The North Pittsburgh Wildcats 2002-1 team has earned the top rank among all Tier II 2002 birth year teams in the USA according to MyHockeyRankings.  The squad is ranked #1 in the nation out of over two hundred teams in the 2002 birth year grouping.

MyHockeyTournaments calculates team ratings for youth hockey teams across the country on a weekly basis.  The company uses the ratings to improve the quality of competition at their regional hockey tournaments.  This week, the Wildcats have achieved the highest rating in their class, putting them in the #1 spot.

Having hovered at the number 2 rank for most of the season, Coach Mike Fritz’s Bantam team eclipsed former number 1 Troy Sting after a strong showing at the AAA SuperSeries Showcase in Hershey, PA this past weekend.  Coach Fritz’s team earned 4 wins and 1 tie at the showcase, including victories over AAA teams from New Jersey, North Carolina, and Maryland.

The team has an overall record of 32 wins – 11 losses – 7 ties, including 23 wins against AAA teams and 15 shutouts overall.  The team has also had impressive tournament results, including:

• Little Caesar’s AAA Labor Day Invitational - Silver Finalists
• Rochester Americans AAA Invitational - Silver Champions
• Warrior Invitational AAA – Quarter-Finalists
• Wildcats November Invitational AAA Showcase - Champions
• Pen’s Elite Winter Challenge Invitational  - Semi-Finalists
• IHT AAA – Rochester Tourney – Finalists

Coaches and parents are very proud of the team’s accomplishments this season, as the players’ work ethic and persistence has clearly paid off.  Next up for the team includes games against the Amherst Knights AAA, Buffalo Saints AAA, and a final showcase in Cleveland to end the season.

Congratulations to the players, coaches, and families!

UPDATE FEBRUARY 26, 2016:  Coach Fritz and the Bantam 2002s were featured in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.  
Click here to see the story!