Rubber Hockey - November 2023

Team Colorado 16U AA team finding early success, eyeing successful 2023-24 season

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB For Team Colorado 16U AA coach Shelby Butler, seeing her team win the 200x85 CCM Hockey tournament two weeks ago in Dallas is hopefully the tip of the iceberg for what the squad can achieve this season.

“From tryouts in August picking this team, my assistant coach (Dru Burns) and I knew we were going to have a strong group with the talent that was on the ice,” said Butler.

“Winning the Dallas tournament, I hope, shows the girls that they are capable of going to the top this year.

Of course, it is very early in the season and we still have work to do, but I hope it lights a fire to continue to work hard, get better, and grow.

“I think the success of the weekend showed them that.”

Butler added that what she likes most about the team is the girls’ compete level that all of them bring to the rink on a daily basis, something that was on full display in Dallas.

“This is a team that wants to win, and they are all putting in the effort to

The Team Colorado 16U AA team is all smiles celebrating its tournament win last month in Dallas. Photo/200x85 make that happen,” said Butler. “We was on the score sheet, whether that were able to make small adjustments was goals or assists. Every girl had within games and the girls would at least one point that weekend, and respond immediately and put those that’s pretty amazing. I haven’t seen changes into action. Looking back that often in my coaching career, but at our game sheets from the Dalit’s fun to watch and be a part of. las tournament, every single player Both our goalies only had a com-

bined five goals scored against them in five games.”

The Team Colorado 16U AA team is a bit different than a normal fulltime team, playing just as a tournament team, so all the players have at least one, some even two other teams they are playing on full time this season aside from TC. “This makes things a bit more challenging as my assistant coach and I only have minimal time with them,” explained Butler. “One of our big focuses at the front of this season is building a team off the ice, scheduling a lot of fun team-building activities to get these girls comfortable with each other as we don’t see one another on a consistently regular basis. I think this Dallas tournament was a great start. We really saw the girls start to come out of their shells and feel more comfortable together, on and off the ice.

“We want these girls to play for each other. As we continue to get more practices and a few more games under our belts, we can really start to See TC on 16

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NOVEMBER 2023

USPHL Premier, Elite National Championships returning to Utica, N.Y.

The United States Premier Hockey League is proud to announce that the 2024 USPHL National Championships will return to Utica, New York, co-hosted between the League and the Utica Jr. Comets and the Utica Comets (AHL) organizations, between March 21-26, 2024. The host site will once again be the three-sheet Utica University Nexus Center in Utica.

The Utica University Nexus Center successfully hosted the 2023 USPHL Nationals over six days in March 2023, with 26 teams arriving from around the country to participate in the tournament, which crowns playoff champions in the USPHL Premier and USPHL Elite Conferences. Among the three NHL-sized ice sheets is the Mastrovito Hyundai Rink, which is the home ice for the Utica University Pioneers NCAA Division III women’s hockey program.

Overlooking the Mastrovito Hyundai Rink, which will host both conferences’ championship games, is the Utica Club Restaurant, which offers full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. The Utica Coffee Roasting Company Cafe will also be open for coffee, other drinks and snack foods in addition to a breakfast menu during the duration of the action.

College coaches will enjoy exclusive use of multiple luxury boxes overlooking the Mastrovito Hyundai Rink, with easy access to view the other two surfaces.

“The Utica University Nexus Center is a new, first-class and beautiful facility, and it was perfect for hosting our 2023 National Championships, so there was no hesitation among our Nationals Committee to recommend returning to Utica for 2024,” said USPHL Commissioner Bob Turow.

“Utica University Nexus Center General Manager Nicole Kelly and her staff worked extremely hard both leading up to, and during, the 2023 Nationals to make it our best championship event. We welcome fans from across the country and college

coaches and scouts to join us in March of 2024 to experience the outstanding hospitality provided by the Utica University Nexus Center, the Utica Comets and the Utica Jr. Comets, all in direct partnership with the USPHL.” “Hosting the USPHL Premier and Elite National championships last March was a highlight of our inaugural year of the Utica University Nexus Center being open,” said Robert Esche, President of Mohawk Valley Garden, the management company that owns the Utica University Nexus Center and other properties in Utica.

“Being chosen to host the USPHL’s pinnacle event for a consecutive year is a great honor.

For these young athletes, the memories of this event will last forever. We appreciate the opportunity to build on last year’s event and make it even better.”

“We are excited to be awarded this event for a consecutive year. Having been involved with the USPHL since its inception, it is with genuine excitement and a shared vision that we continue to grow this event into a oncein-a-lifetime experience for all of the players and their families,” added Nicole Kelly, General Manager of the Utica University Nexus Center.

2024 Tournament Formats The format for the 2024 National Championships will see a slight change from the 2023 event, with 16 Premier teams advancing to the 2024 Nationals (vs. 18 in 2023) from their divisional playoffs. All 16 teams will play two “Seeding Round” games to open the 2023-24 USPHL Premier National Championships.

Each team’s two Seeding Round game matchups will be announced on the Nationals Schedule Selection Show airing once all 16 Nationals Participants are confirmed via their Divisional Playoffs (Date / Time TBD). The Seeding Round results will

then seed all 16 Nationals Participants for a 16-team, single elimination tournament (the same format used at last year’s Nationals). From there, teams will square off in the Round of 16 (March 23), quarterfinals (March 24), semifinals (March 25) and the championship game (March 26).

With the addition in 2023-24 of the Elite Conference’s Midwest Division, the USPHL Elite tournament will utilize the same tournament format as the Premier Nationals with one change: there will be 10 total participants.

Each of the five divisions will send two participants (Note: the North American Prep Hockey League teams are not taking part in the playoffs). Each Elite team’s two-game Seeding Round Schedule will also be announced on the 20232024 USPHL Nationals Schedule Selection Show hosted by The Dan K Show.

