Colorado Rubber Magazine - Summer 2016

VOLUME 5

ISSUE 10

SUMMER 2016

After a stellar rookie season at NCAA Division I St. Cloud State University, Littleton native Mikey Eyssimont caught the eyes of NHL scouts and was selected by the Los Angeles Kings at the 2016 NHL Draft in Buffalo LONGTIME YOUTH COACH HOLMSTROM RETURNS TO TIGERS

AVALANCHE DRAFT FOR THE FUTURE, NAB HIGH-END PROSPECTS

OUTLIERS PREPPING FOR YEAR 2 IN UTAH YOUTH HOCKEY RANKS

RMJHL MAKING MOVES TO READY FOR SECOND JUNIOR SEASON

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Evolution Elite Hockey Academy invites hockey players (1998-2010 birth years) to attend our tryouts for the Fall-Winter 2016-2017 hockey season!

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August 20, 2016 - March 5, 2017

• PW (U12AA, U12A, U12B): September 6, 2016 • SQ (U10A, U10B, U10C): Skills & Drills - September 6, 2016 | SQ Tryouts - October 1, 2016 • U8s (2008-2010): Skills & Drills - October 1, 2016 |Teams formation takes place – October 30, 2016

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON OUR TEAMS CONTACT:

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Our Coaches know what it takes to get to the next level. They have been there.

CHERRY CREEK HOCKEY: A NATIONAL CHAMPION CORubberHockey.com

3

FROM THE EDITOR Denver hockey on right path, rewards ‘Monty’ with extension

I

n each of his first three seasons at the University of Denver, Jim Montgomery has guided the Pioneers to the NCAA tournament.

The school is banking on more success as Montgomery was recently inked to a contract extension through the 2020-21 season.

“My family and I are thrilled to be staying here in central Colorado for the foreseeable future and my staff and I are excited to continue our quest to bring an eighth national title to Denver,” said Montgomery. “We truly feel that both the present and the future are incredibly bright for the Pioneers and that the program is set up well for immediate and Matt Mackinder long-term success.”

After finishing the 2015-16 season with a record of 25-10-6, DU advanced to the Frozen Four for the first time since 2005.

Montgomery has amassed a record of 69-40-14 at DU since being named the eighth coach in program history on April 15, 2013.

Littleton native Ryan Massa, who recently re-upped with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears for the 2016-17 season, is also carving out a niche as a goaltending coach in Omaha, Neb., where the youth hockey scene is growing.

Massa helped the University of Nebraska-Omaha reach the Frozen Four in 2015.

“It’s a small business right now, but I’m working to grow it in years to come,” Massa said. “There’s such a need for quality goaltending instruction. I saw a good opportunity to get involved and UNO has been very supportive.”

More information is at www.MassaGoaltending.com.

On the Utah side of things, Salt Lake City native and two-time Stanley Cup champion Trevor Lewis and the Los Angeles Kings have agreed to terms on a four-year contract extension.

The 29-year-old Lewis appeared in a career-high 75 regular-season games last season with the Kings. He registered 16 points (eight goals, eight assists) and was selected as the Kings Unsung Hero (voted by the players) for the fifth consecutive year.

Lewis has appeared in 424 regular-season games with the Kings, posting 89 points, including 35 goals.

A half dozen players with connections to Colorado were selected in the annual North American Hockey League (NAHL) Draft, which was conducted on June 7.

Forward Josiah Slavin (Erie, Colorado Thunderbirds 18U AAA) was chosen in the third round (67th overall) by the Minot Minotauros, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders’ 18U AAA goalie Zach LaRocque (Arvada) went to the Odessa Jackalopes in the fifth round (106th overall) and the Minnesota Magicians tabbed Colorado Rampage 16U AAA defenseman Bryce DeFazio (Colorado Springs) in the 14th round (319th overall).

In addition, the Bismarck Bobcats nabbed three with Colorado ties – Broomfield brothers and forwards from the RoughRiders, Nick Ness (fourth round, 93rd overall) and Kevin Ness (sixth round, 141st overall), and Rampage 18U AAA forward Luke Millen (11th round, 261st overall).

In its second year of operation, the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (RMJHL) will begin the 2016-17 season with new team ownership in Breckenridge.

The primary owner is Janesville Jets (NAHL) coach-GM Joe Dibble and joining him as a member of the Breckenridge ownership group is Janesville assistant coach Kyle Forte.

The team played as the Breckenridge Bucks in 2015-16. “(Dibble) brings a wealth of junior hockey experience to our league, and a direct connection to NAHL markets is invaluable,” said RMJHL commissioner Mike Gempeler.

“Adding such a highly qualified ownership group in Summit County is a tremendous achievement for our league,” added RMJHL president Shaun Hathaway. “Coupled with the recent expansion in Steamboat (where the team will be called the Wranglers), having another first-class operation in Breckenridge only strengthens our ski town and Front Range rivalries, and once again significantly raises the bar for the entire league.”

Playing out of the Stephen C. West Arena in downtown Breckenridge, the new team will turn to the community to decide a name and mascot.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

Colorado Rubber Magazine is published by: Good Sport Media, Inc., P.O. Box 918 Hermosa Beach, CA 90254, 10 times a year, once monthly September through May and once in the summer.

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Colorado Rubber Magazine is a production of:

publisher: Brian McDonough senior editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Wilson

STEPPING DOWN

Longtime Colorado Eagles head coach Chris Stewart is stepping away from the bench, but isn’t leaving the organization.

He’ll be placing more emphasis on his behind-the-scenes duties with the ECHL club. More on Page 10 Photo/Standout Imagery

ON THE COVER Mikey Eyssimont, who just completed a stellar freshman season at St. Cloud State University (NCHC), was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in the fifth round (142nd overall) at the 2016 NHL Draft on June 25 in Buffalo, N.Y. In early July, the Colorado Thunderbirds graduate participated in the Kings’ development camp at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, Calif. Photo/Tony Panzica/ActionPhotos.net

COLORADO AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

CAHA ready to tackle pertinent topics at summer meeting

By Steve Stein

M

aking youth hockey the best experience possible for everyone involved is the goal of the Colorado Amateur Hockey Association's (CAHA) second annual summer meeting.

The meeting will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, at the Pepsi Center in Denver, home of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche. There is no admission charge, parking will be free and lunch and refreshments will be available. Registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 5.

About 190 attended last year's inaugural meeting, also at the Pepsi Center. As many as 300 are expected to flock to this year's gathering.

CAHA board member Greg Johnson is the meeting organizer. He said the purpose of the meeting is for youth hockey coaches, hockey directors and parents of players to learn about best practices and hear from experts on topics like communication, motivating young athletes and developing those athletes' on- and off-ice skills.

"We hope attendees get first-hand messages on how to grow youth hockey, support young athletes and enhance the experience," Johnson said. "We also hope they learn from the focus groups that delve into the diverse elements of our hockey community."

Growing the game, Hockey 101, adaptive hockey, officiating, high school, recreation and junior hockey, USA Hockey's American Development Model and SafeSport program, registration, insurance and bully-

ing are among the focus group topics that will be covered in Denver.

"The diversity of the focus groups is designed to give positive information for the ongoing development and functional areas of Colorado hockey and provide resources that will assist hockey associations in hav-

At CAHA’s annual summer meeting in Denver next month, Positive Coaching Alliance member Eric Eisendrath will speak to those in attendance on positive reinforcement and how sports contributes to important life lessons.

ing positive outcomes in the coming season," Johnson said.

CAHA is bringing in Eric Eisendrath from the Positive Coaching Alliance and Reed Maltbie from Changing the Game, national organizations dedicated to making youth sports a healthy experience.

"They have slightly different messages of how to accomplish this goal, but both start at the core of parents and coaching," Johnson said.

The Positive Coaching Alliance promotes encouraging athletes with positive reinforcement, which helps them listen to coaches and make necessary corrections. With a combination of truthful, specific praise and constructive criticism, the PCA believes athletic performance improves and so do the chances that kids stick with sports longer and learn the valuable life lessons sports teaches.

Changing the Game wants youth sports to be returned to youths, to put "play" back into "play ball." It says it strives to give the most influential adults in children's lives -- their parents and coaches -- information and resources to make sports a healthy, positive and rewarding experience for players and their families.

Players from the Boston Pride women's professional hockey team will be at the meeting to lead discussions about girls hockey and a representative from the Avalanche will speak about the club's efforts to grow youth hockey.

The Pride, one of four charter members of the National Women's Hockey League (NWHL), which was founded in 2015, won the league's inaugural Isobel Cup earlier this year.

A pre-meeting reception for hockey directors, presenters and media will be at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 at Brooklyn's, across the street from the Pepsi Center.

CAHA.co CORubberHockey.com

5

One Step Closer

Eyssimont, Clurman add to growing list of Colorado natives turning into bona fide NHL prospects “I could be a trouble maker at times. Not anything horrible, but I like to joke around. He sat me down and talked to me about how that wouldn’t fly at higher onfidence as much as anything played a role in two Coloradoans hearing their levels. It humbled me, but it helped me mature.” names called on Day 2 of June’s NHL Draft in In addition to Ricci, Eyssimont counts his first Buffalo, N.Y. ice coach, Dave Fromm, and Jesse Davis as othForward and Littleton native Mikey Eyssimont er strong influences, as well as his parents, George rediscovered his during the second half of his freshand Nancy. man season at St. Cloud State University and went “Jesse was one of the only United States Hockon a second-half scoring binge for the highly-ranked ey League coaches who showed any interest in Huskies. The Los Angeles Kings took note and addme,” Eyssimont said of the then-Fargo Force assised him in the fifth round (142nd overall) on June 25. tant coach.

Defenseman Nate Clurman, a Boulder native, Clurman, who played for the Boulder Hockfurther grew his during his first three seasons at ey Club and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders beCulver Military Academy in Culver, Ind. The Colorafore heading to Culver, developed his confidence do Avalanche took note and picked him in the sixth through a pattern of stepping out. round (161st overall).

“When I went to Culver, I was nervous at first,” Per research on hockeydb.com, Clurman is only he said. “There were a lot of new things and I had the second player from the state the Avs have ever to learn more about time management. A military drafted. Left wing J.D. Corbin of Littleton was takschool gives you tactics that transfer well to hocken in the eighth round (249th overall) in 2004 after ey.” his freshman season at the University of Denver.

Clurman moved into more of a leadership role Eyssimont, a 1996 birth year, was picked in his as a junior, when he had 16 points and was plusthird – and final – year of eligibility, while Clurman 22 while helping Culver to the USA Hockey 18U (a ‘98) went in his first. national championship game.

