MYHA Blue vs. Igloo Jaguars Black: The Jaguars have had MYHA’s number this season, beating them twice already this season by a score of 4-2 and 5-3. CJ Compagnola and Colin Pape scored in both games and Tate Baer had a goal and two assists over the two games for the Jaguars. MYHA was led by Andre Serra and Cody Keegan, who both had two points in the two games. It remains to be seen if there will be pressure on the Jaguars, as it’s tough for teams to win three in a row against another, especially with so much on the line.

Team Philadelphia vs. Haverford Hawks: These two did not meet in the AHF schedule but have faced off against each other in the DVHL with Team Philadelphia besting Haverford 5-1. Haverford comes into this match-up as one of the hotter teams with four straight division wins going into the playoffs. Team Philadelphia is on a five-game winning streak, as well as a balanced attack on both sides of the puck. One of the biggest features will be how Haverford will be able to break through Team Philadelphia’s defense, while trying to hold off Team Philadelphia’s potent offensive prowess. 

Ashburn Xtreme vs. New Jersey Skylands Kings Navy: While separated in the standings by two points, Ashburn has the upper hand with a 6-2 victory in their only AHF match-up of the season in September. Landon Street had two goals for Ashburn, while Paul Allison had a goal and assist in the victory. The Skylands Kings, however, got on a roll in December winning four of their five games in the month rolling towards the playoffs. Robbie Myshoff and Aaron Shulman potted four goals each in that span to help the team stay hot going into the playoffs.

The first-ever U18 AA playoffs wrapped up this past Sunday. Six teams entered with championship aspirations but only one could leave victorious. And after round-robin games that saw numerous close games, the Ashburn Xtreme stood tall and clinched the championship with a 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Blazers.

Day one saw a lot of ice time for the teams competing, with each team in action twice. MYHA Blue took home the first victory of the round-robin with a 7-2 win over the Rockets Hockey Club Black. Joshua Weitzman led the way for MYHA, recording two goals and an assist. Later that afternoon, Ashburn forward Connor Gnatek (two goals, one assist) and goaltender Patrick DePault (25 saves) led the Ashburn Xtreme to an impressive 4-1 win over the Igloo Jaguars Black. All four goals scored by the Xtreme came in the final period of play. The Philadelphia Blazers then won an all Philadelphia match-up, beating Team Philadelphia in a close 4-2 contest. Max Maddalo and Brady Baehser each had two goals for the Blazers.

The Igloo Jaguars Black bounced back from its loss to Ashburn earlier that day by stunning the top-seeded MYHA Blue 5-1. Jaguars goalie Michael Lieze made 30 saves and forward Dylan Faulhaber scored twice for Igloo. The Rockets took out Team Philadelphia 3-2 in its second contest of the day, with Richard Arale scoring the game winning goal late in the third period. The Ashburn Xtreme capped off day one with a 6-4 win over the Philadelphia Blazers, riding a three goal third period for the victory.

Day two started off with Max Maddalo striking twice for the Philadelphia Blazers in a 3-2 win over MYHA Blue. Ashburn had 11 different players score in a dominant 11-2 victory over the Rockets Hockey Club Black. Round robin action concluded with some overtime heroics, as Nick Fonseca’s overtime tally lifted the Igloo Jaguars Black to a 2-1 win over Team Philadelphia.

The U18 AA championship game saw the Ashburn Xtreme take on the Philadelphia Blazers. It was a back and forth start, with the Xtreme leading 3-2 after the first 20 minutes. Max Maddalo started the scoring off for Philadelphia with his sixth goal of the postseason, but Derek Zhou responded for Ashburn to tie the game at 1-1. Sean Marshall got Philadelphia back on top with a goal to make it 2-1, but the Xtreme responded with two goals from John Ryan and Jospeh Sciavolino to give Ashburn a 3-2 lead after the first period.

Josh Shewbridge added to the Xtreme’s lead with a second period goal to make it 4-2. Kevin Donnelly and Evan Gould added insurance goals in the third period, leading to the Ashburn Xtreme’s 6-2 win over the Philadelphia Blazers for the championship. Leo Quattrone put together one of his best performances of the season for the Xtreme, turning aside 37 shots. Leo is now 3-0-0 when making 30 or more saves in a game this season.

