FORWARD
Shane Papaccioli, North Jersey Avalanche
With six goals and three assists in the Showcase, Papaccioli was a key component in the Avalanche’s 4-0 weekend. A natural goal-scorer, Papaccioli is second on the team with 15 goals on the season.
Eric Bieda, Maryland Jr. Black Bears
Tallying four goals and six points, Bieda was a key cog in the Jr. Black Bears Showcase. Bieda contributed on four of the five Maryland goals in the opening game on the weekend with two goals and two assists.
Daniel Donagan, Haverford Hawks
One of the Hawks most consistent players, Donagan led by example this weekend, helping out his squad with three goals in the Showcase. Donagan’s hockey IQ and balanced attack has him atop the Hawks scoring list with 20 points on the season.
Kyler Johnson, Igloo Jaguars
Johnson had himself a solid Showcase with two goals and six assists for the weekend. With solid hands and crisp vision of the ice Johnson was able to help set-up his team and helped contribute to the three victories for the Jaguars in the Showcase.
Brady Schmidt, Royals Hockey Club
While he might be one of the smaller players on the ice, Schmidt is one of the more tenacious out there. With a never-say-die attitude, Schmidt is not afraid of anyone on the ice. That helped this weekend with a goal and an assist to show for his efforts.
DEFENSE
Brody D’Alessandro, Haverford Hawks
Out there against the oppositions’ top lines, D’Alessandro was a force on the blue line, making some big plays on the defensive side. While he was responsible in his own end, D’Alessandro also provided offensively with a goal and three assists on the weekend.
Daniel Pucci, Team Philadelphia
A great first step and solid stick-handling helped Pucci to a solid offensive output. With two goals and five points, Pucci’s contribution on the scoresheet showed through the Showcase.
Josh Zdunkiewicz, Royals Hockey Club
Heads-up plays by Zdunkiewicz helped the Royals to an undefeated Showcase. His hockey IQ and solid vision of the ice allowed him to anticipate counteracts and break-up several possible breakaway attempts.
GOALIE
Aidan Pesek, MYHA Blue
Putting up a strong showing with a shutout in the first Showcase game, Pesek ended the Showcase with a 1.50 GAA and .919 save percentage. Pesek’s play helped the Blue Devils to a solid weekend and help them stay in the top three in the standings.
Chayce Turnbull, Rye Rangers
In three games, Turnbull left the Showcase with a 2.00 GAA and .903 save percentage. Turnbull used his solid lateral movement and ability to cut off the angles in order to help the Rangers to two wins in his three appearances.
FORWARDS:
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Trent Semelko, York Devils
Trent had a successful weekend, contributing seven points in four games. He was able to push the pace offensively as well as defend relentlessly. His speed, grit, and hunger for offensive propelled York’s success this weekend.
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Jake McCloud, North Jersey Aspen Kings Blue
Jake showed off his passing abilities at this past weekend’s showcase, recording five assists in four games and even adding a goal. His ability to see the ice and watch plays develop helped him and his team notch a pair of wins.
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Daniel McNelis, MYHA Blue
MYHA Blue scored 14 goals in four games and Daniel played a key role in his team’s success. His three goals and seven points led the way for MYHA as they were able to secure two wins at this past weekend’s showcase.
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Anthony Brereton, Rockets Hockey Club
The Rockets offense exploded for 20 goals in four games and Anthony played a key role, scoring four goals and five points on the weekend. He showed excellent on-ice vision and a great shot to finish plays.
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Luke Isaacs, North Jersey Avalance
Luke had a four-game stretch for the ages this past weekend, scoring five goals and ten points to help the Avs secure four wins. His most clutch performance came in a game against MYHA Blue, where he scored the eventual game-winning goal and an assist to boot in the second period to help his team to a 3-0 win.
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DEFENSE:
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Tyler Woodall, York Devils
Tyler shined as a great teammate during York’s showcase performance. Blocking shots as well as contributing offensively, his all-out effort was apparent in all four games he played. Tyler was able to embody the mindset of “playing one shift at a time” which helped him and his team succeed.