“It’s funny, but the Kings met with me my first Leadership is nothing new for Clurman, said few draft years, so I had talked to them quite a bit,” Matt Huckins, who coached him for two seasons Eyssimont said. “This year, they picked me after not on the RoughRiders’ 14U AAA team. talking to me. I’m glad it happened.”

“He was a captain for me at 14, and his teamOne reason it happened was Eyssimont’s secmates could not have respected him more,” Huckond-half emergence on a senior-laden St. Cloud ins said. “He was always positive. He knew when to team that won the NCHC postseason championpick a guy up, and he knew when to pull someone ship. The 6-foot-2, 192-pounder scored 29 points Mikey Eyssimont had a strong freshman season at St. Cloud State Uni- aside. That’s not easy for anyone to do, but imagine in 23 games after the holiday break, after getting versity that turned into the Littleton native being selected by the Los An- doing that at 14. just four in the first half, for NCAA Division I’s sec- geles Kings in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft back on June 25.

“It wasn’t easy for him when he played up his Photo/Brace Hemmelgarn ond-highest scoring team. first year for me. He took on a large role playing with “In the first half he was snake bit, (but) he had ‘97s, and he made plays for us.” chances,” St. Cloud State coach Bob Motzko While Eyssimont’s calling card is his scoring said. “He never panicked. touch, the 6-2, 198-pound Clurman boasts elite “The biggest factor (in his turnaround) was his skating. confidence. Once a goal scorer sees ‘I can do it,’ “I started young when my dad would take me then you get what we saw in the second half. Young skating outdoors in Vail, and I took power skating guys who have his skill level often see struggles. lessons,” Clurman said. “I think that has to be your They all have to go through trials and frustrating biggest base skill. Some of it’s natural, but I still moments to get to this point. work with a skating coach. I learned new things Five of Eyssimont’s 14 goals came in the Husthis summer, and even at the (Avalanche’s) develkies’ final three games – the NCHC semifinal and opment camp, we worked on power skating every final and an NCAA tournament game. morning.”

“The adjustment was tough in the first half,” Huckins has spent two decades coaching hockEyssimont said. “The second half, I made more of ey, and he believes Clurman will play the game a the opportunities I was given. I stayed positive and long time. didn’t get frustrated.”

“He’s going to be a great hockey player, a clasKeeping things on the lighter side has nevsic late bloomer,” Huckins said. “His character will er been an issue with Eyssimont, a big-time roller move him up before his skill because he gets it. hockey player who began playing on ice with the Nate put himself in this situation.

Foothills Flyers before spending one season with “I’ve never seen a kid so low-key about getting the Littleton Hawks and four with the Colorado drafted by an NHL team. What is he doing after he Thunderbirds. gets picked? He’s out doing edge work and work“Mikey has a fun personality and he’s a serious ing on his skating. He reminds me of a 32-year-old student,” St. Cloud assistant coach Mike GibNHL veteran.” bons said. “He’s a bit of a Colorado free spirit, a Getting picked by the team near where he grew bit of a character. He’s popular around campus and up was icing on the cake. his teammates like him.”

“I wasn’t sure which team, but this seems like Eyssimont, however, discovered humor has its the best situation,” said Clurman, who called Hucklimits during the four years (13U to 16U) he played Boulder native and Culver Military Academy product Nate Clurman was ins, Derek Robinson, Chris Lawson and Neil drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the sixth round of the NHL Draft Runbeck “huge influences” in addition to his parfor the T-Birds. last month in Buffalo, N.Y. Photo//Jan Garrison/Culver Academy “Angelo Ricci runs a tight ship, but he doesn’t ents, Andrew and Claire. “I’m super psyched. All ruin the fun,” Eyssimont said. “As much as I learned about hockey, I learned just as year, Colorado was one of the teams I talked to. much about how to act like a pro.

“In the end, I’m glad it worked out.”

By Chris Bayee

C

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Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

KRIVO SCHOOL OF HOCKEY ELITE

Popular Krivo School promoting the multi-sport athlete conflicts both during the hockey season and during the offseason.”

The fact that Krivokrasov sees the qualities a multiure, the Krivo School of Hockey Elite focuses on one sport athlete gains as an individual that they bring to primary sport throughout the year.

But as has become the norm in recent years, see- hockey is a situation not many coaches agree with as some can demand players stick to ing hockey players indulge in other hockey 24/7. sports is also a philosophy Krivo “When I moved to the United School director Andrei KrivokraStates, I played tennis, soccer, and sov preaches to his players. hockey in prep school and then “It’s important for hockey players tennis and hockey in college,” said or any athlete to play other sports,” Krivokrasov. “It’s important for parsaid Krivokrasov. “When playing othents and players to be involved in er sports, you may pick up hand-eye other sports because the message coordination, quick footwork, or lowis the same – it’s all about the team, er- and upper-body strength. These working together to achieve the things all help to have a better oversame goal.” all hockey player.”

Jim and Kim Allen, whose son, In addition to Krivokrasov, players and parents from the Krivo School Caleb, is another Krivo 12U player, are in complete agreement with the said with Caleb playing lacrosse, it’s notion that playing other sports is a a win-win from both ends. benefit.

“One of the hardest things about “Our son developed great conplaying goalie in hockey is the toll it fidence playing under Coach An- Patrick Blomberg excels on the ice with the takes on the goalies' hips, knees and drei at an early age,” said Jean Krivo School of Hockey Elite organization, but back,” explained the Allen parents.

Blomberg, whose son, Patrick, also stars on the baseball field and has im- “Our son's leg and core development plays on Krivo’s 12U team. “When proved his skills in both sports in recent times. from his lacrosse play helps to keep he first tried to play baseball, he surprised even himself his legs strong for his hockey play and limber and agile with his nerves of steel while pitching and at bat. Coach as well for both sports. Hockey skating and butterfly up Andrei has always been supportive when we have sports and down and side to sides help to support the running

By Matt Mackinder

S

and dodging used in lacrosse. And vice versa.

“His passion and desire to play hard are driven by the unique friends, coaches and cities he experiences with each sport. He doesn't live and breathe with the same kids, fields, rinks or coaches. One of the unseen benefits is that our son has been able to fearlessly try sports outside of his huge love of hockey.”

Another 12U parent, Shawn Blackwood, said the positives her son, Harrison, experiences playing more than one sport is phenomenal.

“Mentally playing individual sports, such as golf and tennis, greatly benefits the player as the player learns how to face adversity, how to dig deep, and even learns how to come back when they are down in a match,” Blackwood said. “This all fosters mental toughness, which can be a huge factor in rallying a team should they face the same scenario in a hockey game. Andrei believes that playing other sports not only makes a player embrace a competitive spirit, but it also allows a player to continue to develop an overall fitness, which in turn promotes the development of a successful hockey player even that much more.”

Noah Fekete, a player on the Krivo 12U team, said Krivokrasov fosters an environment for his elite players to participate in other sports, which is rare.

“I love to play hockey and it's my favorite, but I love to play other sports,” Fekete said. “I also like to play lacrosse, soccer and tennis, and playing these help my skills in hockey. I get to meet new kids and have lots of fun competing in those sports, too.”

KrivoSchoolofHockey.com

CORubberHockey.com

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Hockey Director Adam Bartholomay Phone (818) 264-9167 wcradam@gmail.com

18U Tier I Head Coach Kevin McClelland

14U Tier I Head Coach Jon Solomon hattrick08@gmail.com

14U Tier I Assistant Coach Bryce Mannek 13U Head Coach Sean Wilmert

kevinmac2499@gmail.com

18U Tier I Assistant Coaches Adam Bartholomay Rich Teece rkteece@gmail.com

16U Tier I Head Coach Adam Bartholomay

/WCRTierI

@WCRHockey

swilmert@comcast.net

Strength & Conditioning Coach Tyler Dabrowski Tdabrowski@usspeedskating.org

Power Skating Coach Mariko Rollins

16U Tier I Assistant Coaches Kevin McClelland Rich Teece

www.westcoastrenegades.com

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Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

COLORADO THUNDERBIRDS

Thunderbirds continue to produce NHL-caliber prospects

By Chris Bayee

T

he band isn’t exactly getting back together, but several members might have similar tour schedules some day.

Forwards Mikey Eyssimont and Dylan Gambrell joined their former Colorado Thunderbirds linemate Dominic Turgeon as NHL draft picks when they heard their names called by teams on June 25.

The Los Angeles Kings selected Eyssimont, who is heading into his sophomore season at St. Cloud State, in the fifth round (142nd overall). Their Pacific Division neighbors to the north, the San Jose Sharks, picked Gambrell, a sophomore-to-be at Denver, in the second round (60th overall).

Turgeon, who centered Eyssimont and Gambrell on the Thunderbirds’ 2011-12 16U AAA team, was a thirdround pick (63rd overall) of the Detroit Red Wings in 2014.

That 2011-12 team also included future NHL picks in defenseman Brandon Carlo (2015 second round by Boston), goaltender Hayden Hawkey (2014 sixth round

by Montreal) and forward Fredrik Olofsson (fourth round in 2014 by Chicago).

“Playing for the T-Birds was one of the best years of my life,” Gambrell said. “Being able to play with Mikey and Dom was awesome, and now that all three of us are drafted, it’s a testament to the organization.” “(Eyssimont and Gambrell) have always shown great promise and they never got discouraged when their names weren’t called in previous drafts,” said Thunderbirds direc-

tor of hockey operations Angelo Ricci. “They just kept “He drives the net well and is a score-first player, but on doing what they always do, and this is listen, put in the he has great vision, so you have to play the pass, too, or work and try to become better each and every day. he’ll hurt you that way,” Gambrell said of Eyssimont. “And “I am proud of Dylan and Mikey’s accomplishments, he’s a 200-foot guy, so you have to be aware of where he but more importantly what kind of human beings they have is at all times.” grown into. Their respective NHL clubs are fortunate to The 5-11, 180-pound Gambrell had a solid start for have each of them in their system. They will continue to DU, picking up 12 points before the break. Gambrell then get better and better.” scored 35 points from New Year’s Day on, including a 13Eyssimont and Gambrell made strong first impres- game point streak. sions for their respective NCHC He finished with 17 goals schools, helping them reach the and 47 points, the third most NCAA tournament. by a freshman in Division I and “He put pressure on himself, the second most on DU. but he came back and from that “After he got passed over point on he was one of our better twice (in the draft), I’m really players,” said St. Cloud assishappy for him,” Eyssimont said. tant coach Mike Gibbons. “He “Some people might think playknows where the front of the net ing on that Pacific Rim Line is and how to put it in the back (with Danton Heinen and Trevor Moore) inflated his of the net. He has great instincts stats, but he has always made and like a lot of natural goal scorplayers around him better. ers, he’s streaky.”

