mercer_chiefs
RT @Fish4scores: Robbinsville native/PDS-Mercer Chiefs-UofVermont alum Ross Colton scores goal in his NHL debut with Stanley Cup champion T…
Procedures + Protocols for practices + game days!
- If you are NOT feeling well - do not come to the rink! If you have been in contact with anyone who has COVID, do not come to the rink! Please be honest.
- Masks are required EVERYWHERE in the rink, except on the ice. You must leave your mask on while getting your skates on!
- Do not arrive for practice or games more than 10 minutes before your scheduled start time. You will be asked to wait outside, not in the vestibule.
- Upon arrival, everyone MUST stop at the front desk for a temperature check and to see what ‘area’ your team is assigned to. Anyone with a temperature over 100.4 will not be permitted further into the building and must immediately exit.
- Goalies may enter 20-30 minutes before their scheduled start time and may bring their bags in. This will be the ONLY exception to the hockey bag rule.
- The State of NJ is currently allowing TWO parents/guardians (No siblings, grandparents, etc.) into games and practices. They will be allowed into the rink 5 minutes before game time. They must remain in the rink, not the lobby due to our capacity restrictions. They must social distance, wear masks and be mindful of all COVID protocols. Everyone must check-in at the front desk and announce their duties at the rink for the game.
- Locker rooms will not be utilized. Please come to the rink dressed. Carry in your skates, helmet, sticks and gloves. No hockey bags may be brought into the rink. You may use the benches and/or chairs in your area to put on your skates. You may leave your shoes, mask, etc. in your area while you are on the ice. Please put your mask back on as soon as you get off the ice at end of your game/practice.
- You must leave within 5 minutes of finishing your game/practice to make room for incoming teams.
Waiver for Hockey Teams Playing at Ice Land
Please fill out THIS waiver if your hockey team is coming TO Ice Land to play a game with ANY of our teams at Ice Land! If you aren't sure if you have filled this out before, do it again! These waivers will be sorted by team AND birth year so it is imperative that you use the form below! Players will NOT be allowed on the ice without a current waiver form below!
Home AND Away teams MUST fill out this waiver!
All team information, including contact info for the coach(es) + team manager(s), can be found on the 'Team Pages' tab!
The Chiefs have dedicated the remainder of the season to injured Philadelphia Little Flyers player Brian Page, who recently suffered a severe spinal cord injury.
87 Strong - Link to Brian Page's Go Fund Me Page.
Mercer Chiefs News
Congrats to our 08's - 2019-20 AYHL Champions!
Coach Chris Barcless + Asst. Coach Mike Kuzma
Former Chief makes his NHL debut!
Former Chief and U18 Premier Assistant Coach, Ross Colton, made his NHL debut 2/24/21 for the Tampa Bay Lightening! You have made the Chiefs so unbelievably proud! From Ice Land to the NHL! The sky is the limit!
Coach Barcless said, ‘I couldn’t be more happy and excited for a player like Ross. The amount of time he puts into his training and preparation, got him this once in a lifetime opportunity! He deserves to be in the NHL!’ Ross continues to train with Coach Barcless regularly at Ice Land!
AND HE SCORES! His second shift EVER in an NHL game and he puts one in the net! Proud is an understatement! The Chiefs are sharing in your excitement, Ross! We can't wait to see where this journey takes you!
New 2009 + 2010 coach for the 2021/22 season!
The Mercer Chiefs are happy to announce that Ross Carmichael will be joining the Mercer Chiefs organization as the 2009 + 2010 Head Coach in the 2021-22 season!
Ross grew up playing youth hockey for the Mercer Chiefs organization under Coach Barcless from Peewee Minor through Midgets, winning the AYHL and competing at USA Hockey Nationals his final season. In high school, he played three years at Princeton Day School and then a post-graduate year at National Sports Academy. He also played one season for the Tri-State Selects. In college, Ross played four seasons for Castelton University (NCAA Div III). He served as Assistant Team Captain for the 2006-07 season, ranked in the top ten in the country for three of the four seasons and was the 2005 ECAC Rookie of the Week.
