MYHA Blue (15-1-0): The highest-scoring team in Atlantic Hockey Federation’s U18 AA division slots at the number one seed for this weekend’s postseason with 93 total goals scored. Its +69 goal differential is the best in U18 AA and its 24 goals against is the second-lowest total of goals against amongst teams who have played ten or more games. MYHA has received fantastic goaltending, with the team’s goalies Sebastien Blanc and Joseph Lawrence both sporting a goals-against average under 2.00 and save percentages of .920 or higher. The offensive depth has shown throughout the season as MYHA Blue had five different skaters hit the 10 goal plateau this season. Led by forward TJ Kouba who leads the team in goals (14), assists (14), and points (28), the team looks to stay red hot as it enters the postseason. MYHA Blue has won 14 straight games heading into this weekend and has scored five or more goals twelve times this season.
Ashburn Xtreme (12-2-0): The Xtreme has allowed only 22 goals in 14 games, marking the lowest goals-against total amongst teams who have played ten or more games in U18 AA. The defense has been stellar this season for Ashburn along with its goaltending tandem. Both Patrick Depault and Leo Quattron have an above .910 save percentage, under 2.00 goals-against average, and two shutouts each. The offense has been effective as well with the team’s 82 goals the third-highest total in U18 AA. It possesses a deadly weapon in the form of Andrew Kurowski, whose 21 goals are tied for the U18 AA lead in goals.
Team Philadelphia (11-3-0): Team Philadelphia has finished the season red hot, winning nine of its last ten games. What’s more impressive is that during that ten-game stretch, Team Philadelphia only allowed more than two goals once and it was during a 6-3 win over North Jersey Skylands Kings Navy. The offense has faired well led by the team’s leading point scorer in Ethan Fredricks (18) and goal scorer in Ryan Magargal (11). Mix this in with a goaltending tandem of Tyler Richman and Gannon Walker who both have a goals-against average of under 3.00 and this could be a team to watch out for this weekend.
Philadelphia Blazers (10-4-0): The Blazers are the fourth-highest scoring team in U18 AA with 74 goals and possess the fourth-best goal differential with +43. Much like its fellow playoff teams, the Blazers finished on a high note by winning its last three games and five of its last six games. During its season-ending three-game win streak, they have outscored its opponents 21-2. Philadelphia’s goalies have been great throughout the season with Anthony Perti and Colin McKey both posting a goals-against average under 3.00 and each recording at least one shutout. Forward Brady Baehser has the fourth most points amongst all U18 AA players with 25 and has a great supporting cast, with eight players recording at least ten points.
Igloo Jaguars Black (11-5-0): The Jaguars boast one of the best offenses in the league, with the team’s 87 total goals the second most amongst U18 AA teams. They have posted the most shutouts amongst playoff teams (5) thanks to the great goaltending of Michael Lieze (three shutouts) and Nolan Bonawitz (two shutouts). Defenseman Mario Leone has stood out for this team, with his goal total (21) tied for most in the league and his point total (31) second most amongst all U18 AA skaters.
Rockets Hockey Club Black (7-6-0): The Rockets have ridden a hot start to the season into the post season, as the team won six of its first seven games. The team has a deep roster with four players averaging over a point per game. Led by Thomas Smith’s 13 goals and John Crowdell’s 19 points, the team has proven it has the weapons to make a deep run. The goaltending has been great so far, with both Jackson Gottlick and Michael Grima posting under a 3.25 goals-against average.