The Elite National Championship game will be played on March 25, 2024.

Watch for a detailed breakdown of the Premier and Elite National tournament formats coming soon.

About Nexus Center Several hotels in downtown Utica are within walking distance to the Utica University Nexus Center, along with additional restaurants and pubs. The Utica University Nexus Center is about five minutes drive off of the New York Thruway (Interstate 90). Airports in Albany and Syracuse – both just over an hour away – see flights arriving from all around the country.

Along with the Utica Comets and Utica Jr. Comets, the Utica University Nexus Center is home to the men’s and women’s Utica University hockey teams and the MASL’s Utica City Football Club. Opened in 2022,

the Utica University Nexus Center has already been awarded two World Championships. The IIHF Women’s Hockey World Championship will take place two weeks after the USPHL Nationals, on April 3-14, and the World Lacrosse Box Championships will take place September 2029, 2024.

About the USPHL The United States Premier Hockey League is a newly international junior hockey league that encompasses all of the United States as well as affiliate teams from the Quebec and Ontario provinces of Canada. The USPHL’s junior divisions are set into three levels of play – the Tier II Tuition-Free National Collegiate Development Conference, and two Tier III leagues – the USPHL Premier and USPHL Elite. Between all of the levels, there have been more than 3,500 advancements to NCAA hockey and more than 5,000 to all college hockey leagues. There have been more than 1,786 Premier and more than 700 Elite players who have made it to the NCAA hockey level over the years and thousands more to the college hockey levels of ACHA and AAU hockey.

From all of the USPHL levels all time, there have been 49 NHL Draft Selections, including 14 out of the NCDC since its 2017-18 inception.

Former USPHL players competing in the NHL include John Marino, Tage Thompson, Drew O’Connor, and Ryan Donato, among others.

USPHL member organizations’ alumni further include NHL players Jack Eichel, Charlie McAvoy, Charlie Coyle, Brett Pesce, Ross Colton, Connor Clifton, Zach Sanford and many more.

The USPHL, Utica University Nexus Center, Utica Comets and Utica Jr. Comets are excited to welcome all qualifying teams, their fans and family and all hockey fans to the 2024 USPHL National Championships. See you in March!

— USPHL Staff/USPHLPremier.com

NOVEMBER 2023

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Words from the publisher...

How is it already November?

Crazy, isn’t it?

Thanksgiving is next week and if you’re like me, you are looking forward to family time.

During hockey season, time with family can be limited, but with the holidays comes those times with loved ones.

Truth be told, I’m the guy that gets excited for the holidays like three months ago.

I will watch “Elf” in July.

And I have. And I’ll do it

again, too.

To me, there is nothing greater than family.

And that includes your hockey family.

I love hearing stories of hockey teams Matt Mackinder that continue to share bonds years after their kids have moved on to higher levels or that don’t even play the game any more.

That’s what hockey does.

It brings people together

like no other.

When it comes to the family you share a roof with, take all the time you can to soak it all in because one day, it’ll all be different.

We used to celebrate Gramps’ birthday every year on Thanksgiving.

Our last one was 2016.

Now, while that dinner seems so long ago, I still remember all the details clear as day.

Hold on to your loved ones while you can and down the line, cherish all those fun memories.

As we get deeper into the hockey season, we’ll hopefully get to tell more stories from teams and players from Arizona, California and Colorado.

Some are even inside this edition. Give ‘em a read, will ya?

That said, remember to keep supporting Rubber Hockey!

Contact me any time at (248) 890-3944 (call/text) and by email at matt@rubberhockey.com.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

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NOVEMBER 2023

San Jose native Mizuno thrilled with decision to utilize EHL for final season of junior hockey

BY MATT MACKINDER Kodai Mizuno has started his last season of junior hockey eligibility with a bang.

The San Jose native and longtime Jr. Sharks standout is playing the 2023-24 season for the EHL’s New Hampshire Avalanche after two seasons in the USPHL with the Boston Advantage.

“My goal is to play NCAA Division III hockey and found out that EHL commits a lot of players to DIII, which made me want to play in this league,” said Mizuno. “My old coach from the Boston Advantage, Ean Mendeszoon, helped me connect with (New Hampshire coach) Chris

Cerrella. This year is my third and final year in juniors, so I wanted to pick a team that will be the best fit for me. With frequent communication with Coach Cerrella, I was certain that the New Hampshire Avalanche was the perfect fit for me and I was able to pick this team with confidence. Playing in the EHL is definitely appealing as I know that there are many scouts watching our games which allows me to focus on hockey more. There is a lot of talent and the competition level is very high, so I’m learning and getting better each day.

“I was a little nervous at first since I had never met my roommates before. However, as time has gone

on, living in an apartment with my teammates has been enjoyable. I am thrilled to create new friendships with my new teammates and share this journey with people who share the same passion and goals. Living on the East Coast always gives me new experiences as well. Living in the snow and waiting for the frozen windshield to melt to go to practice is always a new feeling for me. It also gives me many opportunities to go to D-I and D-III college hockey games compared to living in San Jose. I couldn’t go to the Beanpot last year, so I really hope I can make it this year. The one thing I haven’t done yet this season is find a good sushi

restaurant around me.”

Recently, Mizuno was named to a team of EHL All-Stars to play in the 2023 EHL All-Star College Series, a string of games against NCAA D-III teams in mid-October.

“I feel honored to be able to play with all the talents from the league and to have an opportunity to play against D-III schools,” Mizuno said.

“I hope to step up my game even more through these games and display what I am capable of. I am truly excited to be part of it.”

