Arizona Rubber Magazine - April 2019

VOLUME 14

ISSUE 8

APRIL 2019

KIRALY SIBLINGS PART OF MEN’S, WOMEN’S NCAA D-III TITLE TEAMS MISSION AZ 18U SQUAD CAPTURES SILVER AT NATIONAL TOURNAMENT AHU HANDS OUT SEASON AWARDS AFTER WRAPPING ’18-19 CAMPAIGN FIRST-YEAR PRO MCGOVERN WINS NWHL ISOBEL CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

The Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association might be in a remote mountain town with a small population, but the Northstars program brought home a state championship this season and is keeping the game growing in Northern Arizona

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FROM THE EDITOR Spring is here, and while seasons have ended, still lots going on

T

he month of April means most hockey seasons are wrapping up.

National tournaments concluded earlier this month and college seasons have ended as well.

Junior hockey playoffs are over or in full swing and NHL and AHL playoffs are getting going.

And while some rinks may be a tad quieter these days and some players taking a well-deserved break from the season-long grind, the news aspect of the hockey world never stops.

Junior players are making college commitments, youth players are signing with junior teams and some youth programs are getting tryouts set for the 2019-20 season.

Matt Mackinder This time of year can be a bit bittersweet.

There is less hockey being played, but some downtime for us at Arizona Rubber Magazine never hurts either.

Enjoy the springtime and we’ll see you in May! The Arizona Coyotes unveiled March 28 a new outdoor DEK hockey rink at Grand Canyon University, part of the new Canyon Activities Complex.

The Coyotes donated the full cost of the project to GCU, totaling $150,000.

“We’re thrilled to unveil a new multi-purpose outdoor hockey rink at Grand Canyon University,” said Coyotes president-CEO Ahron Cohen. “One of our fundamental objectives as an organization is to grow the game of hockey throughout the entire state of Arizona and we will not rest until everyone in Arizona has been exposed to our great sport. We are fortunate to have an incredible partner in GCU, who is ideologically aligned with us in this pursuit. We look forward to GCU activating this rink with its students for years to come.”

The Coyotes previously unveiled new DEK hockey rinks at Luke Air Force Base (April 2017), the Northwest YMCA in El Mirage (Aug. 2017), the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club at Laguna Elementary School (Oct. 2017), and the Boys and Girls Club of Tucson at Doolen Middle School (July 2018).

The Coyotes have identified numerous additional sites in the Valley where the next DEK hockey rinks will be constructed.

Arizona Rubber Magazine is published by: Mackinder Media, LLC, P.O. Box 373 Goodrich, MI 48438, 10 times a year, once monthly September through May and once in the summer.

Postmaster: send address changes to: P.O. Box 373 Goodrich, MI 48438 Ph. (248) 890-3944 Email: matt@rubberhockey.com Subscription Rates: $49.95 USD * Single Copy: $3.95 USD Mail subscriptions to: P.O. Box 373 Goodrich, MI 48438 Subscriptions are non-refundable REPORT AN ERROR IMMEDIATELY Arizona Rubber Magazine will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion Visit our Web site at: www.AZRubberHockey.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/arizonarubber Follow us on Twitter: @AZRubberHockey

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Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Rippy

CAPPING OFF THE SEASON

A total of 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders have been selected to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP) and will compete as the U.S. National Under-17 Team in 2019-20.

The 23 players – all from the 2003 birth year – come from 14 different states, including two from Arizona.

“As a staff, we are thrilled about the bright, young talent we have on our roster,” said NTDP director of player personnel Kevin Reiter. “We’re confident that they will contribute to the long history of success the National Team Development Program has had and are excited to see what they can accomplish this upcoming season.”

The Arizona natives are both Scottsdale natives and both forwards are sons of former Coyotes players in Tyler Boucher, the son of goalie Brian Boucher, and Redmond Savage, the son of forward Brian Savage.

Mesa native and Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL) goaltender Blake Bjella has committed to NCAA Division III Worcester State University for the 201920 season.

“Whaler Nation is truly a large family that welcomed me with open arms and to be a part of another championship team was an absolute pleasure,” said Bjella. “I am excited for the opportunity to get an education and further my hockey career at Worcester State.”

Way to go, Blake!

Later this summer, the Arizona Coyotes Summer Classic is coming to rinks throughout the Valley.

Scheduled for June 21-23, the 11th annual adult hockey championship tournament will have five tiers, as well as a women’s division, and will be under the direction of the Arizona Amateur Hockey Association.

The championship game will be held June 23 at Gila River Arena.

Cost is $599 per team and more info is at www.azamateurhockey.org.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

In her first season of professional hockey after a four-year NCAA Division I career, Scottsdale native Katie McGovern captured an Isobel Cup championship with the NWHL’s Minnesota Whitecaps.

More on Page 5.

ON THE COVER Flagstaff Councilmember Jim McCarthy (in blue shirt) looks on as players from the Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association’s 14U state championship team present a team jersey to Mayor Coral Evans at the Flagstaff City Council meeting on April 16. The team presented the jersey to the mayor after providing the audience with some fun facts about her, such as the fact she is an FYHA alum and participated with Jay Lively. Photo/FYHA

McGovern part of ‘incredible’ Whitecaps NWHL title team

By Matt Mackinder

K

atie McGovern is a Scottsdale native, but she’s might as well call Minnesota her second home.

After playing NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth from 2013-17, McGovern joined the professional hockey ranks for the 2018-19 season with the National Women’s Hockey League’s (NWHL) Minnesota Whitecaps.

And what a rookie season she had, recording six goals and 11 points in 16 games and lifting the Isobel Cup as NWHL champions last month.

In reflecting on this past year, McGovern said it was a success on many levels.

“I found out the Whitecaps were joining the NWHL in May and that’s when I decided I wanted to try and make the team because I went to school at the University of Minnesota Duluth,” McGovern said.

“I thought it would be a great experience to go back there and play professionally. At the end of July, they had a tryout, and I was told in August that I had made the team.

“I was impressed with NWHL because it’s so competitive. There are a lot of really good hockey players in the league. I was also impressed with the staff because they are so open for feedback and how to improve it and make it better.”

McGovern also noted that the NWHL is a major component of girls and women’s hockey growing all across North America.

“The NWHL is inspiring the next generation to follow their dreams and play professionally,” said McGovern. “It also gives women the opportunity to continue playing competitively after college.”

She also added that winning a championship in

her first NWHL season was “incredible.”

“It was a goal of mine and my team from the beginning,” McGovern said. “It meant so much to win it because I made so many sacrifices in hockey during

Scottsdale native Katie McGovern raises the Isobel Cup after winning the NWHL championship this season with the Minnesota Whitecaps.

my hockey career and to win the Isobel Cup playing professionally was like a dream come true. Everything came together.”

Getting the chance to play college hockey and

now professionally was an aspiration of McGovern’s from a young age.

“I think I realized I had the potential to go far in the game when I had my coaches and coaches at camps tell me I had a lot of potential,” said McGovern. “I just loved the game so much that I wanted to push myself to be the best player I could be.

“I loved my experience at UMD and playing in the NCAA tournament my senior year was really special.

It was really the best four years of my life.”

McGovern grew up playing at Oceanside Ice Arena for the DYHA Firebirds, and then played girls hockey for the Arizona Selects and AZ Lady Coyotes.

“Gayle Shallop was my coach for the Lady Coyotes, and she really pushed me and inspired me to play college hockey because she played at Providence College,” noted McGovern.

Last year, McGovern took a year off from playing and coached the Lady Coyotes’ 14U team and with the Arizona State women’s hockey team. She also coached the Small Frys with Lyndsey Fry and this spring and summer will be working with the Small Frys again as well as with the new Kachinas Development Program.

“I want to be a role model for girls back in Arizona and show them if they work hard, they can follow their dreams, whether that’s to play high school hockey, college hockey, or professionally, they can do just that,” McGovern said. “I want to help develop them and hopefully, they can fall in love with the game, too.”

So what’s on tap for the 2019-20 season for McGovern?

“Right now, I’m not sure what my plans are for next year, but I will continue to train over the summer and skate,” said McGovern.

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Flying the Flagstaff Banner Northstars teams enjoy successful, remarkable 2018-19 season in Northern Arizona he walls of Flagstaff’s Jay Lively Ice Rink are decorated with banners won through the years, some boasting names of then-players who are now coaches within the Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association (FYHA).

During the 2018-19 season, FYHA added four new championship banners: · 14U AZYHL Cactus Division State Champions · CSAHA President’s Day Tournament, 10U B Division · Las Vegas Invitational Tournament, 10U B Division · Gopher State Veterans’ Cup in Minneapolis, Minn., 10U B Division “It’s truly remarkable FYHA is able to pull together such competitive teams, despite living in a small mar-

and travel. He did, coincidentally, have a few of his hockey players as students at school.

“It added to the quality of my relationship with the team to see these kids on a daily basis,” added Kuzara.

In addition to banner recognition, FYHA’s 14U team earned recognition from the City of Flagstaff, which honored the team during its regular council meeting on April 16. Kuzara and FYHA presented Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans with a personalized No. 30 Flagstaff Northstars jersey as part of the ceremony.

The 10U team, which competed in AZYHL’s Mesquite Division, was coached by Ryan Haar, a former NAU hockey player and recent graduate, and was assisted by Kyle Palmer, whose name graces several championship banners from his youth playing days at FYHA, and Dwight Downs, a

ket,” said Ryan Gearhart, 2018-19 FYHA president. “When you stop and consider that Flagstaff is smaller than Chandler – just one of the Valley’s many suburbs – it puts it all into perspective.”

Gearhart credits the teams’ success to the both the kids’ hard work and the coaches’ dedication to the program.

FYHA’s 14U team was coached by Ron Kuzara, a Minnesota native who coached and managed Northern Arizona University’s club hockey program from 2004 - 06. Today, he is a Flagstaff junior high school teacher who also plays in Flagstaff’s adult hockey league.

