The Atlantic Hockey Federation is heading into another weekend of regular-season action, and the competition is only getting tighter.
Last weekend delivered dramatic comebacks, overtime winners and goals scored with almost no time remaining. Now, teams across the AHF return to the ice this weekend looking to build on that momentum.
From an exciting 8U AAA Game of the Week to players coming off standout performances, here’s what to know heading into the weekend.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Philadelphia Resistance vs. Hollydell Jr. Rebels
The AHF Game of the Week heads to Revolution Ice Gardens on Saturday afternoon as the Philadelphia Resistance and Hollydell Jr. Rebels Major meet in an 8U AAA matchup.
Philadelphia Resistance vs. Hollydell Jr. Rebels Major
8U AAA
Saturday, October 10 | 3:10 PM
Revolution Ice Gardens — Rink 2
Some of the federation’s youngest competitors will take center stage Saturday, and both teams have already provided plenty of reasons to watch.
Hollydell enters the matchup after an unbeaten weekend at 8U AAA, continuing to build on its strong early-season performances. The Jr. Rebels Major have also received impressive goaltending, including a two-shutout performance from Hudson Amato during the final weekend of September.
Philadelphia Resistance has shown its ability to generate offense and compete in tight games. The Resistance were involved in a thrilling 6-5 contest against the Red Bank Lumberjacks in late September, with Siarhei Shuminski scoring four goals.
Now, with the Game of the Week spotlight on them, both teams have an opportunity to make a statement as the 8U AAA season continues to develop.
Catch the AHF Game of the Week live on Black Bear TV and follow the action from Revolution Ice Gardens.
Last Weekend Brought the Drama
If the first weekend of October was any indication, fans should expect plenty more exciting hockey ahead.
The AHF completed 401 games from October 2-4, with 69 decided by a single goal, 14 going to overtime and another 12 finishing tied.
Some of the weekend’s biggest moments came with almost no time left on the clock.
At 16U Lemieux, the Jersey Shore Wildcats Red and Hollydell Hurricanes delivered a wild 6-5 finish. Hollydell erased a three-goal deficit in the third period, tying the game with just 7.2 seconds remaining, before MJ Brullo scored at the buzzer to give Jersey Shore the victory.
The drama continued at 18U AA, where Rich Atieh scored four goals for the NJ Bandits, including the overtime winner in a 5-4 victory over the Ramapo Saints.
There were major comebacks across the federation as well. Four teams rallied from three-goal deficits to win, proving that no lead is necessarily safe.
Teams Building Momentum
Several clubs enter the weekend looking to continue impressive runs.
At 11U AA, Team Philadelphia finished last weekend unbeaten across three games, while Rockets Hockey Club accomplished the same at 18U AA.
The success extended beyond the AA divisions.
Lehigh Valley Phantoms went unbeaten through three games at 16U Lemieux, while Palmyra Black Knights put together a perfect three-game weekend at 10U Lemieux.
Ramapo Saints also went unbeaten across three games at 10U McDavid, and Genesis Hockey Club did the same at 12U Gretzky.
Each of those teams has found early success, but maintaining that consistency is the next challenge.
With the standings beginning to develop across the federation, another strong weekend could help teams create separation within their divisions.
Players to Watch
Last weekend produced plenty of individual performances worth recognizing, including some new names making their mark across the AHF.
At 8U AAA, LI Fisherman’s Griffin Herits recorded an incredible 12 goals and one assist for 13 points in just two games.
Team Philadelphia’s Vaughn Schmerling had a big weekend at 11U AA, scoring seven goals and adding two assists for nine points in three games.
At 12U AA, Genesis Hockey Club’s Braydon Flynn finished with four goals and seven assists for 11 points in two games, while Toms River Blackhawks’ Michael Incremona recorded six goals and two assists in one game at 14U Gretzky.
There were outstanding performances in net as well.
Lancaster Firebirds’ Harvey Burke stopped 33 of 34 shots at 12U Lemieux, while Team Philadelphia’s Cam Rice turned aside 49 of 50 shots at 16U AA, including a shutout.
With another weekend ahead, these players have an opportunity to continue their strong starts, while others look to become the next names making headlines.
FOLLOW THE ACTION ALL WEEKEND!
Whether you’re at the rink or following from home, the AHF Game Center is the place to stay connected with schedules, scores, standings and statistics throughout the weekend.
Fans can also catch eligible AHF games live and on demand with Black Bear TV, including Saturday’s featured 8U AAA Game of the Week between Philadelphia Resistance and Hollydell Jr. Rebels Major.
October is underway, the competition is heating up and teams across the federation are looking to make their mark.