Uncategorized Archives - Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation

In a significant development for the girls’ hockey scene, the North Jersey Avalanche is set to make their debut in the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF) for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This marks a historic milestone as the Avalanche, renowned for their nationally ranked hockey programs, venture into the realm of girls’ hockey for the first time.

Hailing from the bustling hockey hub of Hackensack, New Jersey, the Avalanche call the Ice House their home turf.

With close to 40 travel hockey teams across various levels, including both Tier I and Tier II, the Avalanche have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the hockey community. Their commitment to player development and their track record of success speak volumes about their dedication to the sport.

The decision to introduce a girls’ program within the North Jersey Avalanche organization reflects a growing recognition of the importance of inclusivity and diversity within the hockey landscape. By embracing girls’ hockey, the Avalanche not only expand their reach but also contribute to the overall growth and advancement of the sport.

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation eagerly welcomes the North Jersey Avalanche into its ranks and looks forward to witnessing their impact on the league in the seasons to come. With their rich history and unwavering commitment to excellence, the Avalanche are sure to leave an indelible mark on the world of girls’ hockey.

About Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (“AGHF”) is a USA Hockey Sanctioned Elite Tier-II Youth Hockey League that facilitates games throughout the Mid-Atlantic for its club members and families. The AGHF provides high-quality league games and showcases for over 70 teams in the Mid-Atlantic uniquely catering to its member-owned clubs. The AGHF currently fields girls hockey programs at Platinum and Diamond divisions for the following age groups: the 10U, 12U, 14U (Diamond/Platinum), 16U (Diamond/Platinum), and 19U age levels. The AGHF is truly a unique opportunity as each of the Founders and Member clubs operate at all levels of girls’ hockey, making it a unique experience for all players.

The AGHF distinguishes itself with a full-time professional staff, live scoring, and extensive social media coverage, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking the best. With showcases, All-Stars, and Championships, the AGHF offers a complete experience for our members.

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF) is thrilled to announce the inclusion of the Yale Jr. Bulldogs for the 2024-25 season. As one of the esteemed members of our federation, the Yale Jr. Bulldogs bring with them a rich tradition of excellence and a commitment to fostering the growth and development of young hockey players.

Northford Ice Pavilion is home to Yale Youth Hockey. The NIP is located in the town of Northford, CT. Their central location near New Haven and a short distance from NYC allows for easy access to their programs.

Founded on the principle of creating a hockey environment where young athletes can maximize their potential, the Yale Jr. Bulldogs are dedicated to providing players with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the ice. With a focus on skating, creativity, and the ability to think the game, the coaching staff at Yale Jr. Bulldogs understands that each player is unique and strives to tailor their approach to best suit the individual needs of every athlete.

About Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF) proudly unveils the latest addition to its roster for the 2024-25 season: Team Long Island. Formerly known as the Lady Islanders, this esteemed organization enters the fray with a renewed vigor and commitment to fostering the growth and development of girls’ hockey on Long Island.

Founded in 1992, Team Long Island stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of girls’ hockey, operating as a 501c3 non-profit entity. Over the years, the organization has remained steadfast in its mission to provide a platform for girls of all ages to engage with the sport at various levels of competition.

About Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation

The Loudoun Knights added their first Girls Team during the 2023-2024 season and had overwhelming success and support. The 12U Girls Team competed in the top division of the CBHL (12U Gold) and went on to win the Playoff Championship to cap off a season that surpassed expectations. The momentum gained from this inaugural season has propelled the Knights to add a 14U team alongside their 12U Team.

The Loudoun Knights are thrilled to join the AGHF for the 2024-2025 season allowing their girls to play against different teams outside of our region, increase the level of competition, and give their players the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a broader scale. The Knights are committed to developing and expanding a premier girls program this upcoming season and beyond.

About Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation

Repost from NHL

Only woman to play NHL game honored at Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament

Editor’s note: The Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament has been the premier youth hockey event in Canada since 1960, a steppingstone for many future NHL players, including Wayne Gretzky and Connor Bedard. NHL.com senior director of editorial Shawn P. Roarke went to Quebec earlier this month to check out the tournament and all that goes with it.

In the third of a four-part series, Roarke highlights Manon Rheaume’s visit to the tournament and the growth of girls hockey. (Part 1 | Part 2)

QUEBEC CITY — Nobody is more qualified than Manon Rheaume to explain the importance of having a girls division at the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament.

Rheaume, the only woman to play an NHL game and one of Canada’s most decorated women’s hockey players, was the first girl to play in this tournament, the goalie for her Quebec-based boys team in 1981.