A masterful playoff performance that saw them give up only three goals against in the playoffs, Team Philadelphia took home the inaugural AHF 16U AA Championship. Their title run started in the first game on Saturday with a 5-0 victory over Haverford in a game that saw Carter Sabato and Derek Boyd-Volz net two goals a piece and Alex Denny getting the shutout thanks to the Team Philadelphia defense allowing only nine shots on goal in the contest. 

Other Day One Morning results had the Igloo Jaguars beat MYHA for a third straight time, this time by a count of 1-0 in a shootout with Robert Kennedy from the Jaguars and Liam Jukus from MYHA putting on a display in net. CJ Compagnola netted the lone shootout goal. Ashburn Xtreme and North Jersey Skyland Kings Navy put on a spirited affair, as the Xtreme edged out the Skyland Kings 4-3 thanks to three shorthanded goals from Ashburn– two from Sam Segar and the game-winner from Kyle Tinschert with only 1:25 remaining in regulation. 

The afternoon session saw Team Philadelphia take a 7-1 victory over Igloo thanks to two goals from Tucker Graham and multi-point performances from Sabato, Boyd-Volz, and Andrew Pisano. MYHA bounced back with a 3-1 win over the Skyland Kings with goals from Ethan Birndorf, Andrew Renzi, and Patrick McNeice. Ashburn closed out Day One with a 8-3 win over Haverford with Paul Allison, Shane Siwik, and Landon Street with two goals apiece. 

Sunday morning was the last of the round-robin games and Team Philadelphia was taken to the limit by the Skyland Kings, but booked their spot for the final thanks to a  Kain Walker goal in overtime to win it 1-0 for Philadelphia despite 31 saves from North Jersey goalie Tyler Paluzzi. MYHA help their cause by shutting out Haverford 3-0 with Jukas getting a 22-save shutout with goals from McNeice, Birndorf, and Caden Blazer. The Igloo Jaguars played spoiler for Ashburn, as the Jaguars scored five unanswered goals, including two goals from Andrew Sizmur, to beat Ashburn 6-1. Alec Rittenhouse made 24 saves in the Igloo victory. 

That set the final between Team Philadelphia and MYHA, where MYHA got out to a 2-0 lead after the 1st on the back of goals from McNeice and Connor Hall. However, Team Philadelphia charged back with five unanswered goals– three on the power play– from five different goal scorers (Pisano, Boyd-Volz, Sabato, Walker, and Peter Boctor), to top MYHA 5-2 and take home the 16U AA division crown. 

Team Philadelphia ended their AHF season with a 18-2-0 record, a goal differential of plus-80, three 15-plus goal scorers (Sabato, Boyd-Volz, and Graham), and five players with over 25 points (Pisano, Sabato, Boyd-Volz, Walker, and Graham). Their defense allowed just over 17 shots a game in 20 games and the goaltending of Denny and Dante DeFruscio finished with a combined 1.59 GAA and .915 save percentage.

Bethesda, MD (January 20, 2022) – The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is pleased to announce the following plans for its 2022-23 Full-Ice Mite AAA season: (1) The AHF is taking over the administration of the former Atlantic 8 hockey league; (2). The Full-Ice Mite AAA division will include a 36-game schedule that will mirror a typical Tier I schedule including three showcases, and; (3) The Full Ice Mite AAA division will add the CT Oil Kings (Westchester Express affiliate), CT Hurricanes (CT Jr. Whalers affiliate) and LI Monarchs (LI Royals affiliate) as full members of the Mite division bringing the total planned teams to at least 15 for next season. Several clubs will field Mite Major and Mite Minor teams further expanding the competitive level of the league.

The AHF is also pleased to announce that the Lancaster Firebirds will be joining the AHF as a half-season member for 2022-23.

“Our league continues to innovate and bring our families the product that they want for their hockey players,” said Murry N. Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “We are grateful to Monica and Dan May for all the work they did with the Atlantic 8 and look forward to building on their successes with our Full-Ice Mite AAA division this fall.”

“With the addition of several of the Atlantic 8 teams, the Oil Kings, Hurricanes, and the Monarchs, now with a total of 15 organizations represented, we believe the AHF has all of the best Full-Ice Mite AAA teams in the Mid-Atlantic,” said Black Bear VP of Hockey, Matt Kiernan. “The AHF is about providing a high-level affordable hockey experience for our players and families, and we believe that this division will be a great start for the next generation of hockey players.”