Ross began coaching with the San Diego Gulls/Sabers in the Western States Hockey League and the San Diego Jr. Gulls youth program. His 2016-17 AAA Bantam Major team won a CAHA state championship and represented CAHA at Districts. His teams qualified for WSHL playoffs an impressive six out of seven seasons!
‘Ross will be an outstanding mentor to these young players and is a terrific skills coach as well,’ said Coach Chris Barcless ‘We are lucky to have Ross as part of the Chiefs organization.’
Also, another exciting announcement for not only the 2009-2010 teams but for all of the Mercer Chief AAA teams - they will ALL work with Joe DeMarco during the season for their off-ice training, with access to his gym. Joe is a huge part of the Mercer Chiefs family and his extensive resume speaks for itself!
2021/22 Tryouts!
Stay tuned for 2021/22 tryout information this Spring! Once we have the exact dates for our team tryouts, they will be posted here.
* Beginning - 4/14/21 - Tryouts for 2021-22 Season begin after 5:00pm - (Tier I - 10U/12U)
*Beginning - 5/05/21 - Tryouts for 2021-22 Season begin after 5:00pm - (Tier I - 14/15/16/18 )
Black Bear Selects Team for 2006 Birth Years!
Black Bear Sports Group creates the Black Bear Selects team to compete in international competition! The team will compete at the World Selects Trophy in Nashville, TN from June 28-July 2, 2021.
Black Bear Sports Group has created a new invitation only tournament hockey team at the 2006 birth year level called Black Bear Selects. The team will compete at the international World Selects Trophy from June 28-July 2, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.
The World Selects Trophy tournament feature the top teams and players from the United Sates, Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic and more. The tournament is considered one of the most highly scouted and competitive events in youth hockey.
The Black Bear Selects will be led by Chris Kanaly, Rob Broderick, Chad Dlugolecki, and Pat Ferrill, four elite coaches in the Atlantic District, to build and guide an elite group of youth hockey players born in 2006. The coaches will use advanced scouting, coaching relationships, and player identification to select the team.
"Through the tireless efforts of our amazing coaches, I am thrilled that we can offer this program to our players," said Murry Gunty, Founder and CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. "It’s an honor for us to have the opportunity to send our young athletes to this event where they can compete against the best 2006 born hockey players in the world.”
Black Bear Selects is a continuation of Black Bear Sports Group’s commitment to the ladder of youth hockey development from the youngest players in their learn-to-play hockey programs through their junior hockey programs that compete at the highest levels in the United States Hockey League, North American Hockey League and Eastern Hockey League. Black Bear Sports Group currently owns fifteen youth hockey clubs at the Tier I and Tier II levels and three junior hockey franchises in the USHL, NAHL, and EHL.
About Black Bear Sports Group -
Black Bear Sports Group is a privately held company formed by Murry Gunty and Blackstreet Capital Holdings, LLC in 2015 that seeks investments in sports and entertainment facilities, teams, and youth sports events. Black Bear arenas are clean and professionally managed and offer world-class recreational programs. Black Bear focuses on ice arenas in metropolitan areas with compelling demographics, markets with a National Hockey League club presence, and arenas with existing youth hockey clubs. The largest owner/operator of ice rinks in the U.S., Black Bear’ footprint totals 23 facilities across the United States with 42 sheets of indoor ice, three indoor turf fields, 15 youth hockey clubs and three Junior “A” hockey franchises. For more information, visit Black Bear Sports Group.com.
For more information on Black Bear Selects and how to get scouted, contact:
Chris Kanaly (609) 713-4520
Chad Dlugloecki (973) 517-3913
Rob Broderick (347) 886-2185
Pat Ferrill (215) 852-3506
For Black Bear Sports Group, contact:
Ryan Scott (240) 223-1338
rscott@blackbearsportsgroup.com
JB Hockey Academy - Spring Hockey Program
JB Hockey Academy - Spring Hockey Program for 2008 and older! Stay tuned for additional details and registration coming soon!