“My kids were a fantastic group and we enjoyed wonderful leadership among our players,” said Kuzara. “We were cohesive as a team and I’m extremely proud of how they overcame numerous injuries to come together and play our best hockey at the end of the year. Coaching itself is very rewarding. It’s wonderful to invest in the lives of these young athletes, developing them both as people and helping them appreciate the challenge of playing competitive hockey.”

Kuzara noted that while it is a long season, it’s worth the investment in time

Michigan native who took his love for hockey to the mountains of Arizona.

“We were pretty OK at hockey growing up (birth years ‘83-88),” said Palmer.

“For a small market, we had good teams and competed with those from much bigger markets – going places and winning a lot of tournaments. As a coach, it’s important for me to maintain that high level of play in Flagstaff while developing our kids now in FYHA. Keeping that tradition is incredibly important for us.”

Throughout its age groups, FYHA has several of its own player alumni, NAU alums, and past and present NAU coaches responsible for player development in the small mountain town.

“We don’t have former NHL players coaching here in Flagstaff, but we have something just as special - individuals whose passion for hockey has been with them their whole life,” Gearhart said. “Not everyone gets to go pro, and I think it’s healthy for kids to see that going pro doesn’t need to dictate your love for the sport.”

With the support of its town and stellar coaching staff, Flagstaff looks forward to continuing fielding competitive teams and developing players at every level.

By Tyff Sweeney

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Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Scottsdale’s Gabriele finds key role with NCDC’s Stars

By Joshua Boyd/USPHL.com

J

eremy Gabriele goes into his final year of junior hockey knowing one thing - he was one of the last Stars.

Indeed, the team that the ‘99 from Scottsdale suited up for in 2019-20, the Syracuse Jr. Stars, have moved operations to Utica, N.Y., and will play their forthcoming seasons as the Utica Jr. Comets, taking on the name and logo of that city’s American Hockey League franchise.

“It is an honor,” said Gabriele, a defenseman who played in 28 games for Syracuse in the National Collegiate Development Conference, the USPHL’s tuition-free top level of junior hockey. “Coach Paul Kelly reiterated to us before our last playoff series, and we knew the franchise was changing to Utica, so we wanted to win for Coach Kelly who had been in Syracuse for so long.

Going on the winning runs that we did at the end of the season really put Syracuse on the map.”

With many decisions to make this offseason, Gabriele - a Mite-to-Midget player with the Jr. Coyotes - can’t say he is 100 percent sure where he’ll be playing in 2019-20, but he will play another junior season. If he is back with Utica, he will certainly be happy to wear the new colors with pride.

“Utica’s going to be awesome with lots of new stuff surrounding a new team,” he added. “I’m weighing a few options, but I certainly wouldn’t say anything bad about playing for Utica.”

Whichever 2019-20 team does get Gabriele, they’ll

be getting a strong, 200-foot defenseman who is ex- er and younger sisters both went right into figure skating, tremely determined to make himself an NCAA Division and I went into hockey. I just fell in love with the game.

“I wouldn’t be playing juniors without the coaches I played I prospect.

“I’m a high compete level, two-way, puck-moving de- for, like Brian Savage, Derek King, Dave Ellett, Ulf fenseman,” said Gabriele. “I feel like I can run a power Samuelsson, Shawn McCosh, Mike Vukonich, Nick play pretty well. I’m a puck-moving defenseman who can Naumenko and Mike DeAngelis. All ex-pros, and they all helped me from Learn to Skate through move the puck north.”

Mites all the way to Midget 18U. And if Arizona State Universi“That Jr. Coyotes program is unty were to take interest, that’d be a believable. We had two of our teams dream come true for the local prodgo on to Nationals. Shane Doan is uct. coaching in the program now. They’re “Arizona State is a huge part of developing players well. There are a Arizona,” said Gabriele. “They went lot of outstanding, big-time players on that impressive, unbelievable run coming up.” to the NCAA Tournament. Everyone’s Another coach who he credits for really looking up to them and hopegetting him to the point where he cerfully, I’ll be able to one day play for tainly feels he can be a Division I prosthem.” pect is the man he just completed his The ASU option wasn’t there first season playing for in Kelly. when Gabriele came up through the Scottsdale native and Jr. Coyotes graduate “He’s awesome, he pays attenJr. Coyotes system, but what was Jeremy Gabriele played the 2018-19 season there was amazing coaching. The in the USPHL’s NCDC division, grabbing a tion to detail, and he expects a lot coaches in the Jr. Coyotes organiza- spot on the Syracuse Jr. Stars’ back end. from us,” said Gabriele. “In practice, if we’re not doing something right, he’ll tion that Gabriele played under car- Photo/USPHL stop it. He always wants to make sure everyone is doing ried extensive NHL and minor pro experience.

“I lived in Scottsdale all my life up to junior hockey,” the right thing, and that we’re coming together as a team.

Gabriele said. “My dad is from Chicago, and he always It was the best team I’ve been on, system-wise. We were loved hockey. When we bought a house here, the Ice just perfect. Unfortunately, it didn’t end well, but Coach Den Scottsdale opened about five minutes away. My old- Kelly did an awesome job.”

USPHL.com

Kiraly family brings home pair of NCAA national titles else,” he said. “We both were so happy for each other after our wins and getting that support from ne might be surprised to learn that there is no her was cool to have.” sibling rivalry between Danny and Hannah Hannah Kiraly’s title came first chronologically.

Kiraly.

Her Cardinals topped Hamline University 4-0 to cap The Glendale natives, who grew up playing hock- their national championship run March 16 in Minneey with programs in Peoria and sota. Exactly a week later, at their Arcadia, were each members of home rink in Wisconsin, Danny their respective colleges’ Division Kiraly and his Pointers teammates III national championship teams put the punctuation mark on an this season - a remarkable feat undefeated season by beating and one that found them rooting Norwich 3-2 in overtime to secure for each other more than trying to the national title. outdo the other.

“It is pretty wild that we were “Surprisingly, there’s not that able to do it in the same year,” sibling rivalry,” said Hannah KiDanny Kiraly said. “I think it’s cool, raly, a junior defenseman at Plattsand it gives us a memory that will burgh State University, which be unique for us to look back on in captured its second consecutive the future. Our family is proud of national title in March. “We’ve alus. It’s not very often two siblings ways maintained a really healthy can win national championships in and positive relationship with the same year, so it’s a proud mous and hockey. If anything, we ment for our family for sure.” pushed each other to be better.

Added Hannah Kiraly: “It was We consulted each other during Danny Kiraly celebrates Wisconsin-Ste- something my brother and I had the hard times and celebrated vens Point’s national championship on its talked about all season. It was the great times. We would shoot home ice on March 23. something we both wanted to do, pucks together, play street hockey together, early as any NCAA player would. However, we knew we morning stick and pucks - and little did we know all had really high chances of making history. Danny those moments would lead us to both winning a na- had a different route than I did, transferring in from tional championship in the 2018-19 season. Crazy.” a D-I program (Alaska-Fairbanks) that hadn’t made Danny Kiraly, a junior defenseman at the Univer- it far into its own playoffs. So I was overjoyed for sity of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, agreed. him that finally he was in a position to win a national “I think it’s more of a friendship than anything title because Danny is an amazing dude and such a

By Greg Ball

O

talented player. He deserves everything good that comes to him, that’s for sure.”

The siblings grew up as rink rats in a part of the country not necessarily known for its hockey.

Danny played for the Peoria Roadrunners, Team Arizona and the CAHA Jr. Coyotes. Hannah played against boys from 8-14 with Peoria and Team Arizo-

Hannah Kiraly shares the national title with her parents, Dave and Kelly, back on March 16 in Minnesota.

na. While both had a number of stops between the Phoenix suburbs and the locales where they found success as national champions, the journey was all worth it.

“My family’s reaction was so much love and excitement,” Hannah Kiraly said. “Hockey has been a huge part of my family’s core, and to reach one of the highest rewards for the sport, together with my best friend, means the world.”

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FLAGSTAFF YOUTH HOCKEY ASSOCIATION Flagstaff Northstars announce upcoming tryouts for 2019-20

NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY NAU program gives credit where credit is due for ’18-19 season

By Tyff Sweeney

By NAU Hockey Staff

F

A

lagstaff Youth Hockey Association (FYHA) travel team tryouts are taking place at the end of April.

The organization is restricted this year by the Jay Lively Ice Rink construction closure taking place in May, moving up the traditional tryout window so that they can be completed before Flagstaff schools let out for summer.

Tryouts will be conducted by head coaches of all teams, with all head coaches assisting all other head coaches with evaluations and selections.

“The head coach of a specific team is ultimately responsible for selection of the team, but the input provided from the rest of the FYHA coaching staff will be of great value,” said FYHA registrar Jamie Miele, about the 2019-20 team selection process.

Anticipated teams, depending on tryout attendance, for the 2019-20 season, are two 10U teams, two 12U teams, two 14U teams, one 16U Tier II team and one 18U tournament team (tryouts later this summer). ​​ 16U TRYOUTS (Coach Ron Kuzara) Thursday, April 25, 7:30-9 p.m.

Sunday, April 28, 10-11:15 a.m.

12U TRYOUTS (Coach Kyle Palmer) Tuesday, April 23, 5:40-6:50 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30, 5:40-6:50 p.m.

14U TRYOUTS (Coach Scott Robinson) Tuesday, April 23, 7:05-8:15 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30, 7:05-8:15 p.m.

10U TRYOUTS (Coach Travis Johanson) Tuesday, April 23, 4:15-5:25 p.m.

Tuesday, April 30, 4:15-5:25 p.m.

• Tryout cost is $200 ($75 applied towards tryouts, non-refundable; $125 applied towards uniforms, refundable).