“He’s great to play with, but The 6-foot, 192-pound Eys- Colorado Thunderbirds graduate Dylan Gambrell had a sensational freshman season at the University of Denver simont, a Littleton native, scored in 2015-16 and is now property of the San Jose Sharks. he’s hard to like when you’re playing against him because 29 points in 23 games after Photo/DU Athletics he’s so competitive.” the holiday break for the secEyssimont also became the third member of his line ond-highest scoring team in NCAA Division I. He scored three goals in two games as St. Cloud won the NCHC from the 2012-13 T-Birds 16U team to be drafted, joining Frozen Faceoff then popped two more in an NCAA tour- Olofsson and DU’s Troy Terry (fifth round in 2015 by Anaheim). nament game.

TBirdHockey.com

COLORADO RAMPAGE

Rampage benefits from NHLPA’s Goals & Dreams initiative

By Steve Stein

A

ndrew Sherman got a very nice surprise last month.

The owner of the Colorado Sports Center learned his facility will receive 25 sets of new hockey equipment from the National Hockey League Players Association's (NHLPA) Goals & Dreams fund.

"To be honest, I kind of forgot we sent in an application," he said.

The application was filled out more than a year earlier and was carefully considered, along with other applications, by Goals & Dreams staff. Better late than never, an email from the NHLPA informing Colorado Sports Center about the equipment donation was sent June 1.

The $15,000 worth of equipment -- $600 per set -hadn't arrived at Colorado Sports Center by early July. When it does get to the twin-rink facility in Monument, it will be used for Colorado Sports Center's extensive entry-level hockey programs for youths.

Shoulder pads, shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, pants, stakes, sticks, helmet/cages, garters/jocks, jills, neck protectors, socks, jerseys and bags were ordered from the NHLPA. An NHLPA banner will hang in the arena to acknowledge the donation.

Al Pedersen, who played eight seasons (1986-1994) in the NHL with the Boston Bruins, Hartford Whalers and Minnesota North Stars, is Colorado Sports Center's general manager and architect of the facility's persistent push to grow the game. He's thrilled about the new -- and free -- equipment that's on its way.

"We can't thank the NHLPA enough for the donation to help our families," he said. "The NHLPA has given us a great opportunity to increase our initiatives to grow youth hockey."

Pedersen's programs for new players include the Little Rookies, 8U Mites, recreation leagues and adult hockey. Little Rookies offers a free introduction to hockey for the youngest of new players and an additional two levels of development before they graduate to Colorado Sports Center's 8U recreation program.

"Al, or Coach Al as he's known around here, has an infec-

The Colorado Sports Center, located in Monument, will see an uptick on youth hockey equipment for the 2016-17 season, thanks to a recent award from the NHLPA.

tious love for hockey and he passes that on to hundreds of new players, ages 3 to adult, every year," Sherman said. "It's great to have the NHLPA support our programs."

Colorado Sports Center has participated in USA Hockey's Try Hockey for Free Day and Hockey Day in America programs for several years.

It led the nation in February in the number of new players who participated in the Try Hockey for Free Day, beating facilities in larger areas.

It also partners with the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL club's Mile High Mites program, creates hockey opportunities for area YMCA camps and school physical education classes, makes good use of equipment donations from Les Franklin of the Shaka Franklin Foundation for Youth, and works with 4KidzSport, a national organization that wants to "Help Put Kids in the Game."

The NHLPA launched the Goals & Dreams fund in 1999 to give players in the union a chance to give back to the game they love.

Since then, sets of hockey equipment have been donated to 70,000 children in 34 countries and funds have been used to renovate and build hockey arenas world-wide.

More than $23 million in equipment and money has been donated to grassroots hockey, making it the largest program of its kind in the world.

As for the Colorado Sports Center donation, "the players are pleased to help give more youth in the area an opportunity to play hockey with this donation of equipment through the NHLPA Goals & Dreams' program," said Devin Smith, NHLPA Goals & Dreams chairman.

Matthew Langen, manager of community relations for Goals & Dreams, praised Colorado Sports Center's efforts to enrich the lives of area children.

"Giving children a chance to play hockey is not only important to build strong bodies, but also build strong minds," he said.

CORampage.com CORubberHockey.com

9

Feeling A Draft

Avalanche add top NCAA prospect Jost, Boulder native Clurman in Buffalo World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Grand Forks, N.D., where he set a new Canadian scoring record with a tournament-leading 15 points in seven games and was named the Top Forward.

“He’s just a great hockey player,” Avalanche GM Joe Sakic said. “He does everything well. He skates, he’s got great vision, he plays a great 200-foot game.

meet him there, it's pretty special. They're such a great program, and it's a team I always watch, so I'm yson Jost dreamed of the so happy and excited to get things going.” moment for 16 years – getPlaying in the BCHL was a decision that has obting drafted by an NHL team. viously paid supreme dividends for Jost.

The dream turned into reality June 24 at the First “I mean, you have so much exposure to schools Niagara Center in Buffalo, N.Y., when the Colorado like North Dakota and Boston University and Denver Avalanche selected the University of North Dakoand Penticton does such a great job at recruiting ta-bound forward 10th overall. and getting that exposure, I guess you could say, “I'm still so excited,” Jost said. “It's something so I feel like I'm comfortable to make that step that you can't really explain. It's something that I've next year into college hockey and then after that, dreamed about ever since I was two years old, so the NHL,” Jost said. “The BCHL, I have so much having that come true, it's pretty special, and I'm respect for that league. I know everybody kind of so glad I got to share it with my family, especially looks down on it sometimes, and I don't think that my mom. should be the case at all just because it is a great “I'm going to remember it for a long time. My league, and it's so good for your development. mom is so special to me. She's a single mom and I have nothing but great things to say about the she raised me all by herself, and to share that moBCHL.” ment with her up in the stands there is something On the second day of the draft, Colorado addI'll never forget and just giving her a hug, it was ed five more prospects, including Boulder native pretty special. It was kind of my thanks back to her and former Rocky Mountain RoughRiders defensejust for all the hard work and sacrifice she gave me man Nate Clurman, who went in the sixth round and my sister.”

(161st overall) out of the Culver Military Academy Jost played the past two seasons with the Pentin Indiana. icton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League In the third round of the NHL Draft on June 25 in Buffalo, N.Y., the ColoAlso becoming property of the Avalanche were (BCHL). A native of St. Alberta, Alberta, Jost was rado Avalanche chose Prince George Cougars (WHL) defenseman Josh reigning United States Hockey League Rookie of named Hockey Canada’s Canadian Junior Hockey Anderson with the 71st overall selection. Photo/Aaron Bell/CHL Images the Year Cameron Morrison (second round, 40th League (CJHL) National Player of the Year, as well as He’s always been a leader. He does everything you overall), who recorded 34 goals and 60 points with the CJHL and BCHL MVP, after amassing 42 goals can ask for from a hockey player.” the Youngstown Phantoms last year, Prince George and 104 points in 48 games last season. He led the Being on stage with Sakic and Avalanche coach Cougars (Western Hockey League) defenseman BCHL in assists (62) and points per game (2.17) and Patrick Roy at the draft proceedings was a surreal Josh Anderson (third round, 71st overall), Swedish added another six goals and 14 points in 11 playoff experience for Jost. goalie Adam Werner (fifth round, 131st overall) and games.

“It's such a prestigious program,” said Jost. “One Ottawa 67’s (Ontario Hockey League) forward TraJost also captained Team Canada at the 2016 guy that really stands out, Joe Sakic, being able to vis Barron (seventh round, 191st overall).

By Matt Mackinder

T

Stewart leaves Eagles bench to Cantin, Taker among eight given offers by Grizzlies for ’16-17 focus on growing admin role

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

C

hris Stewart won’t be behind the bench next season for the Colorado Eagles, but he’ll still be behind the successful ECHL club.

Stewart has decided to leave the bench as head coach of the team, choosing to turn his focus solely to his growing role as governor, president and general manager of the organization.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision for me,” said Stewart. “I have been fortunate enough to spend over three decades in the world of coaching, an experience which has been so very rewarding. I very much look forward to continuing my work as the governor, president and general manager of this outstanding organization. The future of the Colorado Eagles is extremely bright and what we have in store over the next several months will prove that to our expanding fan base, which is the absolute best in the ECHL.” Stewart served as Colorado’s head coach for 11 of the team’s 13 seasons.

Over that stretch, he captured two league championships (2005, 2007), four conference titles (2005, 2007, 2008, 2011), six division crowns (2004-2008, 2016) and led the Eagles to the postseason in each of his 11 seasons behind the bench. In addition, he guided the Eagles to the Central Hockey League’s (CHL) Governor’s Cup on two separate occasions after capturing the league’s best regular-season record in 2005 and 2006.

“Having no hockey background, I relied heavily on Chris’ guidance through the years,” said Eagles CEO Martin Lind. “His stewardship of this organization has been impeccable, both on and off the ice.”

Stewart was the first person hired by Eagles founder Ralph Backstrom in 2002 and concludes his head coaching career with an all-time record of 602322-91.

“An extensive search for the next head coach of the Colorado Eagles has already begun and we will diligently seek to find the best person to continue to move this organization in the right direction,” added Stewart.

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he Utah Grizzlies want to keep building on their highly successful 2015-16 season.

The team’s progress took a positive turn recently when eight players from last year were issued qualifying offers for the 2016-17 ECHL season.

By extending the qualifying offers, the Grizzlies will retain the ECHL contract rights to the eight players for the upcoming season.

Utah coach-GM Tim Branham chose to offer contracts to forwards Barry Almeida, C.J. Eick, Alex Gallant and Erik Higby and defensemen Marc Cantin, Connor Hardowa, Phil Pietroniro and Shayne Taker.

Players under contract with the Grizzlies’ NHL affiliate, the Anaheim Ducks, are not eligible to receive qualifying offers.

Almeida scored 29 goals and added 19 assists for 48 points in 57 games with Utah in 2015-16 and has signed to play in Italy for the upcoming season. Eick played in all 10 playoff games (one goal, one assist) and the final seven regular-season games (two assists) after signing with Utah out of Michigan Tech University in March. Gallant: Signed with the San Jose Sharks organization during a call-up from Utah last year and Higby posted 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points in 74 games with the Grizzlies last year.