Includes - Training Ice -
- 10 hours of ice at Ice Land, Pro Skate or Grundy. Depending on the needs of the team, this can be provided as training weekends or weekday practices.
- $750 - The full package includes jersey + socks.
2008 Birth Year - Coach Chris Barcless
-Top Tier, May 14-16, Pittsburgh, PA
-2nd more local Showcase - TBD
2007 Birth Year - Coach Chris Barcless
-Top Tier, May 14-16, Pittsburgh, PA
-2nd more local Showcase TBD
2006 Birth Year - Coach Chris Barcless
-Top Tier, May 14-16, Pittsburgh, PA
-2nd more local Showcase TBD
2005 Birth Year - Coach TBD
-This will include top Showcases which Coach Broderick has done for 15 years - such as Pre-Draft, Chowder Cup, and the Battle of Boston.
2004, 2003 Birth Years, and U20 - Coach Rob Broderick
-This will include top Showcases which Coach Broderick has done for 15 years - such as Pre-Draft, Chowder Cup, and the Battle of Boston.
Please contact Rob Broderick at rbroderick9912@gmail.com with questions if interested. Use the link below to apply for this program!
The Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation was formed in 2020 to remove financial barriers to youth hockey. Through individual grants and sponsored programming, the foundation's goal is to increase American youth hockey participation and ease the financial stress that many families undertake to afford equipment and ice time. Youth hockey cultivates friendships, teamwork and accountability. Most importantly, players develop a lifetime passion for the sport. To date, the Black Bear Youth Hockey Foundation has supported over 20 families with over $25,000 in scholarships for tuition, gear and travel.
Everyone should have the chance to play the greatest game on Earth! How can you help? We understand that many of you are not able to make a monetary donation. Take a look at some other ways you can get involved, whether it’s as simple as sharing our organization on social media or volunteering at fundraising events!
We are partnering with Elite Junior Profiles!
We are excited to announce a new partnership between Elite Junior Profiles and the Chiefs! This partnership expands our mission to help student athletes reach their college and professional goals. EJP provides athletes access to an affordable platform to build an online resume and profile they can share with coaches, scouts and even prospective employers. EJP helps our student-athletes get better exposure and EJP profiles rank quickly in Google searches for the athlete's name which is a key component to the recruiting process. Click the link below to get your player profile started!
Official link to register through the Chiefs -
https://order.elitejrprofiles.com/start?via=mercer
For more information, click the red box below!
Seeking Billet Families for the 2020/21 Season!
Every season the Mercer Chiefs seek local families to become billet families.This upcoming season is no exception!
What is a billet family you might ask? An exceptional young player who lives outside the area and wants to come play for the Chiefs. Enter the billet family. Billet families provide a caring, supportive, family environment to be the home away from home for each of our players. Billeting can be a very exciting and rewarding experience for those willing to open up their homes to our hockey players.
‘I know from personal experience – I have billeted boys the last 4 years and I can share that the experience was a wonderful one for my family. We will always consider these young men a part of our family. Also, I was once a billet player and I will always consider my host family my second family,’ says Rob Broderick.
The player pays the billet family for their ‘room and board.’ While financial compensation is part of being a billet family, the real rewards are found in the relationships that are made with these players. Often times, lifelong bonds that cannot be broken and the player becomes part of your family! Providing a home and family atmosphere to these kids who are away from their own families, as they pursue their dreams, is very special. These players have all been vetted and are special young men. You are not responsible for driving them to or from the rink or for paying for any of their activities. They will keep busy with both on and off ice activities as they are very serious about looking to move on to play college and professional hockey one day.
Join the billeting world and host one of our Chiefs players this year! We have many players coming from a few different states and we need you!
If interested please contact Rob at rbroderick9912@gmail.com.
