Little Caesars AAA Hockey: A Legacy of Champions Continues at Nationals

For many teams, the phrase “pack your bags” signals the end of a season—but for Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, it marks the beginning of another championship pursuit. This season, 11 of the club’s 12 Tier I teams captured state titles, bringing their all-time total to an impressive 123 since 1968. Of the 12 teams in the program, eight— 2011 boys; 2010 boys; 2009 boys; 2008 boys; 18U boys; 14U girls; 16U girls; and 19U girls— are eligible to compete at Nationals due to the 13 and up age group restriction. This year, all eight eligible teams will take the ice at the Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships, vying for one of the most prestigious titles in Tier I hockey.

The road to Nationals was paved with outstanding performances at the State Championship tournament. While there were countless standout moments, we would be remiss not to recognize some of the most exceptional efforts from our athletes. The Little Caesars girls were backstopped by elite goaltending, with Rilyn Stolz posting an incredible .982 save percentage over three games to lead the 14U Girls to victory. The 19U Girls also benefited from stellar play in net, as Mila Bosev and Sarah Neubecker combined to stop 65 of 68 shots in a dominant, cohesive effort. On the boys' side, goaltending was equally impressive, particularly from Troy Falbo of the 2010 Boys. Over four games, he allowed just one goal, helping his team secure yet another state title. Of course, no recap would be complete without mentioning the remarkable performance of Ilya Kolmakov of the 2008 Boys. In just five games, he netted an astounding 14 goals while adding nine assists, showcasing his elite offensive ability.

The Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club has built an extraordinary legacy of success, winning 123 state championships and 24 national titles over its 57-year history. However, while championships are a proud achievement, the program’s true mission extends beyond the scoreboard. The primary focus is on developing well-rounded individuals, equipping them with the skills and character needed for success both on and off the ice. Through a combination of elite instruction, discipline, and positive reinforcement from top-tier coaches, players experience a developmental environment that fosters both growth and competition. Little Caesars AAA Hockey has proudly developed over 800 NCAA athletes and 116 professional players since its inception in 1968. Additionally, the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club maintains a strong connection with the Detroit Red Wings, sharing ownership under the Ilitch family and aligning closely with the values and excellence of the storied NHL franchise.