Arizona Rubber Magazine - Summer 2019

VOLUME 14

ISSUE 10

SUMMER 2019

PAIR OF JR. COYOTES STARS DECIDE ON NCAA D-I DESTINATIONS LONGTIME ARIZONA YOUTH STANDOUT BLESSING OFF TO USHL KACHINAS GIRLS PROGRAM ADDING TO STATE’S HOCKEY GROWTH IHAAZ PLAYERS EXCELLING THIS SUMMER ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE

After not being selected in the 2017 and 2018 NHL Drafts, Mark Kastelic persevered and put together an incredible 2018-19 season in the WHL that led to the Phoenix native being chosen by the Ottawa Senators last month in Vancouver

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FROM THE EDITOR Dog days of summer mean hockey season right around the corner

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Matt Mackinder

on’t get me wrong – I miss hockey season.

But nothing beats time with family, some downtime on the home front and food being cooked outside on the grill while the kids are off their phones and in the pool or playing baseball.

Summertime is often a time to reflect on the past season and what is to come once we get into late August. And both the reflecting part and looking ahead excite me to no end.

Once the season ramps up, the word “busy” doesn’t start to describe what we all go through. But I will say this – I’d rather be busy than the alternative during the winter months.

For now, let’s enjoy the last half of summer and keep one eye focused on the season ahead. It’ll be

here before you know it.

Arizona players were chosen in USPHL NCDC and NAHL junior drafts this offseason.

On May 15 during the USPHL NCDC Draft, Jr. Coyotes’ 18U AAA forwards Aidan Carney (Paradise Valley, New Jersey Rockets) and Logan Bellar (Flagstaff, Rochester Monarchs) were selected.

Five players with Arizona ties were selected in the NAHL Draft, which was conducted on June 4. All five are also former or current players with the Jr. Coyotes.

Forward Ryan Bottrill (Chandler) went in the third round (75th overall) to the Janesville Jets, while defenseman Jeremy Gabriele (Scottsdale) was taken in the fourth round (96th overall) by the Springfield Jr. Blues. In the sixth round, forward Sean Bunting (Phoenix) was drafted 139th overall by the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights, followed by Bellar going to the New Mexico Ice Wolves in the seventh round (158th overall). Forward Riley Stuart (Phoenix) rounded out the Arizona picks, being taken by the Jamestown Rebels in the ninth round (230th overall).

Congrats to all!

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.

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Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Rippy

TRULY A BLESSING

On the junior front, Buckeye native and Jr. Coyotes graduate Trey Bagwell has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls for the 2019-20 season.

As well, Scottsdale native Joey Strada (Jr. Coyotes grad, Arizona State commit) won an NAHL Robertson Cup title in May with the Aberdeen Wings. That same month, Phoenix product Jeremy Masella (Jr. Coyotes, Arizona Bobcats) won a WHL championship with the Prince Albert Raiders.

Way to go, boys!

USA Hockey announced earlier this month additions to the 2019 World Junior Summer Showcase invitee list, and Arizona State sophomore forward Demetrios Koumontzis was one of those added to the 44-player roster.

Koumontzis becomes the first player in ASU program history to receive an invite to Team USA’s World Junior Summer Showcase, which will be held July 26-Aug. 3 in Plymouth, Mich.

The Calgary Flames prospect, Jr. Coyotes graduate and Scottsdale native completed his rookie collegiate season with 20 points (four goals, 16 assists) in 34 games.

“We’re very proud of Demetrios,” said Sun Devils head coach Greg Powers.

“He’s earned this opportunity and I have no doubt he’ll go and represent himself and our program incredibly well at this camp while working toward his ultimate goal of representing our country at the World Junior Championship.”

The week-long camp will feature 11 international competitions between Canada, Finland, Sweden and Team USA. The 20-year-old winger will compete for a spot on the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship, Dec. 26-Jan. 5 in the Czech Republic.

Sticking with USA Hockey, Phoenix native and Jr. Coyotes standout forward David Hymovitch is among 20 players who participated at the USA Hockey Boys Select 16 Player Development Camp that have been chosen for the 2019 U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team that will compete Aug. 13-17 at the Five Nations Tournament in Füssen, Germany.

In addition to the U.S., the tournament will also include teams from Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany.

Great work, David!

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

Guy Blessing, a Chandler native who grew up playing youth hockey in Arizona, will play for the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers in 2019-20. He is also committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Air Force after his junior career. More on Page 12.

ON THE COVER Phoenix native and Jr. Coyotes graduate Mark Kastelic took part in the Ottawa Senators’ Development Camp days after being chosen by the team in the fifth round (125th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft on June 22 in Vancouver, B.C. Photo/Ryan Morrison/Ottawa Senators

Coyotes load up on talented prospects at 2019 NHL Draft from pick No. 15 and struck a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. In trading their two picks, at No. 15 and No. 45, the Coyotes acquired the Flyers’ pick at 11 and selected Soderstrom, who subsequently signed a three-year contract.

Right behind, Arizona selected center John Farinacci from the Dexter School in Massachusetts.

Committed to Harvard, Farinacci scored 12 goals and assisted on 11 others in 16 games and was cho-

need to get bigger, faster and stronger.”

During the last week of June, the Coyotes held he first thought is to fill an immediate need, and their rookie development camp and those drafted teams tend to approach the draft from that peron June 21, along with selected players from recent spective. drafts, were invited to camp.

That is, if you run an NFL franchise or an NBA Arizona’s 2018 first-round selection, Barrett team. Officials associated with these leagues apHayton, appeared to bulk up and could be ready to proach the draft much differently than Major League jump into the NHL. Last season, Hayton started the Baseball and the NHL. Football and basketball percampaign with the Coyotes but after scratched for sonnel draft players for immediate impact, while the first two games, Hayton was returned to jubaseball and the NHL select players for develniors. Immediately, Hayton was named captain of opment. That’s why the Arizona Coyotes’ recent the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, and proceeded 2019 draft seems appealing. to produce a 66-point season (26 goals, 40 asWhile offense gains headlines, it’s goaltending sists) in 39 Ontario Hockey League games. and defense that wins Stanley Cups. For that reaYet, the Coyotes have a recent history of tradson, the Coyotes’ top pick in the recent NHL Draft ing No. 1 picks. comes from the blue line. In selecting Victor SodSince selecting Max Domi (12th overall) in the erstrom from Brynas IF (Sweden), the Coyotes 2013 draft, Arizona dealt four top picks, includhope to secure their future with an accomplished ing Domi, over the past six years. Also dealt was and productive defenseman. If one dimension is Brendan Perlini (12th overall in 2014), Dylan obvious from any 18-year old, like Soderstrom, Strome (third overall in 2015) and Pierre-Oliver it’s that development and education remain paraJoseph (23rd overall in 2017). As well, the Coymount. otes traded away a second-round pick, Laurent “I think I’m a two-way defenseman with an ofDauphin, who was selected right behind Domi in fensive upside,” Soderstrom said. “Good hockey Swedish defenseman Victor Soderstrom was the Arizona Coyotes’ top 2013. sense, good hockey IQ. Good skater. I need to de- pick in last month’s NHL Draft, going 11th overall after a solid season In addition to Soderstrom and Farinacci, the velop my defensive game. I have to get stronger in with Brynas IF. Photo/Norm Hall Coyotes selected seven other players in the 2019 my own zone. Last year, I played against grown men. sen in the third round (37th overall). draft, including forward Matias Maccelli (fourth They were bigger and lot stronger. In the NHL, every“It’s really a dream come true,” Farinacci said. round, 98th overall), forward Alexandr Darin (fourth body’s stronger, so that’s priority No. 1. I have pretty “Have to thank my parents and my whole family who round, 107th overall), forward Aku Raty (fifth round, much my own style and taken parts of several play- have been so supportive in this entire process. My 151st overall), forward Danil Savunov (sixth round, ers’ game and put that in mine. Yeah, the (Sedona biggest asset is my two-way game. My hockey IQ is 174th overall), forward Anthony Romano (sixth Red with the Coyotes logo) jersey and looks pretty probably my biggest attribute. Off of that, like I said, round, 176th overall), defenseman Axel Bergkvist good. Hopefully, I can wear this for many years.”

