October has arrived, and the Atlantic Hockey Federation season is beginning to take shape.
AHF teams return to the ice October 2–4 with another full weekend of regular-season action, while some of the federation’s youngest players take center stage for the Mite Fall Faceoff.
With September now in the books, teams have had time to establish their identities, early-season performances are beginning to add up and the standings are starting to provide a clearer picture of the competition ahead.
From Saturday’s 9U AA Game of the Week to a showcase weekend for the Mites, there’s plenty to follow around the federation.
Here’s what to know heading into the weekend.
GAME OF THE WEEK: Delaware Ducks vs. Genesis Hockey Club
The AHF Game of the Week heads to Newark, Delaware, on Saturday morning for a 9U AA matchup between the Delaware Ducks and Genesis Hockey Club.
Delaware Ducks vs. Genesis Hockey Club
9U AA
Saturday, October 3 | 10:50 AM
Patriot Ice Center
Two teams that have already shown signs of early-season momentum will take the spotlight.
Delaware enters the weekend after going 2-0 in league play last weekend. The Ducks earned a shutout before closing their weekend with a tight 4-3 victory over the Blazers. Genesis has also shown what it can do early in the season, opening regular-season play with a 2-0 weekend in September.
There are players to keep an eye on as well. Delaware’s Michael Curtis recorded four goals and three assists for seven points in two games last weekend, while Genesis has already seen several players contribute offensively early in the year.
With two 9U teams looking to build on encouraging starts, Saturday’s matchup provides an opportunity to grab the spotlight as the calendar turns to October.
Catch the AHF Game of the Week live on Black Bear TV and follow the action from Patriot Ice Center.
Mite Fall Faceoff Takes Center Stage
Some of the AHF’s youngest players have a big weekend ahead.
The Mite Fall Faceoff takes place October 3–4, bringing together teams at the 6U, 8U Beginner, 8U Intermediate and 8U Advanced levels for a showcase weekend.
Unlike a typical regular-season weekend, the showcase gives AHF teams the opportunity to play four competitive games against teams they may not normally see during the season, while also welcoming guest teams into the competition.
Action will be spread across several locations. 8U Advanced will play at ProSkate, while 8U Intermediate games will take place at Grundy on Saturday and Pennsauken on Sunday. 6U and 8U Beginner action will be hosted at Bridgewater Arena and Rock Ice.
For the youngest players in the federation, it’s an opportunity for a full weekend of hockey, new opponents and plenty of time on the ice.
Coming Off a Wild Weekend
September certainly didn’t go quietly.
The AHF completed 352 games last weekend, and nearly one in five was decided by a single goal. Sixty-six games finished with a one-goal margin, 16 required overtime and another 15 ended in ties.
There was plenty of late drama, too.
Twenty-four teams overcame two-goal deficits to win, seven came back from three goals down, and four games were decided by goals scored inside the final 30 seconds of regulation.
At 9U AA, Delaware and Rockets Hockey Club both finished 2-0. Elsewhere, PBK went 3-0 at 14U AA, Woodbridge Wolfpack swept three games at 15U AA, and Lehigh Valley, Ramapo and the Blazers each went 3-0 at 16U AA.
The same trend continued outside the AA divisions. Genesis went 3-0 at 14U Gretzky, Palmyra Black Knights swept three games at 10U Lemieux, Mercer went 3-0 at both 12U Lemieux and 10U McDavid, and Hollydell Hurricanes finished 3-0 at 14U McDavid.
With results like those beginning to pile up, October brings another opportunity to keep the momentum going.
Players to Watch
Several players enter October after standout performances to close September.
Brennan Peterson of the Blazers recorded seven goals and four assists for 11 points in three games at 10U AA.
At 12U Gretzky, Grant Acker of Valley Forge Colonials scored nine goals and finished with 10 points over three games, while Will Squires of Mercer Chiefs scored eight goals in three games at 12U Lemieux.
Lucas Barnes of the Lancaster Firebirds contributed two goals and seven assists for nine points over three games at 15U AA.
There were also impressive performances between the pipes. Hudson Amato of Hollydell Jr. Rebels Major stopped every shot he faced over two games at 8U AAA, recording two shutouts, while Drew Kutchmarick of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms stopped 76 of 81 shots over three games at 16U AA.
September produced plenty of individual standouts. Now the question is who carries that production into October — and who emerges next.
The Early Picture is Taking Shape
It’s still early, but the season doesn’t feel quite as new anymore.
Opening showcases have given way to regular-season weekends. Teams have had opportunities to learn their strengths, make adjustments and develop chemistry. And with every game played, the standings gain a little more meaning.
October provides another challenge.
Teams that started fast now have to sustain that success. Teams trying to make up ground still have plenty of time to do it. And with close games becoming a regular occurrence across the federation, a single goal can be the difference between moving up or leaving points behind.
There is a long way to go, but the foundation for the season is being built right now.
Follow the Action All Weekend Long
Whether you’re spending the weekend at the rink or following from home, the AHF Game Center is the place to keep up with schedules, scores, standings, statistics and results from across the federation.
Fans can also catch eligible AHF games live and on demand with Black Bear TV, including Saturday’s featured Game of the Week between the Delaware Ducks and Genesis Hockey Club.
September set the stage.
Now October brings new matchups, the Mite Fall Faceoff and another opportunity for teams across the AHF to make their move.