• If a player is not placed on a travel team, the $125 uniform fee will be refunded. If a player is placed on a team, but chooses not to play for that team, you will have 72 hours from notice of selection to request a refund.

• To register, visit www.FYHA.org.

FYHA.org

s the season has come to a close, we would like to thank all the wonderful people and organizations who help make all this possible.

The student-athletes work tirelessly to compete at the highest level all while focusing on their schooling. The support of our parents, the loyal fans, and the community of Flagstaff is greatly appreciated, and we would not be able to do what we do without their assistance.

NAU Hockey would like to give a special thanks to Behind the Mask, Arizona Rubber Magazine, Eagle Mountain Construction, Days Inn Flagstaff, Legacy Beverage, and Aspen Valley Golf Club for their generous donations, as well as Kathy Walsh, a longtime fan and supporter of the program, for her continued loyalty and support.

We would like to thank Travis Joralmon on his work with our Coyotes Alumni event and fundraiser. A huge thank you to the Arizona Coyotes Alumni for their continued support of NAU Hockey and growing the game in Arizona. Thank you to Black Dog Hockey Productions for all our broadcasts this season. Thank you to Alesia Foster who works on the website all season. Thank you to the “Voice of Your IceJacks,” Mark Walsh, for all the live announcing this year.

Dr. Eric Honing was a savior to our season. On and off the ice, Dr. Honing supported the program with first-class service. Thank you for everything you do.

Last, but not least, we would like to thank our coaching staff of both teams, starting with D-II head coach Travis Johanson and assistant coaches Colin Hughes and Kris Walsh, D-III head coach Ryan Smith and assistant coaches Branden Schinzel and Billy Brenden. Thank you for a great season and your dedication to the organization.

NAU will be hosting a Spring Prospects Camp from April 26-27, with three 90-minute on-ice sessions. Cost is $75 and pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.nauicejacks.com. ​​

NAUIceJacks.com

On-ice improvement, community service dot AHU seasons Continued from Page 9 MVP is usually the player who contributes the most to their team.

Team MVPs are 8U White: Mason Hammer; 8U Silver: Austin Russo; 10U Silver: Brayden Willis; 10U White: Reagan Rivera; 12U Silver: Jack Welch; 12U Black: Chase Kane; 12U Gray: Viktor Sliwinski; 12U Purple: Jake Goebig; 12U White: Eli Shulman; 14U AA Black: Kai Hohoff; 14U AA Silver: Tyler Kowalchuk; and 18U AA Silver: Patrick Murphy.

Spirit of Service - This is an award that is awarded to the team who goes above and beyond giving back to hockey and their community.

One of the greatest team-building activities that a youth hockey team can do is to venture out into their communities and volunteer where there is a need. This is an award that is awarded to the team who goes above and beyond giving back to hockey and their community.

The AHU Bantam Black team has long recognized that it is a privilege to play travel hockey and giving back to the local community is necessary. In October, Bantam Black served South Phoenix families and the veteran community at St. Vincent de Paul. The team set up, served and cleaned up dinner for 40-plus families and 20-plus veterans. Adjacent to the dining hall is The Dream Center. This is an area of the facility where the kids and our players were able to hang out and play games, read books, help with homework and laugh. This service project left a lasting impression on the players and parents alike. Everyone on the team walked away a little dif8

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

ferently after the event.

In November, the team invaded a Fry’s Marketplace at 7:15 a.m. with one goal in mind - food shopping for their community. In conjunction with the Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA, the players and families filled their carts with turkeys, potatoes, pies

and all the other traditional Thanksgiving fixings to provide 14 local families with enough food for a hearty and healthy Thanksgiving dinner. After shopping, the team traveled to the Y where they received their delivery list and then were off again to hand-deliver the baskets they had assembled as well as an additional 11 baskets that the Y needed to be sent out.

In December, for the second year in a row, Bantam Black players and their families packed boxes of food for the Salvation Army to distribute over the

holiday season. This entailed unpacking food, assembling boxes, arranging the items into an assembly line format, packing the boxes and then loading the boxes on pallets. After all was said and done, the team had 500 boxes ready to go out the door for the holidays.

And finally, in February, it was Bantam Black’s fourth annual trip to Feed My Starving Children. In the team’s down time between the end of league play and state playoffs, the players, their parents and siblings gathered at FMSC to pack nutritional meals for children around the world, including parts of the United States. As this was the team’s fourth time working with this organization, the players had determined who the best fit for each task was and no slacking was allowed, even a player with a broken leg had a job.

The players like it, not only for the obvious reason of helping children, but also because it promotes teamwork amongst them. We are very proud of them.

Arizona Hockey Union continues to operate three tournaments in the Valley (Ice Breaker/Thanksgiving/Presidents Day) that generate the operational revenue for the coming year. It allows us to offer $25,000 in financial-based scholarships that make this expensive sport within everyone’s reach regardless of financial obstacles. We are very proud that we also contribute to the overall economic growth of the Valley of the Sun since our tournaments positively impact the local economy with the visitors that come to attend our tournaments. We also continue growing the sport since we are increasing the positive visibility of Arizona hockey across the entire country. ​​

ARIZONA HOCKEY UNION

Arizona Hockey Union salutes end of ’18-19 campaign

By Sean Phillips

T

he end of the season is always bittersweet.

The Arizona Hockey Union awards ceremony is a time when we celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of everyone involved with AHU (players, coaches, managers, family, etc.) and do something we can’t do all season. We gather everyone up in one room to revel in our club, team and players that are more than a youth hockey league to most of us.

It feels more like a family.

Some of us who used to see one another a couple times a week maybe a season ago, haven’t seen each other all season since our kids have moved up to other Knights teams. The awards ceremony rekindles those friendships and celebrates why we are all here doing what we do, day in and day out.

The youth travel season is almost six and a half months long. This means we spent 28 weeks together, or 196 days, or 4,704 hours, or 282,240 minutes or finally, 16,934,400 seconds together.

And in that time, which has gone by in what feels like the blink of an eye, we recognize that we have actually made friendships and memories that will last us a lifetime. It is very important to look back retro-

spectively and celebrate those memories, even for a brief few moments.

We have three club level awards: MVP, Coaches Award and Sportsmanship.

Coaches Award - Given to the athlete on a team whom the coach feels contributed the most to the team during the season taking into account things as sportsmanship, dedication, character,

personal improvement, leadership and contribution to the team.

The winners include 8U White: Jace Byrd; 8U Silver: Luke Phillips; 10U Silver: Reed Brown; 10U White: Trevin Vargo; 12U Silver: Jordan Scofield; 12U Black: Luke Kampman; 12U Gray:

Alex Huber; 12U Purple: Carter Charron; 12U White: Jackson McCutcheon; 14U AA Black: Nathan Graybill; 14U AA Silver: Garrett Falcone; and 18U AA Silver: Max Chase.

Sportsmanship Award - Given to a player who promote the values of sportsmanship, ethical play in competition, commitment to their team, and charity through service to their community.

These winners were 8U White: Quinn Cheslea; 8U Silver: Owen Lacoste; 10U Silver: Jake Lentz; 10U White: Rory Weekly; 12U Silver: Hayden Heinrichs; 12U Black: Brandon Brown; 12U Gray: Spencer Morgan; 12U Purple: Hunter Hinds; 12U White: Lucas Paliwodzinski; 14U AA Black: Tyler Shin; 14U AA Silver: Alex Walsh; and 18U AA Silver: Luke Yubeta.

MVP - The MVP is the player on your team who has performed best throughout the season. The team Continued on Page 8

ArizonaHockeyUnion.com

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JR. SUN DEVILS

Power Edge Pro Hockey partners with Jr. Sun Devils

By Matt Mackinder

T

he DYHA Jr. Sun Devils are ready to take the next step.

In a recent transaction that will benefit the entire organization, the Jr. Sun Devils have partnered with Power Edge Pro Hockey (PEP), a player development system based in Toronto.

Power Edge Pro utilizes propriety equipment and training patterns. The system focuses on Reactive Countering Training, engaging multiple motor skills simultaneously to develop a player’s small-area game performance.

All patterns are completed while maintaining puck control and are designed to provide five times as many repetitions as standard drill-based practices, leading to faster development of elite skills.

“We are super-excited about becoming a skill development partner of Power Edge Pro,” said DYHA hockey director Brad McCaughey. “Our job as a hockey program is to develop hockey players and our program just took a giant step forward, in my opinion. Not only will we be holding some highly sought-after PEP skill sessions this summer, but our coaches will be incorporating the Power Edge Pro system into our team practices, which strongly enhances our coaching program.”

According to the Power Edge Pro website (www. poweredgepro.com), “Power Edge Pro is changing the way hockey players train, with five patents in Canada, the USA and Europe for innovative on-ice training gear as well as trademarks for Reactive Linear Crossover and Reactive Countering Training.”

Benefits of Reactive Countering Training include learning all the Connor McDavid speed training circuits and more, learning first-step quickness/footwork with quick hands through resistance of PEP GEAR, developing an explosive crossover and speed with Reactive Linear Crossover, becoming dominant with the puck and efficient on your weak side so you can execute anywhere during the game, becoming an elite skills multi-tasker through overloading the motor skills while executing PEP GEAR Circuits, developing evasive skating techniques, increasing reaction time to respond faster and creating more opportunities, gaining body positioning and creating faster separation from opponents with “puck placement techniques,” and getting access to clear HD videos of McDavid demonstrating Reactive Countering Training techniques.

The training methods and unique teaching breakthroughs in player development have been adopted by the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks, Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild and Columbus Blue Jackets, numerous Canadian Hockey League teams and NCAA teams and USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP).

Almost a decade ago, McDavid (now captain of the Edmonton Oilers) embraced the high-performance training, and he continues to train with Power Edge Pro today, as do over 100 NHLers, including John Tavares (Toronto Maple Leafs), Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Matt Duchene (Columbus Blue Jackets), Taylor Hall (New Jersey Devils), Mat Barzal (New York

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Islanders) and Alex DeBrincat (Chicago Blackhawks), to name a few.