I’m a good two-way player, can win faceoffs and play (seventh round, 200th overall) and forward Valentin To select Soderstrom, the Coyotes moved up at both ends. With other players like me right now, I Nussbaumer (seventh round, 207th overall).

By Mark Brown

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‘A Day I’ll Never Forget’

After monster year in WHL, Phoenix native Kastelic selected by Ottawa in 2019 NHL Draft

ment camp “Ottawa is a first-class organization and the camp was a really amazing expeark Kastelic was first eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft but wasn’t selected. rience,” said Kastelic. “It was awesome to meet the staff, trainers and the players, He also wasn’t picked in the 2018 draft. and start building relationships with all of them. During the camp, I just tried to take All the 20-year-old Phoenix native did was pile up 47 goals and 77 points for it all in, the fitness testing, seminars, skill sessions and scrimmages, while at the the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Calgary Hitmen in 2018-19, all while serving same time trying to make a good impression. I’m really looking forward to going as captain for the club. back in the fall.

The Ottawa Senators took notice and nabbed Kastelic in the fifth round (125th “At the end of camp, I had a positive exit meeting with the development staff overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, which was held June 21-22 in Vancouver, B.C. where we discussed things to work on the rest of the summer to help improve my “I was at home watching the draft with my parents when my agent (Scott Bart- game and prepare for the next level.” lett from Sports Consulting Group) called with the news,” said Kastelic. “Almost Kastelic said his plans for next season include playing for the Senators organisimultaneously, I saw my name show up on the TV and it was a moment I’ll never zation. forget. Shortly after, I received the call from Ottawa’s head scout, Trent Mann, “Getting drafted is just the first step,” said Kastelic. “My next goal is to sign with welcoming me to the organization. It was really special and a day I’ll never forget.

Ottawa and play at the highest level possible as soon as I can. For now, my plan “I started getting a lot of texts and messages from friends, coaches and teamis to go back to Calgary in August until the Sens training camp and do my best to mates. It was amazing to see all of the support I received.” compete for a spot in Belleville (Ottawa’s American Hockey League affiliate).”

Passed over in 2017 and 2018, the 6-foot-3, 220-pound forward said he never Growing up in Arizona, Kastelic started playing house hockey at Polar Ice in get discouraged by not getting drafted.

Chandler. He then played minor hockey for the Phoenix Polar Bears, Phoenix Fire“I guess it started at the end of the 2017-18 season and not making playbirds and Jr. Coyotes. From 2013-15, Kastelic played on the strong 14U and 16U offs,” said Kastelic. “I was motivated to train and used the extra time to work on Jr. Coyotes squads. my fitness and conditioning level and “I had a lot of great coaches during skated with a group of my minor hockey career and took a little local junior, college something away from each of them,” and pro players Kastelic said. “The coach that stands from Phoenix. out the most though is my dad (Ed), who Because coached me up until Bantam. I really feel I didn’t he helped produce successful teams and taught every player he coached so much. Being a former NHLer, he was very well-respected and knowledgeable and I’m very lucky I was able to have him as my coach.”

Being immersed in a hockey family made it an easy choice for Kastelic to want to pursue the game.

“My dad, grandpa (Pat Stapleton) and uncle (Mike Stapleton) played hockey so, naturally, my parents (Ed and Susan) signed me up for hockey at a young age, and I just really enjoyed it,” said Kastelic. “I played a lot of different go to a training camp, sports as a kid, but hockey was my true I personally got off to a passion. I was always a Coyotes fan good start (in 2018-19). I growing up and loved going to their started to prove that I could contribute games when I had the chance.” offensively while demonstrating leaderEd Kastelic played 220 NHL games ship and work ethic. I had a great group with the Washington Capitals and of coaches and teammates that helped Hartford Whalers, Pat Stapleton skated to contribute to my success. I followed in 635 games for the Boston Bruins and it up with a strong playoff performance Chicago Blackhawks, and Mike StaplePhoenix native and Jr. Coyotes graduate Mark Kastelic finished third in goals this past season in ton played nearly 700 games with eight and a first-round win over Lethbridge. the WHL, racking up 47 in 2018-19 for the Calgary Hitmen, a team he also captained. Photo/Candice NHL teams.

“It is definitely disappointing when Ward/Calgary Hitmen you don’t get drafted, but I tried not to “My family has made so many sacrilet it affect me. I used it as more motivation to continue training harder and working fices and they have provided me with incredible opportunities throughout my hockon the things I could control. I tried to focus more on helping the Hitmen be more ey career, which I couldn’t be more thankful for,” Kastelic said. “My parents and successful. If the team does well, we all look good.” sisters (Kristen, Courtney and Kari) are my biggest supporters and role models.

He joins another Jr. Coyotes graduate and Phoenix native, Todd Burgess, who I’ve learned so much from all of them – it’s incredible.” was selected in the fourth round (103rd overall) by the Senators in 2016. Burgess As an American, Kastelic had to decide at an early age if he wanted to wait will be a senior in the fall at NCAA Division I Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. for an NCAA offer or jump to the Hitmen, the team that picked him in the second This season with Calgary, Kastelic’s offense exploded. His 47 goals were thirdround (41st overall) of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. best in the WHL, while his 77 points were a 32-point improvement from 2017-18.

“I’ve always had my sights set on the WHL ever since I first started learning According to prospect-stats.com, he was one of just 16 WHL forwards to finish about the league and talking to teams in Bantam,” Kastelic said. “My dad played above 1.00 primary points per game, with only 10 secondary assists all year.

Major Junior in the OHL, so I had a pretty good feel about what the league “We had a lot of great personalities and leaders in the room so to be named had to offer. What really appealed to me about the ‘Dub’ was the heavy game captain was a huge honor,” Kastelic said. “At the same time, I tried to just be myschedule and the grind that prepares you for professional hockey. And once self, lead by example, and grow as a leader. It was a really fun experience and I am I was drafted by a great organization like Calgary, I knew right away that was thankful for the previous Hitmen captains that I was able to learn from.” where I wanted to play.

After getting drafted, Kastelic went to Ottawa for the team’s annual develop“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”

By Matt Mackinder

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ARIZONA HOCKEY UNION

AHU Knights players making impact away from hockey rink

By Sean Phillips

D

uring the hockey season, Arizona Hockey Union teams are going full-steam ahead.

After the season ends, many Knights players stay active away from the rink in a variety of activities.