On the blue line, Cantin was voted the Grizzlies’ Best Defenseman in 201516 and totaled three goals and five assists for eight points in 10 playoff games.

Hardowa leads Utah defensemen with 98 regular-season games played last two seasons with eight goals and 26 assists and has appeared in 19 playoff games over that stretch. Pietroniro, named the Grizzlies’ Most Improved Player during second half of his rookie season, joins Taker, who served as an assistant captain in 201516 and was called up to the Ducks’ American Hockey League affiliate in San Diego twice.

The Grizzlies open next season Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 when they host the Idaho Steelheads for two at the Maverik Center.

TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY

Tahoe Hockey Academy gaining steam toward grand opening

By Greg Ball

I

t’s been years in the making, and now it’s down to the final weeks.

Next month, the Tahoe Hockey Academy will officially open its doors for the first time, and the group of men behind organizing California’s first hockey boarding school couldn’t be more ready.

The excitement is palpable in Tahoe, and the momentum is contagious.

“This started out as an idea, but we’ve learned that this boarding school model resonates with so many different families,” said Leo Fenn, the academy’s president. “To hear story after story about the sacrifices families make to keep their children in hockey and school only reinforces our belief that this is a sound solution. After only a few conversations, we’ve realized this isn’t a localized problem. We’ve heard from parents from the East Coast, Midwest and even Canada about the concern for juggling high-end athletics and academics, and doing so all at an affordable price.

We’re proud to have that philosophy be the foundation behind Tahoe Hockey Academy.”

Fenn, athletic director Mike Lewis, head coach J.J. James and the rest of the Tahoe Hockey Academy team have been working tirelessly to get all the elements in place for the academy not only to be successful in its first year, but to build the foundation to do so many years into the future. Countless hours have been spent designing the academic and housing fa-

cilities, planning the team’s on-ice and off-ice training schedule, developing relationships with the local community and more.

Lewis, a veteran Orange County youth hockey coach, said the approach is to find those families who believe that there’s a benefit for what the academy has to offer.

“We’re extremely blessed to have the support of our board of directors, which can offer financial support to so many of our families,” Lewis said.

“Hockey can be extremely restrictive financially, and to know that a player can now achieve the academic and athletic development necessary to achieve their goals is life changing. This offers a viable way for so many families to break the cycle of paying money to sit in traffic or be out of the classroom.”

The task of starting an academy from the ground up has seemed overwhelming at times, but the team behind the effort has continued pushing forward and has methodically taken each step as it has come. Because the group spent so much time conceptualizing and planning the academy, it was in

good position to act on its plans when the time came.

It has also helped that the team assembled to lead the effort has a wide variety of experience not only in the hockey and academic worlds, but the financial and business spaces as well.

As the excitement grows, so does the anticipation for the players already selected to be a part of the unique opportunity to study and play at the Tahoe Hockey Academy.

“Our players are chomping at the bit to get started,” James said. “It obviously takes a lot of effort and energy to get all those things done, but we want to do this right from Day 1.

From the locker rooms to our team bus to our on-ice learning and our approach, we want this to be a world-class experience for our players.”

It won’t be long before Tahoe Hockey Academy makes its way to Southern California to compete in its first game in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League. If the team on the ice is anything like those behind this endeavor, the future would seem bright for the players who call the academy home.

TahoeHockeyAcademy.com

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Hat Trick

Pioneers continue trend with three talents selected in Buffalo at annual NHL Draft event

By Chris Bayee

T

he University of Denver served notice to the NCAA in the spring with its Frozen

Four run.

In June, it was the NHL’s turn.

Two sophomores to be – forward Dylan Gambrell and defenseman Blake Hillman – and incoming freshman Henrik Borgstrom were selected in the annual NHL Draft on June 24-25. It marked the 15th year in a row the Pioneers had at least one player picked.

It also was the first time since 2013, when Evan Cowley, Will Butcher and Quentin Shore were taken, that the Pioneers had three players selected in one draft.

Borgstrom, a high-scoring prospect from Finland, went in the first round (23rd overall) to the Florida Panthers. A rangy 6-foot-3 and 176 pounds, Borgstrom had 29 goals among his 55 points in 40 games in his country’s top junior league.

Panthers general manager Tom Rowe was ecstatic to land the future Pioneer.

“We are very excited to have selected Henrik with our first-round pick,” Rowe told the Panthers official website. “He is a big, exciting and highly skilled player that has had a strong season with the HIFK Junior team.

“He is heading to a strong program at the University of Denver that will help further his development.”

Borgstrom was the fourth DU player ever taken in the first round, joining Beau Bennett (2010), Joe Colborne (2008) and Craig Redmond (1984).

Gambrell capped an ascendant season by being

selected in the second round (60th overall) by the Stanley Cup finalist San Jose Sharks.

The 5-foot-11, 180-pound Gambrell was one of the Pioneers’ best players all season, amassing 47 points (17 goals) and forming one of college hockey’s most electrifying lines with Danton Heinen and Trevor Moore. The point total was third most among freshmen in Division I and second only to North Dakota’s Brock Boeser in the NCHC. “It was a good draft for our team,” Gambrell said, adding the selection by the Sharks came as a bit of a

Denver defenseman Blake Hillman scored the winning goal in the NCAA West Regional against Ferris State in March and was then chosen by Chicago in the NHL Draft last month. Photo/DU Athletics

surprise. “Some teams talked to me more than others, but I had no idea when the time came. I tried not to think about it.

“I’m excited to be part of the Sharks organization.

They’re one of the closest teams to where I grew up,

besides the Vancouver Canucks.”

In helping DU to its first Frozen Four since 2005, Gambrell collected several honors. He was selected to the NCHC All-Rookie Team and earned NCAA All-Regional Team honors at the NCAA West Regional, where he had five points in two games.

Hillman went to the Chicago Blackhawks in the sixth round (173rd overall). The 6-foot-1 Hillman blossomed during the second half of the season, when he scored 10 of his 11 points. He was chosen the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA West Regional after recording four points in Denver’s two wins and netting the winning goal in the Pioneers’ victory over Ferris State.

“I talked to a couple of teams, but I wasn’t getting my hopes up,” Hillman said. “I knew there was a chance. I did talk to Chicago probably the most the past three years I was eligible. A scout of theirs told me he liked how I was playing this season.”

Gambrell was more bullish on Hillman, whom he has played with in Dubuque (United States Hockey League) and DU. “I’ve played with him for the past three years and watched him progress. I told him to be ready,” Gambrell said. “He’s really poised with the puck, and as the season went along, his confidence starting going through the roof. He was playing more and making great decisions.”

Gambrell and Hillman took a large measure of pride in their selections continuing the Pioneers’ momentum.

“It says a lot about DU,” Hillman said. “One reason is Jim Montgomery is a great coach and a winning coach. He has a great track record of sending players on to the next level wherever he is coaching.”

CC’s Kivihalme excelling on the ice, in the kitchen, too

Starrett spends his summer leave tending goal in Chicago

By Chris Bayee

By Chris Bayee

I

n the midst of his fourth prospect camp with the Nashville Predators in late June and early July, Colorado College’s Teemu Kivihalme traded his hockey gloves for

oven mitts.

And the result was a lot of happy faces and satisfied sweet tooths at the Ronald McDonald House in Nashville.

The 6-foot junior, who will be counted on to help lead a youthful Tigers blue line group this season, took time out with a handful of fellow Predators prospects to bake and decorate a plethora of sweet treats for the kids. The Ronald McDonald House provides resources for families who have critically ill children receiving treatment at an area hospital.

“Giving back is awesome,” Kivihalme told the Predators official website.

“Being interactive with other people around the community is definitely something cool to do and baking, I haven’t baked in a while, so this is nice to do.”

With the graduation of leading scorer Hunter Fejes, Kivihalme stands as the only CC player whose draft rights are held by an NHL team. The Predators selected him in the fifth round (140th overall) of the 2013 NHL Draft.

Kivihalme’s career-high 15 points included three goals and led the Tigers’ defensemen in scoring. The next four defensemen on the scoring list were freshmen last season. Kivihalme had 11 points, including five goals, as a freshman.

On the ice in Nashville, Kivihalme capped a solid week by scoring a goal in the development camp’s closing scrimmage. Still, his biggest impression may have come in the kitchen.

“People watch you for your hockey, but being able to show yourself and who you really are outside of the rink means just as much as being on the ice,” Kivihalme said. “Being able to engage with the fans, you build that relationship and build that fan base and we’re happy to do it.”

Tigers forward Cody Bradley, who had 15 points during his senior season, attended the Minnesota Wild’s development camp.

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he hockey world continues to take note of the sterling freshman season turned in by Air Force goaltender Shane Starrett.

Starrett, who fashioned one of the best seasons by a goaltender in the Academy’s storied hockey history, participated in the Chicago Blackhawks’ Development Camp from July 9-13.

The 6-foot-5 goalie backstopped Air Force’s second-place finish in Atlantic Hockey Conference (AHC). The Falcons were 16-7-5 in the league and 20-125 overall. In the process, Starrett became just the second Falcons goalie – and first freshman – selected First Team All-Conference. His 1.92 goals-against average and .924 save percentage both were the second-best in program history.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity to go out and hopefully show that I can compete at that level,” he told the school’s official website. “This will be a great learning experience. I’m looking forward to seeing what it takes to compete at this level.”

The chance to put on the pads in a pro camp at this point caught Starrett off guard. He is 21 and was not drafted during any of his three years of NHL Draft eligibility.

“I was in complete disbelief when I got the call,” he said. “This is something you always dream about when you grow up playing hockey.”

Not only did Starrett join his younger brother Beau, a sophomore to be at Cornell University who was a third-round selection (88th overall) in the 2014 draft by the Blackhawks, at the camp, but he continued a recent trend of Falcons standouts spending their summer leave in the Windy City.

In 2015, forward Cole Gunner went to Chicago’s camp, just as defenseman Dan Weissenhofer had in 2013 and forward Kyle De Laurell had in 2012. Two other Falcons attended development camps in 2012 – goaltender Andrew Volkening with Florida and defenseman Adam McKenzie with Washington.

PICTURE PERFECT Larkspur native Cale Morris, a Colorado Thunderbirds and Colorado Hockey Club (now Rampage) graduate, attended the Anaheim Ducks development camp in early July as an undrafted free agent. He'll play at the University of Notre Dame (Hockey East) this fall.

