Atlantic Youth Hockey League

SEWELL, N.J. — Before the best players in the 18U division suit up for the 2024 AYHL All Star game, it’s worth examining just what makes them so special. Who are these the 2024 All Stars, and how well have they played to earn this tremendous accolade? 

For example, it's no surprise that Nicholas Rockey of the Philadelphia Hockey Club (PHC) is an All Star. He’s the leading goal scorer in the 18U premier division with nine. Teammates Michael Azzarone and Christopher Lussier of Elite Hockey and Jeremy Jacobs of the Philadelphia Little Flyers are all right behind him with eight goals apiece. 

However, scoring isn’t the only thing that can lead to an All Star bid. Eric McHale of the WB/Scranton Jr. Knights, while notching just four goals all year, has racked up an astounding 12 assists.  That means he’s accounted for 16 total goals, tied for second in the division. Of course, total goals doesn’t mean much if you can’t play defense, which is why six goalies have been named All Stars as well. Daniel Lopez-Franco, who plays for Elite Hockey, has amassed the highest save percentage in the division with 95.9%, as he’s only allowed three goals in 74 shots. Fellow All Star Ellijah Wiltshire (Philadelphia Junior Flyers) is right behind him at 94.7%, making an impressive 144 saves. 

Whether it was via scoring, saving or passing, all of these players earned the right to call themselves an All Star. Now, we'll have the privilege of watching all of that talent out on the ice in the All Star game on Saturday.