Back home, playing for the Jr. Sharks helped elevate Mizuno’s

See MIZUNO on 11

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FOR MORE INFORMATION: USPHL.COM NCDCHOCKEY.COM USPHLPREMIER.COM USPHLELITE.COM

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NOVEMBER 2023

For Highlands Ranch native Jimenez, USPHL proving to be step in right direction for development

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB Dylan Jimenez was born in North Carolina and moved to Colorado when he was five years old.

During his youth living in Highlands Ranch, Jimenez found a love for hockey and played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Rampage and Colorado Springs Tigers.

Last season, he moved on to junior hockey with the USPHL’s Provo Predators and is back in the league this season with the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings.

“I did a camp this past offseason in May in Detroit with the NCDC,” Jimenez said. “After a game I played, my current head coach, Paul Pech-

mann, walked up to my dad and asked, ‘Is that your kid?’ My dad laughed and responded with, ‘Yeah.’

I walked out of the locker room and Coach Paul talked all about how good the team will be this year and all the opportunity for me, and safe to say I was sold.

“Last season in Provo was definitely a learning year. I didn’t play all the games, but I learned how to play the game at a high pace and the way you need to get along with your teammates even if you don’t necessarily like them.”

Jimenez explained that it is appealing playing in a league that sends so many players to the college hockey ranks.

Dylan Jimenez played ‘22-23 for the Provo Predators. Photo provided by Dylan Jimenez

“My goal has always been NCAA Division I hockey, which is a dream I am still chasing,” said Jimenez. “If I can’t, there are hundreds of other opportunities to play NCAA Division III or ACHA Division I.” Back home, Jimenez said his youth hockey days were positive, on and off the ice.

“One of my big highlights was winning the state championship on the Pepsi Center ice as a Squirt,” Jimenez said. “It was my first time ever playing on a massive ice surface and it’s one of my early memories I’ll never forget. A coach that influenced me was my skills coach Matt Frick, who is a local legend and developed

See JIMENEZ on 12

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Arizona, California, Colorado products chosen for monthly USPHL honors with a five-game scoring streak and The USPHL has announced its also enters November on a four-game monthly player awards for the comrun of points. bined months of September and OcHe has been a big contributor to tober, and several Arizona, California the expansion Battalion standing at and Colorado players were recogsecond in the division nized. off the bat. He has Ogden Mustangs posted six goals and 11 forward Dimitri assists for 17 points in Voyatzis is the 12 games.

NCDC Mountain Bradshaw is just one Division Forward point from equaling his of the Month for 30-game output from September-October, last year with the forBold City Battalion mer Northern Colorado forward Kelton Eagles.

Bradshaw is the Back home, BradFlorida Premier shaw played for the Division Forward Colorado Thunderbirds of the Month, while and Rocky Mountain the Tampa Bay JuRoughRiders. niors’ Lucas GonA second-year USzalez is the Florida PHL veteran, Gonzalez, Elite Division Dimitri Voyatzis a 2004-born Superior Defenseman of the native, has certainly Month, and the Las found the perfect home in Wesley Vegas Thunderbirds’ Nick Bonaldi is Chapel, Fla. the Pacific Premier Division DefenHe is the ice time leader for Tampa seman of the Month, while BakersBay, averaging 22:48 per game, and field Roughnecks netminder Connor he is second in plus-minus at plus-15.

Dumesnil is the Pacific Goaltender of Gonzalez has helped himself out in the Month. that respect by posting four goals and Voyatzis, a 2003-born Fountain seven assists for 11 points in his 13 Valley native, became one of the first games so far. two players in the new NCDC MounDuring his youth hockey days, tain Division and NCDC overall this Gonzalez played for the Hyland Hills year to have played in the USPHL Jaguars.

Premier last year and become an A returning All-Star blueliner, BonNCDC Player Of The Month this aldi, an ‘03 out of Las Vegas, is doing year. his thing again and it’s working yet He has the longest current scoring again. streak, registering points in all but Over 111 games, he has posted 109 the first game of the season, giving points from the blue line. Bonaldi has him 11 straight games in which he’s posted two goals and added 11 assists posted a 4-12-16 line, good for a 1.33 for 13 points in nine games this year, points per game average. an average of 1.44 points per game.

Voyatzis joined the NCDC MusHe is also leading the T-Birds in tangs after finishing their Premier ice time with 24:50 per contest. existence as the team’s third-leading During his youth hockey days, scorer all-time with 125 points scored Bonaldi played for the Arizona Bobbetween 2021 and 2023. cats and Las Vegas Storm.

During his youth hockey career, Dumesnil, a second-year RoughVoyatzis skated for the Anaheim Jr. necks goalie from Phoenix, has a Ducks. spotless record thus far, standing at Bradshaw, an ‘05 out of Fort Col6-0 with a goals-against average of lins, started on fire out of the gate

Nick Bonaldi

Connor Dumesnil

Kelton Bradshaw

Lucas Gonzalez

1.17 (second in the league) and a .967 save percentage (also second in the league).

The 2004 birth year has not given up any more than two goals in any one game, and he had a 34-save shut-

out against Rogue Valley in his second game of the year on Oct. 1.

In Arizona, Dumesnil played for the Bobcats, Jr. Coyotes, and for Pinnacle High School.

-- Compiled by Matt Mackinder

For more, visit USPHL.com

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MIZUNO Continued from Page 5 game.

“My most memorable year was my 16U AAA year,” Mizuno said. “It was my first AAA season and it was a big jump from AA hockey, but with the support from coach Mike Janda, he helped me improve my game to a higher level. Coach Janda was my coach for two years during my 16U AAA and 18U AAA seasons and he supported his players on and off ice which really helped me grow as a player and as a person. I appreciate all the support he has given me throughout my career and I still keep in touch with him to this day.”

Looking ahead, Mizuno has aspirations to take hockey as far as he can.

