22 T1ER Players Selected in the 2026 NAHL Draft
On June 10, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) held its 23rd Entry Draft, where 16 players from the North American T1ER Hockey League (NAT1HL) were selected to advance to the next level of junior hockey within the NAHL family of leagues.
Additionally, six players from the T1ER League were selected in the NAHL Futures Draft on June 9. The Futures Draft is designed to give 16-year-old players early exposure to junior hockey and develop their careers to support advancement to the NCAA .
The end of the drafts cemented the NAT1HL as a valuable stepping stone for athletes during their hockey careers, and further solidified the league as a path for advancement to high-level junior hockey.
“As we enter our 18th season, the benefits of the NAHL’s ladder of development through the T1ER League has never been more evident,” said Dennis Vickers, NAHL Director of Player Personnel. “The continued success of our players in the NAHL Futures and Entry Drafts is a direct reflection of the development, competition, and exposure provided throughout the season. From the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, where all 34 NAHL teams and hundreds of NCAA, USHL, and NHL scouts are in attendance, to events like the NAHL Experience Series, T1ER Top Prospects, NAHL Prospects Challenge, and NAHL Combines, our players are consistently evaluated by coaches and scouts at the next level. Seeing 22 current and former T1ER players selected in this year’s drafts, and another 67 players tendered further validates the league’s mission and reinforces why no youth league has advanced more players to the NAHL than the T1ER League.”
The opportunities and results provided by playing in the NAT1HL are apparent. Since 2020, the T1ER League has advanced more players to the NAHL than any other youth league.
T1ER Players Selected in the 2026 NAHL Entry Draft
Brock Bienemann, F, Pittsburgh Stars 15U AAA 2024-2025. (Philadelphia Rebels, Round 4, Pick 103)
Jayton Frederick, F, Omaha Mastery AAA 2021-2025. (Amarillo Wranglers, Round 4, Pick 104)
Nikita Lagodko, F, Pittsburgh Stars 16U AAA 2025-2026. (Johnstown Tomahawks, Round 4, Pick 112)
Brodie Mich, D, CarShield 2023-2025. (Janesville Jets, Round 5, Pick 142)
Jackson Stocker, F, CarShield AAA 2022-2024. (Odessa Jackalopes, Round 5, Pick 154)
Brendan Miller, F, Maine Jr. Mariners 16 U AAA 2024-2025. (Fairfield Ice Dogs, Round 5, Pick 156)
William Tanny, D, CarShield AAA 18U 2024-2025. (New Mexico Ice Wolves, Round 5, Pick 161)
Merik Grinaker, G, Northstar Christian Acad 16U AAA 2021-2022. (Springfield Jr. Blues, Round 7, Pick 213)
Elias Ehrhardt, F, Madison Capitals 16U AAA 2025-2026. (Wisconsin Windigo, Round 9, Pick 282)
Carson Craig, D, Vegas Jr. Golden Knights AAA 2020-2024. (Austin Bruins, Round 9, Pick 290)
Atley Perdue, D, Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey 16U 2024-2025. (Maryland Black Bears, Round 9, Pick 291)
William Brauer, D, Indiana Elite 18U AAA 2024-2025. (New Hampshire Mountain Kings, Round 10, Pick 301)
Patrick Sweeney, D, Philadelphia HC AAA 2022-2026. (Johnstown Tomahawks, Round 12, Pick 366)
Dean Gasser, D, New Jersey Jr. Titans 16U AAA 2023-2024. (Springfield Jr. Blues, Round 12, Pick 373)
Eli Shulman, F, Lincoln Stars AAA 2023-2025. (Northeast Generals, Round 13, Pick 407)
Cooper Palazzolo, F, CarShield AAA 18U 2021-2022. (Johnstown Tomahawks, Round 14, Pick 430)
T1ER Players Selected in the 2026 NAHL Futures Draft
William Pugliese, F, Omaha Mastery AAA 2024-2026. (Kenai River Brown Bears, Round 1, Pick 3)
Bryan Schwartz, G, Philadelphia HC AAA 2024-2026. (Philadelphia Rebels, Round 1, Pick 6)
Henry Cooler, F, Omaha Mastery AAA 2023-2026. (Omaha Mastery, Round 1, Pick 27)
CJ Mistichelli, F, Philadelphia HC AAA 2024-2026. (Philadelphia Rebels, Round 2, Pick 38)
Deacon Wilson, F, Seattle Jr. Kraken 14U AAA 2023-2024. (Wisconsin Windigo, Round 2, Pick 55)
Kole Krawitz, F, Omaha Mastery AAA 2024-2026. (Aberdeen Wings, Round 2, Pick 59)