She was the first woman to coach an all-girls team in the boys division here, and she was the first to coach in a Quebec final between two all-girls team in the boys division.

She returned to the tournament as a VIP during its first weekend this time around and dropped the puck for the featured girls game on Feb. 11. There, she saw the impact of her groundbreaking appearance from 40 years earlier.

“To go back this year, to drop the puck for that girls division, it’s absolutely amazing,” Rheaume said.

Instead of being a lone goalie lost in a sea of boys, Rheaume had 30-plus girls facing her from opposing blue lines, each an elite hockey player in her own right, looking back and smiling as Rheaume basked in a resounding ovation from an appreciative crowd at Videotron Centre, the primary rink for the tournament and the state-of-the art home of the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

The Quebec tournament introduced a girls division last season, but for many of them on hand, such opportunities have become commonplace.

For current players, the struggles of previous generations are but a distant memory. They often do all the same things the boys do and that applies to the biggest pee-wee tournament in the world. The 12 teams in the Feminin Division are treated the same way as their peers from the boys BB, AA, Elite-AA and AAA divisions in the 120-team tournament.

It’s different for those who lived through the limited opportunities afforded girls and those who had to open — if not bust down — closed doors, like the 52-year-old Rheaume and Brooke Ammerman Reimer, the 33-year-old coach of the tournament champion team, the Atlantic Girls Select.

“It’s tremendous how many girls are playing and how many options there are now,” Ammerman Reimer said. “We’re seeing a huge boom. I know if I was a 9-, 10-, 11-year-old girl like them, I would love this opportunity.”

Ammerman Reimer had more limited opportunities growing up in New Jersey, where the Atlantic Select team is based. She and her younger sister, Brittany, played on boys teams as kids in the Garden State before each landed at the University of Wisconsin and with the United States national team program.

At Wisconsin, Ammerman Reimer had 215 points and won two national championships. She was member of the USA U-18 team and the U-22 team. She was invited to try out for the Olympic team in 2010 and 2014. She also scored the first goal in the history of the New York Riveters in the defunct National Women’s Hockey League.

“We had a lot of, I don’t want to call them dark days, but days where you’re training by ourselves and people don’t really know that girls can play ice hockey and you know, it’s kind of an in-between phase,” she said. “For these young girls, you kind of hope they grow up and they never have to think about that.”

Ammerman Reimer said she thought about all those trials and tribulations throughout the championship game earlier this month.

The lower bowl of Videotron Centre was packed, the crowd was knowledgeable and involved, providing a pulsating backdrop as the Atlantic Selects chased their championship dream against the Laval-Montreal Amazons.

The game was tied 0-0 after the first period, but Lauren Letts scored four straight goals around the game-opening and closing goals by Madeline Staffieri in a 6-0 win. Letts, who had 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in five games, was the first girl to lead the Quebec tournament in scoring.

“I wanted them to be proud, to really celebrate the victory because I mean, at least I know as an adult, how hard it is to win something like that,” Ammerman Reimer said.

Such opportunities are so important for this generation of girls, says Rheaume, who was the talk of the hockey world when she went to training camp with the Tampa Bay Lightning and played a preseason game in 1992.

Rheaume was the first woman to appear in a professional regular-season game when she played with the Atlanta Knights of the International Hockey League in 1992.

But opportunities were severely limited then, and Rheaume and some of her cohorts on each side of the border were blazing new trails and pushing the envelope when it came to the women’s game, first raising the ceiling and then busting right through it.

Now, there is a unified professional league for women, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which is in its inaugural season with six teams across North America. The league has been playing to capacity crowds and rave reviews. The national teams in Canada and the United States are fully funded and allow elite players to train full-time. Other countries are catching up when the game is played internationally like at the World Championship and Olympics, tournaments in which Rheaume once represented Canada when participation was a part-time endeavor.

What’s happening now on the women’s side, starting with youth hockey, a seismic shift, she says.

Rheaume remembers taking a select girls team to the Quebec tournament as a coach. The roster was loaded. Kendall Coyne Schofield played on that team, as did Megan Bozek and Blake Bolden and Jordan Slavin, sister of Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin. Each went on to play for her country’s national team.

Bolden is a scout for the Los Angeles Kings. Coyne Schofield works for in the Chicago Blackhawks’ front office.

“Those girls didn’t have that dream to play professional hockey, you know?” Rheaume said of the elite players she coached. “I have two boys that their entire life, that’s what they wanted to do in hockey — play professionally. But now finally those young girls can have that dream.