Congrats to Mercer Chief drafted into USHL!
Major congratulations go out to Mercer Chiefs player Mike Sullo for being drafted into the USHL draft by the Youngstown Phantoms! ‘Mike is a terrific young man and a very special hockey player! He has a tremendous work ethic, as strong as anyone I have coached,’ said Rob Broderick of the Chiefs. ‘Mike is a hard working kid. Very coachable. Great speed and can put the puck in the net. He is a great kid from a great family,’ said Coach Barcless. We look forward to seeing all the great things that are coming Mike's way. Congratulations Mike!
Art Femenella hired as Midget Defensive Coach!
The Mercer Chiefs are excited to announce that we have hired Art Femenella as the Defensive Coach for the Mercer Chiefs U16 and U18 teams! Coach Rob Broderick said, ‘Art coached with me a few years back and is one of the good ones! He will not only bring his expertise to the teams, but he will help these kids in so many different ways, especially our defensemen.’ Art was a draft choice of the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL, he played four years at the University of Vermont, he was a NDTP guy and a defenseman for the Sioux City Musketeers in USHL. We are lucky to bring him onto our staff!
Three Chiefs players selected for the USA National Camp in Buffalo!
A huge congratulations goes out to three of our Mercer Chiefs, Mike Citera, Damian Carfagna and TJ Semptimphelter, for being selected to the USA National Camp! From 80 players, only 6 forwards, 4 defenseman and 1 goalie were chosen!
The USA 17 National Camp is in Buffalo, June 25th - July 1st from the Atlantic District. “This is a testament to Mike, Damian and TJ. Not only to their talent but also to their work ethic. It is also a huge indication of the quality of coaching at the Chiefs and in particular Coach Chris Barcless. Chris is one of the best hockey coaches in the country,” said Chiefs General Manager Rob Broderick.
Congratulations boys and good luck in Buffalo!
Ross Colton, Mercer Chiefs player, signed to the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL!
A huge congratulations goes out to Ross Colton, a lifelong Mercer Chiefs player, for signing with the Tampa Bay Lightning of the NHL. On Tuesday, June 26th, the NHL Vice President and General Manager Steve Yzerman announced, “The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Ross Colton to a two-year, two-way contract.”
Ross said, “I owe a lot to the Chiefs organization and especially to Coach Barcless. I would not be where I am today without them.”
The Mercer Chiefs family and Ice Land congratulate Ross for signing to play for the Tampa Bay organization and we couldn’t be prouder! We can't wait to see him on the ice!
Mercer family now owners of USHL Franchise!
The Mercer Chiefs organization is thrilled to announce that the Mercer family is now owners of a USHL franchise. Ice Land and Mercer Chiefs General Manager Rob Broderick said, “This is a game changer for the Mercer Chiefs hockey club. USHL is the best Junior League in the country, the only Tier One Junior League in the United States. The Chiefs are now part of an organization with an NAHL team, a EHL team and now a USHL team. The Chiefs players will have the opportunity to play for a great program from Mites through the two best Junior programs in the United States. This is a very exciting day for the Mercer Chiefs!" Chiefs Hockey Director Chris Barclass said, "This is a great day for the Mercer Chiefs family. Now the Chiefs organization has the EHL, the NAHL and the USHL as options for our top Tier One Midget Players."
Congratulations to Coby and Chip drafted
A big congratulations to Coby Auslander and Chip Hamlett for being drafted by the Boston Bandits. Coby and Chip are both on the U18AAA Premier team for the 2018 season for the Chiefs. "Two terrific players, the Bandits picked two gamers. Coby was taken first overall in the draft. "He is a smart, talented forward and Chip is a solid two way defenseman. They are both solid on both sides of the puck," said Mercer Chiefs U18 Coach and GM Rob Broderick. Congrats Coby and Chip!
Take a moment and vote for former Chief, Jonathan Bendorf, for the Hobey Baker Award! He played for Coach Barcless the majority of his youth hockey career and still skates and helps with his camp in the summer!
