North Jersey Aspen Kings Grey: Being in the top-three of the standings, North Jersey showed plenty of teamwork with 10 players having at least a point this season. Landon Brookes (17g, 2a), Dylan Branigan (8g, 7a), and Brady Shetler (6g, 6a) are all in double-digits for points, while goalie Jackson Maloney has six wins on the season in his seven starts. With a balanced attack and everyone on the team contributing, the Aspen Kings Grey squad should be prepared for a solid showing this weekend.
Montgomery Youth Hockey Blue: With three straight wins in AHF play, Montgomery is riding a solid wave of success. While Jacob Guzman and Eric Myers have produced goals up-front, John Jacobs and Larry Du have provided just as much from the blue line. All four have four or more goals this season, while also helping limit the shots on net in their defensive end. In this three-game win streak, Montgomery has outpaced their opponents by a score of 15-4, which should help them going into the Showcase weekend.
North Jersey Bandits Red: The Bandits Red team offers a good look at variety in their team. While only playing four games, 13 players have scored at least one goal, and 10 players have scored multiple goals. Conor Madigan and Raffaele Macchiavello lead the way with five goals a piece, as goalie Matt Cook has a 2.75 GAA in his four games. The Bandits should give teams fits with their ability to produce offense up and down the bench, as well as be responsible in their own end to keep the puck out.
Tomorrow’s Ice North Stars White: With five straight wins, the North Stars White crew come into the showcase with plenty of confidence. Connor Derenick leads the way with 17 goals, but the team has been able to spread out the scoring with 10 other players having a goal in the team’s six games of AHF competition. Lukas Elek and Tomas Ancinec have been swapping roles in goal to success, while also being able to skate out when they aren’t suited up between the pipes.
Philadelphia Blazers: Undefeated in AHF play, the Blazers have plenty of scoring to go around in their line-up with two players– Kayden Wetherell (18) and Johnny Stokes (16)– in the teens for goals. But it’s not all offense, as their defense has taken care of business as well. Allowing only ten shots on goal a game, it has allowed Quinn Donofry to have a 1.43 GAA after seven games this season.
FORWARDS
Liam Daniel Monterio, North Jersey Skylands Kings Gold
It was hard to find a better goal-scoring weekend than what Monterio put forth in the Showcase. With a hat trick in every game, Monterio ended with 22 goals in four games. Monterio also had a point in each of the Skylands Kings goals against Team Philadelphia Orange (6g, 2a).
Anthony Raineri, York Devils
With two hat tricks in two straight games, Raineri went on a tear with nine goals and three assists on the Showcase. Raineri’s nine goals helped York have a +22 goal differential and an undefeated mark this weekend.
Ryan Uhl, Royals Hockey Club National White
Displaying his keen offensive side, Uhl put up five goals and four assists on the Showcase. Uhl had the game-winning goal in all four games for Royals HC, as well as a natural hat trick in Sunday’s early game against Tomorrow’s Ice.
Parker Clancy, St. James (Showcase)
Clancy put on a show this weekend, registering 12 goals and five assists for St. James’ undefeated weekend. Adding to the last two games of the August Showcase, Clancy now carries a six-game point streak coming out of the Squirt Showcase weekend.
Shane Hicks-Cree, Hollydell Hurricanes White
Potting a goal a game, Hicks-Cree was a force for Hollydell White this Showcase. Finishing with six goals and an assist this weekend, Hicks-Cree helped Hollydell to three out of four wins and played well without the puck to get into solid offensive positioning
Samuel Drake, Tomorrow’s North Stars
This weekend Samuel Drake had his full 200ft game in full effect, playing both ends of the ice as a center. He had some amazing forechecking plays to get the puck into the offensive zone and scored some goals for his team. Samuel had the determination to get back and backcheck which helped his team stay in the game and still give them a fighting chance.
DEFENSE
Tristan Haftek, New Jersey Bandits Red
Saving the best for the last day, Haftek helped the Bandits on Sunday with a goal in their earlier game against Montgomery and then two assists in their second game against Team Philadelphia. Haftek also showed his defensive attributes during the first game this weekend, helping his team to a shutout against the Aspen Kings Grey squad.
Joseph Keeley, New Jersey Stars
Keeley was able to help the Stars to their big win on Sunday, scoring the game-winning goal with 12:49 remaining in the game against Hollydell. Keeley also had an assist in the game, while tallying a goal on Saturday against York.
Ezra Lorentzen, Maryland Jr. Black Bears Red
With a goal in the second period. Lorentzen sparked a four-goal rally by Maryland to help them get the win over Royals HC American. Lorentzen also added two goals in a Maryland win on Sunday over New Jersey to close out the Showcase on a winning note.
GOALIE
Elias Savana, Royals Hockey Club National White
With four wins, Savana was able to kick off the Showcase with a 23-save performance against Team Philadelphia Orange. Savana ended the showcase with a 1.75 GAA, only having one game where they let up more than one goal.
Quinn Donofry, Philadelphia Blazers
Coming out victorious in all four games he started, Donofry ended the weekend with a .914 save percentage and 1.75 GAA. Donofry’s standout game was a 29-save performance against the Rye Rangers in a 6-1 Blazers victory.
FORWARDS:
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Jack DeCaprio, Brick Hockey Club
Jack has been an impact player over the past few games. He’s been red hot and a major contributor to the team’s offense during recent competition. He gives it his all every shift and works hard to make an impact for his team.
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Eric Connors, Jersey Shore Wildcats Black
Eric is a flashy quick winger who is one of the offensive leaders of the team. He is quick on his feet and always hits the net, which shows in his ten points scored this season.