McDavid (2015) and Hall (2009, by Edmonton) are former first-overall NHL draft picks, while 60 percent of No. 1 draft picks since 2008 train with PEP. Recently named in The Hockey News’ 2019 Money & Power Edition as No. 1 in the “Hockey Training” category, the most talented players in the world, along with future talents such as Jack Hughes (NTDP, probable top-overall NHL draft pick in June), Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks), Shane Wright (just drafted No. 1 in 2019 OHL Draft by the Kingston Frontenacs) and Quinton Byfield (OHL’s Sudbury Wolves, top prospect for 2020 NHL Draft) are all eager to work on their skills in the offseason with PEP. “It’s just different,” McDavid told Sports Illustrated.

“You have to do it at top speed. I think there are a lot of different skill coaches whose programs have you standing there, looking down at the puck. In today’s day and age, that never happens.”

“The skill development is year-round and it’s a lot more advanced than it was in my time,” added Hall to SI. “You would’ve never seen apparatuses like that, or teachers teaching you to do that kind of stuff, but that’s the same with any facet in life. Smartphones, streaming services, it’s all developing.

The game’s only getting faster, the players coming up now are so good at skating and so good on their edges.

I think it’s because of drills like that, that make it easy for them.”

TAHOE PREP HOCKEY ACADEMY

Trio of players make impact as Year 3 wraps up at TPHA

By Greg Ball

T

he 2018-19 hockey season may be behind us, but that only means it’s a great time to look back and reflect as things gear up for next season.

Year 3 at Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy represented another building block in establishing the West Coast’s premier program.

Here are three student-athletes who made significant impacts: Nate Moffat It isn’t often than the perfect opportunity falls right in your lap, but that’s what happened for Moffat, a 17-year-old senior on the prep team who is in his second year studying and playing hockey at Tahoe Prep who has grown up right in Tahoe.

He previously played for the Tahoe Grizzlies, and then commuted a couple hours to play for Golden State Elite in Vacaville, Calif. Being able to stay at home and play higher-level hockey was a deciding factor in joining TPHA. “It was hard to move up to AA with GSE, and then going to the prep team with TPHA, I was one of the weakest players for sure,” Moffat said. “But now in my second year with more experience, I’m one of the stronger players.”

Moffat said it was the time on the ice and really good coaching that allowed him to progress so quickly.

“Development is probably the biggest thing I have gained,” said Moffat. “I feel like my passing is accurate

almost every time, and my shots have definitely gotten harder and more accurate. You notice the improvement when you play a team again that perhaps crushed you at the beginning of the season, but then the second time around it’s different.”

“It was more intense and made me play harder,” Wiley said. “The TPHA coaches are really good at honing in on different skills. As the season went along, each individual coach would give me feedback of various things I needed to work on.”

Adam Wiley

Keith Kaczmarek

From the flat, dry plains of Texas to the snowy mountains of Lake Tahoe, Wiley has made quite an adjustment in the last year. A 17-year-old senior who had played for the McKinney North Stars AA team near his hometown of Prosper, Tex. (north of Dallas), he made the big decision to relocate to Tahoe Prep and first set foot in town when he moved into the dorms last summer.

Having grown up in a family with seven children, moving in with his teammates wasn’t that much of an adjustment. The biggest change was the local landscape.

“It’s really beautiful and totally different from home,” Wiley said. “Moving away has really taught me to rely on myself and be more responsible for things and living in snow has been fun. It’s hard to describe it to my friends back home and for them to understand how much snow we get.”

Wiley started skating when he was seven and like many players, his ultimate goal is to play NCAA Division I hockey. A left winger, Wiley said the jump to this year’s competition was challenging at first. Wiley also got the chance to travel with the prep team this year to the last three tournaments.

While the opportunities to play great hockey are abundant in the Chicago area, Kaczmarek knew he could take his game to the next level by moving west.

A 17-year-old junior forward from New Lenox, Ill., he played for Lincoln Way High School and the Iowa Wild’s AAA team before making the move to Tahoe.

“The online school aspect appealed to me, as well as the ice time,” Kaczmarek said. “Playing a new set of teams this season with a lot of strong competition was enjoyable. The coaching was great, and my goal was to work on my confidence and speed.”

Kaczmarek said he would like to play college hockey like his older sister, Michelle, who plays for Colorado State University. The Kaczmareks suffered a devastating loss this school year with the sudden death of their mother. Keith left TPHA early to go home and be with his family.

“It has been a hard year,” said Kaczmarek. “I’m hoping to play juniors next year, and I’ll be going to junior camps this summer. I’m just looking forward to what the future has in store for me. Hopefully, it’s all good things because I have already gone through the worse things.”

TahoeHockeyAcademy.com

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ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Pinnacle finishes wild ’18-19 season with Nationals run

By Matt Mackinder

F

or the third straight year, Pinnacle High School advanced to the USA Hockey High School National Tournament, and this season, made it to the quarterfinals before bowing out.

Pioneers coach Glenn Karlson said making it to Nationals was a priority at the start of the season and getting to Cleveland last month made for some “really good hockey.”

“The expectation was to make the bracket round at Nationals, or as we put it, ‘to play on Sunday,’” said Karlson. “Knowing how hard it is to get to Nationals and make it out of pool play, we realized this was a lofty goal but as the season progressed and we witnessed the growth of this team, the goal didn’t seem out of reach.”

After getting through pool play, Pinnacle was knocked out in the quarterfinals by Bayard Rustin (Pa.) High School, 6-5 in overtime on a power-play goal.

Bayard Rustin scored four power-play goals and one shorthanded goal, while Pinnacle scored one power-play goal and four even-strength goals.

“The boys did a good job weathering the ups and downs and the adversity of losing arguably one of our top defensemen and captain (Justin Sturm) early in the second to an unfortunate call,” Karlson said. “The boys were still able to keep composure enough to take a lead into the third. Losing was a very disheartening feeling felt by all players and staff knowing how hard all the boys had worked. We truly believed this team could have

made it to the finals.”

The players reflected on the season as well, saying that the national tournament was the goal all season long.

“As a captain, I see this team as a brotherhood,” said senior forward Max Cocreham. “We all are super-close and will continue to be outside of hockey as well. We came together as a team and accomplished some pretty

Pinnacle High School captain Justin Sturm celebrates the AHSHA Division 1 state championship with his Pioneers teammates in February at the Ice Den Scottsdale. Photo/Kenneth McGinley

cool things. Going to Nationals three years in a row is a pretty cool experience and I feel like each year, we got better as a team.”

“The season as a whole went well for everyone involved and there was a feeling of success throughout the season,” added Sturm. “I will remember how all of the boys interacted and created a bond in such a short

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time. We had kids from all social circles, and we came together and bonded as one. The overall brotherhood is nothing that can be truly described. It’s a special feeling.”

Senior defenseman Alex Peters noted that Pinnacle can be considered as a top high school program not only in Arizona, but in the country.

“I definitely think that Pinnacle is making a mark on the national stage as a powerhouse team,” Peters said.

“Not only have we been to Nationals in three consecutive seasons, but we have been really successful making the quarterfinals twice. This year, I think we showed that we could more than compete with any team we faced, and it will stay that way in the future.”

Logan Derryberry, who will return for his senior season next year on the blue line, has aspirations to make it four state titles in a row and four Nationals berths in a row.

“Looking back at this season, it was one like no other season,” he said. “We had a team that consisted of four strong lines, unlike any other AHSHA team. All of our lines showed up ready to win what was in front of them and ready for what was thrown at them.”

Moving forward, Karlson thinks Pinnacle will continue to be a force.

“We will keep doing what we do in developing our players because at our core, this is what we believe works,” said Karlson. “If we do that and it all works out, one day we might be able to be called national champions, but until that day happens, we are happy with just being called Pinnacle.”

UMMER HOCKEY CAMPS

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13

Sun Devils ‘going to be back’ in NCAAs after solid ’18-19 year

By Matt Mackinder

A

rizona State University has only been an NCAA Division I team for four seasons but qualifying for the NCAA Tournament this year as an independent team was amazing.

And while the Sun Devils came up short, losing 2-1 to Quinnipiac University in the Midwest Regional on March 30 in Allentown, Pa., ASU coach Greg Powers said this won’t be the last time his club is in the tournament.

“To make a national tournament in our third full season is a special accomplishment that no one else but our locker room thought that we could do,” said Powers. “We knew pretty early in the season that we had a pretty good team that could do some very special things.

“Anyone that says that we didn’t belong here or think that we didn’t deserve the right to be here is wrong and they couldn’t be more wrong. Our guys deserve to be here because they are as good as anybody and we have proven that all year. I think we proved that (against Quinnipiac) with how we didn’t go away and how we came back and nearly tied that thing up. I think that the takeaway is that we all know that we are going to be back, and it will be sooner than later.”

Brinson Pasichnuk scored the lone ASU goal and Joey Daccord, who later signed with the Ottawa Senators as the first Sun Devils player to ink an NHL contract, made 36 saves.

Former Jr. Coyotes goaltender Andrew Shortridge stopped 20 shots for Quinnipiac.

Seniors Anthony Croston (Phoenix native, Jr. Coyotes grad), Dylan Hollman, Jake Clifford and Jakob Stridsberg played in their final game as members of the Sun Devils.

“We have been through everything together,” said Croston. “It is definitely special that I am able to play Division I hockey at Arizona State because it is something that I never thought of growing up. When the opportunity came, I jumped right on it and it was nothing but amazing to me.”

ASU finished its historic season 21-13-1.

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HOCKEYSHOT

HockeyShot Tip of the Month: The Crosby Skating Move

By Coach Jeremy/HockeyShot Ambassador

I

n this article, Coach Jeremy is going to teach us “The Crosby Move,” AKA The Mohawk Drill.