Coach Barcless said, ‘Jonathan is a great kid and one of the smarter hockey players I have worked with. He plays all 200 feet. He is a selfless player committed to the game and his training. He has a great scoring touch and is good around the net. He is also a really fun kid! I have always enjoyed training Jonathan! Vote for him - he deserves it!’ #bendy4hobey #onceachiefalwaysachief
Jonathan Bendorf - Mercyhurst
Not pictured: Dan Pressl - 18 Elite, Joe Wagner - 16 American
The Mercer Chiefs U18 Premier team officially finished in 2nd place in the AYHL U18 division, behind only the North Jersey Avalanche in the top U18 league. The team finished first overall in the ECEL 18 Premier Division!
Congratulations to the 2018/19 U16 AYHL Champions, under the direction of Coach Barcless!
Congratulations to Aidan McDowell for being drafted by the Maryland Black Bears in the NAHL Draft! We can't wait to see you play in the NAHL!
Mercer Chiefs
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Awesome coach joining the staff at Mercer. Make sure to check out the post on FB. Welcome Ross Carmichael! https://t.co/ndRmSBvpir
mercer_chiefs
Here’s video highlight of Ross’s goal Incase anyone missed it. Go Ross!! https://t.co/l55opLx3W6
Click logo to go to the AYHL website!
Social Media
Facebook -
facebook.com/mercerchiefshockey
Twitter -
twitter.com/mercer_chiefs
Instagram -
instagram.com/mercerchiefshockey
Rob Broderick
GM
Phone: 3478862185
Chris Barcless
T1 Master Scheduler/Hockey Director
Marco Escalona
Goalie Coach
Mercer Chiefs
The Mercer Chiefs competitive hockey program offers a structured and disciplined venue for children up to the age of 18 to participate in a highly competitive travel hockey league. The program is selective in matching a child’s physical ability and skill level with the appropriate level of competition and developmental options. The Mercer Chiefs Tier 1 AAA teams offer the highest level of competition both regionally and nationally and compete within the AYHL and at high-level tournaments throughout the country. Tier 1 hockey programs require a significant commitment from both the player and their parents or guardians with respect to practices, games, and tournaments and this commitment should be carefully considered before participating in the program. The rewards gained from this commitment are significant for all involved. The primary focus of the Mercer Chiefs program has been and will continue to be on the development, competitiveness, and enjoyment of the player participating in high level athletic competition.
Player Development
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT
- Maximizing the amount of on-ice practices.
- Emphasis on fundamentals & skill development.
- Certified coaching staff for all practices.
- Pre-season Mini Camp in late August.
Regular season begins in September and runs through March.
Rink Contact Info
General Manager of Ice Land + the Mercer Chiefs - Rob Broderick -
rob@ice-land.com
Hockey Director - Chris Barcless -
cbarcless@ice-land.com
Skating Director + Office Manager - Jenn Schaffener -
jenn@ice-land.com
Facilities Manager - Matt Conti -
matt@ice-land.com
Master Scheduler + Adult Hockey League Director - Heather O'Connell -
heather@ice-land.com
Pro Shop - Brian Arnott -
proshop@ice-land.com
Coach Contact Info
Mercer Chiefs Mite Director -
Brett Aimone - brettaimone27@hotmail.com
2011 - Brett Aimone - brettaimone27@hotmail.com
2009 + 2010 - Marco Escalona - shutout85@gmail.com
2007 + 2008 - Chris Barcless - cbarcless@ice-land.com
2006 - Oscar Watson - olwatson7@icloud.com
U15 Pure - Krzysztof Oliwa - oliwashredzone@gmail.com
16 American - Joe Wagner - josephwagner74@gmail.com
U18 Premier + U16 National - Rob Broderick - rob@ice-land.com
U18 Elite - Dan Pressl - dan.pressl@gmail.com
Click logo to go to Ice Land's website!
Click here to go to Black Bear's website!
Contact
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