NOVEMBER 2023

“My short-term goal for hockey is to win the league with this team,” said Mizuno. “I believe our team has the ability to do it, and I am really excited to showcase what we can do as a team this season. My long-term goal is to play for a NESCAC school.

Since high school, I always wanted to excel in both academics and athletics.

NESCAC schools provide the students with a high-quality education while allowing them to pursue their passion, and I believe that it will be a great fit for me.

“Hockey has always been a special way for me to connect with other people from all over the world.

Hockey is one of my identities, and I hope to continue growing as a person through these unique experiences.

Hockey is something truly special for me.”

Kodai Muzuno developed his game back home with the San Jose Jr. Sharks program. Photo provided

by Kodai Mizuno

Castle Rock native, Colorado youth hockey grad Lane seeing game improve in strides with USPHL’s Whalers

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB Liam Lane played for a multitide of youth hockey programs back home in Colorado, but has found his niche in junior hockey with the USPHL’s Hampton Roads Whalers.

A second-year goalie for the Virginia-based Whalers, Lane spent the 2022-23 season for the program’s USPHL Elite team before moving up to the USPHL Premier squad for the current season.

“I got the opportunity to skate with Hampton the season before I came for a few practices and fell in love with the area, rink, and junior lifestyle,” Lane said. “I got to experience it all for a short week, and when I got offered to play for them my first junior season, I jumped on it. I loved playing there my first junior season, and the fans, friends I made and experiences I had with Hampton made me want to come back for another season.

“The team appeals to me in many ways, with the area, rink, and my dream since I can remember - playing junior hockey. The fans that come to our home games, ask for autographs, know me around the rink make these seasons here at Hampton an experi-

ence I won’t be forgetting.”

Being away from home is nothing new for Lane, as the Castle Rock native played 18U AAA hockey for the South Shore Kings’ USPHL program in 2021-22 on the East Coast.

“This is my third season living away from home and I love everything about it,” said Lane. “I miss my parents and pets, of course, but all the memories with each of the different families I have lived with have made each season feel like a new home away from home and always will be.”

During his youth hockey days, Lane played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Kodiaks, Colorado Thunderbirds, Evolution Elite Hockey, Krivo School of Elite Hockey, Foothills Flyers and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.

“I started playing hockey at RMR, where I would literally be at the rink for 12-plus hours a day and couldn’t stay away,” said Lane. “The Avalanche definitely played a role with starting my hockey career as my parents were Avs fans and why they started me skating. I played for a ton of teams in Colorado growing up and a ton of the coaches from those teams stand out to me and made a

Liam Lane is improving his game this season with the USPHL’s Hampton Roads Whalers. Photo/Allyson MacLeod/Hampton Roads Whalers Media

huge difference in my hockey career so far, but the most memorable ones to me were Dave Fromm, who was a really good friend to my parents and one of my biggest mentors, and Ken Klee, who gave me one of my favorite seasons I have played with how he taught me how a team should be. Many other coaches were huge in helping me become both the player and person I am today, but it would take a memoir to write all of them down.

“With all the time I spent playing in Colorado, what I will remember as my favorite experience is winning the Quebec Qualifier with the Flyers as the underdogs, and getting to go on the ice for the anthem and meet some of the players at the Avalanche game.”

Going forward, Lane has reachable goals in mind.

“My short-term goal for hockey right now is to try to make a Tier II team,” Lane said. “A long-term goal I have is to make an NCAA team for college.”

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NOVEMBER 2023

JIMENEZ Continued from Page 7 my skills from an early age up until this day. Another great coach is Dave Fromm, who recently passed away.

RUBBER HOCKEY He was one of the first extremely strict coaches who at the time was kind of scary at 13, but now I realize he was preparing me for junior hockey.”

Looking ahead, Jimenez sees hockey in his life for the long haul.

“My short-term goal in hockey is to play Tier II hockey in the NAHL and to play college hockey,” said Jimenez. “My long-term goal is to play professionally somewhere in Europe because I’d love to learn new languages. Another long-term goal I

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have is to get into the front office side of hockey.

“I always love playing GM mode on the NHL video game and being a GM in the NHL would be another dream of mine.”

Greenwood Village product, Cherry Creek graduate Fall pumped to begin NCAA career with Division II Assumption

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

From high school hockey to junior hockey to college hockey - that’s been the last few seasons for Nick Fall.

Fall, a native of Greenwood Village, is starting his college career this season with Assumption University, an NCAA Division II program with its campus in Worcester, Mass.

From 2021-23, Fall spent a pair of seasons with the EHL’s Connecticut RoughRiders program “Nick’s development as a playmaker marks his most significant growth (last) season,” said RoughRiders head coach and general manager Eric Lind.

“He’s always proficient in small-area distribution, especially crafty from below the hash marks, on the halfwall and behind the net. He can force his way to the middle and drives the net at every opportunity. Nick understands timing and searching for open ice and will be a valuable asset at the college level.”

“Assumption first watched me my first season in the EHL and reached out before my second season started,” added Fall. “We talked throughout the year about the potential of me playing for the school and I eventually did an overnight visit with the school in February. Once my season was over, I decided Assumption was the best fit for my academic and hockey goals.”

As a freshman, Fall is excited to see what the school offers, both on and off the ice.

“The school’s academics were ranked the highest among the schools I was thinking about attending and had the major I intend on studying (Psychology),” Fall said. “On the other hand, Coach (Michael) Looney and the hockey team has established a

Nick Fall excelled in junior hockey with the EHL’s Connecticut RoughRiders from 2021-23. Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images winning culture and has recently won the NE-10 conference in 2022 and 2017, something I want to be a part of in the future.

“Schooling became more and more important to me as I got older and understood the importance of getting a good education. During junior hockey and the college recruiting process, I was always checking out the academics of the schools first and make sure the education I would be getting was top notch.”