We call it The Crosby Move because if anyone has seen him play, Sid the Kid always has a low center of gravity and uses his legs (not upper body) to stay well-grounded where the defender cannot push him around so easily. So how does he remain so strong on his feet while still moving at game speed? For one, he trains relentlessly, but it is his footwork and low center of gravity that allows him to stay on his feet and avoid being manhandled by defenders.

Puck protection is often overlooked compared to speed and skill, but if you want to see more pucks in the back of the net, you need to master the art of protecting it. This is not just done with your arms stickhandling. More importantly, you have to protect the puck by having a low stance and using your strong legs to protect the puck in corners and the sideboards. The drill is versatile in that it can be with or without inline skates as well as indoors or outdoors.

To begin, Jeremy asks us to make a fat diamond shape with our legs where our heels are together and toes are pointing outward. While you’re doing this, push your heels as far as you can outward while bend-

ing your knees for some relief of the awkward stance.

In order to move with this stance, the player must shift their weight on the glide leg, open up and plant your other leg while still in motion on the ground.

It’s important to open up your shoulders and hips so your body does not lock or make an awkward motion.

Often players will use this strategy

while coming into a turn or going out of a turn at high speed since it can help with your puck control while the defender is chasing. This is a great move for forwards to move around the defender but be careful of not opening up in this turn while in a vulnerable position as it can make for a big hit on the forward if the defender has a step on them, so timing of this trick is key!

This tip is not only good for coming into turns, but it can also open the forward up for a one-timer or to get open quickly. Especially on the power play where there is more ice to work with, this is a great strategy for all you slick skaters out there!

It can be hard for a skater to remain in that position for any period of time but one add-on drill to The Crosby Move is to keep both of your feet planted on the ground while pumping your legs (not lifting them) to keep the position and your movement. This can help with the strength of your legs as well as footwork you need for puck protection in game situations.

Finally, Jeremy’s last portion of the drill is to use this move while turning your back – it seals off the defender and allows you some time. This time helps you twofold: you have time to see other players and make that perfect pass, and it exhausts the opposing players.

Once you get used to this simple trick, you’ll be spending more time playing keep away from the ‘D’ and racking up the points!

Enjoy this article? Then be sure to visit HockeyShot.com and sign up for their newsletter for the latest tips, tricks and the best hockey training products on the market!

HockeyShot.com

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INLINE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA

IHAAZ teams gearing up for exciting 2019 State Finals

By Brian Lester

I

t won’t be long before the IHAAZ State Finals are underway at the Barney Family Sports Complex in Queen Creek.

The tournament is set for May 3-5 and champions will be crowned in each of the five age divisions.

The regular-season titles have already been decided.

The Jr. Wildcats ended the regular season atop the 8U division while the Prescott Storm finished on top in the 10U division.

The Yuma Blaze dominated the 12U and 14U divisions, winning regular-season titles in both age groups. The Midget Division title for the regular season went to the Royals White.

The titles for the 12U, 14U and Midget divisions, all of which compete for a regular-season crown, were decided at the final festival March 29-31 at the Peoria Sportsplex.

The 8U and 10U teams play a tournament only format in each of the five festivals.

At the festival in Peoria, Yuma rolled to a 9-1 win over the AZ Royals and crushed the Renegades 9-1. The Blaze then defeated Knighthawks Green 8-4 and beat Knighthawks Red 8-4. The Blaze finished the regular season with an 18-0 record, scoring 122 goals and allowing only 34.

The Jr. Wildcats are the next closest team to the Blaze in the division, finishing the regular season with a 15-2-0-1 record.

“The Jr. Wildcats’ only two losses were to Yuma, and they were pretty close games. The State Finals should see a matchup between those two teams,” IHAAZ tournament

director Nick Boyarsky said.

Yuma won the 14U title with a 17-3 record. The Blaze scored 126 goals and gave up 38, with many of the same players that played for the 12U team.

The standings are fairly close, though, which should set the stage for an exciting tourney at the State Finals. The AZ Royals won a 14-5-0-1 record and the Jr. Wildcats are 12-8. The Royals enter the State Finals on a three-game winning streak.

At the last festival in Peoria, Yuma rolled to a 9-1 win over the Knighthawks and edged the AZ Royals 5-4. The Blaze lost 6-2 to the Jr. Wildcats but topped the Prescott Storm 5-1.

“Yuma comes out on top with the regular-season championship, but it’s really going to be a horse race in the State Finals,” Boyarsky said.

In the Midget Division, AZ Royals White fashioned a 17-0-0-1 record, putting up 108 goals and allowing only 18. The AZ Royals White team has won its last seven games, carrying a lot of momentum into the State Finals.

The Northern AZ Yetis are 13-3-0-1 on the year and ended up second in the division. The Yetis handed AZ Royals White its only loss of the season.

“Royals White dominated the division, but the stage is set for an upset at the state championships,” Boyarsky said.

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History could be on the side of the Yetis.

“Many times in this division, the team that is dominant all year is upset set in the State Finals,” Boyarsky said.

At the festival in Peoria, AZ Royals White dominated the Jr. Wildcats 8-1 in its festival opener and blanked the Yuma Blaze 4-0. The AZ Royals White also topped the Knighthawks 8-1 in its final game of the regular season.

The great thing about the State Finals is the door is open for everyone to contend in what should be a competitive battle for the state championships.

“Everyone has a chance, whether you are the first-place team or the last-place team, to upset the champ of the regular season,” Boyarsky said.

Boyarsky said individual awards from the regular season are expected to be given out and there will be a skills competition as well.

There won’t be an all-star game, but all-stars will be recognized from each division and given a commemorative jersey for their selection to the team.

Boyarsky said the Arizona Coyotes will also be on hand at the State Finals with something special at the State Finals, adding more fun to what should be an enjoyable final weekend of IHAAZ action.

MISSION ARIZONA

Silver Lining

Mission’s run to USA Hockey national championship game fueled by team chemistry

By Greg Ball

P

erhaps the most telling aspect of the remarkable season just completed by the Mission AZ 18U AA team was that some of the players’ favorite memories were of the nightly team gatherings during their trip to the USA Hockey National Championships.

Because their hotel in San Jose, Calif., had limited space for large group get-togethers, the squad gathered each evening on the roof of a parking garage alongside the hotel to debrief after the day, recharge for the next day and destress from the highstakes tournament.

After each win, the coaching staff would add something to the mix, and by the end of their stay, they had purchased a barbeque and a kiddie pool - cre- a t i n g their own personal oasis on top of that concrete structure.

The memories will last a lifetime, and it’s clear that the close bonds developed amongst the squad had a lot to do with its success. Mission advanced to the national championship game before falling 6-3 to the three-time defending champion Maine Moose on April 8.

It was without a doubt one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history.

“This group just fit - it was a magical group,” said Jeremy Goltz, the team’s head coach and Mission’s hockey director. “Everyone had a role, and they knew it. They loved each other and played for each other. You don’t always get to see that with 17- and 18-year-old kids. They were proud to be on this journey together, and they should be.”

The team’s roster includes forwards Dean Angelo Jr., Johnny Baird, Nicolas Coppola, Jake Fain, Christopher Fritz, Matt Gary, David Jaichner, Benson Middendorf and John Salyer III; defensemen Brian Baier, Scotty Bird, Jordan Gaeta, Luc Spinasanta and Joel Tessmer; and goalies Matthew Diamond, Chase Golden and Taz Joplin. Goltz is assisted by Terry Tessmer and Chris Carouchi.

“It’s huge what we accomplished this season,” said Golden, who has one more season to play with Mission and aims to get back to the national championship game with different results. “We beat the No. 5 team in the country, plus the No. 7 and No. 15 teams. Playing in the CSDHL and the NAPHL showcases, it was a great year for us. Coming in second stings a little bit, but it’s still a big accomplishment.”

Mission won the Arizona Amateur Hockey Association state tournament back in March, then set its sights on winning a national championship. In the national tournament, they secured a 2-1 win over Ashburn Xtreme, fell to the Affton Americans 5-2, then rattled off wins of 3-2 over the Maine Moose and 8-1 over the SnoKing Jr. Thunderbirds to reach

the title game.

While the team came up one victory short, its players can look back on the season and realize they accomplished more than anyone thought they would.

“The first couple days after the national championships, I was kind of bitter and disappointed that we didn’t come home with the gold plate, but looking back on it, with all the adversity this group faced this year, it was an absolute honor and pleasure to be on the ice with those guys in that moment and that game,” said

Fritz, who finished his youth hockey career with the title game. “We’re all proud that we were able to put Arizona on the map for hockey and to bring home that second-place plate.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to end my time with Mission - to play my final game in a Mission jersey in a national championship game was pretty awesome. That has been a goal since I came to the program, but then when it became a reality, I felt there was no better way to finish up than to bring Coach Goltz a national plate and bring that back to Mission.”

“I still don’t think it has hit me,” Goltz added. “I have coached a lot of these kids for six or seven years. Getting to the national championship game was always our goal, but to actually achieve that was pretty crazy.”

Coppola agreed that it was an amazing season whose memories will stick with him forever.

“Words really can’t describe the emotions that you feel during that time and throughout the season,” he said. “Making it to the national championship game was our goal all season and getting there is a feeling that you can’t really describe. It was just amazing.

“We just had that special touch. I really do think we were a well-rounded group. We had some great goal scorers, valuable role players, tremendous defense and an amazing goalie. I think that’s what really put us over the top this season.”

Mission is the rare program where players tend to stick around year after year. It’s part of what Goltz calls “The Brotherhood,” and there’s little doubt that those bonds formed year after year play a contributing role in the program’s long-term success.

“The core group of this team has been together now for about six years - since we were all Pee Wees,” Golden explained. “We’re all close friends and know each other really well, which makes a big difference.”

Goltz said he will look back on this season as among the most memorable in his many years coaching at all levels.