“The Full-Ice Mite AAA Division will have the support of our full-time dedicated team and will receive the same attention that all of our players at every level of the AHF currently enjoy,” said Tim Fingerhut, AHF Commissioner. “If you want to play at the highest levels in our district, the AHF continues to show that it is the league of choice for our customers.”

About the Atlantic Hockey Federation, Inc.

The Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”) is a USA Hockey-sanctioned elite Tier II youth hockey league that facilitates games throughout the Mid-Atlantic and seeks to lower costs for its member-owned clubs and their families. The AHF was founded by leading hockey organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, including the Montgomery Blue Devils, New Jersey Bandits, Rockets Hockey Club, Hollydell Hurricanes, Team Philadelphia, and the 17 Black Bear Sports Group–owned clubs. Each of the Founders operate at all levels of youth and junior hockey, from Mite through to Midget at the youth level and from Tier III (EHL and USPHL), Tier II (NAHL and NCDC), to Tier I (USHL) at the junior level. If you are looking for the best value, the AHF is for you. If you are looking for exposure to play college hockey, the AHF is also for you.

Contact Info: Matt Kiernan, V.P. Hockey, mkiernan@blackbearsportsgroup.com

* AHF Full Ice Mite AAA teams are not registered with USA Hockey

In the first ever weekend of playoff action in the AHF, the 14U AA division provided some great action, along with plenty of reasons to be excited about the tournaments to come. Before we can look ahead, we have to look back at some well-played hockey. In the championship game, the North Jersey Aspen Kings Blue skated away with the first AHF 14U AA championship banner after a weekend full of great performances. Let’s take a look back to see how they earned their crown.

The Aspen Kings kicked off their round robin schedule on Saturday morning against the Ashburn Xtreme, earning a 6-2 victory. In the win, Ben Barnhill scored two goals and was one of five North Jersey skaters with two points in the win. The Aspen Kings had to work hard for the three points, however, as Tyler Rounds had a very strong night in net for the Xtreme. Rounds made 38 saves in the game, allowing Ashburn to remain competitive until the game’s conclusion.

North Jersey returned to action that afternoon to take on MYHA Blue. The Aspen Kings earned a hard-fought 8-5 win over MYHA thanks to a few key performers. Jase Zangara scored an impressive 4 goals, including the game winner, while Jake McCloud tallied a goal and 3 assists in the game. The game’s spotlight was not limited to the Aspen Kings’s bench, though, as Daniel McNelis scored a hat trick for MYHA Blue.

The Aspen Kings concluded a perfect run in the round robin with a 4-0 decision over Royals Hockey Club on Sunday morning. After a back-and-forth first period, North Jersey was able to gain control of the game thanks to Barhill, who cashed in for 3 goals, two of them coming on the man advantage. The full story of the game cannot be told without lauding the performance of Trey Prozzillo in goal for the Royals, as he made some big saves to keep his team in the game. With the win, the Aspen Kings punched their ticket to the championship game.

In the championship game, the Aspen Kings met the Rockets Hockey Club, who also finished the round robin with a 3-0-0 record. In arguably the best game of the weekend, the Aspen Kings won in a 6-5 shootout affair. The Rockets propelled ahead in the first period with two goals, one coming while shorthanded and the other on the power play. The Aspen Kings roared back with three goals in the second period, two coming from McCloud. The Rockets also scored once in the period, this time at even strength, to create a 3-3 score heading into the final period. The Rockets special teams found their groove again in the third period. Josh Sadelski scored his third goal , and his team’s second shorthanded goal of the game. He later added an assist to his point total on Anthony Brereton’s PPG to double the lead for the Rockets. The Aspen Kings weren’t going down without a fight, however, as they scored two goals in just over two minutes to force the shootout. The first two rounds of the shootout saw some fantastic goaltending from Salvatore Mirra for the Aspen Kings and Liam Slattery for the Rockets, as no goals were scored. Zangara played the hero for the Aspen Kings, breaking the deadlock and scoring the only goal of the shootout. Mirra slammed the door to seal the deal and to secure the title for North Jersey.

Great games were not limited to the Aspen Kings’s tournament run, as great games filled the tournament’s slate. On Saturday morning, the Royals and Rockets had a very close game, with the Rockets winning 3-1. Ryan DeMatteo scored the opening goal in the first period for the Royals, but a trio of third period goals, including two points from Kenneth Doctors, gave the Rockets the win. Prozzillo had another great performance in this game, turning aside 41 shots for the Royals.