Former University of Denver standout Beau Bennett was part of the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins this season and brought the cup to his native Southern California the first weekend in July. Photo/Philip Pritchard/@keeperofthecup

Colorado Rampage youth players ranging from Mites to 18U exhibited their patriotic spirit and participated in the 4th of July Parade on Independence Day in Monument.Photo/Heather Engle

University of Denver head coach Jim Montgomery has taken the Pioneers to the NCAA tournament in each of his three seasons behind the bench and was recently rewarded with a contract extension through the 2020-21 season. Photo/DU Athletics

Niwot native Reilly Herbst, who played youth hockey in Colorado for the Hyland Hills Jaguars, Boulder Hockey Club, Colorado Thunderbirds and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, participated in the Rocky Mountain District Player Development Camp in May in Salt Lake City.

Two former players with the Colorado Thunderbirds program – Brian Hawkinson (left) and Dayton Rasmussen (right) – were part of the Tri-City Storm team that captured the USHL’s Clark Cup playoff championship May 20 after a three-game sweep of the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

A slew of Outliers Hockey Academy families and friends rallied together on May 7 as team Face Off For The Cure at Susan G Komen® Utah’s Race For The Cure. The Outliers group was one of the top fundraising contingents with over $1700 collected in donations.

The ice at The Edge in Littleton will have a Butch Mousseaux memorial for next season. Mousseaux passed away in March after falling on the ice and hitting his head prior to an NCHC playoff game. WCHA referee Pete Friesma is the rink's adult hockey director. Photo/Dawg Nation

The Sarver family took an early summer vacation trip to South Dakota with the Kislesky family and Engle family – all three families have youth players with the Colorado Rampage. The boys spent two hours at a ropes course, the Alpine Slide and Mount Rushmore, where they donned their Rampage shirts for the day.

Photo/Heather Engle

Submit your favorite hockey photos to pictureperfect@rubberhockey.com!

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UTAH REPORT Outliers focused on tasting Grizzlies coach Branham heads even more success in Year 2 up Olympic Oval adult camps

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

O

Y

utliers Hockey Academy director of hockey operations Paul Taylor saw Year 1 of his program as “a great success.”

Now, he sees Year 2 as one to keep the progression moving.

“We were able to raise the skill level of our athletes and teams through our intense training system and now we have some new players joining our program who want to be part of our development model,” Taylor said.

For the 2016-17 season, the Outliers will have two Squirt teams, one Pee Wee team and two Bantam teams.

“We are very encouraged and have high expectations for next season,” said Taylor. “The first year was about laying the foundation and educating families about our program’s advantages. I expect Year 2 to be a big year for us in that so many of our athletes have improved tremendously, which allows us to be more competitive. We have also attracted a lot of new talent.”

New next season will be a partnership with the new Utah Hockey Center.

“The opportunity came up through an introduction to a gentleman who had a training center sitting dormant,” explained Taylor. “Through many conversations, we decided to partner together and make it an off-ice hockey-specific training center. We chose to name it the Utah Hockey Center and open it up to all the athletes in the area to enhance everyone's development. During the hockey season, it will be the official training home for our Outliers Hockey Academy. Our athletes will receive a huge benefit from this training center.”

Taylor said the benefits go beyond the Outliers.

“I think it is a tremendous opportunity to have a state-of-the art facility like the Utah Hockey Center in our own backyard,” he said. “Our program is built around high performance training and we want to provide our Outliers athletes with the best training possible and this building facilitates that for us. It is also an opportunity for us to help raise the bar in Utah and help develop some other local players from various organizations in the state.”

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Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

oung kids account for much of the growing population of hockey players in Utah.

Then again, so do adults.

This summer, Utah Grizzlies’ coach-GM Tim Branham will host five Saturday dates at the Utah Olympic Oval for an adults-only clinic (those aged 18 and older).

Each clinic session will address a particular skill and/or strategy essential to increasing a player’s level of play on the ice.

With Branham's 15 years of hockey school experience and his Level 4 coaching certificate from USA Hockey, players are guaranteed to work hard and learn some important on-ice skills to elevate your play.

"The adult clinics, as well as working with the adult league at the Olympic Oval, has been awesome," said Branham. "They are huge supporters of the Grizzlies and we do the best we can to give back to them. Adult hockey has grown so much over the past three years thanks to Jae Worthen and Jared Youngman and it's great to be a part of it." *Goalies are FREE. Skaters are $100 each. *Each player will receive a fan four-pack of tickets for one Utah Grizzlies home game (an $80 value) for the 2016-17 season. *All participants will receive select Utah Grizzlies trading cards. *Limited to first 40 skaters.

The dates and skills taught: • Aug. 13 - Defensive Zone Strategy, Positioning • Aug. 20 - Review D-Zone/Track Without the Puck • Aug. 27 - Offensive Zone Concepts, Faceoffs • Sept. 3-10 - Power Play/Penalty Kill In addition, the Utah Olympic Oval also offers men’s and women’s rookie leagues and an adult D-League – all info is available at http://utaholympiclegacy.org/hockey-overview/.

To register for the adult Saturday clinics, contact Jae Worthen at jworthen@uolf.org or 801-963-7107.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ROUGHRIDERS COLORADO SPRINGS AMATEUR HOCKEY Holmstrom expands role with Clurman’s selection by Avs illustrates RoughRiders’ mission Tigers, will guide 18U squad

By Chris Bayee

By Matt Mackinder

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K

alk about a hat trick for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.

Not only did they have an alumni drafted by an NHL team, but he was the first one drafted by the Colorado Avalanche.

The Avs selecting Nate Clurman in the sixth round (161st overall) also reinforced one of the club’s primary missions – developing homegrown talent.

Clurman, a Boulder native, played two seasons of 14U AAA for the RoughRiders. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound defenseman also skated for the Boulder Hockey Club.

“Obviously, a guy like Nate staying home and trusting the nearby programs is big,” said Matt Huckins, who coached Clurman with the RoughRiders. “Throw in he’s the first Colorado kid drafted by the Avs and it multiplies the effect.”

“Matt Huckins, Derek Robinson, Chris Lawson and Neil Runbeck were all very influential in my development,” Clurman added. “Matt gave me the opportunity to play 14U a year early, which really helped my development.”

Clurman, who has committed to the University of Notre Dame (Hockey East) for the 2017-18 season, had 16 points (four goals) in 20 games for Culver Military Academy last season.

Robinson, the RoughRiders’ director of hockey operations, said Clurman and his parents, Andrew and Claire, have been important contributors to the Boulder and RoughRiders clubs.

“They’re very involved,” Robinson said. “He and his family are very focused on academics. He’s a great representative of our program.”

Clurman has attended Culver since his freshman year of high school. He has the option of returning there for his senior season or playing with the USHL’s Tri-City Storm.

“When Nate decided to go to Culver, the RoughRiders did a great job supporting him as a club,” Huckins said. “He was a great player and he could have helped the club win a lot of games and helped a lot of other players, but they did what was right by the player.”

RiderTownUSA.com

evin Holmstrom has been involved with Colorado Springs Amateur Hockey for many years as a parent, coach and administrator.

For the 2016-17 season, he’ll get back behind the bench as head coach of the Tigers’ 18U AAA team.

“I recently stepped out of a long business career and coaching was No. 1 on my list if an opportunity arose,” said Holmstrom. “The timing and opportunity really fell in place. I spoke with Cody Campbell (16U coach) and Nick Harper (20U coach) about the direction of the program and the vision we all shared was so natural. Within days of visiting with (executive director) Brian Copeland, we were able to put the pieces in place.”

“When we started our search for a new 18U coach and created a checklist of traits, experience and knowledge we wanted in a candidate, we found ourselves lucky to find a coach that checked all the boxes, and more,” said Copeland. “We have no doubt in Kevin's ability to develop every player on our 18U team, but he brings along the experience, knowledge and passion to help move the entire club to a higher level.”

Holmstrom said his coaching style centers around speed and discipline.

“With player development and academics at the top of the list, I think our players will like the puck possession, tempo game we will bring,” Holmstrom said. “Our players will have the opportunity to develop and advance while working very hard in a highly competitive development path.”

Both of Holmstrom’s sons, Ben and Josh, played in the New York Islanders organization in 2015-16.

“Hockey has been a large part of our family for many years and we are very fortunate for all it has provided our family,” said Holmstrom. “Every level has its challenges and rewards and I hope to bring that knowledge to our players and families and yes, give back to the game.”

CSAHA.com

The Colorado Jr. Eagles' run to the WSHL’s Thorne Cup finals was led offensively by Riley Roberts, a forward who posted 70 goals and 125 points during the regular season to lead the WSHL. Photo/Mark Mauno

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2015-16 COLORADO/UTAH ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com

COLORADO

Quinn Wold (Aurora) – Fitchburg State University

PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY

MIAC Drew Allen (Arvada) – Augsburg College Brady Bender (Steamboat Springs) – Augsburg College Jake Hebda (Firestone) – St. Mary’s University Dylan Meier (Highlands Ranch) – Augsburg College Trevor Stewart (Highlands Ranch) – Augsburg College Connor Tedstrom (Edwards) – St. Olaf College Chris Wilhite (Colorado Springs) – St. Mary’s University

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Richard Bachman – Vancouver Canucks & Seth Jones – Nashville Predators & Trevor Lewis – Los Angeles Kings @ Gustav Olofsson – Minnesota Wild # Nick Shore (Denver) – Los Angeles Kings Jaccob Slavin (Erie) – Carolina Hurricanes AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Darik Angeli (Lakewood) – Portland Pirates Drayson Bowman (Littleton) – Charlotte Checkers Brandon Carlo (Colorado Springs) – Providence Bruins Mat Clark (Wheat Ridge) – San Antonio Rampage Josiah Didier (Littleton) – St. John’s IceCaps Ben Holmstrom (Colorado Springs) – Bridgeport Sound Tigers Michael Sdao (Niwot) – Rochester Americans Drew Shore (Denver) – Stockton Heat ECHL Collin Bowman (Littleton) – Colorado Eagles Matt Cope (Lakewood) – Norfolk Admirals Daniel Doremus (Aspen) – Allen Americans Josh Holmstrom (Colorado Springs) – Missouri Mavericks Brett Kostolansky (Denver) – Rapid City Rush Tate Maris (Denver) – Colorado Eagles Ryan Massa (Littleton) – Orlando Solar Bears Sean Zimmerman (Denver) – Colorado Eagles SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Kyle Brodie (Northglenn) – Columbus Cottonmouths Phil Tesoriero (Boulder) – Pensacola Ice Flyers EUROPE Braxton Green (Thornton) – Finland Luke Salazar (Thornton) – England

