The Atlantic Hockey Federation continued its opening showcase action over Labor Day weekend, with hundreds of games taking place across the region from September 4–6. From 8U AAA through 18U AA, teams hit the ice for a busy weekend filled with undefeated performances, overtime thrillers and plenty of one-goal finishes.
Across the ten divisions covered, approximately 271 teams competed in roughly 535 games, setting the tone for an exciting season ahead.
Undefeated Teams Set the Pace
Several teams put together perfect weekends, beginning with Bridge 2018 8AAA Major, who went 5-0 in 8U AAA action. MYHA 9AA, Allegheny Badgers 10AA, Lancaster Firebirds 11AA and Team Philadelphia 12AA also ran the table at 5-0 in their respective divisions.
The success continued into the older age groups. Four teams — Allegheny Badgers, Hollydell Hurricanes, MYHA and NJ Bandits — finished 4-0 in 13U AA, while Darien 14AA and Team Philadelphia 14AA Black matched that mark in 14U.
At 15U, the Haverford Hawks, Valley Forge Colonials and Woodbridge Wolfpack each went 4-0. Five teams accomplished the feat in 16U AA, with Hollydell Hurricanes, MYHA, Montclair Blues, Team Philadelphia Black and Valley Forge Colonials all leaving the weekend perfect.
MYHA 18AA Blue and Red Bank Generals 18AA White closed out the list of perfect teams with matching 4-0 records in 18U AA.
Overtime Drama
There was no shortage of close hockey throughout the showcase.
The 8U AAA division provided one of the weekend’s wildest games when Bridge 2019 8AAA Minor edged FL Wave 8AAA Minor 9-8 in overtime. At 9U, MYHA needed overtime to defeat Darien 6-5 as part of its perfect weekend.
The 12U AA division stood out as the weekend’s leader in close finishes, producing six overtime games and another ten one-goal decisions. Team Philadelphia capped its 5-0 weekend with a 5-4 overtime victory over MYHA, while Hollydell Hurricanes topped Rye Rangers 7-6 in OT and PBK defeated Rockets Hockey Club 4-3 in overtime.
The older divisions delivered their share of extra-time excitement as well. Woodbridge Wolfpack earned a 4-3 overtime victory over Lancaster Firebirds at 15U, PAL Blue Knights defeated Allegheny Badgers 4-3 in OT at 16U, and Mercer Chiefs earned a 6-5 overtime win over Tri-City Eagles at 18U.
Competitive From Start to Finish
Close games were a theme throughout the weekend, including several defensive battles. Jersey Shore Wildcats earned a 1-0 shutout over the Jr Black Bears at 12U, while Haverford Hawks blanked Skyland Kings 1-0 at 16U.
Congratulations to Our Showcase Champs!
8U AA – Bridge Major
9U AA – Montgomery Youth Hockey Association
10U AA – Allegheny Badgers
11U AA – Lancaster Firebirds
12U AA – Team Philadelphia
With the first showcase weekends in the books, teams now turn their attention toward the rest of the AHF season as the race for the standings begins to take shape.
Stay up to date with scores, schedules, standings and stats all season long through the AHF Game Center, and catch the action live and on demand with Black Bear TV.