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Lincoln Walters, New Jersey Stars
He may have only played three games, but Lincoln made his presence known. He was lights out in his own zone and broke up numerous offensive plays by his opponents. On top of this, he was able to record four goals and an assist as he showed off his great shot and passing abilities.
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Peter Pereborow, Rockets Hockey Club
Peter showed once again just because you are a defenseman, doesn’t mean you can’t score. He scored four goals in four games, including tying the game in the third period against Team Philadelphia, a goal that would spark his team to a 5-2 win.
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Bryton Yoder, Tomorrow’s Ice Selects
Bryton had a productive weekend, scoring two goals and an assist while playing great defense in his own zone. His first period goal against the New Jersey Stars proved to be important, as it sparked his team to a 5-2 win.
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Ben Holdsworth, Delaware Ducks
Ben displayed excellent skills both offensively and defensively this past weekend at the most recent AHF showcase. He helped the Ducks to three wins, including one shutout win. He also recorded two goals as well, including the eventual game-winning goal in the third period of a 3-1 win against the Royals Hockey Club.
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GOALIES:
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Aidan Alvino, North Jersey Avalanche
Aidan played like an all-start this past weekend and helped the Avs go 4-0-0 at the showcase. He turned aside 60 of 62 shots and recorded two shutouts to boot, showcasing his excellent vision and puck tracking abilities. Aidan now has four shutouts on the season, tied for most in U14 AA.
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Ian Goldberg, Royals Hockey Club
Ian was called upon twice for the Royals to help lead them to a win and both times he delivered. He recorded a shutout to start the showcase and followed it up with a 20 save win the next day.
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Adam Paitakis, New Jersey Stars
The Stars went 3-1-0 this past weekend and Adam was a big reason why. He made 62 saves and even recorded his first shutout of the season in a close 2-0 win over the Igloo Jaguars. Adam was confident in the net and it reflected in his play.
Rockets Hockey Club (15-1-0) vs. MYHA Blue (10-3-0) – Sunday, Jan. 16, 8:00 AM
In a much anticipated rematch, MYHA and the Rockets will look to end their round robin slate on a positive note on Sunday morning. In their only head-to-head game this season, MYHA Blue handed the Rockets their only loss of the season in a 7-4 contest. Daniel McNelis scored two goals and added an assist while Kyle Metzler tallied 3 points in the win for MYHA. Austen Halleran starred for the Rockets in the loss, notching a goal and an assist. Good special teams play was key for MYHA in the win, as they went 3/7 on the power play while killing 3/4 of penalties against them. Disciplined play will be key for the Rockets to get revenge in the rematch. This game should be a thriller to open the final day of the tournament.
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North Jersey Aspen Kings Blue (13-2-0) vs. Royals Hockey Club (9-5-1) – Sunday, Jan. 16, 8:10 AM
Sunday is a great day for hockey in the 14U AA division, as this game between the Aspen Kings and Royals will carry a lot of intrigue, as well. In their previous matchup, the Aspen Kings emerged as 6-2 victors. Jase Zangara netted a hat trick and added a pair of assists while Salvatore Mirra made 24 saves on 26 shots, helping North Jersey to victory. The Royals took a lot of positives out of the game, however. A strong second period effort yielded goals from Peter Pereborow and Shane Redden. The Aspen Kings did run into some penalty problems in the game, so discipline on their side and a strong power play for the Royals will be key factors to watch for in this critical matchup.
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North Jersey Avalanche (13-2-1) vs. Ashburn Xtreme (9-4-0) – Sunday, Jan. 16, 9:40 AM
The final game of the round robin should be an intriguing matchup between the Avalanche and Xtreme. These teams met up in an early season matchup, with Ashburn earning a 5-3 win. For the Xtreme, Johnnie Kracke led the offense with 2 goals and an assist. Tyler Rounds also had a very good night in net, making 26 saves on 29 shots. For the Avalanche, William Ross scored a goal and an assist. The game did get a little bit chippy in the third period, but 3 Ashburn goals in the second were too much for North Jersey to overcome. The Avalanche ended the season on a tidy 4-game winning streak, however, so they will look to reverse this result on Sunday morning.
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.