Back in Colorado, Fall said he started playing hockey when he was just three years old with the Littleton Hawks’ Mite program.

“I grew up going to a lot of University of Denver and Colorado Avalanche games and fell in love with the game very fast,” said Fall. “My hometown is Greenwood Village, which is very close to the University of Denver, which is where I watched my first hockey game.”

Once he developed the passion for hockey, it was full-speed ahead for Fall.

“I played for a bunch of different programs during youth hockey, but the ones that stand out the most would be the Colorado Evolution and Cherry Creek High School,” Fall said. “With the Evolution, I made the

jump to AAA hockey and had some great coaches, including Sergei Bautin and Jeremiah Buckley. Those two coaches helped evolve my game from a Minor Midget player to a solid AAA player. With Cherry Creek, Jeff Mielnicki gave me an opportunity at a young age to play with and against older competition. I also loved playing for my school and representing the Bruins on the ice.”

Once he landed with the RoughRiders, Fall’s game took off in junior hockey to the point where he was ready for the college game.

“From my time playing in the EHL, I will never forget my teammates and coaches throughout my two seasons with the RoughRiders,” said Fall. “I am forever thankful for all my teammates who pushed me to be the best player I could be and for the friendships I created along the way. I am also extremely thankful for Coach Eric Lind and Coach Steven Brown. The duo brought my game to the point it is today, and I am beyond thankful for my time with the RoughRiders.”

Now on the verge of kicking off the 2023-24 season, Fall has immediate goals in mind.

“My short-term goals focus a lot around winning conference championships in the NE-10 and continuing to help add to Assumption’s winning history,” Fall said. “For the long term, I hope to establish myself as a leader on my team and around the school and push myself to be the best I can be, academically and on the ice.”

For more on the EHL, visit EasternHockeyLeague.org

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NOVEMBER 2023

United States takes first two games of 2023-24 Rivalry Series against Canada, gets wins in Tempe, Los Angeles Hilary Knight tallied a goal and an assist to help lift Team USA past Canada, 3-1, in the opening match of the 2023-24 Rivalry Series in Tempe last Wednesday night at Mullett Arena.

Team USA scored two unanswered goals in the third period and goaltender Aerin Frankel kept Canada’s offense at bay with 35 saves on the night.

“Aerin was sharp and I really liked how we responded and learned some lessons, especially on that goal against,” said John Wroblewski, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. “I thought our special teams were solid and we had some awesome efforts from Hillary Knight once again.”

Midway through the first period, Abby Roque forced a turnover deep in Canada’s zone and directed the puck to Britta Curl as she came down from the slot. Curl fired a shot but was denied by Canada’s goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer.

Team USA then received a pair of back-to-back power-play opportunities but were unsuccessful on the advantage. Frankel stunned Canada with a glove save on a short-handed two-on-one to keep the game scoreless.

Fresh off its first penalty kill of the night, Team USA took a one goal lead when Knight found the back of the net with eight seconds remaining in the first period. Abby Murphy drove hard into Canada’s zone and put a shot on net for Knight to collect as she came down from the slot and slipped the puck past Maschmeyer on her backhand.

Brianne Jenner got Canada on the board at 12:32 in the second period to tie the score 1-1 after she capitalized on a rebound.

Taylor Heise found the back of the net at 4:28 in the final frame to give Team USA a 2-1 lead. Rory Guilday fired a shot from the point and created a rebound for Knight on the edge of the crease. She fed a no-look pass across the crease, catching the goal-

Team USA celebrates a goal last Wednesday night against Canada. Photo/Asher Kerr/USA Hockey tender off guard and leaving Heise with an empty net.

With 1:20 remaining in the third period, Lacey Eden chipped the puck for Alex Carpenter in the neutral zone for her to muscle past Canada’s defense before lifting a backhand shot over the shoulder of Maschmeyer to seal a 3-1 victory for Team USA. *** Behind Gabbie Hughes’ two-goal game, the U.S. Women’s National Team topped Canada 5-2 in the second game of the 2023-24 Rivalry Series at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.

“I’m proud of the team’s performance tonight,” said John Wroblewski, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team. “We played hard and kept pushing the pace all throughout the game. We capitalized on opportunities and really moved the puck well today.”

Team USA went on the penalty kill early in the first period and were able

to shut down Canada’s power play.

The U.S. took its turn on the power play after a pair of off-setting penalties resulted in a 5-on-three advantage. Alex Carpenter tapped in a rebound on a setup from Abby Roque and Hilary Knight at 17:19 in the first period to give the U.S. a 1-0 leading heading into the middle frame.

Canada’s Laura Stacey responded with a short-handed goal 2:07 into the second period to tie the score at one apiece.

Britta Curl put Team USA back in the lead when she intercepted a breakout pass in the Canadian zone and fired a shot past goaltender Kristen Campbell at 11:51 in the second period.

Minutes later, Hannah Bilka added to the U.S. tally when Carpenter pulled the puck off the boards and chipped it deep into the Canadian zone. Tessa Janecke retrieved the puck behind the net and laid a shot on net where Bilka stood ready to

tuck the loose rebound.

Team USA headed into the third period with a 3-1 lead in tow.

Canada came within one goal of the U.S. lead after Jamie Lee Rattray found the back of the net 2:37 into the third period.

Less than a minute later, Hughes put the U.S. back up 4-2, deflecting a one-timer from Abbey Murphy and Haley Winn on the power play at 3:19 in the third frame.

Hughes increased Team USA’s lead at 14:32 in the third period when she netted her second goal of the game.

Knight chipped the puck to Heise as she entered the zone and set up Hughes with a one-timer as she drove to the net, putting Team USA up 5-2.

Goaltender Nicole Hensley backstopped the U.S. win with 23 saves.

