Julia Duncan, Author at Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF) Selects made an impressive mark at the 2024 Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament, securing the Feminin Division Championship with dominating performances throughout the competition. From February 8th to 18th, the AGHF Selects showcased their skills, teamwork, and determination, emerging victorious in every game they played.

The tournament journey began on February 9th with an Exhibition Game against Durham West Lighting, where the AGHF Selects displayed their prowess, claiming a 3-0 victory. This set the tone for the following days, as the team continued to shine in both exhibition and tournament matches.

In their first tournament game on February 10th, the AGHF Selects faced off against Laurentides-Lanau Etoiles, securing a convincing 4-1 win. Goal scorers Olivia Pelle, Maddie Staffieri, Lauren Letts, and Tomasina Cinquino showcased the team’s offensive prowess.

Exhibition Game 2 on February 11th saw the AGHF Selects triumph over Florida Alliance with a 3-0 victory, courtesy of goals from Tomasina Cinquino, Maddie Staffieri, and another from Tomasina. The team continued their winning streak in Exhibition Game 3 against Aosta Gladiators on February 13th, triumphing 3-2 with goals from Lauren Letts (2) and Maggie Wang.

The tournament’s momentum carried into the knockout stages, with the AGHF Selects securing a 3-1 victory against Suisse Romande Chouettes in Tournament Game 2 on February 15th. Lauren Letts and Tomasina Cinquino contributed to the scoreline, maintaining the team’s stellar performance.

The AGHF Selects’ dominance reached new heights in Tournament Game 3 against Whitby Wolves on February 16th, as they clinched an 8-2 victory. Maddie Staffieri netted four goals, while Letts, Tomasina, Isabelle Lynch, and Maggie Wang each added one to the impressive tally.

The semi-final on February 17th against CT Jr Rangers proved to be a thrilling encounter, with the AGHF Selects emerging victorious in overtime with a 3-2 scoreline. Maddie Staffieri scored twice, and Tomasina Cinquino sealed the win in overtime.

The grand finale on February 18th saw the AGHF Selects facing off against Laval Montreal Amazones. The team delivered a spectacular performance, securing a 6-0 victory and claiming the championship. Staffieri netted two goals, while Letts added four to the scoreline, cementing their status as champions.

Lauren Letts, Madeline Staffieri, and Tomasina Cinquino stood out as the top three scorers in the girls division, showcasing their individual talents and contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Beyond the hockey arena, the AGHF Selects had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Quebec. Staying with Billet Families provided a unique cultural experience, while activities such as snow tubing and indulging in sweets at the Sugar Shack added a touch of fun to their trip. The girls also had the chance to attend a Remparts game, further enriching their Quebec experience.

The AGHF Selects’ journey at the Quebec International PeeWee Hockey Tournament not only highlighted their athletic prowess but also showcased the camaraderie and cultural exploration that make such tournaments memorable for young athletes. Congratulations to the AGHF Selects on their outstanding achievement in Quebec!

For the week ending on January 28th, 2024 the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the AGHF KRACH Page here.

The teams that are in first in each division are Princeton Tiger Lilies (10U), Saugerties Fillies (12U), MYHA Blue (14U Diamond), Reston Raiders (14U Platinum), Princeton Tiger Lilies Black (16U Diamond), Maryland Jr. Black Bears (16U Platinum), NJ Bandits (19U Diamond), and PHC Belles (19U Platinum).

Get ready for an exciting season with the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation! We’re thrilled to announce two powerhouse showcases for the 2024-2025 season.

September Slapshot: September 27-29
Fall Brawl: November 15-17

Designed to offer AGHF teams a dynamic weekend of competition, these showcases feature four intense games against teams they wouldn’t face in the regular season. We’re also welcoming guest teams from across the country to join in on the action.

If your team wants to be part of the excitement as a guest team, complete the Guest Team Application Form. Stay updated on schedules and participating teams by visiting our AGHF Showcase Information Page.

For the week ending on January 21st, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the AGHF KRACH Page here.

For the week ending on January 14th, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the AGHF KRACH Page here.

For the week ending on January 7th, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the AGHF KRACH Page here.