Zac Yurkanin goes to Desert Ridge High School and was a member of the track team.

“Because ice time is limited during the offseason, I need to find other ways to stay athletic,” said Yurkanin, who played on the AHU 18U AA team last season. “Track offers a cheap way to keep my cardio in check, while allowing me to compete in events that mimic time on ice. Events like the 400-meter and 200-meter sprints last about as long as a shift on ice, allowing for my hockey skills to transfer to the sport.”

Matt Sigrist, a goalie 18U AA team last season, was a camp counselor for kids who attend Camp AZDA/Diabetes at Friendly Pines, in Prescott in June. He was a camper there in the past, and now is a counselor.

The age group is 8-16. The kids love this camp, and it gives them a chance to be with others with the same

chronic illness, share their daily struggles and fears, learn to manage their illness and have fun. Most of the kids are Type 1 diabetic, meaning there is no cure.

Caleb Yordy will skate with the AHU

Bantam AA team in 2019-20. He is a Flagstaff player who will be traveling to the Valley to play this year. He will be traveling to Finland with the Rocky Mountain Hockey

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School’s Select Team this summer. Yordy will participate in a European Development Camp at their Olympic Training Center and then compete with the team in the Finland Lions Cup tournament in Helsinki.

Jake Holston, another 18U AA standout, spends his summers playing hockey, weightlifting, speed training, personal training and working as a math tutor.

Luke Yubeta was the Chandler High School JV volleyball captain this past spring. He made the AZ Fear 16U volleyball tournament team that played in Anaheim, Calif., June 14-16.

He is also the goalie for the 16U AZ Outcasts roller hockey team that competed in the NARCh regional and East and West Coast Finals tournaments in Irvine, Calif. (April 26-28, team took first place), Escondido, Calif. (May 31June 2), Detroit (June 24-28, East Coast Finals) and Irvine (July 12-19, West Coast Finals).

2019-20

PROSPECTIVE PLAYER MEETING

Monday, August 26 @ 6pm

Fall Prospects Camp will run August 27-31 with six on-ice sessions that prepare each player for tryouts.

DIVISIONS: 12U - A/B FALL PROSPECTS CAMP & TRYOUTS

200 EACH

$

Tryouts will begin on September 4 with five on-ice sessions.

This past season, the Division 2 team graduated nine players.

Coaches will be looking to fill the roster spots with returning Division 3 players and new prospects.

PROSPECT CAMP IS NOT MANDATORY, BUT POTENTIAL PLAYERS ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND. COACHES WILL ANNOUNCE THE FINAL ROSTERS ON SEPTEMBER 7.

Rink Location: Jay Lively Arena 1650 N. Turquoise Flagstaff, AZ 86001

Hotel Info: Little America (928) 779-7900

For more information and registration link, please visit

www.nauicejacks.com

ARIZONA HOCKEY UNION COACH'S CORNER

The top five mistakes that drive me crazy as a coach L

et’s look at a handful of things that hockey players do that get me shaking my head.

1. Making mistakes at halfspeed: I don’t mind if players make mistakes – in fact, I expect them Goar to. Hockey is a game of mistakes after all. Plays rarely work out perfectly, and more often than not, scoring chances and goals result from a bad bounce or a miscue by a player.

When you make a play at half speed (or even worse, without your feet moving), you take away your ability to recover if you make a mistake. Also, when you do make a mistake, play it off as if nothing happened. Instead of banging your stick, rolling your eyes or yelling, just keep going.

2. Turnovers within five feet of the blue lines: This is the biggest one for me. It drives me crazy

when a forward makes a move right outside the blue line that throws their teammates offside. Similarly, turning the puck over on the breakout just five feet inside the blue line is infuriating. Defensemen are equally as guilty here, too. They back off the blue line in the offensive zone and keep their team from maintaining puck possession on the attack. The rule of thumb is to keep things simple within five feet of the blue line. No cute drop passes and no trying to make a fancy move. Carry the puck in deep or chip it off the wall to get it out of the zone. Simple.

3. Throwing the puck back into traffic: Puck possession is a very hard thing to maintain in boys hockey because of body checking, but it is much easier to maintain in girls hockey and is absolutely critical to a team’s success. Finding open space when you don’t have the puck and moving the puck to an open player when you do have the puck are two very important skills for players to master – and they are also quite hard to teach.

Too often, players panic when they get the puck and are under pressure and simply throw it back in the direction from which it came. Be patient, keep your feet moving and remember that the puck doesn’t always need to move forward down the ice.

Don’t be afraid to pull the puck back and regroup it towards your own zone so that you can maintain control and wait for space to open up.

4. Over-passing the puck: This is a big difference between boys and girls hockey. On a 2-on-1 rush in boys hockey, the player who carries the puck in over the blue line is more often than not the shooter. In girls hockey, the players usually make 1-2 too many passes as they come in on the net, which results in a shot from too tight or no shot at all.

Over-passing the puck takes away space and control, which lessens the chance you will score. I have heard players say that they pass on the 2-on-1 because they don’t want their teammate to get mad at them if they don’t. Trust me, your teammate will not be mad at you if you score.

5. Taking everything too literally: This is another huge difference between the boys and girls game.

Girls tend to get very focused on executing the system exactly as the coach teaches it. This is not a bad thing, but quite often it results in “paralysis by analysis.” You get so focused on being exactly where you are supposed to be that you miss out on chances to create turnovers or capitalize on the other team’s mistakes. You need to learn the system, be a responsible player in both ends of the ice, and then look for opportunities to play “outside the box.”

Those five mistakes aren’t huge by themselves, but they add up over the course of the game and the season. Focus on these details to have a successful season.

Kurt Goar is the coach-in-chief for the Arizona Hockey Club.

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DYHA JR. SUN DEVILS

DYHA excited to see Kachinas program booming in Arizona

By Matt Mackinder

I

n further proof that hockey continues to grow in Arizona, 2019 brought aboard the Arizona Kachinas to the state’s slate of programs.

The Kachinas came to fruition earlier this year, providing girls a place to play hockey at the level they’re currently playing and develop their skills from start to finish.

“It’s been a pretty long process that started about 4-5 years with a meeting between myself, Lyndsey Fry, her dad Doug and his co-pilot for the Chandler Jr. Polar Bears, Jackie Hodgins, at California Pizza Kitchen at Tempe Marketplace,” said Arizona Coyotes director of amateur hockey development Matt Shott. “We really spent the last year finalizing and getting things prepared for the upcoming season, working with Natalie Rossi, Vanessa Maines, Jennifer Triant, Katie McGovern and Erin Cain to make this dream a reality for the 2019-20 season.”

Any youth female hockey player can participate in the Kachinas program, which boasts development

teams in house leagues from 14U down to 8U and travel teams from 19U to 12U. The Kachinas skate at Oceanside Ice Arena, AZ Ice Arcadia and Ice Den Scottsdale.

Many games will also be played

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at Gila River Arena.

How does the Kachinas speak to the growth of the game in Arizona?

“We are just getting started on this part, so we can talk about our growth in the girls hockey game next season,” Shott said.

“We are just happy to provide girls a place to get proper development for them throughout their entire youth hockey career.”