“To play in this tournament for these new girls is great because it’s an experience of a lifetime. Blake Bolden and I talk about it all the time. She said, ‘Listen, I don’t remember one game we played. I remember all the other stuff we did. The billet family, going sledding, playing pond hockey when we didn’t have games, exchanging pins, all that stuff.’ Those are the moments that she remembered the most from the tournament, and me too.”

It’s progress that is not only important to the women who came first, but to the girl dads who have made their careers in hockey.

Eric Brewer played 1,009 regular-season games as a defenseman in the NHL from 1988-2015. But there he was as an assistant coach for the North Shore Winter Club, a British Columbia-based team for which his daughter Hadley played.

He was thrilled to have the opportunity to share this experience with Hadley and her friends.

“It’s incredibly important to have an even playing field,” he said, standing outside the dressing room after his team dropped a 3-2 shootout loss to a team from Switzerland. “It enhances their sporting life and their ability to translate into adults, just the same as the boys They’re super keen and super competitive. And it’s up to us, in this day and age, to provide those opportunities.”

Vincent Lecavalier, who played here as a 12-year-old in 1994, was back at the tournament as a coach this season, coaching the Elite-AA Florida Alliance on which his son Gabriel played. Lecavalier played 1,212 regular-season games in the NHL and won a Stanley Cup with the Lightning in 2004.

He knows this tournament was pivotal in his development as a hockey player and he knows it will be important in the development of his son, especially after the Alliance made it to the championship game before losing.

Now, young girls will have the same opportunity to begin chasing their hockey dreams here on the biggest pee-wee stage in the world and kickstart their development, he said.

“Girls hockey has grown, and you can see in the northeast [U.S.] and even in Canada, the level of play is pretty incredible,” Lecavalier said. “They had to do [add a girls bracket]. I’m happy for them and for the growth of it. It’s just going to get bigger and bigger, bigger and bigger.”

By Shawn P. Roarke @sroarke_nhl NHL.com Senior Director of Editorial

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF) is proud to announce a monumental achievement within its ranks as York Lady Devils’ Assistant Captain, Kady Kratzer, commits to play on the inaugural NCAA Division III Women’s Hockey team at Hood College. Kratzer’s journey from her roots in boys’ hockey to becoming a standout defenseman for the Lady Devils exemplifies the dedication and talent cultivated within the AGHF.

In her second season with the AGHF, Kratzer has left an indelible mark on the league, showcasing her prowess on the ice with 20 goals and 12 assists, totaling an impressive 32 points in 37 games played this season. Her contributions have been instrumental in propelling the Lady Devils to a commendable second-place finish in the AGHF Playoffs, solidifying her reputation as a formidable force in women’s hockey.

What makes Kratzer’s achievement even more remarkable is her transition from boys’ hockey to the AGHF. Having spent 13 seasons playing in the boys’ league, Kratzer’s decision to switch to girls’ hockey demonstrates her resilience and determination to pursue her passion for the sport, regardless of the challenges she may face.

The AGHF extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kady Kratzer on her remarkable accomplishment and wishes her the very best as she continues to make strides in her hockey career. Her success highlights the AGHF’s commitment to empowering female athletes and fostering a thriving environment for women’s hockey across the region.

Click here to see all AGHF commits and/or submit your commitment to be recognized.

Congratulations to our 2024 AGHF Championships All Tournament Teams! These teams showcase top performers from the Championship weekends.

19U Diamond Championship:

F – Julia Foglia #13 NJ Bandits
F – Isabelle Cammarata #93 NJ Bandits
F – Jessica Sperling #53 NJ Bandits
D – Kalina Cochran #22 York Devils
D – Julia Heintz #57 Stateline Hawks
G – Alexis Riley #32 NJ Bandits

19U Platinum Championship:

F – Claire Meehan #17 Philadelphia Belles
F – Lauren Rennie #9 Philadelphia Belles
F – Giana Amato #37 NJ Rockets Blue
D – Sienna Stone #29 Philadelphia Belles
D – Breanna DeMarinis #26 NJ Rockets
G – Brynn Riches #31 Philadelphia Belles

16U Diamond Championship:

F – Jolie Vaiana #23 NJ Bandits
F – Claire Chanfrau #3 NJ Bandits
F – Emma Sherwood #12 NY Islanders
D – Abigael Gallagher #14 Princeton Tiger Lilies
D – Molly McCabe #7 Princeton Tiger Lilies
G – Kelly Stevens #76 Princeton Tiger Lilies

16U Platinum Championship:

