The Tier 1 Hockey Federation is proud to congratulate Atlantic Coast Academy alum Maksim Sokolovskii on being selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, taking another major step in his hockey journey.
Sokolovskii’s selection marks another milestone for both Atlantic Coast Academy and the THF, showcasing the Federation’s continued ability to develop players capable of reaching hockey’s highest levels.
The Kazakhstan native arrived in North America for the 2024-25 season, joining the Atlantic Coast Academy 16U program. In his first season on the continent, Sokolovskii quickly established himself as one of the most intriguing young defensemen in his age group. The 6-foot-8 blueliner totaled 34 goals and 50 assists for 84 points, combining elite offensive production with the physical presence that has become his calling card.
His standout campaign earned him the opportunity to make the jump to the Ontario Hockey League for the 2025-26 season, where he suited up for the London Knights. Competing against some of the best junior players in the world, Sokolovskii recorded eight points while continuing to develop his defensive game and adapting to the speed of major junior hockey.
Already one of the most unique prospects in the 2026 draft class, Sokolovskii has drawn attention throughout the hockey world for his rare combination of size, mobility, and defensive instincts.
At 6-foot-8 and 238 pounds, he uses his reach and physicality to disrupt plays, win puck battles, and protect the defensive zone. Scouts have also praised his skating ability, noting that he moves exceptionally well for a player of his stature and has shown flashes of offensive creativity, particularly when getting shots through traffic from the blue line.
While still considered one of the younger and more raw defensive prospects in the draft, his tremendous upside made him one of the most intriguing selections available. Evaluators believe that with continued development, Sokolovskii has all the tools to become a high-impact defenseman at the professional level.
His development is set to continue with the London Knights before he begins his collegiate career at the University of Maine during the 2027-28 season.
Sokolovskii’s journey from Atlantic Coast Academy to the NHL Draft is another example of the opportunities available through the THF and the Federation’s commitment to preparing players for success at every level of the game.
The entire THF family congratulates Maksim on this incredible accomplishment and looks forward to following his continued development as he pursues his NHL dream.
The post Atlantic Coast Academy Alum Maksim… first appeared on Tier 1 Hockey.
The post Atlantic Coast Academy Alum Maksim… appeared first on Tier 1 Hockey.