“Our focus for growth within the association will be aggressively working to grow the base of the pyramid with the Small Frys and development programs and to provide an amazing experience for those in the association so we retain the girls we have,” added Fry, the Kachinas president.

For more information, including costs and requirements, visit www.AZKachinasHockey.com.

“Our tryouts and evaluations have already concluded, but we are open to adding new girls who are interested,” noted Fry. Photos/Janelle Etzel

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Chandler’s Blessing makes USHL roster, Air Force choice

By Matt Mackinder

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uy Blessing honed his game growing up in the Arizona youth ranks and then last year in prep school in the Chicago area.

This summer has seen hard work pay off for the 18-year-old Chandler native as the goaltender first signed with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers and then committed to NCAA Division I Air Force.

Not a bad summer vacation.

“I was scouted by Omaha playing for Team Arizona at America’s Showcase,” Blessing said. “I was fortunate enough to get to attend their main camp this year, and it was an awesome experience. I’m just really excited to get things started next year.

“With Air Force, I’ve gone to their prospect camp in Colorado Springs the past two years, and they saw me at Lake Forest Academy and Omaha as well. It was really just the perfect fit.”

In his youth days, Blessing played for VOSHA, DYHA, CAHA, AHU and in AHSHA for Hamilton High School, spending the most time with the Jr. Sun Devils and Knights.

“My dad got me into the sport,” said Blessing. “He played as a child and my brother was already playing at the time. I actually only chose goalie because I liked the gear and I wanted to do what my brother was doing. Going to Arizona Coyotes games definitely contributed to my love for the sport. There’s really nothing more inspiring for a young player than watching some of the best in the world play live.”

Blessing said coaches that he learned from in Arizona that stand out to him include Jason Evahnenko, John Damyanovich, Todd Collins, Tait Green and Matt Lundgren. Lake Forest coaches

that pushed him were Darrin Madeley, Tyler Madeley, Andrew Poska and Trevor Wilson.

“All of these coaches played a major role in my development, both as a player and as a person,” Blessing said. “My goalie coach, Jeff Tecca, played perhaps the largest role in my development as a

Guy Blessing grew up in Arizona youth hockey programs and is off to the USHL this fall, followed by NCAA D-I Air Force in two years’ time.

goaltender, and I cannot say enough good things about him. I absolutely would not be where I am now without him. I strongly recommend Tecca to

any goalie in the state that’s looking to improve and have some fun while doing it.”

During his time with Hamilton, Blessing said he “always had an awesome time playing with those guys, both in the regular season and in the playoffs.”

“AHSHA has definitely improved during my lifetime,” said Blessing. “It’s an awesome outlet for kids in high school to come together as a team and represent their individual programs, and I had amazing experiences playing for Hamilton and Team Arizona.”

This fall, Blessing will head to Nebraska to play for the Lancers. He’ll go to Air Force in the fall of 2021.

“I can’t speak too much on the specifics of the USHL, but it’s really up to me to do my job, both on and off the ice,” Blessing said. “You have to be a player that contributes whenever possible, from playing during a game, to helping out around the rink, to participating in community service, and everything in between. I’m definitely very excited to receive this incredible opportunity, but at the same time there is still a lot of work to be done, and I’m ready to get started.

“I can’t speak enough on the importance of education in hockey. You never know how long you’ll be able to play for, and it’s crucial to have a degree to fall back on when your playing days are coming to an end. My uncle was an Air Force pilot, and I am incredibly honored to get to serve in the same branch as him. I’m really excited to get to work in the classroom and on the ice. I’m likely going to major in Aerospace Engineering, and I’m really lucky to be going to a school with such a prestigious program in that field.”

Glendale native Mobley named new assistant coach at Holy Cross

By Matt Mackinder

N

ot only are Arizona natives excelling on the ice in the college ranks, but they are also making waves behind the bench.

Holy Cross announced last month that Glendale native and former Phoenix Polar Bears standout Max Mobley has been hired as a new assistant coach for the NCAA Division I program that plays in Atlantic Hockey.

Mobley comes to Holy Cross after spending the 2018-19 season as a volunteer coach at the University of Notre Dame.

“I am very excited to welcome Max to Holy Cross,” said Holy Cross head coach David Berard. “He is an outstanding addition to our program and coaching staff. I am thoroughly impressed with his passion, positive energy and love for the game, which is clearly evident from the first time you meet him. He has relatable experiences of recruiting players to a high academic school and an understanding of the similarities to our process at Holy Cross. He is an enthusiastic coach and believes in the importance of player development, which is a pillar of our program.

“Max has worked with and learned from some of the top coaches in college hockey and will bring that knowledge with him as he works with our players and staff.”

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the coaching staff at Holy Cross,” added Mobley, who turns 32 next month. “Once I visited campus, it was evident that Coach Berard and Coach (Peter) Roundy have done an exceptional job of building a strong culture over the last several seasons. I’m looking forward to taking the next steps with our team and coaching staff.”

Prior to Notre Dame, Mobley spent four seasons at NCAA Division III Hamilton College as an assistant coach.

Mobley also served as a volunteer coach at his alma mater, St. Lawrence University. While wearing a Saints jersey, Mobley earned the ECAC Student-Athlete award three times (2010-12). He went on to play professionally in the ECHL, Central Hockey League and Southern Professional Hockey League after graduating with a history degree from St. Lawrence.

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COYOTES AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

Jr. Coyotes’ Doan, Knies make NCAA Division I decisions

By Matt Mackinder

J

osh Doan and Matthew Knies have both been longtime Jr. Coyotes Elite Program standouts and will play junior hockey in the USHL next season before heading off to college hockey down the road.

Doan, a forward who will play for the Chicago Steel in 2019-20, recently committed to Arizona State University, while Knies, another forward, is set to play for the Tri-City Storm in the fall before going to the University of Minnesota. Both are looking at landing on their respective campuses in the fall of 2021.

Both have positive hockey influences on their side as Doan’s father is Arizona Coyotes legend Shane Doan, while Knies’ older brother, Phil, plays NCAA D-I hockey for Miami University in Ohio.

As well, Knies and Doan both stayed in Arizona for their entire youth hockey lives, from Mites to Midgets, wearing the Jr. Coyotes colors. Along with a great surrounding cast, each also competed in three straight national tournaments.

“I think I got this opportunity to play at ASU because I have been lucky to have great coaches and teammates that have challenged me over the years,” Doan said. “CAHA has prepared me because every coach at the rink has played or coached kids that are playing at a junior or collegiate level, and they are willing to help you out and answer questions whenever need be in order to make sure you’re ready to take that next step.

“Committing to college is a dream come true, but it helps motivate you to realize you’re that much closer to playing at a professional level or even every hockey kid’s dream of playing in the NHL.” Knies is in agreement with his teammate on how the Jr. Coyotes prep players to skate at higher levels.

“Throughout my 16U year the with Jr. Coyotes, Minnesota had seen me play several times and had

Josh Doan

Matthew Knies

reached out to me,” Knies said. “During the Tier I championships in Blaine, Minn., me and my father took an extra day after the tournament to see the campus in person as well as meet the coaches. Right away, I fell in love with Minnesota and made my decision. Ever since I’ve been a little kid, I wanted to play Division I college hockey. This is a part of my lifelong dream and its awesome to see it all come together. I see playing college hockey at Minnesota as a huge opportunity to

play in the NHL, which would then finally fulfill my lifelong dream.

