junior players come through its ranks. Boasting an impressive track record, the Rampage has clinched 9 CAHA state championships and 4 Rocky Mountain District championships.

One of the key strengths of the Rampage lies in its top-notch facilities and coaching staff. Situated in a privately owned and family-operated facility at Monument Ice Rinks, athletes have access to state-of-the-art training amenities at an elevation of over 7,000 feet. This unique advantage provides an edge in conditioning and performance development.

The coaching staff at the Rampage is unparalleled, with experience spanning high-level Junior, NCAA, Professional, NHL, and Olympic arenas. Notable achievements include coaching multiple US Olympic teams, featuring former Olympic figure skaters, NHL alumni with extensive playing and coaching experience, and AHL alumni with over 1000 games coached professionally.

Moreover, Monument Ice Rinks is also home to the 365 Performance Hockey Academy, offering athletes a comprehensive training experience. With access to hybrid/online learning platforms, athletes can balance their academic and training schedules effectively. The 365 Performance Gym, staffed by certified trainers with backgrounds in NCAA, Professional, and Olympic sports, offers cutting-edge equipment tailored to elevate physical and mental performance.

The addition of the Colorado Rampage to the Tier 1 Hockey Federation promises to elevate the level of competition and further enrich the hockey landscape. As the Rampage embarks on this new chapter, they bring with them a legacy of excellence and a commitment to shaping the future of hockey.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Colorado Rampage gears up for an exciting debut in the THF during the 2024-25 season!