NCHA Tom Greene (Arvada) – Aurora University Justin Gregory (Franktown) – Aurora University Buster Hebda (Firestone) – Concordia University Josh Racek (Colorado Springs) – Northland College Zach Simpson (Parker) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Scott Smoot (Fort Collins) – Marian University Mitch Snyder (Colorado Springs) – St. Norbert College Jerad Tafoya (Highlands Ranch) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Brett Wagner (Centennial) – Milwaukee School of Engineering NEHC Kyle Arenson (Fort Collins) – New England College Ben Hull (Littleton) – Norwich University NESCAC Mark Knowlton (Colorado Springs) – Trinity College Sage Marshall (Telluride) – Wesleyan University Jonathan Sdao (Niwot) – Colby College NORTHEAST-10 Travis Army (Englewood) – Stonehill College SUNYAC Jimmy Morgan (Highlands Ranch) – Fredonia State University Max Ross (Arvada) – Fredonia State University

COLLEGE HOCKEY

WIAC Jono Davis – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point * Tyler Shipstad (Colorado Springs) – University of Wisconsin-Stout

NCAA DIVISION I – MEN

NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

ATLANTIC HOCKEY Dylan Abood (Centennial) – U.S. Air Force Academy Jackson Barliant – Sacred Heart University @ Sammy Bernard (Lafayette) – Sacred Heart University Alec Butcher – Sacred Heart University @ Ben Carey (Centennial) – U.S. Air Force Academy Adam Durkee (Nederland) – Sacred Heart University Chris Dylewski (Colorado Springs) – U.S. Air Force Academy Evan Feno (Morrison) – U.S. Air Force Academy Max Hartner (Greenwood Village) – U.S. Air Force Academy Tyler Ledford (Colorado Springs) – U.S. Air Force Academy Ian Mansfield (Lakewood) – U.S. Military Academy Rob Nichols – University of Connecticut # Erik Ouellette (Denver) – College of the Holy Cross Kevin Patterson (Colorado Springs) – Niagara University Tyler Pham (Fort Collins) – U.S. Military Academy Brad Shumway (Lafayette) – Rochester Institute of Technology Logan Smith (Littleton) – College of the Holy Cross

CHA Jeanette Bateman (Greeley) – Penn State University Nicole Hensley (Lakewood) – Lindenwood University Shara Jasper (Aurora) – Lindenwood University Remi Martin (Littleton) – Penn State University

ECAC Jared Fiegl (Parker) – Cornell University Kyle Hayton (Denver) – St. Lawrence University Brandon Kirk – Dartmouth College * Austin Shaw (Denver) – Princeton University Brendan Smith (Centennial) – Cornell University Landon Smith (Greenwood Village) – Quinnipiac University Gavin Stoick – Cornell University # HOCKEY EAST Matias Cleland (Longmont) – University of New Hampshire Jason Cotton – Northeastern University # Hayden Hawkey (Parker) – Providence College Kyle Huson (Parker) – University of Connecticut Colton Saucerman (Colorado Springs) – Northeastern University Jacob Townsend (Highlands Ranch) – Univ. of Massachusetts-Lowell NCHC Grant Arnold (Centennial) – University of Denver Evan Cowley (Arvada) – University of Denver Mikey Eyssimont (Littleton) – St. Cloud State University Andrew Farny (Steamboat Springs) – Colorado College Dylan Gambrell – University of Denver # Brad Hawkinson (Aurora) – University of Denver Christian Heil (Westminster) – Colorado College Rudy Junda (Denver) – University of Denver Evan McCarthy (Castle Rock) – Miami University Scott Moldenhauer – Western Michigan University # Fredrik Olofsson – University of Nebraska-Omaha # Austin Ortega – University of Nebraska-Omaha # Evan Ritt (Lakewood) – University of Denver Derek Shatzer (Highlands Ranch) – Colorado College Quentin Shore (Denver) – University of Denver Colin Staub (Colorado Springs) – University of Denver Troy Terry (Denver) – University of Denver WCHA Evan Anderson (Littleton) – Michigan Tech University Dan Billett (Highlands Ranch) – Bemidji State University Cole Huggins (Centennial) – Minnesota State University Nick Kossoff – Lake Superior State University # Sean O’Rourke – Ferris State University * Tyler Poulsen (Arvada) – University of Alabama-Huntsville INDEPENDENT Patrick Yudez (Broomfield) – Arizona State University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN ECAC NORTHEAST Mikio Minobe (Golden) – Suffolk University ECAC WEST Oliver Janzen (Denver) – Nazareth College MASCAC Tieg Alward (Vail) – Plymouth State University

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ECAC Brooke Ahbe (Centennial) – Dartmouth College Nikki Friesen – Harvard University % HOCKEY EAST Ariana Buxman (Glenwood Springs) – Providence College Kyra Smith (Littleton) – University of New Hampshire WCHA Kendall Curtis (Highlands Ranch) – Ohio State University Emily Harris (Littleton) – Minnesota State University NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN CHC Julia Johnson (Littleton) – Becker College Emma Sunness (Fort Collins) – Stevenson University McKenzie Taggart (Centennial) – Stevenson University Sara Zatorski (Parker) – Salem State University ECAC WEST Emily Coope – Utica College !

Elizabeth Dohner (Highlands Ranch) – Utica College Jocelyn Gacek (Highlands Ranch) – Utica College Taylor Osowski (Highlands Ranch) – Utica College MIAC Margeaux Cohen (Aspen) – St. Olaf College Drue Engleman (Denver) – St. Olaf College Jena Kosley (Colorado Springs) – Hamline University Kacee Medved (Littleton) – College of St. Benedict NCHA Sara Martin (Durango) – Finlandia University NEHC Kat Armstrong (Boulder) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Rachel Bellio (Denver) – Norwich University Kristen Embrey (Highlands Ranch) – Univ. of Massachusetts-Boston Taryn Harris (Morrison) – Manhattanville College Alexandra Karlis (Denver) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Maura Kieft (Littleton) – St. Anselm College Naomi Major (Telluride) – St. Michael’s College Lanie Matsumoto (Fort Collins) – Franklin Pierce University Julie Matthias (Thornton) – College of the Holy Cross Caley Mueller (Littleton) – St. Anselm College Kelsey Roy (Fort Collins) – Plymouth State University Taylor Shrode (Craig) – Plymouth State University Jensen Wurm (Arvada) – Nichols College NESCAC Casey Brown (Lafayette) – Hamilton College Kylie Davis (Superior) – Hamilton College Marisa Dreher (Aspen) – Middlebury College Caroline Godfrey (Aspen) – Bowdoin College Jamie Meroz – Hamilton College % Hannah Oganeku (Castle Pines) – Trinity College JUNIOR HOCKEY ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Nolan Carothers (Castle Rock) - Calgary Canucks Dylan Rauh (Aurora) - Fort McMurray Oil Barons BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Scott Allan (Denver) - West Kelowna Warriors Jaden Anderson (Aurora) - Wenatchee Wild Alex Bates (Highlands Ranch) - Wenatchee Wild Phil Middleton (Vail) - Salmon Arm Silverbacks Rider Stoglin (Littleton) - Prince George Spruce Kings Bryan Yoon (Parker) - Wenatchee Wild

Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Holden Biebel (Roxborough Park) - Walpole Express (Premier) Nick Buchholtz (Windsor) - New York Applecore (Premier) Joshua Cox (Broomfield) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Sean Cuscaden (Arvada) - Vermont Lumberjacks (Elite) Keegan Davis (Aspen) - Connecticut Oilers (Premier) Walker Harris (Boulder) - Connecticut Oilers (Premier) Hadan Jordan (Colorado Springs) - Boston Bandits (Premier) Sylas Kalyan (Lyons) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Premier) Victor Lombardi (Arvada) - Boston Bandits (Elite) Vincent Mastrandrea (Frederick) - Connecticut Oilers (Premier) Blaine Minatra (Thornton) - Connecticut Nighthawks (Premier) Matt Moscati (Lakewood) - Northern Cyclones (Elite) Brady Nelson (Boulder) - Northern Cyclones (Elite) Sean Patrick O’Leary (Windsor) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Premier) Jack O’Neil (Denver) - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (Premier) Ashton Opperman (Littleton) - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (Premier) Dawson Quint (Glenwood Springs) - Vermont Lumberjacks (Premier) Colby Schaeffer (Brighton) - Vermont Lumberjacks (Elite) Tyler Seltenreich (Littleton) - Northern Cyclones (Premier) Jackson Shanley (Edwards) - New York Bobcats (Premier) Stuart Shanley (Littleton) - Northern Cyclones (Elite) Kirk Underwood (Littleton) - Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Ryan Worley (Centennial) - Vermont Lumberjacks (Premier) GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Benjamin Adams (Parker) – Orangeville Ice Crushers Zachery Hargis (Highlands Ranch) – Norfolk Vikings KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Garrett Graham (Pueblo West) – Spokane Braves Donny Nordstrom (Denver) – Kelowna Chiefs Stephon Perreault (Aurora) – Spokane Braves Jackson Ross (Glenville) – Kamloops Storm Anders Saarela (Denver) – Princeton Posse METROPOLITAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Cody Pisciola (Broomfield) – New Jersey Colonials Austin Wheatly (Castle Rock) – Connecticut Nighthawks NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Kris Carlson - Austin Bruins # Riley DeFazio (Colorado Springs) - Amarillo Bulls Jake Eubank – Kenai River Brown Bears @ David Fessenden (Parker) - Bismarck Bobcats Sean Giles (Colorado Springs) - Lone Star Brahmas Ben Lown - Wichita Falls Wildcats # Matt Nehls (Boulder) - Amarillo Bulls Gavin Paczosa (Greeley) - Aberdeen Wings Rhys Phelps (Centennial) - Brookings Blizzard Jared Resseguie (Arvada) - Bismarck Bobcats Davis Sebald (Morrison) - New Jersey Titans Dean Shatzer (Castle Rock) - Odessa Jackalopes Brandon Tucker (Colorado Springs) - Odessa Jackalopes Jacob Weatherly (Castle Rock) - Amarillo Bulls Nate Werhane (Arvada) - Odessa Jackalopes NORTH AMERICAN 3 EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Scott Albertoni (Denver) - Jersey Shore Wildcats Lane Gregory (Franktown) - New York Aviators Dylan Plsek (Grand Junction) - Jersey Shore Wildcats Corey Rees (Denver) - New York Aviators NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE J.T. Ackerman (Westminster) – West Michigan Wolves Josh Aycock (Lakewood) - Bozeman Icedogs Cade Boreing (Highlands Ranch) - Gillette Wild William Bostwick (Aurora) - Glacier Nationals Ryan Daugherty (Lone Tree) - Helena Bighorns Alex Feese (Colorado Springs) - Gillette Wild Jeremy Hamerquist (Woodland Park) - Toledo Cherokee Austin Krantz (Highlands Ranch) - Great Falls Americans Johnathan Meakins (Colorado Springs) - Point Mallard Ducks Liam Miller (Durango) - Bozeman Icedogs Mitchell McEwan (Westminster) - Gillette Wild Brady Mielnicki (Centennial) - Euless Jr. Stars Joe Morgan (Highlands Ranch) - Wooster Oilers Tyler Myers (Thornton) - Texas Brahmas C.J. Nitchen (Pueblo) - St. Louis Jr. Blues Kyle Plantz (Windsor) - Rochester Ice Hawks Kyle Traux (Durango) - Gillette Wild Tim VanTuinen (Longmont) - Gillette Wild Jacob Yoho (Aurora) - Billings Bulls R.J. Yusko (Parker) - Gillette Wild NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Sam Rappaport (Basalt) – Soo Eagles NORTHERN PACIFIC HOCKEY LEAGUE Adam Shimamoto (Thornton) - Tri-Cities Outlaws ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Mason Akers (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Ben Barron (Vail) – Breckenridge Bucks Noah Beairsto (Vail) – Breckenridge Bucks Skylar Budman (Greenwood Village) – Colorado Thunderbirds Levi Clemenson (Lakewood) – Colorado Thunderbirds Noah Cunniff (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Connor Dockins (Monument) – Colorado Rampage Kayan Farsad (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Garrett Ferguson (Craig) – Breckenridge Bucks Samuel Gilmore (Broomfield) – Colorado Rampage Brendan Greenberg (Silverthorne) – Breckenridge Bucks Reed Grignano (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Spencer Harned (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Jack Hinton (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage James Huerena (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Ben Joseph (Highlands Ranch) – Colorado Thunderbirds George Kamins (Silverthorne) – Breckenridge Bucks Aidan Kirby (Castle Rock) – Colorado Thunderbirds Chris Kiser (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Austin Knoebel (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Ben Lepper (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Brady Milenicki (Centennial) – Colorado Thunderbirds Chance Mundorf (Glade Park) – Breckenridge Bucks Jacob Palmer (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Dante Palomares (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Braden Parker (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Jarret Pederson (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Derek Read (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Thunderbirds Jesse Reller (Silverthorne) – Breckenridge Bucks