“Each and every year with the Jr. Coyotes, I took a step closer to my goals. We always had a very good team and every day, I practiced against some of the strongest and best 2002s in the nation. We would have workouts with professional trainers that help me be prepared physically. I had coaches such as Shane Doan, Mike DeAngelis, Steve Potvin, Steve Sullivan and Mark Ciaccio who helped me every step of the way. I’m very grateful for what they have done for me and the person they made me become.”

Growing up around an NHL legend helped Doan love and appreciate hockey.

“Ever since I was 1, I’ve had a mini stick in my hand,” he said. “The Coyotes have played a huge role in that since my dad played for them and I grew up around the rink and at their games. My dad had a huge influence on me and my decision to play hockey in the desert. Just watching him play and then him playing with me at home are some of my earliest memories. As long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a hockey player like my dad.”

“My brother has been my biggest influence on me for everything,” Knies added. “Whatever he got, I wanted. Whatever he did, I was right there to follow him. So when he started playing hockey, there I was following him again. I’m truly blessed to have such a brother and a great role model, I’m so proud of what he has accomplished and if not for him I wouldn’t be here.”

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Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

HOCKEYSHOT

Jack Hughes’ training earns him top pick in NHL Draft

By HockeyShot Staff

C

hances are you have already heard of Jack Hughes – younger brother to Quinn Hughes, chosen No. 7 by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Draft, and older brother to Luke, a prospect for a first-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft.

Like HockeyShot, this family legacy has come through lots of hard work and humble beginnings, from shooting puck holes in the drywall as kids to training on their very own HockeyShot Home Training Center, we’re proud to have Jack and Quinn Hughes as HS ambassadors!

On June 21, Jack Hughes was selected No. 1 by the New Jersey Devils at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver. A left-handed center, Jack is likely the first NTDP player to go directly from the draft to playing in the NHL! The kid just turned 18 years old on May 14.

His stature and agility on the ice have drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane, while his skating resembles the style of Connor McDavid.

Whoever he reminds you of, there is no question that Jack Hughes is going places, and HockeyShot is right beside him to help him continue to dominate!

Growing up in the Hughes household, all the brothers played hockey. In fact, Jack was on the ice from the time he was 1 ½ years old. While the brothers may have learned their signature cuts, turns and slices from

their parents Jim and Ellen, both high-level hockey players themselves, they have also been training hard with Dan Ninkovich (nickname: Deej) at Beyond The Next Level (BTNL) to perfect those skills and raise them up to the NHL level. A training center in Oakville, Ont., with alumni ranging from McDavid to Phil Kessel, BTNL and HockeyShot

are proud to support some of the top NHL prospects such as Jack and help them train to win.

Throughout his training at BTNL, Jack has perfected his innate ability to process new information on the ice, and keep his

feet moving to continually adapt to the play. He has the capacity to change his mind at a moment’s notice without sacrificing speed or ability, knows how to make full use of the blade and can scan the ice mentally without slowing down physically. These are all fully teachable skills, and thanks to Deej, the whole BTNL team and his dedicated family and coaches, Jack Hughes is a shining example of where hard work will get you.

When you train the right way, you can ensure the game is tailor-made to fit your skills. Jack Hughes and Deej have worked to create an intricate training system that you can recreate at home using only the best training equipment, they love dryland training tools such as the HS Slideboard Pro, stickhandling drills using the HS Speed Dekes and shooting practice with the Extreme Shooter Tutor and Indestructible Goal.

When asked about the growth that he has seen in Jack Hughes, NDTP coach John Wroblewski told NHL.com: “From two years ago when I first met him through last spring until now, it’s is a completely transformed individual, just look at the way he can generate scoring chances, and how the ice is tilted while he’s out there. Jack will find a way to impress on people in the NHL next season with his game.”

Clearly, the folks over at BTNL know what they are doing, and with the use of HockeyShot Training Products, Jack Hughes’ star is only going to continue to rise. We can’t wait to see what happens next!

HockeyShot.com

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INLINE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION OF ARIZONA

IHAAZ sends high-end duo to Spain for World Roller Games

By Brian Lester

I

HAAZ standouts Izzy Clark and Nathan tePas recently experienced the opportunity of a lifetime in roller hockey.

The two competed on 18-and-under national teams at the World Roller Games in Spain this summer.

“I feel that I was very lucky to be able to play at such a high level of competition,” Clark said. “I got to meet and play with some of the best junior women inline players in the United States. With this competition, I can continue to be an example to young girls who are trying hard to make it to a higher skill level and to excel in hockey.”

It was equally meaningful to tePas. “Competing in the World Roller Games meant so much to me,” tePas said. “From playing 8U Anarchy in California to 18U Platinum with Outcasts, it was the culmination of my 10-year roller career.”

Both players were selected through an application process and said the experience was amazing.

“It was awesome playing with such a talented bunch of women,” Clark said. “Everyone had their strengths and we came together as a team extremely well. Playing internationally against other teams from around the world was a highlight.”

For tePas, it was special getting to help Team USA showcase its talents on a world stage.

“Coming together to show the rest of the world what the United States can bring, it’s a pretty special feeling,” tePas said.

IHAAZ tournament director Nick Boyarsky is proud of both players.

“I couldn’t think of two better individuals in IHAAZ to represent their country on a stage like the World Roller Games,” Boyarsky said.

Boyarsky added their experience should open the door for others to follow in the footsteps of Clark and tePas. “We have a lot of young roller talent coming up through the series,” said Boyarsky. “It’s my hope that this has paved the way for future standout talent from IHAAZ and Arizona roller hockey as a whole, to have opportunities on future USA teams.”

Both Clark and tePas readily admit the competition was crazy tough and that there was no opponent they could take lightly.

But they came away feeling as if they gained a great deal from the experience.

“I gained so much from this tournament,” tePas said. “The camaraderie among teammates, the knowledge that different coaches give you, and the experience of simply playing different countries and seeing how roller hockey impacts them as well, are just some of the things I took away from this experience.”

Clark said there was a lot of value in her experience as well.

IHAAZ.com

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“I grew by learning how different cultures play the games,” said Clark. “I grew by having to learn new ways to defend the net. I also got to learn how to play with a new coaching style that coach (Alex) Morrison brought to the team.”

Both players will have an opportunity to build off this experience going forward.

Clark plans to continue to play for Morrison and his NARCh travel teams.

She added that her IHAAZ experience has been valuable in her career as well.

“What I have developed most from IHAAZ is an inner strength and competitive drive that girls can compete in the league,” Clark said. “Nothing can stop us from pushing forward and developing skills that can make us successful hockey players.” tePas is headed to college but isn’t sure yet what he’ll do as far roller hockey is concerned.

Like Clark, he’s thankful he was part of IHAAZ as well.

“IHAAZ, along with my coaches Nick Boyarsky (back when he was coaching in the league) and Marvin Simmons, has taught me so many roller and life skills,” tePas said. “How to read the play, anticipate, how to slow a game down, respect another team regardless of their skill, and even just how to conduct myself on and off the rink.”

MISSION ARIZONA

Year after year, players keep coming back to Mission

By Greg Ball

T

here is a certain statistic that Mission AZ director of hockey operations Jeremy Goltz and his staff look at more closely than almost any other, but what it is may surprise you.