MYHA Blue sprung the first upset of the tournament on the same day, knocking off the North Jersey Avalanche, 3-1. McNelis’s pair of goals helped MYHA to victory, but nothing came easy for them as Aidan Alvino’s 36 saves for the Avalanche kept the game very close.

The first 14U tournament showcased a lot of skill from some of the best players in this age group, but many more are still waiting to show what they have to offer. The other divisions in the 14U age group (Gold, Silver, B) are set to have their playoff tournaments on March 18-20, which you will not want to miss.

The AHF is proud to announce a once-in-a-lifetime experience to send a team to the 2022 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament! All 2009’s and 2010’s playing for AHF member clubs will be eligible to tryout!

Every year, teams from across the globe travel to this legendary Pee-Wee hockey tournament in Quebec that showcases some of the top talent in the world. Parents and players are exposed to the rich history and traditions of the game and the experience provides an opportunity to be fully immersed in French-Canadian culture and customs. Guy Lafleur, Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Patrick Roy, Steven Stamkos, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and many more have all participated in this event during their Pee-Wee year.

Two open tryouts will be held in August for AHF member club players only. More information will be released soon! Check our designated tab for the Quebec PeeWee Tournament on the menu now!

BETHESDA, MD — Black Bear Sports Group, Inc., (“Black Bear”), Keith Primeau, the Montgomery Blue Devils, New Jersey Bandits, New Jersey Rockets, Hollydell Hurricanes and Team Philadelphia (the “Founders”) are proud to announce the official launch of the Atlantic Hockey Federation (“AHF”), a USA Hockey Sanctioned, Tier-II Youth Hockey League that will facilitate games and showcases for its members throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The AHF initially has over 225 teams in the league providing high quality competition at every age group and level.  AHF’s goal is to act as a supplemental Tier II league to rink owners who operate clubs in the Delaware Valley Hockey League, New Jersey Youth Hockey league and Chesapeake Bay Hockey League.  The AHF provides high-quality, non-league games and showcases in the Mid-Atlantic uniquely catering to its member owned clubs. The AHF will commence with four divisions of play at the AA, A1, A2 and B levels and will field youth hockey programs at the 10U, 12U, 14U, 15U/16U and 18U age levels. The AHF is truly a unique opportunity as each of the Founders and Member clubs operate at all levels of the youth and junior hockey spectrum from Mite thru to Midget at the youth level and from Tier II juniors all the way up to Tier I juniors in the USHL.  The league is “run by rink owners, creating the best possible environment for our players and families,” and is run by full-time, paid professional managers and hockey executives.  Keith Primeau, former Captain of the Philadelphia Flyers and Head of Operations of the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms will serve as Chairman of the League and Tim Fingerhut, Varsity Head Coach at St. Augustine Prep and Hockey Director of the Igloo Jaguars, a Tier-II youth program, will be the full-time Commissioner and day-to-day head of the AHF.

The goal of the AHF is to provide high quality games while reducing the cost of hockey for our clubs and our families including for example, no “stay-to-play” hotel mandates.  All showcases will be held in the Mid-Atlantic in Founder rinks with the remainder scheduled as home and away games for the individual teams and clubs.  League fees will be finalized by January 1st, 2021 and the final schedule will be released in June/July for the inaugural season. The Founders received positive feedback from youth clubs during AHF’s developmental stage, and as a result anticipates fielding highly competitive youth club teams at every level for the 2021-2022 season.

Below is the expected timeline for the launch of AHF’s inaugural season:

AHF looks forward to offering high-quality and highly competitive supplemental play to the youth clubs in the Mid-Atlantic and are excited to launch AHF’s inaugural season.

For any questions specifically related to the league please reach out to Tim Fingerhut at tim@atlantichockeyfederation.com

About Black Bear Sports Group, Inc.
Black Bear Sports Group, Inc. is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean and professionally managed and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. Black Bear has the ability to acquire healthy and stable arenas, but also to turn around under-managed or under-performing facilities. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’s footprint totals 22 facilities across the United States with 40 sheets of indoor ice, two indoor turf fields, 13 youth hockey clubs and four Junior “A” hockey franchises in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League.