Quinton Reynolds (Aurora) – Colorado Rampage Jason Rivera (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Ben Schoeffield (Breckenridge) – Breckenridge Bucks Alex Schubert (Colorado Springs) – Colorado Rampage Brendan Strong (Denver) – Colorado Thunderbirds Emilio Trujillo (Fountain) – Colorado Rampage Jake Wener (Littleton) – Breckenridge Bucks SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Zach Goberis (Arvada) - Estevan Bruins UNITES STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE C.J. Dodero (Highlands Ranch) – Sioux City Musketeers Jack Doremus (Aspen) – Sioux Falls Stampede Anea Ferrario – Des Moines Buccaneers # Griffin Foulk (Broomfield) – Fargo Force William Graber (Longmont) – Muskegon Lumberjacks Bo Hanson – Muskegon Lumberjacks * Brian Hawkinson (Aurora) – Tri-City Storm Garrett Klee (Morrison) – Madison Capitols Philip Knies – Sioux City Musketeers # Zach LaRocque (Arvada) – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Keegan Mantaro (Monument) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Matt Meier (Highlands Ranch) – Omaha Lancers Garrett Metcalf – Waterloo Black Hawks * Cale Morris (Larkspur) – Waterloo Black Hawks Dayton Rasmussen – Tri-City Storm # Evan Smith (Parker) – Sioux City Musketeers Cam Spicer (Erie) – Bloomington Thunder Zach Walker – U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team # A.J. Vanderbeck (Monument) – Sioux Falls Stampede Daniel Warpecha (Aspen) – Sioux Falls Stampede UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE J.T. Ackerman (Westminster) - Forest Lake Lakers (Midwest) Josh Beatty (Westminster) - Steele County Blades (Midwest) Ryan Bochert (Thornton) - Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) Matthew Donnelly (Denver) - Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Willy Doremus (Aspen) - Chicago Cougars (Midwest) John Drummond (Littleton) - Florida Eels (USP3) Tyler Gainer (Arvada) - Charlotte Rush (USP3) Jacob Gerson (Colorado Springs) - Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) A.J. Giordano (Broomfield) - Florida Eels (USP3) Hunter Henderson (Loma) - Steele County Blades (Midwest) Chris Kerr (Littleton) - Florida Eels (Elite) Shawn Knowlton (Colorado Springs) - P.A.L. Jr. Islanders (Premier) Jake LeBauer (Highlands Ranch) - Dells Ducks (Midwest) Dillon Lindholm (Westminster) - Richmond Generals (USP3) Hunter Marsh (Dillon) - Steele County Blades (Midwest) Gavin Medina (Lakewood) - Florida Eels (USP3) Trace Pederson (Denver) - Dells Ducks (Midwest) Austin Resseguie (Arvada) - Florida Jr. Blades (USP3) Alan Rickli (Denver) - Daytona Racers (USP3) Alex Sanchez (Denver) - Florida Eels (Elite) John Shanley (Littleton) - Florida Eels (Elite) Casey Shannahan (Colorado Springs) - Portland Jr. Pirates (Elite) Ethan Solat (Centennial) - Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Jeremy Solat (Centennial) - Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Jordon Stone (Parker) - Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Premier) Nicholas Vitale (Castle Rock) - Carolina Eagles (USP3) Travis Volmert (Parker) - Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) Mike Watson (Colorado Springs) - Chicago Cougars (Midwest) Pippen Weisbeck (Golden) - Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Garrett Wood (Greeley) - Florida Eels (Elite) Jared Young (Superior) - Dells Ducks (Midwest) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Scott Eansor (Englewood) – Seattle Thunderbirds Cal Foote (Denver) – Kelowna Rockets Max Gerlach – Medicine Hat Tigers # Riley Hillis (Arvada) – Tri-City Americans Caleb Jones – Portland Winterhawks & Brian King (Golden) – Everett Silvertips Beau McCue (Colorado Springs) – Tri-City Americans Alex Overhardt (Cherry Hills Village) – Portland Winterhawks Dominic Turgeon (Denver) – Portland Winterhawks WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Hampus Akesson (Erie) - Superior RoughRiders Avery Albert (Arvada) – Colorado Evolution Scott Appleby (Littleton) - Superior RoughRiders Tyler Blue (Westminster) - Superior RoughRiders Dakota Coleman (Aurora) – Colorado Evolution Devin Coombe (Arvada) – Colorado Evolution Blake Couture (Westminster) - Superior RoughRiders Brandon Cyrus (Centennial) – Colorado Evolution Nick Davidson (Fort Collins) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Alec DeKramer (Aurora) – Colorado Evolution Sean DeKramer (Aurora) - Superior RoughRiders Marc Demers (Erie) - Superior RoughRiders Johnathan Doherty (Aurora) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Davis Dryden (Denver) – Phoenix Knights Zach Dym (Golden) – Colorado Evolution Eric Fedorco (Aurora) – Colorado Evolution Kameron Fehr (Denver) - Ogden Mustangs Trent Fleming (Broomfield) - Superior RoughRiders Cameron Gardner (Longmont) - Superior RoughRiders R.J. Haenze (Colorado Springs) - Southern Oregon Spartans Brandon Hanson (Castle Rock) – Colorado Evolution Brantt Heble (Parker) - Fresno Monsters Nicolas Hemming (Parker) – Colorado Evolution Eliot Herz (Colorado Springs) - Superior RoughRiders Trenton Hines (Fort Collins) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Evan Hunchar (Littleton) - El Paso Rhinos Keagan Jenkins (Windsor) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Dustin Johnson (Deer Trail) - Vancouver Rangers Matt Jung (Denver) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Christian Kendall (Parker) – Colorado Evolution Keegan Kessler (Colorado Springs) - Vancouver Rangers Tristan Klewsaat (Larkspur) - Arizona Hawks Jack Longenecker (Denver) - Superior RoughRiders Ethan Lone (Aurora) – Colorado Evolution Duncan McIntosh (Denver) - Superior RoughRiders Andrew Nash (Littleton) - Wichita Jr. Thunder Jack Nevicosi (Breckenridge) - Springfield Express Ben Novy (Lafayette) - Superior RoughRiders Cody Oakes (Aurora) - Superior RoughRiders Mattijs Ossorio (Lafayette) - Superior RoughRiders Caleb Pola (Broomfield) - Ogden Mustangs Kyle Reilly (Parker) - Superior RoughRiders Colton Sablich (Brighton) - Superior RoughRiders

Austin Shea (Thornton) - Ogden Mustangs Deston Stagg (Fort Morgan) - Casper Coyotes Austin Storm (Colorado Springs) - Arizona Hawks Quinn Travis (Gunnison) - Las Vegas Storm Tanner Ulland (Fort Collins) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Cade Warner (Windsor) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Jacob Weber (Highlands Ranch) – Colorado Evolution Levi Weber (Eaton) - Colorado Jr. Eagles Nevada White (Parker) – Colorado Evolution Brett Wilson (Thornton) – Colorado Evolution NEW ENGLAND WOMEN’S JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ava Reynolds (Aurora) – Northern Cyclones PREP SCHOOL A.J. Hodges (Littleton) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Noah Prokop (Littleton) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s