Wins are great, and championship banners and trophies keep players motivated to do their best on the ice. Goals, assists, saves and other stats are great for measuring individual players’ performance, but above all else, Goltz determines the program’s level of success by return rate.

While many youth sports organizations experience significant turnover from season to season, with players coming and going to chase new opportunities elsewhere, Goltz said Mission consistently has around 90 percent of the program’s players returning each year. It’s a tremendous source of pride for him and everyone associated with Mission.

“There’s such a range in terms of how people define success in youth hockey from program to program,” Goltz explained. “Since we started Mission 14 years ago, we’ve done some pretty extensive tracking of how many kids return as well as where kids go if they leave, and why. When we look at that 90 percent return rate on average each year, that’s a big indicator to us that we’re doing a lot of things right.

“Our kids and their parents are happy. They’re buying into our vision, wearing one jersey and mov-

ing up through each level. It’s something I’m proud of and something that I think really defines our program.”

Mission iced nine teams during the 2018-19 season and plans to have the same number in 201920, giving them between 130 and 140 players of all ages wearing the program’s distinctive red and white sweaters. Less than 15 players from last season won’t return this year, and part of that can be explained by families moving out of the area or kids moving on to play AAA hockey in another area - in which case Goltz is happy to see the player move forward and advance his career at a higher level.

Along with keeping kids in the program and being able to help them continue developing their skills, there are a number of other benefits to having such a large percentage of players coming back year after year.

First, there is continuity in coaching. At each level, certain skills are taught and mastered, and when kids move up to the next level, they are ready to tackle new, more advanced skills. There’s also the coaching philosophy that carries through from Mites to Midgets, so the foundation is continually

built from one level to the next. If a lot of your players are new to the program each year, coaches can’t be sure what they have been taught previously, or how.

Familiarity is another benefit and having young hockey players move from level to level with most of the same teammates can be a major positive in their development and cohesion as a team. They also get to know their coaches well, and coaches get to know each individual player as well as how best to motivate them and get their best effort out of them.

“Each year at the end of the season, we sit down with each kid and spend some time talking with them about what they were happy with and unhappy with,” Goltz explained. “While we talk with them during the season, this is a great opportunity for us to go over with them their strengths and what they can work on to improve, but also for us to listen to their feedback and learn what they thought about our power skating program, or our dryland training, or anything else they may want to tell us about.

“We want to make sure we’re taking into account their input and making it a priority to continually make the Mission program better. I think if we keep doing that, we’ll continue to have that return rate that plays such a big part in defining our success.”

MissionArizonaIce.org

Congrats to the Mission AZ 18U Red team on winning the silver medal this season at the USA Hockey Tier II National Championships!

AZRubberHockey.com

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TAHOE PREP ACADEMY

With Year 4 ahead, Tahoe Prep moving in right direction

By Greg Ball

S

ummer may be in full swing, with tourists descending on Lake Tahoe for the season and hockey far from most peoples’ minds, but at Tahoe Prep Academy, they’re always looking ahead and are already preparing for a successful 2019-20 academic year and hockey season.

As the burgeoning academy prepares for its fourth year, Tahoe Prep has plenty of returning Tier I-level players who will be joined by student-athletes new to the program this fall who come from all over the country brandishing plenty of academic and athletic promise.

Leo Fenn, Tahoe Prep’s president and coach, said the program’s model of individual hockey development, combined with academic preparation to help the academy’s students prepare for the next level, has proved to be a winning combination.

“We are preparing our students from a hockey standpoint to go on to play at the NCAA level, and also getting them ready from an academic standpoint,” Fenn said. “The two goals complement each other nicely, rather than working against each other.”

Just three years into its existence, Tahoe Prep has proved itself and built a reputation among current and future players and their families that will only help it grow stronger. That has resulted in one of the academy’s best recruiting classes for its prep and varsity squads this season.

The varsity team plays at the AA level in the Anaheim

Ducks and San Jose Sharks high school hockey leagues and will play more than 40 games this coming season.

The academy’s prep team plays at the AAA/Tier I elite level, with more than 50 games in the East Coast Elite League (ECEL) and North American Hockey League prep division. New this year, Tahoe’s prep team will play a home series against longtime national powerhouse Shattuck-St.

The Tahoe Prep Academy graduating class of 2019, with Michael Lewis and Leo Fenn, takes in the recent graduation ceremony.

Mary’s of Minnesota, which will fall just before the new North American Prep Championship.

With each year, the leadership at Tahoe Prep Academy has added more to the academic and athletic offerings, continuing to build and give their student-athletes the biggest and best opportunities to reach their goals.

To handle the growth, former prep head coach Michael Lewis was recently named the school’s first

athletic director.

“My new role heading into the 2019-20 school year will incorporate more of the daily operations,” Lewis explained. “Back in 2016, when we were just taking our first steps and establishing ourselves, we were new to the hockey community and had to prove we were capable of being a great option for student athletes.

“As we move into our fourth year, we’ve made great strides as a program on both the local and national levels.

The academy continues to progress to the point where more focus can now be applied to the future. This new position allows me the opportunity to find ways to improve our academy and provide a world-class experience for our students. Additionally, I’m also able to determine how we’ll grow in different areas and how that relates to additional sports being brought in throughout the coming years.”

In addition to his new responsibilities, Lewis said he will still be working with the players daily and assisting Chris Collins, who was recently promoted to become head coach of the prep team.

“Mike did a great job at preparing me for this role with his mentorship,” Collins said. “Last year, he let me take leadership and find success with programs I wanted to run.

“The ECEL is a strong competitive league, and I’m looking forward to the team getting the chance to compete against not just the great players in the league but also the good coaches. My goal is to compete and see us make a strong push in the playoffs.”

TahoeHockeyAcademy.com

NEW MEXICO REPORT

NAHL’s Ice Wolves building roster for inaugural season

By Matt Mackinder

T

he New Mexico Ice Wolves’ first-ever North American Hockey League (NAHL) Draft on June 4 was a definite success.

The team selected 14 players, including goalie Josh Graziano with the second pick in the draft.

New Mexico now has 31 potential players comprising draft picks and 17 tenders as the expansion team looks forward to competing in the league’s South Division beginning in the 2019-20 season, playing out of Outpost Ice Arenas in Albuquerque.

“We are very pleased with our first ever NAHL Draft and how our team is taking shape,” said Ice Wolves coach-GM Phil Fox. “Goaltending was top of mind and we made our second-overall pick count with Josh Graziano while also achieving our goals of adding experience, size, speed and guys who we believe will be stand out members of the community as well as great players.”

In addition to Graziano and fellow goalie Josh Langford (11th round), the Ice Wolves selected forwards Gustav Miller (second round), Jackson Wille (fourth round), Drew Lorinchak (fifth round), Riley Cooley (sixth round), Logan Bellar (seventh round), Luke Beerman (ninth round), Banks Burkart (12th round) and Lucas Newman (13th round) and defensemen Keenan Johnson (third round), Andrei Golikov (third round), Mitchell Becker (eighth round) and Logan Martinson (10th round).

