Little Caesars AAA Boys and Girls Hockey Teams End 2022-23 Season on a High Note, with State and National Championship Wins

• Multiple Players Also Selected to Play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and U.S. National Development Team Program (NDTP)

The Little Caesars AAA (LCAAA) boys and girls hockey teams had a remarkable 2022-23 season, with multiple teams winning state championships and players being offered the opportunity to continue their hockey careers at an elite level. An impressive nine of the twelve teams took home Michigan state championships. The boys’ teams secured state titles in the 18U, 16U, 15U, 2011, 2010, and 2009 divisions, while the girls’ teams claimed state victory in the U19, U14, and U12 divisions. Also, two LCAAA teams continued on to compete in the national championships, with the U14 girls’ team and U16 boys’ team vying for the top spot in their respective divisions.

Additionally, as the season came to a close, multiple Little Caesars AAA players were drafted to play in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), three made the U.S. National Development Team Program and several committed to play with colleges.

The Little Caesars AAA organization has built a reputation for developing high-caliber talent in youth hockey, and this season is no different.

“The success of the Little Caesars AAA teams this season is a testament to the heart and hustle of the talented young athletes, and I’m so proud of their achievements,” said Brian Rolston, Director, Little Caesars Amateur Hockey. “I’m grateful to our dedicated coaches and staff as well the families who show up every day to support the players on and off the ice.”

Congratulations to the players who will continue to pursue their hockey careers in the OHL, NDTP or in college:

• Hughston Hurt – selected by Sarnia Sting in the 4^th round; 69^th overall
• Charlie Trethewey – selected by Saginaw Spirit in the 5^th round; 96^th overall
• Will Horcroff – selected by Saginaw Spirit in the 5^th round; 98^th overall
• Easton Pace – selected by Windsor Spitfires in the 7^th round; 140^th overall
• Nicholas Kosiba – selected by Sarnia Sting in the 8^th round; 148^th overall
• Gavin Lock – selected by Peterborough Pete’s in the 8^th round; 153^rd overall
• Cooper Bordeua – selected by Saginaw Spirit in the 8^th round; 156^th overall
• Evan Jardine – selected by Flint Firebords in the 9^th round; 175^th overall  
• Sammy Diblasi – selected by Saginaw Spirit in the 9^th round; 176^th overall
• William Horcoff, Joey Slavick, and Charlie Tretheway – made the U.S. National Development Team Program (NDTP)
• Charlie Michaud – Committed to University of Miami
• Ella Blackmore – Committed to Northeastern University
• Cassie Hall – Committed to University of Wisconsin – Madison
• Sidney Jackel – Committed to Lindenwood University
• Kaia Malachino – Committed to Colgate University
• Ava McIllmurray – Committed to Lindenwood University
• Teagan Vaughan – Committed Assumption College

In addition to Little Caesars AAA hockey, the Little Caesars Amateur Hockey League, which was started by Mike and Marian Ilitch in 1978 to encourage young people in and around Detroit to play the game competitively, has more than 600 travel and house teams with more than 13,000 participants. Youth players from metro Detroit and around the US and Canada are provided opportunities to build their skills in a competitive league that has become one of the country’s most respected youth hockey programs.