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Jude Large, Philadelphia Blazers
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Jude has great hockey sense and “sees” the ice really well. A great skater that works hard from whistle to whistle.
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Bennett Kronstedt, Jersey Shore Wildcats Red
Bennett is a solid skater who is strong on faceoffs with a strong shot. He helps create offense with his vision on the ice and is excellent at utilizing his linemates. Bennett has been lights out this season, scoring ten points in eleven games.
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Sean Scott, Haverford Hawks Silver
Sean’s strong net-front presence and soft hands make him a scoring threat on every shift. He also plays with a little edge that makes him difficult to compete against. His 12 points in eight games are good enough for second on the team as he continues to make an impact each game.
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DEFENSE:
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Brandon Dovey, Igloo Jaguars
Barndon is a stalwart defender for the Jags. An intimidating presence on the blue line, Dovey possesses a tremendous shot. He’s capable of scoring from anywhere in the offensive zone.
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Noel Acevedo, Brick Hockey Club
Noel’s nifty puck skills are obvious, but it’s been his hard work on the defensive side of the puck that’s been a key to the team’s success. He has recorded three assists on the year so far.
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Kyle Rabkin, Jersey Shore Wildcats Black
Kyle is not only one of the team captains, but he is a truly versatile player who plays both forward and defense. He skates very well and is terrific at finding open teammates. Kyle has recorded eight points in as many games this season.
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Mathew Fritz, Philadelphia Blazers
Mathew effortlessly uses his size to clear the crease and has a slapshot that makes goalies duck. His three points on the season is good enough for second on the team in scoring.
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Michael Lynch, Jersey Shore Wildcats Red
Michael is a solid two-way defenseman who not only knows when to rush the puck and be aggressive but also knows defense is his primary role and responsibility. He is strong on both sides of the puck he helps round out the defensive rotation.
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GOALIES:
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Drew Deich and Jonathon Dilliplane, Igloo Jaguars
Tending the nets for the Jags, this duo has been rock solid all year. Deich is a model of efficiency as he is always in a position to make a save. Equally strong, Dilliplane has shown the ability to “stand on his head” and steal a game for the Jags with his cat-quick glove. The Jags netminders have frustrated the sharpest of shooters all year long.
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Lucas Yenal, Haverford Hawks
Lucas gives the Hawks a stabilizing presence in the net and always delivers the spectacular save when the Hawks are in need of a boost.
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.
Team Philadelphia (11-3-0) vs. Philadelphia Blazers (10-4-0) – Saturday, January 15th, 3:00 PM: It’s a battle of Philadelphia on day one for round-robin games in the U18 AA playoffs! The Blazers’ offense has been red hot, with its 74 goals the fourth-most in U18 AA. Add on the fact that the Blazers have outscored its opponents 21-2 during its three-game win streak to end the season and this is definitely an offense to watch out for. Brady Baehser leads the way for the Blazers with 25 points on the season and 12 points in his last five games. Team Philadelphia’s defense has played great this season, allowing only 29 goals (third-lowest total amongst U18 AA teams with ten or more games played). Team Philadelphia ended the season on a four-game win streak outscoring its opponents 16-4 in that stretch. Ethan Fredricks leads Team Philadelphia in scoring with 18 points on the season. This game will take place at Northeast Skate Zone Rink #1 and will be the first meeting between these two teams in the AHF this season.
MYHA Blue (15-1-0) vs. Igloo Jaguars Black (11-5-0) – Saturday, January 15th, 8:20 PM: The two highest-scoring teams in the Atlantic Hockey Federation’s U18 AA division go at it this Saturday night. MYHA Blue (93 goals) is the highest-scoring team in U18 AA and the only team to eclipse 90 goals this season. It boasts a roster with eight players scoring at or higher than a point per game average and a goaltending tandem of Sebastian Blanc and Joseph Lawrence who both posted a save percentage higher than .920 and combined for four shutouts. TJ Kouba leads the way offensively, with his 14 goals and 28 points good for third in the league in each category. He also places second in the league in assists with 14. MYHA is currently riding a 14 game win streak into the playoffs and hasn’t lost since August 28th, 2021. The Jaguars (87 goals) have the second-highest scoring offense in U18 AA. On top of that, goaltenders Michael Lieze and Nolan Bonawitz combine for the most shutouts amongst a goaltending tandem in U18 AA with five. Mario Leone is a player to watch out for on offense as his 21 goals are good enough to tie for the top goal scorer in the league. Leone also ranks second in points with 31. These two teams met twice during the regular season, with MYHA Blue winning both games 3-1 and 7-4. This game will be played at Grundy Ice Arena Rink B.
Ashburn Xtreme (12-2-0) vs. Rockets Hockey Club Black (7-6-0) – Sunday, January 16th, 1:10 PM: The Xtreme has enjoyed a successful season, with its offense ranking third in the league for most goals scored with 82 and only yielding 22 goals defensively. The 22 goals against is the lowest total in the league among U18 AA teams that have played ten or more games. Ashburn ended the regular season on a four-game win streak while outscoring its opponents 26-5. Andrew Kurowski has been a force offensively for the Xtreme this season, with his goals (21) and points (36) leading the league in both categories. The Rockets have had close contests with all the teams in this year’s U18 AA playoffs but have yet to face the Ashburn Xtreme. The Rockets Hockey Club got off to a red hot start winning six of its first seven games and never looked back. Four players on the Rockets average over a point per game, led by John Crowdell and his 19 points. This game will be played at Northeast Skate Zone Rink #1.
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.