The Rivalry Series will continue Dec. 14 when the U.S. takes on Canada at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium in Kitchener, Ont., Canada. Puck drop is 7 p.m. ET on NHL Network.

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With nationals in rearview mirror, WCRHL set to face off 2023-24 inline season

BY PHILLIP BRENTS

The Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) continues to represent scholastic inline hockey at a high level of competition throughout its California and Arizona membership.

The WCRHL faced off its newest season with an Oct. 14 preseason event at Irvine Inline in Southern California. Seven teams participated, including Grand Canyon University in Division 1, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and University of Arizona in Division 2, Cal Poly Pomona in Division 3 and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona and University of Arizona in the development AA Division.

Grand Canyon University finished 3-0-1 in its four games against Division 2 and Division 3 competition while Arizona’s Division 2 team finished 2-1-1 in games against WCRHL inter-divisional teams. Pomona’s Division 3 team finished 2-2.

Arizona’s AA Division team finished 3-0 against intra-divisional foes and 3-1 overall.

The alignment for the 2023-24 season includes Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University in Division 1, Cal Poly SLO, CSU Fullerton and Arizona in Division 2 and UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly Pomona, San Jose State and Northern Arizona University in Division 3. The AA Division is the largest, consisting of ASU, GCU, U-of-A, Cal Poly SLO and Pomona.

Plans are to field a Junior College Division following recruiting interest from Saddleback College and Orange Coast College.

“The upcoming season will be very similar to the last, except we are changing a couple of our event locations,” WCRHL director Brennan Edwards said. “Fall semester we will be doing the preseason event at Irvine, with regular season events in Corona, Tucson and San Jose. The Barney Family Sports Complex in Queen Creek, Ariz. is closing, so

Cal Poly Pomona figures to be a top team in 2023-24 . Photo/NCRHA we are moving our spring semester Phoenix area event over to Peoria Sportsplex.

“Also in the spring we will have a Corona event, and we will be doing one more spring event at the Central Coast Sports Arena in Santa Maria.

The Peoria event will be billed as an inter-conference event with the hopes to host three to four teams from outside of the WCRHL. “Grand Canyon is adding a second team this season, which will compete against Arizona State, Arizona, CSU Fullerton and Cal Poly Pomona in the AA division. All other teams/divisions remain the same.”

The upcoming puck drop on the 2023-24 season follows a very successful national championship tournament held April 19-24 in Irvine.

California and Arizona collegiate inline teams seem to have impressed the rankings makers.

Arizona State tied Bethel University for second place among the nation’s Division 1 teams in the NCRHA preseason coaches poll while Arizona was ranked fifth, Fullerton seventh and Cal Poly SLO 13th among Division 2 teams. Santa

Barbara was ranked 10th in Division 3 while Arizona was tied with Lindenwood Black for third place among AA Division teams while ASU was fifth.

The WCRHL’s annual kick-off event is slated Nov. 4-5 at Corona Inline. Two regular season events are scheduled Nov. 18 – one each at the Silver Creek Sportsplex in San Jose and the Tucson Indoor Sports Center in Arizona.

Corona Inline will host an additional regular season event Jan. 20-21 while the Central Coast Sports Arena in Santa Maria will host a regular season event on Feb. 10. Arizona’s Peoria Sportsplex will host a WCRHL inter-conference event on Feb. 17.

The WCRHL conference championships are scheduled March 2-3 in Corona. The 2024 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships are scheduled April 17-21 at the Norway Savings Bank Arena in Auburn, Maine.

The National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) was extended the unique invitation to enter a NCRHA All-American team

of current collegiate roller hockey players to compete in South American Inline Hockey Invitational Nov. 15-19 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Besides the NCRHA All-American team, national and national-caliber teams from Brazil, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia and Argentina will be participating in the event, which is being hosted by the Confederacao Brasileira de Hoquei e Patinacao (Brazilian Hockey and Skating Confederation).

The event will be held at the Centro Esportivo do Trabalhador (CET) in Amparo, Sao Paulo and features a 152-foot by 79-foot rink with a new Stilmat floor.

Team selection was handled through an application process. The lineup is peppered with six WCRHL players – or half the team. Forwards include GCU junior Dylan Guy, GCU senior Aydin Schwetz, Santa Barbara graduate student Brad Price and Cal Poly SLO’s Ethan Vernik. Defensemen include GCU sophomore McKenna Cooper and ASU senior Jacob Crayne.

Th 2023 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships, the 23rd overall, featured 46 teams in five divisions – Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, AA Division and Junior College. Eleven WCRHL teams participated.

WCRHL teams scored their share of respect – and success.

Arizona State University (semifinals) and Grand Canyon University (quarterfinals) competed in the powerhouse Division 1 field while CSU Fullerton (Round of 16 playoffs), University of Arizona (quarterfinals) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Round of 16) participated in the highly competitive Division 2 field.

Cal Poly Pomona (Round of 16), San Jose State (Round of 16) and UC Santa Barbara (quarterfinals) took part in the Division 3 field, the largest in the tournament, while Arizona finished as the runner-up in the AA Division championship game while ASU and Fullerton both advanced to the quarterfinals in the division.

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ECHL’s Grizzlies name blueliner Wesley captain for 2023-24 season

Defenseman Josh Wesley has been named captain of the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies for the 2023-24 season.

Keoni Texeira and Kyle Betts will be the alternate captains for Grizzlies home games, and Tyler Penner and Dylan Fitze will be alternate captains for away games.

Wesley is entering his eighth full season as a professional. He has 163 games of AHL experience with five different clubs.

He has also spent time with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades, Tulsa Oilers and Maine Mariners.

His best statistical season in the ECHL was with Florida, where he scored 29 points (nine goals, 20 assists) and was plus-19 in 48 games in the 2016-17 season.

