September is coming to a close, and the early picture across the Tier 1 Hockey Federation is beginning to develop.
THF teams return to the ice September 25–27 for another weekend of regular-season action as clubs continue to build their identities, establish momentum and make their first moves in the standings.
Last weekend showed just how competitive the road ahead could be. Nearly a third of the games played across the federation were decided by one goal or finished in a tie, leaving little room for error from one matchup to the next.
With another weekend on deck, here’s what to know around the THF.
Close Games Set the Tone
There wasn’t much separating teams across the THF last weekend.
A total of 78 games featuring 81 teams across all nine age divisions were played September 19–20, and 25 were decided by a single goal or finished in a tie.
At 9U, the Jersey Hitmen led the way with a perfect 3-0 weekend, while the Piney Pirates and Rockets Hockey Club each went 2-0.
The close competition continued throughout the federation, creating the type of weekend where a single goal, save or shift could make the difference.
As September winds down, those close games become another early test for teams learning how to finish tight matchups and consistently collect results.
Players to Watch
Several players enter the weekend after making a major impact last time out.
At 11U, NYC Hockey Club’s Walter Carson put together one of the biggest offensive performances of the week, scoring 11 goals and adding two assists over four games.
Mid-Fairfield’s Cody Klingel recorded six goals and six assists in four games at 9U, while NY Dynamo’s Brayden Bitely found the back of the net 10 times over four games at 13U.
At 12U, Hartford Wolfpack’s Samuel Bruno finished the week with eight goals and an assist in three games, and Jersey Shore Lightning’s Antonio Soto posted five goals and two assists over three games at 16U.
There were standout performances in net as well. Rockets Hockey Club’s Frank Giammarino went 2-0 with a .962 save percentage and a shutout at 11U, while Jersey Shore Lightning’s Owen Korth went 2-0 with a .976 save percentage and a shutout at 16U.
Now comes the next challenge: carrying those performances into another weekend.
The Early Picture is Developing
It’s far too early for anything to be decided, but teams are beginning to establish themselves.
The opening showcase is now several weeks in the rearview mirror, and the regular-season rhythm has taken over. Every weekend gives teams another opportunity to build chemistry, learn how to win close games and establish their position within the league.
Some clubs enter this weekend looking to protect strong starts. Others have an opportunity to gain ground before the calendar flips to October.
With nine age divisions from 9U through 18U, there is still plenty of hockey ahead. But the results being collected now are beginning to form the foundation for the season to come.
Follow the Action All Weekend
Keep up with the action throughout the weekend using the THF Game Center, where fans can find schedules, scores, standings and statistics across all nine THF age divisions.
Can’t make it to the rink? Catch eligible THF games live and on demand with Black Bear TV and follow your team throughout the weekend from wherever you are.
September is almost in the books.
The standings are beginning to develop. The competition is getting tighter. And every weekend provides another opportunity to make an early-season statement.
The post THF Weekend Preview: Early Races Begin… first appeared on Tier 1 Hockey.
The post THF Weekend Preview: Early Races Begin… appeared first on Tier 1 Hockey.