The “spread” has no place in youth hockey

Black Bear Sports Group recently started the Hockey Power Rankings (“HPR”) as an alternative to MyHockeyRankings (“MHR”). MyHockeyRankings has been the only ranking source in youth hockey for many years and originally was used to help families schedule competitive games. Unfortunately, as its power grew, people and organizations have weaponized the use of MHR. Many teams refuse to play scheduled games for fear it will decrease their ranking. Many teams won’t pull a goalie in a close game for fear of giving up an empty net goal which will harm their rankings. many organizations have figured out that playing a small bubble of teams/games protects their strength of schedule which, given that losses do not matter in MHR, artificially increases their ranking. Ultimately this is particularly important for national bound teams as USA Hockey and their affiliates are now using MHR for qualification for district and national at-large selections.

The primary problem with MHR is that its system creates a “rating” for teams that sadly are not based on wins. The higher the rating, the higher the ranking. To simplify things, the rating is based on strength of schedule and goal differentials. The rating difference between teams represents the projected score differential (the “spread”) between teams when they play. If you beat that spread, regardless of winning or losing, your ranking rises. If you do not beat the spread, your rating falls – hence the problem with pulling the goalie and giving up an empty net goal – it could damage your spread if the spread is one goal. Moreover, MHR will not share how the rating is calculated in any fashion, leaving people to wonder if teams start the season equally or if there is a carryover from the previous season. The lack of transparency from MHR makes their rating/rankings even more powerful and dangerous.

The Hockey Power Rankings is based on KRACH – the same formula used by College Hockey Power Rankings systems, one of the rankings used by NCAA Division 1 College Hockey. HPR uses wins and strength of schedule – goal differential is not relevant. We are not trying to displace MHR; instead, we are trying to give alternatives for USA Hockey, coaches and families to make decisions. We believe that teams should not be forced to turn down games due to fear of the “spread.” We hope the HPR allows teams to play more local games, limit travel, and reduce the overall costs of playing the game.

Finally, Black Bear is the largest customer of GameSheet, the electronic scoring system that, as a result of Black Bear adopting it two years ago, has now become the national standard. Black Bear asked GameSheet to provide HPR electronic access to the games that GameSheet produces, similar to the access that MHR has to ensure accuracy of posted scores. GameSheet has some form of agreement with MHR that precludes anyone else from accessing this data. Black Bear asked that MHR allow HPR access to the GameSheet data and MHR refused. Black Bear responded that if MHR will not give access to its data, then MHR could not have access to Black Bear’s data. It is a shame that MHR is acting this way – everyone is suffering because of their decisions. Black Bear stands willing to share access to its data if MHR changes their mind.

In the meantime, we have always believed that choices are better. If people do not like the HPR, they will not come to the site. If they do, we believe youth hockey will be better off.

For the week ending on December 17th, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the AGHF KRACH Page here.

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation proudly presents its roster for the 2024 Peewee Tournament in Quebec, set to take place from February 7 to February 18, 2024. This premier event gathers approximately 120 teams from around the world, creating an atmosphere often likened to the “Little League World Series of Hockey.”

The tournament unfolds on the grand stage of the Videotron Centre, boasting a seating capacity of 18,259 and serving as the home arena for the Quebec Remparts. Amidst the competition at this iconic venue, the participating teams will also engage in spirited matches at various rinks across Quebec City.

Goaltenders:

Paloma Larocque (Jr. Flyers)
Marion Koester (WBS Jr. Knights)

Players:

Lauren Letts (PTL)
Samantha Locke (Hollydell Hurricanes)
Khloe Miller (PTL)
Aurora Benz (Jr. Flyers)
Sarah Vang (PTL)
Olivia Pelle (Hollydell Hurricanes)
Alexandra Maloy (Hollydell Hurricanes)
Madeline Staffieri (Jr. Flyers)
Fiona Saunders (Hollydell Hurricanes)
Paloma Larocque (Jr. Flyers)
Marion Koester (WBS Jr. Knights)
Elizabeth Coen (Jr. Flyers)
Isabella Kasper (Ashburn Xtreme)
Isabelle Lynch (MYHA)
Maggie Wang (PTL 12U Elite)
Ashlee Grillo (NY Islanders)
Isabella Redden (Jr. Flyers)
Tomasina Cinquino (Jersey Hitmen)

Coaching Staff:

Head Coach: Brooke Reimer
Assistant Coach: Nikki Miller

For the week ending on December 10th, the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation rankings are in. KRACH is a team’s win/loss ratio multiplied by strength of schedule. You can view all rankings on the AGHF KRACH Page here.