UTAH PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Richard Bachman (Salt Lake City) – Vancouver Canucks Trevor Lewis (Salt Lake City) – Los Angeles Kings ECHL R.G. Flath (Park City) - Wichita Thunder FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Zach Hale (Sandy) – Brewster Bulldogs COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ATLANTIC HOCKEY Nash Worden (Kaysville) – U.S. Military Academy WCHA Daniel Brickley (Sandy) – Minnesota State University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN ECAC WEST Jordan Haskell (Stansbury Park) – Hobart College NCHA Andrew Bergquist (Bountiful) – Aurora University David Higgs (Salt Lake City) – Finlandia University JUNIOR HOCKEY ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Angus Scott (Salt Lake City) - Camrose Kodiaks BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Nick Halloran (Draper) - Trail Smoke Eaters GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Roy Andres (Lake City) – Norfolk Vikings Cameron Kincaid (Park City) – Komoka Dragons Hunter Wood (North Logan) – Bradford Bulls KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Steele Anderson (Orem) – Spokane Braves NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Jared Pike (Sandy) - Bismarck Bobcats Ryan Solomon (Murray) - Aston Rebels NORTHERN PACIFIC HOCKEY LEAGUE Otto Chao (Salt Lake City) - Wenatchee Wolves Thomas Hendry (Salt Lake City) - Wenatchee Wolves Zane James (Salt Lake City) - Seattle Ravens Anders Johnson (Salt Lake City) - Wenatchee Wolves Kory Palmer (Salt Lake City) - Eugene Generals ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Anderson (Murray) – Colorado Rampage Robert Brennan (Salt Lake City) – Colorado Rampage Sheamus Stoyle (Salt Lake City) – Breckenridge Bucks Emilio Trujillo – Colorado Rampage $ SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Logan Jackson (Riverside) - La Ronge Ice Wolves UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Anea Ferrario (Ogden) – Des Moines Buccaneers Garrett Metcalf (Salt Lake City) – Waterloo Black Hawks UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaleb Combs (West Valley City) - Steele County Blades (Midwest) Beau Dommer (Pleasant Grove) - Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Jesse Guyer (Park City) - Steele County Blades (Midwest) Brooks Mandryk (Salt Lake City) - Carolina Eagles (Elite) WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Lindros Beard (Salt Lake City) - Salt Lake City Moose Colby Birch (Vernal) - Missoula Maulers Reed Hunter (West Jordan) - Dallas Snipers Parker Lewis (Riverton) - Idaho Jr. Steelheads Matt Psaras (Sandy) - Ogden Mustangs Andrew Pyper (Salt Lake City) - Salt Lake City Moose Alex Randazzo (Eden) - Idaho Jr. Steelheads Payton Wright (Draper) - Las Vegas Storm NEW ENGLAND WOMEN’S JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Mina Maciunas (Salt Lake City) – Northern Cyclones & Former Littleton Hawk @ Former Pikes Peak Miner # Former Colorado Thunderbird ! Former Colorado Tiger % Former Colorado Select + Former Rocky Mountain RoughRider * Former Colorado Rampage

RMJHL’s Yetis nab junior, college coaching veteran Pszenyczny ByMatt Mackinder

D

an Pszenyczny doesn’t have the easiest name to pronounce, but as long as he gets results, the Glacier Yetis won’t mind.

The Yetis, entering their second season as part of the USA Hockey-sanctioned Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (RMJHL), hired the Detroit-area native in late June to be the team’s new head coach.

For Pszenyczny (pronounced ‘Pah-CHEZZ-nee’), he sees the RMJHL as “a great opportunity for any young kid looking to get into juniors.”

“The one thing that really intrigued me most were the owners, Alan and Robbie Koos,” said Pszenyczny. “From our first phone call, to meeting with them has just been really great. We are all on board for the same things. We want to help grow the game on all levels of hockey and develop players to move them on to either a higher junior level or even college.”

Pszenyczny has experience across the board, having coached college hockey at the University of North Florida, junior hockey with the Berkley Bruins and Kalkaska Rhinos in his home state and then this past season, helping guide the Belle Tire 14U AAA team to a Michigan state championship.

In assessing his coaching style, Pszenyczny said it’s twofold.

“I would say it’s a little bit of old-school with a little bit of new-school hockey,” Pszenyczny said. “I like the old-school mentality of doing whatever you have to do to get the job done, having the guys that will go on the corners and battle, guys that will go to the front of the net battling for position and loose pucks, guys that will take a hit to make a play and players finishing hits to open up ice. And then you need some of the new-school hockey blended into that with speed, guys that can make defensive players miss and open up opportunities for other players.

“I'm just looking to develop players in all aspects of the game. If we continue to work hard and develop each time we are on the ice, the season will take care of itself.”

CHALK TALK

How to avoid the dangers of goaltenders over-training S

ummers are an enormous opportunity for growth and development of hockey players at all ages.

The transition from endurance-based training becomes strength-based training as athletes are resting more and focusing more on off-ice training than on-ice. Summer Riese Niehaus training allows players to concentrate more on their skating abilities and puck handling skills without worrying that they're going to be hammered into the boards at any moment. This is a low-injury training environment relative to the season, and it is a great habitat for growth.

Goaltenders, however, become the shooter tutor.

Goalies drop into their butterfly thousands of times in a season; each practice, this number could be anywhere from 50-200 times and in games, ranging from 10-70 (hopefully not more). In a week with three practices and two games, a goaltender could be looking at almost 800 butterflies! No other sport sees this much overuse of a specific joint, and that joint suffers.

With the advent of the successful "butterfly" goal-

ies in the 1990s, it became a style of stopping the puck. And while the butterfly is a revolutionary movement for goaltenders, it is not a style itself. The overuse of the butterfly and other hip straining movements in the crease at young ages will lead to long term problems.

Hip surgery is becoming a popular topic among profession goaltenders, as more and more are needing to take time off to either have surgery or recover from a hip-related injury (Nicklas Backstrom, James Reimer, Tim Thomas, Pekka Rinne to name a few).

While a 12-year-old shouldn't need to worry in the slightest about having their hips replaced or worked on, they are already getting into habits that could lead to hip deterioration later in life. When goalies as young as 15 and 16 are having hip strain issues, it is time to take a different approach to training, especially during the offseason.

There are a tremendous amount of ice opportunities for goaltenders once the season ends and while they all offer their own advantages, too many of them together could spell trouble and lead to over-training.

Private lessons, spring and summer programs, stick and pucks, Junior A and AAA camps can all lead to goalie-specific training when kept to moderate numbers. The atmosphere of each ice session may be different as well. In a private lesson, the goaltender may only be dropping to the ice 20 times if they are work-

ing on specific skill acquisition, whereas in a practice session at a player camp, they could be facing 150 shots.

To avoid this over-training mentality, we first have to face the fact that great athletes make great goaltenders, not the other way around. Goalies need to be tremendous athletes to succeed at the higher levels, and this is very apparent in skating skills and off-ice athleticism. If you cannot move to get in front of the puck, you will not be a successful goaltender.

Power skating, skating as a player, playing multiple sports, and focusing on the core athlete are more important to young goaltender development than having them face thousands of shots in a structured environment. The sport of hockey is free flowing, and while there are concepts, structure, and systems to the game, no play is exactly the same as the last.

Fluid movement and adaptation skills are key to goaltender development. Small-area game opportunities and 3-on-3 game days are far more important for young goalies than structured drills of “move here and take a shot here.” Structure is still important, but for young goalies it should be applied in moderation.

Nurturing the athlete first mentality will lead to less overuse injuries in goaltenders, and will help create puck stoppers who can move more freely in the crease and have more fun and more success in the long run.

Riese Niehaus is the director of player personnel and associate goalie director for the Colorado Rampage.

Interested in being a Chalk Talk columnist? E-mail Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com.

17

Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

RYAN MASSA Position: Goaltender, Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL)

Hometown: Littleton Last Amateur Team: University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCHC) Youth Teams: Littleton Hawks, Colorado Thunderbirds, Colorado Rampage Colorado Rubber: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up?

Ryan Massa: Probably winning a double overtime game with the Rampage at states against the Pikes Peak Miners in 2007-08.

CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving Colorado?

RM: Playing in the Frozen Four in my senior year (2014-15) was pretty special as far as a collegiate experience. That’s the crown jewel of college hockey. Getting an opportunity to play professionally in both the East Coast League and the American League was a pretty big milestone to date. I’m continuing to stick to the process.

CR: What advice would you give young hockey players?

RM: Go out there and have fun. If you can’t have fun, there is no point in doing it.

Don’t get caught up in statistics. Get better each day and the process will take care of itself.

CR: Who has been the biggest influence on you on and off the ice?

RM: I’d have to say my family. All those years of the early mornings, the late nights and the extensive travel schedule, all the hours spent at the rinks. All that stuff goes unnoticed. That certainly wouldn’t happen without the support of my parents (Mark and Tami) and my younger sister Gianna (who also attends UNO), who was dragged to a lot of practices and games.

CR: What is your game-day routine like?

RM: It’s changed every year, but I keep it fairly simple. A morning skate, followed by the usual off-ice routines. I eat a big pre-game meal – pasta, chicken and bread – then take a nice nap. I head to the rink three hours early.

CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about?

RM: Pretty much everything. At this point, I’m pretty picky about how certain pieces of equipment feel. I like to feel comfortable. I always get my skates sharpened and re-tape a new stick.

CR: What are essential items to take on a road trip?

RM: The computer or iPad for sure. Good pair of headphones or two. Some juice packs, with extra battery life in them. The memory foam neck pillow is important.

CR: When you’re back in Colorado, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant?

RM: I love my mom’s cooking. You name it - everything and anything that’s homemade is great. For breakfast, it would be French toast, lunch at Panini and dinner is tough – probably chicken enchiladas. I also like getting some authentic Mexican food downtown. Usually the few times while I’m back, I’ll go to Jabo’s Bar-Be-Q. CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

RM: I’d say it’s pretty obvious growing up in the early 90s era – Patrick Roy. I played with his sons, Fred and Jon, and got to know them over those several years he was here playing for the Avalanche. It was fun learning the position at a young age, and he would come out on the ice and work with me. It was pretty special getting to learn from a Hall of Famer. A lot of fun and something I’m extremely thankful for.

CR: If you weren’t playing pro hockey, what do you think you’d be doing?

RM: If I didn’t have to worry about money, I’d be a fisherman, traveling to all the oceans across the world. If I have to worry about putting food on the table, I’d choose something in the finance business.

CR: What is the most challenging aspect of playing pro hockey?

RM: Just the sheer talent at the next level. It’s no longer just your age group and the United States. It’s everyone in the world. It’s a lot harder to make it to the NHL and just be successful at the pro level. If you’re willing to put the time in, it is attainable.

Fernando Medina/Orlando Solar Bears 18

Colorado Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Chris Bayee

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May 26 -29, 2017

September 2 - 5, 2016

Midget Open . 2003 Elite & AAA 2004 Elite & AAA . 2005 Elite & AAA 2006 Elite & AAA . 2007 Elite & AAA February 12-15, 2017 November 24 - 27, 2016 2008 Elite & AAA 2009 Mite Track I (Full Ice) 2010 Mite Track II (Half Ice) . rt A, BB, B . Mite Track I & II ol . Bantam AA, A, B . Pee Wee AA, A, BB, B Squi

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Midget 18U AA/A - Midget 16U AA/A High Scho

For more information, contact tournament director Brian McDonough at (612) 220-4402 or brian@jrkingshockey.com

Registration for all four tournaments is now open!

Tinseltownhockeytournaments.com