Tendered players include goalie Henrik Laursen, forwards Alex Dominique, Zack Frisk, Jacob Halvorson, Connor Kemp, Michael McCosh, Creigh18

Arizona Rubber Hockey Magazine

ton McMahan, Joe Paradise, Tom Paradise, Tristan Rand, Spencer Rudrud and Griffen Sanom, and defensemen John Garvey, Brandon Holt, Keegan Langefels, Cam Lantz, Brandon Holt and Max Tobin.

The Ice Wolves draft picks and tendered players will take part in main camp July 24-27 at Outpost Ice Arenas. The camp is open to the public.

The New Mexico Ice Wolves staff participates in its first-ever NAHL Draft on June 4, selecting 14 players during the league’s annual event. Photo/New Mexico Ice Wolves

The Outpost Ice Arenas is currently undergoing major renovations prior to the start of the season, including bleachers that will be upgraded to provide premium VIP stadium seating, new NHL-style plexiglass for seamless viewing, an updated restaurant and snack bar menu, party rooms that will be upgraded for fans and sponsors

and a very unique set of connecting ice tunnels that allow fans to watch from the ice while also skating in the auxiliary rink.

Just prior to the draft, the Ice Wolves announced the hiring of Kyle Follmer as an assistant coach. Follmer joins Fox and assistant general manager and associate head coach Keenan Kelly as the team continues its preparations for its inaugural season.

“Kyle brings years of playing experience at every level and he knows what it takes to be successful in the NAHL,” said Fox. “We look forward to Kyle’s contributions to our recruiting and to developing our players into a formidable defensive core out on the ice.”

“I’m thrilled and honored to join the Ice Wolves in their inaugural season, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the game of hockey,” added Follmer. “I look forward to teaching our players to be the best they can be as they pursue their dreams on the path to college hockey. I’m very excited to work with Coach Fox and Coach Kelly, who are two great hockey minds and even better people who I had the pleasure of getting to know while playing at Northern Michigan University.”

Follmer is a native of St. Paul, Minn., and played five seasons of pro hockey in the ECHL, in addition to three seasons of junior hockey in the United States Hockey League with the Sioux City Musketeers and Lincoln Stars. He also played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey at NMU where he skated alongside Fox for two years. Follmer began his coaching career in New Mexico as the Pee Wee travel head coach and assistant director of hockey at the Outpost Ice Arenas.

UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Former Jr. Bruin Roswell enjoying D-I career at Bentley

By Joshua Boyd/USPHL.com

T

he name certainly gives pause when you see it.

Really, who would want to leave a place called Paradise Valley?

That is the suburb of Phoenix from which Ethan Roswell hails, and while he loves his hometown, he also has a soft spot for New England winters.

“I actually love the winter, and I love Boston - I want to live there after college, wherever my life takes me,” said Roswell, who is a rising sophomore defenseman at NCAA Division I Bentley University. “I also love it in Paradise Valley. The name speaks for itself. I loved growing up here surrounded by family and friends and a great hockey community.

“I was a big fish in a small hockey community, but I was able to challenge myself and go out to Boston to be a little fish in a big pond.”

Prior to his 2018-19 freshman season at Bentley, Roswell played two seasons for the Boston Jr. Bruins’ top team in the USPHL. His first season was in the USPHL Premier and his second came in the inaugural season of the tuition-free National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC).

“The Jr. Bruins were huge for my development, and I owe a lot of credit to Mike Anderson and Peter Masters,” said Roswell. “They turned me into an NCAA Division I defenseman. It’s one thing to grow up in Arizona and see guys go D-I, but to play against D-I guys every

I proved myself as a Division I defenseman. I got critical day is completely different.”

The competition offered up by the USPHL also penalty-kill time and was out there in big minutes. Yeah, the transition was tough, but it ended really well.” played a big part in Roswell’s progression.

The Falcons - and the Jr. Bruins before them - got a “Coming out of Cushing Academy, it was definitely a big step for me,” Roswell said. “The top 4-5 teams in truly Arizona-born and -bred product, learning the game the USPHL Premier all had D-I kids, and you know that from his father at a young age. His first exposure to the game was a University of Denif there’s a scout there watching one ver-University of Minnesota exhibiof their incoming prospects, you had tion game in his home state. From a chance to show what you have as there, he played with the Jr. Coyotes well. The NCDC, in my second year, and Arizona Bobcats. saw the Jr. Bruins have 16 NCAA DiThis summer, he’s back in his vision I players. Every one of the top hometown. teams in the league had anywhere “I’m helping my father, who is a from 5-15 D-I players. You could never slack off because there are eyes bookbinder, in his business, both with some of the heavy lifting stuff on you all the time. It taught me to be and social media,” said Roswell. competitive and consistent.

“I’m also coaching alongside Mike “Basically, with the Jr. Bruins, I Hensdell in his Hensdell Hockey was able to get my Division I career Camps.” started early.”

Someday, Roswell is looking to That helped Roswell get into 24 Paradise Valley native and Bentley UniverBentley games, including top pair sity sophomore defenseman Ethan Roswell move into the big business world, honed his game in the USPHL with the Bosmajoring in either Corporate Finance minutes. He registered four assists ton Jr. Bruins. Photo/USPHL and Accounting or Economics/Finance. as a freshman.

“Bentley is primarily a business school – there are not “My game has changed,” said Roswell. “I was more of a power-play/go-to guy with the Jr. Bruins, but when you many non-business majors there,” said Roswell.

No matter where he ends up, though, there will alget to be an incoming freshman - and I was the youngest defenseman at Bentley this year - you have to find a role. ways be a lot pulling him back home, especially when The transition was slow early on, but by Christmastime, home is Paradise Valley.

USPHL.com

Outcasts finally capture elusive AIHL Champions Cup ed Quakes in the semifinals, winning by scores of 4-3 in overtime and 6-1, while the Liberty swept the Revolution in two games to advance to the championship series.

The Liberty proved it wasn’t going to relinquish its championship so easily after recording a 4-3 win in Game 1 to put the Outcasts one loss away from elimination and another runner-up finish.

game.

“We got a lead early on and we’ve always played hile the third time did not prove to be the prowell with a lead, so it only took them to force a couple verbial charm, the fourth time did as the Arizona plays that led to a few more goals for us and handed us Outcasts finally came home with the American Hockey the championship win.”

League’s Elite Division Champions Cup trophy.

Parker Elliot, the Elite Division’s regular-season It was an epic journey to win it. and playoff Most Valuable Player, led the Outcasts in “It was a great tourney, and the boys had a great tournament scoring with 10 goals and 17 points, foltime bringing back some hardware,” Outcasts delowed by Mooney with 16 points, Paul Linder with fenseman Kyle Mooney said. “We came into the 15 points and Kevin Mooney with 12 points. tournament knowing we had disappointed ourselves Kyle Mooney and Linder paced the Outcasts with the previous years, so we were fired up to win some 11 assists. games.”

The Outcasts championship roster also included The Outcasts finished runner-up to the Delco DeAlex Dodt, Shin Yamamoto, Alex MacDonald, mons in 2016, the New Jersey Alliance in 2017 and Trevor Riffey, Taylor Abramson, Tommy Tuohy the Philadelphia Liberty in 2018. and goaltender Clay Taylor.

This year it was time to cash in during the May 17Taylor posted a .908 save percentage while al19 tournament held at the Las Vegas Roller Hockey lowing 16 goals in eight games to earn Most ValuCenter. able Goaltender honors. He also took home the MVG The Outcasts, Silicon Valley Quakes and NorCal award during the regular season.