“It was an incredibly special year, and obviously we’re all very proud,” Goltz said. “The whole organization and the town really rallied around us. The state of Arizona has only had two teams ever get to the national championship game, which really puts things in perspective for us. It was pretty massive - we hit hallowed ground.”

MissionArizonaIce.org AZRubberHockey.com

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NEW MEXICO REPORT

‘Freshman Line’ leaves lasting legacy at Cibola High

By Matt Mackinder

A

fter each high school hockey season, coaches generally reflect on the positives from the season and the team’s senior class.

At Cibola High School, the Cougars graduate three seniors and linemates this year in Tylec Kohlrust, Garrett McKinstry and Marcus Trujillo, a trio that was dubbed the ‘Freshman Line’ four years ago, and the name stuck.

“This talented trio has been in the top of the league in stats all four seasons and finished this season as the top three in the league (Rio Grande High School Hockey League),” said Cibola coach Brett Lovette.

“These guys have amazing chemistry, wreak havoc for opponents, and are fun to watch. They are not only talented hockey players, but they are also fine young men who do well in school and lead by example for their teammates.”

McKinstry served as team captain this year and recorded 64 points (30 goals, 34 assists), while Kohlrust, an assistant captain, tallied 67 points (38 goals, 29 assists), and Trujillo, the second assistant captain, added 66 points (27 goals, 39 assists). They are all four-time All-Stars, have helped their team win three straight league championships from 2016-18, and have won multiple league awards throughout their high school careers.

“It’s often been joked that we share one brain,” laughed McKinstry. “The New Mexico Hockey Association is pretty tight, and we have all had the same circle of friends for over 12 years. Hopefully, we can

generate more interest with the younger kids so they can benefit from the same positive experiences I’ve been privileged to enjoy.”

All three graduating seniors have plans to attend and play hockey next season at the University of New Mexico for the Lobos.

Cibola High School’s ‘Freshman Line’ of, from left to right, Tylec Kohlrust, Garrett McKinstry and Marcus Trujillo, were ‘fun to watch’ the past four seasons, according to Cougars coach Brett Lovette.

Trujillo called the last four seasons with the Cougars “a pleasure.”

“We all enjoy playing with one another and it made us friends for life,” he said. “It was a blast with these two by my side every minute, even winning the state championship three times in a row. The chemistry was always there, and from the first time our coaches put us together in practice, we just clicked. We continued

to dominate as a unit and it really showed whenever we played a tough team.”

“Playing on the same line for all four years was a real experience,” added Kohlrust. “In the beginning, we were good, but as time progressed, we started to gel more as one single mind. Our chemistry grew every day that we played together. We acted as one unit and that’s why we came out on top. No selfish plays.”

Moving on next year will be an adjustment, but one the players are looking forward to.

“I’ll miss all my teammates,” said Trujillo. “We had a great bond together even if it consisted of road trips, playing Uno or all the inside jokes we had with one another.”

“Most importantly, I’ll miss talking about our memories from freshman year,” Kohlrust said. “That was my favorite year.”

Trujillo also noted that hockey is continuing to grow in the Land of Enchantment.

“Hockey has been progressively expanding throughout the state, including high school,” Trujillo said. “There is a lot of young talent coming in from the younger divisions, as well as the new NAHL team (New Mexico Ice Wolves) that is coming in next season. The NAHL team will really put New Mexico out there, causing more people to be interested in playing hockey.”

Kohlrust is equally excited to see the game trend upwards in the state.

“Hockey will definitely continue to grow, especially with the new ownership at the Outpost,” he said. “New Mexico hockey will be on the map.”

Despite missing NHL playoffs, Coyotes finding positives treal for forward Alex Galchenyuk. Domi responded by leading the Canadiens in scoring with a team-high 28 goals and 44 assists. By contrast, Galchenyuk, who missed 10 games with an assortment of injuries, tied Richardson for the team lead in goals and finished third

niscus.

The Coyotes then signed Schmaltz to a seven-year y all standards, hockey teams need to fulfill three contract on March 30. In the process of acquiring criteria for success: scoring, great goaltending and Schmaltz, Chayka also dealt forward Brendan Perlini stellar defense. to the Hawks. In 22 games with the Coyotes before the For the Arizona Coyotes, the franchise touched deal, Perlini scored two goals and assisted on four two of these critical factors, and the one outstandothers. Appearing in 45 games for Chicago, Perlini ing (scoring) will likely be the focal point of offseascored 11. son transactions.

While Chayka’s transactions cannot be the For the recently-completed season, the Coymain reason why the Coyotes did not make the otes scored 213 goals and averaged 2.59 goals playoffs, injuries were an important consideration. per game. To exacerbate the scoring dilemma, the First, goalie Antti Raanta played in only 12 Coyotes were the only NHL team not to have a 20games before an injured knee finished his seagoal scorer, but four players scored 15 or more. son on Nov. 29. Forward Christian Dvorak, who While there can be the argument that the Coysigned a six-year extension last summer, missed otes achieved to a greater level than in recent seathe first 62 games with a pectoral injury. Defensons, no member of the organization can be satseman Jason Demers missed 47 games with a isfied creating tee times now instead of practice knee injury, forward Michael Grabner missed 41 times in preparation for the Stanley Cup Playoffs. games with an eye injury, Richardson missed 16 Once the season ended, there was the usual, games with a hand injury and Derek Stepan, who “I’m proud of these players,” from coach Rick Tocwent down on March 28 with a torn MCL, missed chet and words of encouragement for the future.

10 games but played the final eight games of the Yet, the bottom line was the inability to put the This season, the Arizona Coyotes were a much-improved team from the season with that injury.

2017-18 campaign and will have definite motivation to crack the Stanley Cup puck in the net during critical times.

Still, the Coyotes finished with 86 standPlayoffs for the 2019-20 season. Photo/Norm Hall “Obviously, we wanted to get in the playoffs ing points in the Pacific Division and that was a and felt we played well enough to qualify,” said Coyotes in scoring with 41 points behind Clayton Keller (47) 16-point improvement over last season. forward Brad Richardson, who scored a career-high and Oliver Ekman-Larsson (44).

Now, there is the arduous task of offseason condi19 goals. “It’s disappointing, but we can hang our hats In a mid-season transaction, Chayka dealt forward tioning, but when the Coyotes assemble at Gila River the way we battled. It just came down to where we Dylan Strome to Chicago, Arizona’s first-round pick Arena for training camp in September, there will be a didn’t quite score enough goals.” (third overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft. Strome respond- carat dangling in front of each player.

If the Coyotes lacked scoring at critical times, that ed by scoring 17 goals and 50 points in 57 games with “We made huge strides this season,” Richardson may have resulted from a few trades made by general the Blackhawks. In return, Chayka picked up forward said. “Last year, I think we were out of the playoffs by manager John Chayka.

Nick Schmaltz, who picked up 14 points in 17 games Nov. 1. It was all there this time and we thought we Last offseason, he dealt center Max Domi to Mon- before his season ended on Dec. 31 with a torn me- would get in. It was heartbreaking.”

By Mark Brown

B

18

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

Outcasts to once again contend for AIHL national title .806 save percentage as the No. 2 seed.

The Revolution Elite finished 8-7-1 with a .531 winning percentage as the No 3 seed, followed by the High Life Elite with a 5-13 record and .278 winning percentage and the Nor Cal Jawz Elite with a 4-13-1 record and .250 winning percentage.

The West Coast Elite playoffs took place March 30-31 at San Jose’s Silvercreek Sportsplex. The two semifinal winners received berths to the national championship tournament in Las Vegas.

The fourth-seeded High Life defeated the fifth-

finished runner-up to the Philadelphia Liberty at the 2018 AIHL Champions Cup Finals with the addition he 2019 American Inline Hockey League (AIHL) of former Northern Arizona University scoring wizard season featured a more compact schedule with Trevor Riffey. teams playing 18 regular-season games, plus playoffs.

Riffey helped lead the Lumberjacks to a Final The Arizona Outcasts entered the season with the Four finish in last year’s National Collegiate Roller same goal: to finish on top.

Hockey Association (NCRHA) national championship “Our team goal this season is to win the tournament in North Dakota by collecting 57 goals championship,” Outcasts goaltender Clay Taylor and 80 points in 25 games. said after the Arizona team qualified to compete in the During his two-year career at NAU, Riffey racked AIHL Elite Division Champions Cup tournament May up 115 goals and 155 points in 49 games.

17-19 at the Las Vegas Roller Hockey Forwards Paul Linder, Kevin Center.

Mooney, Alex MacDonald, Shin It’s been an eventful journey to get Yamamoto join and Elliott and Riffey there. in the upcoming AIHL Finals along The Outcasts have been making up with defensemen Kyle Mooney, Taylor ground since the start of the season as Abramson, Alex Dodt and Tommy the team could only participate in two Tuohy and Taylor in the net. of the three scheduled regular-season Elliott leads the Outcasts in season tournaments. Those two tournaments scoring with 26 goals and 36 points, were in Northern California, necessitating followed by Kyle Mooney with 11 goals a lot of travel time and perseverance. and 28 points, Yamamoto with seven So far, it’s paid off. goals and 19 points and Riffey with 11 The Outcasts faced off regulargoals and 17 points. season play Feb. 16-17 with a 5-1 Dodt and Abramson follow on the record at the High Country Sports Arena scoresheet with 17 points each while in Sonora, located in the Sierra Nevada Linder and Tuohy have 15 and 11 foothills. The short-benched Outcasts’ points, respectively. Kevin Mooney has only loss was 4-1 to the Silicon Valley eight points in two playoff games.

Quakes.

The Outcasts have scored 75 goals “Six skaters for six games in 24 hours in 14 games – an average of 5.4 goals is rough, but we played a smart style for per game. having a short bench,” Taylor explained.