Texeira brings leadership and experience to the club for the 2023-24 campaign. Texeira was the captain of

The 2023-24 Utah Grizzlies captains. Photo/Utah Grizzlies the ECHL’s Indy Fuel in the 2021-22 season. Last year with Indy, he led

the club in plus/minus at plus-19. He is entering his sixth season as a pro-

fessional.

Betts was a standout performer in the 2023 Kelly Cup Playoffs for Utah as he scored six points (three goals, three assists) in six games.

Last year, Betts spent the majority of time with the AHL’s Belleville Senators, where he appeared in 40 games.

Penner has appeared in every game for the Grizzlies since the start of the 2021-22 season. Penner led all Grizzlies forwards in plus/minus in the 2021-22 campaign at plus-22. In 144 regular-season games with the Grizz, he has 24 goals and 32 assists.

Fitze and Penner were each the only Grizzlies skaters to play in all 72 games in the 2022-23 season.

Fitze had 17 goals and 21 assists last season. In the last 27 games of the regular season, he scored 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists).

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TC Continued from Page 1 focus on the little systematic details Dru and myself expect.”

As a team, Butler said getting to the USA Hockey National Tournament, “and winning it,” is the goal.

“Along the way as a coaching staff, our goal is to continue to get better,” said Butler. “We want to be taking steps forward, making each of the

RUBBER HOCKEY girls better hockey players in any way possible, and have as much fun as possible along the way. It’s hard to say the one thing that will make a season successful because we are going to have lots of successes and maybe a few setbacks along the way this season. Ultimately, if the girls are getting better, enjoying hockey, working hard and finding wins, that’s a successful year for me as a coach.

“The next few weeks, we will focus on some areas of our game

from Dallas that need work. We have another tournament coming up in Arizona pretty quickly, so we have a things we need to get figured out before then. We’ll also focus on getting more team time off the ice.”

Individually, Butler said this team has many players she can see advancing up the ladder after this season.

“I absolutely see a large portion of this team continuing on with highlevel hockey,” Butler said. “Most

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likely, a few of these girls could make our AAA team next season, and many of them could find themselves in college hockey. Like I said earlier, these tryouts were some of the most competitive I’ve seen in a while, and the level of talent for girls hockey in Colorado right now is really amazing to see.

“This team is filled with talented and strong hockey players, and I can’t wait to see where they all end up.”

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Littleton native Hampton enjoying ‘23-24 season away from home with USPHL’s Blazers

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Tanner Hampton went to the 2023 CCM Showcase with no expectations, but left the event at the Ice Centre at the Promenade with options for junior hockey.

One of those was with the USPHL’s Bellingham Blazers, the team the Littleton native wound up signing with for the 2023-24 season.

“I just wanted to see where I matched up with other high-level players my age,” Hampton said. “I was getting lots of texts from different coaches, and was talking to them as I got the texts, but the one conversation that stood out to me was with Larry MacDonald representing the Bellingham Blazers. When I first talked to Larry, he laid out the workout and practice plan for every week, which was extremely appealing. Playing in Colorado, I was used to a maximum of three practices in a week, with a team workout once every other week. Bellingham has each of those daily. I visited Bellingham in early July to skate with head coach Mark MacDonald as well as some of the players.

“I immediately fell in love with the facility and the style of coaching Mark practiced. Talking to the players both returning from the previous year and some new ones that had spent more time up here, I loved their attitudes and their desire to get better.

It seemed like we all shared the common goal of stepping to the next level of hockey and everyone was willing to put in the work to do so.”

Living in Washington has also been an adjustment for Hampton, but he’s been loving every minute.

“It has not been as bad as I thought it would be,” said Hampton. “I was very fortunate to be placed with a fantastic billet family that makes me feel at home while I am here. I still call home a few times a week to check in and see how things are going. It is taxing at times being away from my family for this long, but I just have to remember that I am up

Tanner Hampton lets out his emotions after a recent goal for the USPHL’s Bellingham Blazers. Photo/Elizabeth MacDonald here doing what I love as a full-time job, and that they are in full support back home.”

Growing up, hockey became a passion for Hampton at a young age.

“I started hockey in Littleton with the Foothills Flyers,” Hampton said. “I don’t exactly remember the events, but the story from my parents goes that I went to a Catch an Edge tournament with my dad when I was three to watch some of his coworkers’ kids play and left throwing a tantrum about how I wanted to play hockey.

“The Avs did not have a direct role in my hockey career, but being my favorite NHL team, it was always my dream to play for them.”

Hampton started with the Flyers when he was three years old and played there through his first year of Pee Wee hockey. He then moved to the Krivo School of Hockey Elite for his second year of Pee Wees and loved it, but unfortunately could not play there the next year due to a lack of players. Hampton was then off to the Arvada Hockey Association for his first year of Bantams and had a fun year, but decided it wasn’t the right fit for me. Hampton said he then took a year off of team hockey and strictly did private lessons to work on his personal skills.

“After that year, I played my first year of Midget hockey with the Littleton Hawks on their 15U AA team in the CSDHL,” explained Hampton.

“That was also the year that COVID hit, and we were forced to play out of state as much as possible because Colorado hockey shut down. With how taxing that year was, I decided to take the next couple years to play high school hockey with the Dakota Ridge Eagles. I played two years of varsity hockey with their program, and did not have much success as we only skated twice a week, and had a team workout once every other week if lucky.”

Still, Hampton said he can name several coaches from Colorado that stand out and had major roles with his development.