Revolution joined the defending champion Liberty in The Outcasts emerged victorious despite facing this year’s Elite Division field. adversity throughout the tournament.

The Champions Cup format featured three rounds “Quite a few players were playing through injuof competition. The four teams played a round-robin The Arizona Outcasts finally won what had eluded them over the past ries,” Taylor pointed out. “Alex Dodt pulled a muscle on the first day to seed the best-of-three semifinals several years — the American Inline Hockey League’s Elite Division in his back in round-robin Game 3. Parker Elliot had that took place the second day. The semifinal winners Champions Cup. to get five stitches above his eye after the first period advanced to play a best-of-three championship series But the Arizona team rallied with 8-5 and 5-2 victo- of round-robin Game 2 as he was checked face first on the third and final day of the tournament. ries to win its first national championship in the division. into the dasher boards. Alex MacDonald played through The Outcasts completed the round-robin phase un“Knowing we had to sweep to win the cup, we came food poisoning in the semifinal series but was unable defeated with 5-0 victories against the Revolution and out with guns blazing in Game 2 and forced a Game 3,” to play in the final series. I pulled my groin at the end Liberty and a 6-1 win over the Quakes.

Mooney said. “It was a pretty chippy series against the of Game 2 in the finals, but the team played absolutely The Revolution finished second in the round-robin Liberty. As a lot of players on both teams knew each flawless in Game 3 defensively to overcome all the instandings, followed by the Liberty and Quakes. other from playing pro tournaments throughout the year, juries.”

The top-seeded Outcasts defeated the fourth-seed- there were a lot of emotions and hard battles during the And finally win the cup.

By Phillip Brents

W

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

ARIZONA

Connor Stuart (Phoenix) – Arizona State University Johnny Walker (Phoenix) – Arizona State University

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 FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Seth Gustin (Phoenix) – Carolina Thunderbirds OVERSEAS Broc Little (Phoenix) – Sweden Luke Moffatt (Paradise Valley) – United Kingdom NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaliya Johnson (Chandler) – Boston Pride Katie McGovern (Scottsdale) – Minnesota Whitecaps COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ATLANTIC HOCKEY Ethan Roswell (Paradise Valley) – Bentley University BIG TEN Nathan Burke (Scottsdale) – University of Minnesota

NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

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

CHA Logan Hicks (Scottsdale) – Syracuse University

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

ECAC HOCKEY Taylor Stadeli (Scottsdale) – Dartmouth College

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

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

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

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

CCC Sage Englund (Cave Creek) – Salve Regina University

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

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

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY Beau McCue - University of Prince Edward Island *

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

JUNIOR HOCKEY

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

ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Adam Bricker (Scottsdale) – Whitecourt Wolverines

ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ethan Osburn (Prescott) – Kingston Voyageurs

BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Trevor Griebel (Glendale) – Wenatchee Wild Hunter Hastings (Scottsdale) – Wenatchee Wild Rowan Miller (Scottsdale) – Powell River Kings

SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Cole Golden (Phoenix) – Notre Dame Hounds Grant Ziegler (Scottsdale) – Kindersley Klippers

NCHA Clay Cross (Glendale) – Marian University Forbes Ploszaj (Gilbert) – College of St. Scholastica NESCAC Andy Chugg (Mesa) – Trinity College Alex Heinritz (Fountain Hills) – Middlebury College Samuel Kany (Phoenix) – Trinity College

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

ECAC HOCKEY Todd Burgess (Phoenix) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Carson Dimoff (Scottsdale) – St. Lawrence University

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

HOCKEY EAST Adam Samuelsson – Boston College *

UCHC Sean Dickson – Utica 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

WIAC Danny Kiraly (Glendale) – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Connor Hanson (Cave Creek) – South Muskoka Shield Sam Hinnant (Cave Creek) – South Muskoka Shield Alec Miller (Peoria) – Bradford Rattlers

NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN

KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Gavyn Entzminger (Surprise) – Castlegar Rebels

COLONIAL HOCKEY MacKenzie Lyons (Scottsdale) – Nichols College Sarah McSweeney (Chandler) – Becker College

MANITOBA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Riley Morgan (Scottsdale) – Winkler Flyers

D-I INDEPENDENT Anthony Croston (Phoenix) – Arizona State University Demetrios Koumontzis (Scottsdale) - Arizona State University

NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Trey Bagwell (Buckeye) – Amarillo Bulls 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 &

MARITIME HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney – Valley Wildcats &

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

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 & Luke Ormsby – Moose Jaw Warriors * Garrett Wright (Mesa) – Regina Pats WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Jacob Elik (Phoenix) – Northern Colorado Eagles Anthony Masanotti (Gilbert) – Utah Outliers Ryan Radke (Cave Creek) – El Paso Rhinos PREP SCHOOL Guy Blessing (Chandler) - Lake Forest Academy 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

NEW MEXICO PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY 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

Latest Behind the Mask Goalie School another success T

he goalies arrived early on Monday, July 1, to check in for the 33rd Annual Behind the Mask Goalie School. They got an official school jersey, raffle ticket and lots of free swag including, a backpack, BTM hat and custom water botExelby tle. Zoey won a set of CCM Beats headphones from the raffle to start the week off in style.

After a brief meeting outlining the program and expectations, it was off to change and get on the ice for the first of nine on-ice sessions that week.

In each ice session, we spend 30 minutes on goalie-specific power skating, followed by an hour at four different skills stations, and rotating between stations every 15 minutes. The stations include the Boni puck shooting machine, two instructional stations and a shooting station. Over the week, 20 local players of all ages and from many organizations volunteered to shoot. It gave them lots of practice as well.

After the ice session, the goalies were off to the

turf field for dryland training. Monday and Tuesday, fitness expert Tyler put the goalies through a variety of drills. Wednesday, Roseanne did yoga with the goalies. And on Thursday, the goalies by group played soccer, football, floor ball and dodge ball.

The goalies left the turf field for video analysis and lunch. Each group in the puck shooting machine station is videotaped during the morning session.

Two instructors go over the video with each group as the other goalies relax and enjoy lunch and making or continuing friendships.

After lunch each day, we would have guest speakers. Monday was Dan from Bauer showing all the new Bauer goalie gear.

Each goalie got a pair of Bauer sunglasses. Tuesday, Tim from CCM showed the new CCM gear and product videos. Tim gave every goalie swag from shirts to cell phone chargers.

Wednesday, Corey Hirsch spoke to the goalies about mental preparation, eating habits, working out off the ice and lots of great stories from his playing

career.

Goalies then got ready for the second on-ice session of the day. After that session, the day was over. The goalies worked hard, learned work ethic.

Learned that if they didn’t do it right, they did it again until it was done correctly.

The BTM Goalie School is not for those that don’t want to work hard. It is a tough week that will make you better.

The week culminated Friday with an epic shootout.

Many parents, grandparents, family and friends came out to watch Patrick outlast 41 other goalies to win the trophy in what was one of the best shootouts in BTM history.

Trophies were awarded after the shootout for the Showdown winner (Patrick), Most Improved (Ian) and Most Dedicated (Jonah).

The goalies filed off the ice to head home after a great fun week.

I left the ice already looking forward to the 2020 school.

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

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