Taylor, who earned a berth on last “We put ourselves in a good position for year’s Team USA senior men’s squad the next weekend of games and trying to that competed at the International Former Northern Arizona University standout Trevor Riffey has been a key addition to the Arizona get a good seed for playoffs.”

Federation of Roller Sports (FIRS) inline Outcasts’ lineup this season. Photo/Ed Salazar Kyle Mooney and Parker Elliott hockey world championships in Italy, each had 20 points in the opening tournament while seeded Jawz two games to one in the best-of-three has been the team’s iron man between the pipes with Taylor posted a .892 save percentage. series format to advance to meet the Outcasts, who a 12-2 record, 2.96 goals-against average and .833 The Outcasts went 5-1 in competition March 16- had received a bye to the semifinals. save percentage.

17 at the Dry Ice Arena in Oakland. The Arizona team The Outcasts defeated the High Life 7-6 in MacDonald, who tallied 19 points in 11 games for avenged its earlier loss to the Quakes with a pair of overtime in the first game of their best-of-three series Arizona State University’s Division I team that advanced wins but dropped a 3-2 decision to the Revolution and secured a berth in the AIHL Finals by sweeping to this month’s NCRHA national championship event Elite. the High Life with a 9-5 victory in the second game. in Rochester, N.Y., brings additional firepower to an Because of the uneven number of games, playoff The Quakes swept the Revolution by scores of 3-0 already potent lineup. seeding was based on winning percentage. and 8-0 to win its semifinal series.

“The season was interesting as we traveled to The Outcasts finished regular-season play with a Northern California three times and played in new 10-2 record and .833 winning percentage to earn the Name of the game locations like Sonora and Monterrey,” Taylor said. “The No. 1 seed while the Quakes finished 14-3-1 with a The Outcasts essentially return the same team that team had fun and looks forward to the Finals.”

By Phillip Brents

T

With booming confidence, Outcasts set for AIHL Finals

W

ith three consecutive runner-up finishes in the American Inline Hockey League’s (AIHL) Champions Cup Finals, the Arizona Outcasts will be out to record a breakthrough season when they venture to the Las Vegas Roller Hockey Center May 17-19 to compete in this year’s national championship tournament.

Joining the Outcasts (14-2) in the Elite Division Final Four are the Silicon Valley Quakes (16-3-1), Empire State Legends (60-2) and defending national champion Philadelphia Liberty (5-2).

The Outcasts and Quakes qualified from the West Coast region while the Legends and Liberty advanced from the East Coast region.

Teams will play a round robin, followed by bestof-three semifinal and championship playoff series.

The Outcasts are 3-1 against the Quakes on the season.

“I thought the season went well for us overall as we ended up winning 10 of 12 games in the first two tourneys,” said current Outcasts forward and former Northern Arizona University star Trevor Riffey. “The league and talent level have definitely dwindled down since I originally played in it 4-5 years ago, but it is still competitive, especially the top four teams heading to Vegas this year.

“The Quakes from up in Nor Cal are a talented

team as most of our guys play against or with some of their guys in other big tournaments throughout the year. Honestly, I’m not too sure what to expect from the two teams coming out of the east, but I’m sure that it will be some good competition in Vegas.

“The Outcasts have been trying to win the AIHL for a few years now but have fallen short in the championship game. Hopefully, this year will be different for us.”

The Outcasts lost two games to none to the Revision Delco Demons at the 2016 Finals, two games to one to the New Jersey Alliance at the 2017 Finals, and two games to none to the Liberty last year.

The Outcasts lost in the conference finals in 2015.

- Phillip Brents AZRubberHockey.com

19

2018-19 ARIZONA/NEW MEXICO ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com

ARIZONA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Brendan Lemieux (Phoenix) – New York Rangers Auston Matthews (Scottsdale) – Toronto Maple Leafs AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Austin Carroll (Scottsdale) – Utah Grizzlies Richard Coyne (Cave Creek) – Rapid City Rush Andrew Shortridge - San Jose Barracuda * Joey Sides (Tucson) – Kansas City Mavericks SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Brandon Fehd (Gilbert) – Macon Mayhem Ben Oskroba (Tempe) – Peoria Rivermen Brandon Parrone (Peoria) – Peoria Rivermen

Demetrios Koumontzis – Arizona State University * Connor Stuart (Phoenix) – Arizona State University Johnny Walker (Phoenix) – Arizona State University

MIAC Molly Andrews (Phoenix) – St. Olaf College Taylor Curtis (Peoria) – Hamline University

NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

NEHC Natasha Hawkins (Scottsdale) – New England College Belle Lacombe (Surprise) – Norwich University

CHA Logan Hicks (Scottsdale) – Syracuse University

NEWHL Jessica Carter (Scottsdale) – Buffalo State University Hannah Kiraly (Glendale) – Plattsburgh State University Ky Lackey (Phoenix) – Buffalo State University

NCAA DIVISION III – MEN

UCHC Raeann Clancy (King’s College) Gabrielle Igo (Phoenix) – Utica College

NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Patrick Murphy (Gilbert) – Kirkland Lake Gold Miners Jack Strauss (Phoenix) – Soo Eagles

JUNIOR HOCKEY

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE D.J. King – Hamilton Bulldogs *

MASCAC Erik Pritchard (Cave Creek) – Worcester State University James Stiles (Tucson) – Framingham State University

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaliya Johnson (Chandler) – Boston Pride Katie McGovern (Scottsdale) – Minnesota Whitecaps

MIAC Michael Mahan (Scottsdale) – St. John’s University Nick Nast – St. Mary’s University &

COLLEGE HOCKEY

NCHA Clay Cross (Glendale) – Marian University Forbes Ploszaj (Gilbert) – College of St. Scholastica

ECAC HOCKEY Todd Burgess (Phoenix) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Carson Dimoff (Scottsdale) – St. Lawrence University HOCKEY EAST Adam Samuelsson – Boston College * NCHC Jake Durflinger – University of Denver & Phil Knies (Phoenix) – Miami University Erik Middendorf (Scottsdale) – Colorado College Keenan Spillum (Phoenix) – Colorado College Carson Vance (Tempe) – Western Michigan University D-I INDEPENDENT Anthony Croston (Phoenix) – Arizona State University

PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY

HOCKEY EAST Makenna Newkirk (Scottsdale) – Boston College Kiki Roust (Queen Creek) – Merrimack College Carlee Turner (Scottsdale) – University of New Hampshire

NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Alejandro Apud (Scottsdale) – Louisiana Drillers Robby Beck (Cave Creek) – Northeast Generals Keaton Caplis (Gilbert) – Coulee Region Chill Alexander Kelsall (Gilbert) – Milwaukee Power Sebastian Llaneras (Phoenix) – Maine Wild Chase McLaughlin (Scottsdale) – Coulee Region Chill Hayden Seitz (Phoenix) – Helena Bighorns

OVERSEAS Broc Little (Phoenix) – Sweden Luke Moffatt (Paradise Valley) – United Kingdom

BIG TEN Nathan Burke (Scottsdale) – University of Minnesota

PREP SCHOOL Austin Chesworth (Gilbert) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Kenadie Cooper (Gilbert) – North American Hockey Academy Kaden Krueger – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy !

Cade Schiefelbein (Phoenix) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy

NESCAC Lori Berger (Scottsdale) – Trinity College Alexis Ryan (Mesa) – Middlebury College

FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Seth Gustin (Phoenix) – Carolina Thunderbirds

ATLANTIC HOCKEY Ethan Roswell (Paradise Valley) – Bentley University

Luke Ormsby – Moose Jaw Warriors * Garrett Wright (Mesa) – Regina Pats

ECAC HOCKEY Taylor Stadeli (Scottsdale) – Dartmouth College

CCC Sage Englund (Cave Creek) – Salve Regina University

NCAA DIVISION I – MEN

Henry Dennee (Chandler) – Topeka Pilots Clayton Lackey (Scottsdale) – Lone Star Brahmas Reid Miller (Gilbert) – Odessa Jackalopes Ryan Reid (Phoenix) – Springfield Jr. Blues Joe Strada (Scottsdale) – Aberdeen Wings Mason Vukonich (Gilbert) – Corpus Christi IceRays Dante Zapata – Austin Bruins &

NESCAC Andy Chugg (Mesa) – Trinity College Alex Heinritz (Fountain Hills) – Middlebury College Samuel Kany (Phoenix) – Trinity College SUNYAC Cameron Berry (Chandler) – Oswego State University Derek Brown (Peoria) – Oswego State University Alex Storjohann (Phoenix) – Cortland State University Sean Winikates (Phoenix) – Potsdam State University UCHC Sean Dickson – Utica College & WIAC Danny Kiraly (Glendale) – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN COLONIAL HOCKEY MacKenzie Lyons (Scottsdale) – Nichols College Sarah McSweeney (Chandler) – Becker College

ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Adam Bricker (Scottsdale) – Whitecourt Wolverines BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Trevor Griebel (Glendale) – Wenatchee Wild Hunter Hastings (Scottsdale) – Wenatchee Wild Rowan Miller (Scottsdale) – Powell River Kings CANADIAN PREMIER JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Xavier Zuba (Scottsdale) – Scarborough Wexford Raiders EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Chris Crowley (Fountain Hills) – Boston Jr. Rangers Justin Gusso (Phoenix) – Philadelphia Revolution (Premier) Carson Holliday (Gilbert) – Walpole Express (Premier) John Olguin (Chandler) – New England Wolves (Premier) Tanner Paterno (Surprise) – Connecticut RoughRiders Joe Platt (Gilbert) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Connor Hanson (Cave Creek) – South Muskoka Shield Sam Hinnant (Cave Creek) – South Muskoka Shield Alec Miller (Peoria) – Bradford Rattlers KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Gavyn Entzminger (Surprise) – Castlegar Rebels MANITOBA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Riley Morgan (Scottsdale) – Winkler Flyers MARITIME HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney – Valley Wildcats & NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Trey Bagwell (Buckeye) – Amarillo Bulls

ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ethan Osburn (Prescott) – Kingston Voyageurs SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Cole Golden (Phoenix) – Notre Dame Hounds Grant Ziegler (Scottsdale) – Kindersley Klippers UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Sean Bunting (Phoenix) – Sioux City Musketeers Ryan Savage (Scottsdale) - Muskegon Lumberjacks UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Blake Bjella (Mesa) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Arun Cibrario (Phoenix) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) Harrison Corse (Scottsdale) – Kasson Vipers (Premier) Brett Dillon (Phoenix) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Joe DiGiulio – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) & Jeremy Gabriele (Scottsdale) – Syracuse Jr. Stars (NCDC) Kohl Hedquist (Tempe) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Stephen Kennedy (Scottsdale) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Skylar Miller (Chandler) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Joey Petruzzella (Phoenix) – Boston Bandits (NCDC) Hayden Ripley (Scottsdale) – Minnesota Mullets (Premier) Ian Rogers (Phoenix) – Dells Ducks (Premier) Barrett Rosser (Scottsdale) – Atlanta Jr. Kings (Elite) Jared Sanchez (Scottsdale) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Keshawn Scott (Gilbert) – Motor City Hockey Club (Premier) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Erik Atchison – Spokane Chiefs & Mark Kastelic (Phoenix) – Calgary Hitmen Jeremy Masella (Phoenix) – Prince Albert Raiders Kaid Oliver – Victoria Royals &

WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Jacob Elik (Phoenix) – Northern Colorado Eagles Anthony Masanotti (Gilbert) – Utah Outliers Ryan Radke (Cave Creek) – El Paso Rhinos

NEW MEXICO OVERSEES Kristen Molina (Albuquerque) – Finland COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ATLANTIC HOCKEY Jackson Barliant (Santa Fe) – Sacred Heart University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN NESCAC Nicholas Faturos (Albuquerque) – Amherst College UCHC Cory King (Albuquerque) – Chatham University JUNIOR HOCKEY EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Matt Orlando (Rio Rancho) – Boston Jr. Rangers (Premier) Nick Weaver (Rio Rancho) – Boston Jr. Rangers (Premier) ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Marcus Gretz (Albuquerque) – Flint Firebirds UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Knoll (Albuquerque) – Florida Jr. Blades (Elite) Seth Payson (Albuquerque) – New York Aviators (Elite) PREP SCHOOL Liam Sutton (Santa Fe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy

* former Jr. Coyote & former Arizona Bobcat ! former DYHA Jr. Sun Devil

SHOP TALK

Check it out: BTM VIP Service available in Scottsdale W

ith all the advancements in technology, it has become easier to get fit like a pro at the retail level.

There is no more worry about what stick you should be using, or if the $1000 pair of skates you want will fit propExelby erly down the line.

But with an increasing number of custom products available, all these innovations can be overwhelming to say the least.

Behind The Mask is excited to announce a new offering at our Scottsdale location – the BTM VIP Service.

BTM VIP Services are available to all customers looking for a real, in-person Pro Custom Fit Experience.

Our BTM Certified Fit Experts will help you find the best products for your needs in a one-on-one pre-scheduled appointment that should be made in advance online at www.behindthemask.com.

Our BTM Certified Fit Experts are trained individually in each category including sticks, skates

and goalie equipment. Each company certifies our experts initially for tech and spec options based on their retail options. Additionally, our experts must pass tests to determine their ability to pass the correct information on to the customer during the Pro Custom Fit process.

For skates, your BTM Certified Fit Expert walks you through the various options available from three of the best companies in the industry. Cus-

tom skate manufacturers include Bauer, CCM and True, all of which are made in Canada at their pro factories. Yes, the same factories that supply players in the NHL. How cool is it to know that your skates are next in like to be made after, let’s say, Auston Matthews?

Information on how the skates are made from start to finish – eyelets, liners, facing, ¼ sizing, tongues and more – can be manipulated during the custom process, as well as the always ego-boosting name and number tongue options that set your pair

of skates apart from the rest of the locker room.

For sticks, our BTM Certified Fit Experts can help you determine the right flex and curve for your style of play. For the full Pro Custom Fit Experience, we can help you determine your comfort level in the shape and feel of the stick’s blade, shaft and grip.

Match your stick’s color to your preference or team and add name and number for that extra personal touch. Custom sticks are available from Bauer in the MyBauer Custom Stick Center, CCM, True and Warrior. Custom sticks are not just limited to the Scottsdale location as you can order them at any BTM location.

Goalies can now confirm their one-on-one session online to ensure a BTM Certified Goalie Expert is on staff that day to help put together your next set of custom leg pads, catcher and/or blocker. Brand leaders include CCM, Brian’s, Vaughn, Bauer and Warrior. Our Experts will fit you for proper coverage to ensure safety. Additionally, we take the time to walk you through strapping options available to fit your individual style of play. We can even help work out the proper color pattern based on your preferences.

When spending the extra money for a custom product, you deserve the VIP treatment.

Book online today for your Custom BTM VIP Service today!

Randy Exelby is the owner of Behind The Mask Hockey Shops.

20

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

Addition of ECEL competition bolsters Tahoe Prep slate

By Greg Ball

T

ahoe Prep Hockey Academy took yet another major step in its development as one of the premier prep programs in North America recently when the academy announced that it will be playing next season in the Tier I East Coast Elite League (ECEL) as well as in the NAHL Prep League.

The newest addition to the program’s schedule will give Tahoe Prep players exposure from Blaine, Minn., to Boston.

“We already have the practice development model down, and we know it works,” said Chris Collins, the assistant coach for Tahoe’s prep team. “This opens the program to a national scale and gives our players exposure from the Midwest to the East Coast.”

Collins said the competition in the NAHL Prep League - which Tahoe joined to start the 2018-19 season - was a mix of 18U and 16U Tier I teams. Joining the ECEL will bring games with strictly 18U Tier I teams and bigger, stronger, and faster competition.

“We wanted to toughen up the schedule for the program and extend the season,’ Collins said.

“This will emulate more of the experience of college sports and gives the players more substance and focus throughout the academic year.

“This year was a great learning year for the boys.

They had success but also saw there’s a lot of work to be done to meet their goals. It also taught us as coaches that we would rather have more games than too few.”

Tahoe Prep will be the second team from California in the ECEL as they join the Ontario Jr. Reign.

“We are so delighted to expand into the West Coast market,” ECEL president Peter Alden said.

“The Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy staff brings a high level of professionalism and their program is breaking the mold of a typical prep or youth program.”

Founded in 2013, the ECEL is a four-weekend showcase series that will provide maximum exposure for its member organizations and their players by playing in top venues in ideal scouting locations.

Spread across the 15U, 16U and 18U divisions and represented by several of the top hockey organizations across the country, the ECEL “is the premier showcase series in the United States, unmatched

in its format and exposure opportunities,” according to the ECEL website.

The ECEL has rapidly expanded within the last two years, adding 15 teams in that time period. Its 18U division has teams in New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, California, Colorado and a number of other states. It has quickly become a prime landing spot for players to get both the top competition and the most exposure to college and junior hockey coaches and scouts.

“Our growth has been amazing to see, especially the last two years,” Alden said. “Our members and I are very excited to work with great operators and feel the level of competition is excellent.

“The ECEL allows us to take our expertise running tournaments and showcases and apply it in a league setting. Having successfully run dozens of elite tournaments and showcases, we understand how best to provide a structure that offers quality competition and prime exposure for our member organizations and their players.”

Tahoe Prep also announced this month the addition of their first international player with the signing of goalie Gian Burer from Switzerland. He is joining the program after an impressive season playing for the Rapperswil U20 in the Swiss Elite Junior League. Burer maintained a 1.77 GAA for the season with six shutouts and earned his league’s Most Valuable Player honors.

“We are honored that Burer chose Tahoe as his path to pursue his dream to play NCAA hockey,” said Leo Fenn, Tahoe Prep’s president and head coach of the varsity team.

AZRubberHockey.com

21

ALEX GOLIGOSKI

Position: Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes Hometown: Grand Rapids, Minn.

NHL Draft: Selected by Pittsburgh Penguins in second round (61st overall) of 2004 NHL Draft Acquired: Rights traded to Coyotes from Dallas Stars on June 16, 2016, for a fifth-round pick in 2016 NHL Draft; signed five-year contract with Coyotes on June 21, 2016 Last Amateur Team: University of Minnesota (then in WCHA, NCAA D-I) Age: 33 Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up?

Alex Goligoski: I would say just playing on the outdoor rink. That was two blocks from my house and loved the late nights out there.

AZR: What’s your favorite memory in the game since leaving junior hockey?

AG: There are so many. My first pro season was unbelievable. That was in the AHL and we went to the Calder Cup Finals (with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins). It was really fun. The run I had with Pittsburgh and watching that whole Stanley Cup run and everything was amazing. Had some good years in Dallas and I’m having fun with this group with the Coyotes. There have been a ton of great memories.

AZR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice?

AG: Just my parents. Just everything they did and the foundation they built. Yes, they have been definitely my biggest influence.

AZR: What’s the best piece of advice you have for young hockey players?

AG: If you enjoy playing, work hard at it. Just try to keep getting better.

AZR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?

AG: Football.

AZR: Do you have any superstitions?

AG: No really. If we win, I’ll stay in the same suit for the next game.

AZR: What does your game-day routine look like?

AG: Breakfast, then pre-game skate, lunch, nap. Go the rink. That’s it.

AZR: Do you have a favorite meal or restaurant here in the Phoenix area?

AG: I really like Roka Akor (in Scottsdale). Yeah, really like that spot.

AZR: What are some essential items you take on a road trip?

AG: I’m pretty simple. It’s just clothes and toiletries.

AZR: Did you have a favorite hockey player growing up?

AG: Scott Niedermayer.

Photo/Norm Hall

22

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Mark Brown

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