Former Tier 1 Hockey Federation players continue to make their presence felt at the next level, with a number of THF alumni taking the ice at the 2026 NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota.

From big offensive performances to NCAA Division I commitments, former THF players are continuing their development across the North American Hockey League. For many, the Showcase provided another opportunity to demonstrate just how far they have come since their days in the THF.

Petroff Powers Mountain Kings Offense

Former Pittsburgh Stars forward Aidan Petroff was among the most productive THF alumni in Blaine.

Now skating for the New Hampshire Mountain Kings, Petroff recorded four assists against the St. Cloud Norsemen on September 23 before adding another two assists against the Houston Bulls the following day. The six-point stretch continued a strong start to the season for Petroff, who recorded four goals and eight assists for 12 points through his first seven games.

Petroff’s journey has included time with Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and the Pittsburgh Stars before moving into junior hockey. After competing in the NCDC, Petroff made the jump to the NAHL and has developed into an important offensive piece for New Hampshire.

 

Konevych Finds the Net Twice in Blaine

Nikita Konevych provided one of the Showcase’s standout performances for the Corpus Christi IceRays.

The former Rockets Hockey Club defenseman scored twice in Corpus Christi’s 7-4 victory over the Elmira Aviators, helping the IceRays secure a Showcase win.

Originally from Kalush, Ukraine, Konevych’s hockey journey eventually brought him to the United States and Rockets Hockey Club. From there, the 6-foot-4 defenseman advanced to the NAHL with Corpus Christi and has earned an NCAA Division I commitment to the University of New Hampshire.

Netusil Continues Impressive Development

Former Rockets forward Frantisek “Ferry” Netusil also made an impact in Blaine, scoring twice for the Minnesota Wilderness against the Shreveport Mudbugs, including a third-period power-play goal.

The Prague, Czechia native has developed into an accomplished junior hockey player since his time with the Rockets.

Netusil broke out with Minnesota during the 2024-25 season, recording 29 goals and 52 points in 53 games. His performance earned him NAHL All-Rookie and All-Midwest honors, a spot at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament and recognition on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.

After also gaining experience in the USHL, Netusil returned to the Wilderness and continued making an impact in Blaine.

His next destination is already set. Netusil is committed to Western Michigan University, continuing a journey that has taken him from Prague to the Rockets, through junior hockey and toward NCAA Division I competition.

McClaine Makes an Impact for Philadelphia

Former Esmark Stars forward Emmet McClaine made his presence felt throughout the Showcase for the Philadelphia Rebels.

McClaine found the back of the net in Philadelphia’s 5-0 victory over the Ogden Mustangs before scoring again against the previously unbeaten Fairbanks Ice Dogs. His goal helped the Rebels force the game beyond regulation before Philadelphia eventually earned a 2-1 shootout victory.

The Chicora, Pennsylvania native spent three seasons developing with the Esmark Stars. During the 2023-24 season, McClaine’s production helped him earn an NAHL tender, beginning the next stage of his hockey career.

He has since established himself at the junior level and is now contributing for Philadelphia in the NAHL.

Marcolini’s Rockets Journey Leads to Brown

For Benjamin Marcolini, the road to junior and college hockey was built through several seasons with Rockets Hockey Club.

The Washington, New Jersey native spent four years with the Rockets and emerged as an offensive contributor, including a 2023-24 campaign in which he recorded 58 points in 81 games.

Marcolini’s development eventually earned him an NCAA Division I commitment to Brown University while he was still playing with the Rockets.

He has since taken the next step into the NAHL with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings, where he continues preparing for his future college career.

Rioux Delivers in the Shootout

Sheldon Rioux produced one of the more dramatic moments of the Showcase for the Anchorage Wolverines.

The former Colorado Thunderbirds player converted in the shootout as Anchorage defeated the Idaho Falls Spud Kings, 3-2, giving the Wolverines a hard-earned Showcase victory.

Rioux already entered this season with considerable NAHL experience. Playing for the Colorado Grit as a 17-year-old in 2024-25, he recorded 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points in 58 games and earned an opportunity to compete at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament.

Now continuing his junior career in Anchorage, Rioux has also secured his future at the NCAA Division I level with a commitment to Brown University.

More THF Alumni Continue Their Junior Journeys

The THF connections in Blaine stretched well beyond the Showcase’s biggest individual performances.

Former Minnesota Lakers defenseman Blake Sinclair has made the jump to the Bismarck Bobcats, while former Sioux Falls Power forward Camden Pantekoek also joined Bismarck after an impressive youth season in which he recorded 37 goals and 70 points in 55 games.

Former San Jose Jr. Sharks player Luke Gustafson reached the Houston Bulls after a 49-point season with the Mason City Toros in the NA3HL, while Hudson Slenker of the Skipjacks Academy has already established himself as an experienced NAHL player with the New Jersey Titans.

Former CP Dynamo forward Trevor Bodie has followed a winding path through junior hockey, advancing from CP Dynamo to the NCDC and BCHL before reaching the NAHL.

Those players joined fellow THF alumni from organizations across the league in representing their former programs on one of junior hockey’s biggest stages.

From the THF to College Hockey

The Showcase also highlighted where the development path can ultimately lead.

Among the THF alumni competing in the NAHL, four players have already secured NCAA Division I commitments:

Nikita Konevych — Rockets Hockey Club — University of New Hampshire

Benjamin Marcolini — Rockets Hockey Club — Brown University

Frantisek Netusil — Rockets Hockey Club — Western Michigan University

Sheldon Rioux — Colorado Thunderbirds — Brown University

For the Rockets in particular, the group provides a strong example of player advancement. Konevych, Marcolini and Netusil each developed within the organization before advancing into junior hockey, and all three now hold NCAA Division I commitments.

The Journey Continues

The NAHL Showcase brings teams, scouts and college programs together in Blaine each year, creating an important early-season stage for players pursuing the next step in their hockey careers.

For the former THF players competing at the 2026 event, it also provided an opportunity to showcase how much they have developed since their time in the league.

Whether producing multi-point performances, delivering in crucial moments or continuing toward an NCAA opportunity, THF alumni are making their mark across the NAHL — and their journeys are far from finished.