“When I think of influential coaches from my time in Colorado, there are three that come to mind, the first being Dillon Bozeman with the Foothills Flyers,” Hampton said. “Dillon was who I skated with during my off season about four mornings a week from 5-6 a.m. I have yet to find another skills coach who knows how to help me progress my game the same way he does. All summer leading up to my departure for Bellingham, I was skating with him 2-3 times a week staying in shape, and progress-

ing my game to the best of my ability. The second coach that comes to mind is Jason Gour with the Littleton Hawks. While I was still in 8U, he started giving me private lessons, to work on my edge work, stride efficiency, and most importantly how to celly when I score. Whenever I have questions about my hockey career, he is a guy that I can reach out to whenever and will always give me the most honest answer imaginable. The final coach that comes to mind is Bryan Smith with Rocky Mountain Hockey Schools. Being my coach at Foothills for my second year of Squirts, and also running many influential summer camps, Coach Smitty always put a smile on my face while I was playing. He knew how to coach me, knew exactly how much to push me to make me the best hockey player I could be. He also has more wisdom about the game than most people I know. Whenever I have questions about the game, or even my path through juniors, he is my first call.

“These three coaches are what drive me to push to my fullest potential every day and are the reason I am the hockey player that I am today. I will remember every year and season from Colorado. It is home and where I developed my love for the sport of hockey. Even when a season doesn’t go as planned, and even when my team had a losing record, hockey is still the sport I love, and I will always have memories from each season.”

Moving ahead, Hampton has his eye on moving up the hockey ladder.

“My short-term goals in hockey are to progress my game far enough this year to make the jump to Tier II hockey,” said Hampton. “Next year, I am working to be ready for either the NAHL, NCDC, or BCHL. As far as long-term goals for hockey, I would like to play NCAA hockey in college. I don’t know yet what my future holds as far as school, and what I want to study, but school is definitely in the picture as I want to play college hockey.”

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Denver native, Korean National Team alum Lee finding time with KIJHL’s Coyotes a positive to rounding out game in crease

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB Hayden Lee is developing his game between the pipes this season with the Osoyoos Coyotes, a team in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).

So far, the Denver native is enjoying his time north of the border.

“The opportunity to play in Osoyoos came from my advisor and also from a positive reference from a coach who saw me at the USAFA Showcase, which was a plus,” Lee said. “What appealed me to the team was the league moving up to Junior A and the opportunities to develop as a hockey player in Canada.

“Living away from home has been good. The town is small but has a great community.”

Born in Denver, Lee started playing hockey once his family relocated

Hayden Lee played part of his youth hockey career for the Colorado Thunderbirds’ AAA program. Photo/Andrew Lee in Fishers, Ind. I came back to the U.S., the speed “I started hockey after finding out I skating track shut down, so I decided couldn’t continue with speed skating, to try hockey.” which I started in South Korea while Lee then ventured back to Colovisiting grandparents during the rado for his two 18U AAA seasons, summer of 2014,” said Lee. “ When first playing for the Rocky Mountain

RoughRiders and then the Colorado Thunderbirds.

“Coach Cam Clemenson along with the whole TPH Denver staff has been very influential with where I am today,” Lee said. “In my time playing in Colorado, I will remember winning the state championship with the RoughRiders in 2021-22. Also, winning IIHF gold playing for the Korean National 18U Team happened between my two 18U seasons in Colorado. This would have not happened without the support of my coaches and TPH.” Looking ahead, Lee has his eye on the future.

“My short-term goals are taking it week by week, performing well in games, and doing my best to stand out,” Lee said. “My long-term goal is to play NCAA Division I hockey in the next few years.”

Denver’s Fleet enjoying ‘amazing experience’ on, off ice this season with NAHL’s Mudbugs

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB Liam Fleet has always been a hockey player that strives to improve using ability and effort.

That was evident earlier this year when the Denver native cracked the lineup of the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs, a team located in Louisiana.

“I gained the amazing opportunity to play for Shreveport through attending their training camp as a free agent and making the most of it through hard work,” said Fleet.

“It was by far the best decision I ever made. The culture there is unmatched. From the first day in Shreveport, it was obvious that not just the team, but the whole community was a giant family who wanted nothing more than to win.”

Living away from home has also been something Fleet has become immersed with this season.

“It’s been an amazing experience,” Fleet said. “The billets who I’ve

lived with have been nothing short of amazing and welcoming. It was definitely a culture shock when I first moved down to Louisiana, but the amazing people here made the move very easy. I was able to learn a couple new traditions and try new foods as well, which were all amazing.

“The coaches and staff have also been amazing in making me into a better hockey player and person. I couldn’t ask for a better environment.”

During his youth, hockey became second nature for Fleet.

“Growing up in Denver, my family and I went to many DU hockey games,” explained Fleet. “Those games, along with my uncle signing me and my cousins up for skating lessons, definitely piqued my interest and love for the game. I was enamored that there was no other sport like it, which made it all the cooler to play.”

As he got into hockey, Fleet played for the Krivo School of Hockey Elite

Denver native Liam Fleet is a rookie this season with the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs.

Photo/Shreveport Mudbugs and the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders, as well as attending TPH Academy Denver.

“Both Krivo and the RoughRiders helped prepare me very well in terms of skill and understanding the game

of hockey,” Fleet said. “I’d have to thank my coaches Andrei Krivokrasov, Leeor Shtrom, Greg Vanover, Doug Smail, and Jordan Pietrus.

Thanks to these coaches, I was able to push myself to be the best player I could be. They motivated me and taught me hockey and life lessons along the way.

“The connections and friends I made while playing in Colorado are something I will take with me for the rest of my life. In hockey, you can create really strong bonds with teammates that will never break.”

Moving forward, Fleet said he has “a lot of goals and dreams.”

“A short-term goal would definitely be winning the Robertson Cup this year with Shreveport,” said Fleet.

“Long term, I definitely want to play NCAA Division I hockey and proceed to play professional hockey. I want to get a good college education, which I hope to receive while playing hockey, so I will be well set up for success in life as well.”

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