F – Abigail Mahaffey #86 Maryland Jr. Black Bears
F – Samantha Scott #91 Maryland Jr. Black Bears
F – Addison Omo #42 Reston Raiders
D – Callan O’Connor #59 Maryland Jr. Black Bears
D – Samantha Penny #14 NY Islanders
G – Kaylee Daigle #6 Maryland Jr. Black Bears

14U Diamond Championship:

F – Karissa Chapkosky #16 CP Dynamo
F – Juliana Langley #83 MYHA
F – Grace Luo #9 MYHA
D – Molly Anslow #2 CP Dynamo
D – Avery Baile #25 Princeton Tiger Lilies
G – Lila Marcincuk #1 CP Dynamo

14U Platinum Championship:

Hannah Christiansen #74 Tri City Eagles
Ashlee Grillo #77 NY Islanders
Ryleigh Stringer #42 Tri City Eagles
Jessica Maier #97 Reston Raiders
Molly Murphy #44 Reston Raiders
Sienna McIntyre #22 Reston Raiders

12U Diamond Championship:

F – Makenna Hetrick #14 Saugerties Fillies
F – Hanna Gunlycke #90 St James
F – Madilyn Zigler #88 Saugerties Fillies
D – Wynter Plank #80 Saugerties Fillies
D – Reilley Garrison #9 Saugerties Fillies
G – Virginia Gilliam #56 St James

12U Platinum Championship:

Quinn Valliere #92 CT Ice Cats
Jacquelyn Farson #20 CT Ice Cats
Norah McCallum #15 NY Islanders
Berkeley Holland #95 CT Ice Cats
Olivia Ahn #22 NJ Bandits
G – Aneleah Stahl #34 CT Ice Cats

10U Championship:

F – Julianna Gessner #22 Royals
F – Evelyn Conlon # Royals
F – Audrey Wilson #22 Princeton Tiger Lilies
D – Mackenzie Meyer #8 CP Dynamo
D – Emma Booth #15 CP Dynamo
G – Gianna Munafo #31 CP Dynamo

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation (AGHF) is proud to announce a significant development in the world of women’s hockey, as Caitlin Krempa, a forward for the York Lady Devils, commits to play NCAA DIII Hockey at Hood College for the Blazers’ inaugural season in 2024-25.

Krempa’s journey in hockey has been marked by dedication and skill. In her time with the Lady Devils, she has honed her talents on the ice, showcasing her abilities as a formidable forward. Throughout the current season, Krempa has demonstrated her prowess in 64 games, amassing 2 goals and 8 assists for a total of 10 points. Her contributions have been pivotal in guiding the Lady Devils to the finals of the 19U Diamond division of the AGHF, reflecting both her individual excellence and her role in elevating her team’s performance.

Now, as Krempa prepares to embark on the next chapter of her hockey career, her commitment to Hood College signifies a new milestone. Joining the Blazers for their inaugural season in 2024-25, Krempa brings not only her skills on the ice but also her experience and leadership cultivated through years of competitive play. Her decision to continue her hockey journey and education at the collegiate level underscores her passion for the sport and her determination to excel at the highest level both on and off the ice.

As Caitlin Krempa prepares to don the Blazers’ jersey, her journey serves as a testament to the opportunities and achievements awaiting young women in the realm of hockey. With her dedication, skill, and unwavering determination, she embodies the spirit of excellence that defines the Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation and the broader landscape of women’s hockey.

Click here to see all AGHF commits and/or submit your commitment to be recognized.

The Atlantic Girls Hockey Federation successfully concluded its last weekend of the 2024 Championships. Congratulations to all the teams that participated, and a special acknowledgment to our Champions as well as Finalists.

10U Champions: CP Dynamo
10U Finalists: Royals

12U Diamond Champions: Saugerties Fillies
12U Diamond Finalists: St. James

12U Platinum Champions: CT Ice Cats
12U Platinum Finalists: Islanders Girls Elite

Well done to all the teams for their outstanding performances in the championships!

Congratulations to all the teams that have successfully advanced to the 2024 AGHF Championships! We are looking forward to the second weekend of Championships. The featured divisions for this weekend include 10U-12U.

To facilitate a smooth experience, we have provided a Game Protocols documents below to address any questions you may have. We kindly ask you to review this information thoroughly before reaching out with inquiries.

For your convenience, a Championships Game Center has been set up, offering schedules, scores, and stats for the upcoming weekend.

Additionally, merchandise will be available onsite at ProSkate Arena or online. Don’t miss the chance to commemorate the event with personalized Championship banners, pucks, and tumblers; which are also available for purchase here.

We look forward to seeing you all this weekend!