Rubber Hockey - August 2025 by Rubber Hockey Magazines

From Mites to Midgets, AHU standout Couch looking to finish Knights’ career on high note

Jack Couch has been the ultimate epitome of what the Arizona Hockey Union is all about, both on and off the ice.

The Chandler native is also the truest definition of what loyalty means, starting with AHU as an 8U Mite player and prepping for his final youth hockey season in 2025-26 with the Union’s 18U AA squad.

Truth be told, staying at AHU for the entire duration of youth hockey is rare, but Couch said he was hooked from the beginning.

“After learning to skate and ultimately play hockey at the Gilbert rink, playing out of there became a normal thing to me, especially after playing on house-league teams there,” said Couch, who will serve as captain for the 18U team. “When we found out about the AHU travel program based out of Gilbert as well, I pushed to make it onto that team as it seemed like the next big step to take while currently playing at Gilbert. After playing at AHU for a few years, it became very comfortable for me, and I really enjoyed everything the program provided for me as a player.

“The thought of leaving AHU

Jack Couch has been an AHU mainstay and will captain the Knights’ 18U AA team this season.

Photo provided

never even crossed my mind to be honest because I was always happy there and used to playing in the Knights community. This is why I have always remained loyal to AHU all these years.”

Couch added that it wasn’t hard to find his passion for the game of hockey once he hit the ice for the first time.

“My dad has always been a big hockey fan since I was young, so hockey was on TV in the house very frequently and our family always enjoyed watching it,” remembered Couch. “One day, my dad asked me if I wanted to try playing hockey myself by attending a ‘Learn to Skate’

program at then-Polar Ice Gilbert. I was excited to try it out, especially after watching the pros play on TV and going to (Arizona) Coyotes games.”

Ryan Vert will be behind the bench of the 18U team this year, his third year coaching Couch, and he can’t wait to see what he will accomplish, even though it may be bittersweet as the months start to roll on.

“He will be wearing the ‘C’ for us this year because of his dedication to his teammates, the game of hockey, coaches and to AHU,” Vert said. “Jack has been skating with AHU his whole career and has always shown dedication and commitment to this club with his work ethic, on and off the ice. He has never once talked about or tried out at another organization and to me that speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to his teammates and to AHU. He always will help the club with volunteering at events, whether it’s tournaments or events outside of hockey. His family has always been supportive of his hockey commitments and to AHU and his family is

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Continued from Page 1 one of the best families I have been around since I have been with AHU.”

Another AHU coach, Matt Esaena, echoed Vert’s sentiments about the overall character exuded by Couch and his upbringing.

“I had Jack on my team for three seasons and he and his parents have the attitude that is any coach’s dream,” Esaena said. “Jack is always on time and one of the most coachable players to ever come to the AHU organization. The fact that he has been with only one team speaks volumes about him as a person, as travel hockey in Arizona always has people in and out of different rinks. Couch is an extremely well-liked teammate. He’s always a locker room favorite on every team he’s ever been on. And let’s not forget about his contributions on the ice. Jack has always been a goal scorer. He has great intuition on how to get open in the offensive zone and is a smart shooter. AHU has been so lucky to have Couch and his parents around all these years. Not one time have his parents ever approached a coach with unwanted feedback or negativity.”

a huge reason why I have remained playing in this program all these years and even remained playing hockey as a whole.

“Coach Gusso helped me to discover a true, deep passion for hockey, one that I didn’t even really know I had until that point. After being coached by him for two seasons, I can truly say that I became a completely different player, and even a different person off the ice.

be an all-around role model for our program.”

When asked to describe his style of play, Couch again showed a humble, mature aspect of his personality.

“My style of play is not necessarily about pounding my stats or scoring all the goals I can, but it’s trying my best to make the right play in each situation and to benefit my team in every way I can,” said Couch. “I would say I model my play after Sidney Crosby, who I would describe in the same way – always looking to help the team and doing the right thing in every on ice situation. At the end of the day, it’s not the stats that I remember each year, it’s how we as a team did, and how we played together.”

use what I have learned to make this season special and successful. On a personal level, I want to perform to the best of my ability each game and practice. I don’t want to take any moment for granted and want to treat every play like it’s my last.

With the new season around the corner, Couch is amped to finish his youth hockey days on a high note, while also keeping an eye on the future.

“This year, my main goal is to have a memorable season,” Couch said. “I want us to do the best we can in each game and have successful results to back that up. I have played long enough to learn what works and what doesn’t in a team and I want to Jack Couch during his early years.

As his skills developed over the years, Couch realized that it was far from a one-man show. He credits the high-quality coaching at AHU as the biggest reason why his name appears consistently on game scoresheets.

“I really can’t say that I’ve had a bad coach at AHU, or one that didn’t motivate me and try to make me the best player I could be,” Couch said. “They have all helped me in numerous ways and I wouldn’t swap them out for anyone else. The two that stand out to me the most are Scott Gusso and Ryan Vert. These two are

A few years later, I had the privilege of being coached by Ryan Vert, who I still play for today. Coach Vert, similarly to Coach Gusso, gave me a true passion to play. He’s someone that is not just a coach pushing me to be my best on the ice, but in life also. He has taught me numerous skills that don’t just apply for hockey, but for life out in the world. He is the reason I am still playing hockey today and has kept the passion that I have for the game right now alive.”

Longtime AHU team manager Melissa Yubeta added that “Jack has been a dedicated member of the Arizona Hockey Union since he first laced up his skates as a Mite.”

“This season, I am super excited Coach Vert selected him to wear the ‘C’ for the 18U AA team for Jack’s final season of youth hockey,” Yubeta said. “As a team manager with AHU for the past 17 seasons, I can confidently say Jack is one of the best AHU kids I’ve had the pleasure to work with. He is polite, respectful, and always the first to volunteer, whether it’s for something I need, something the club needs, or opportunities to serve the community. He’s a great teammate and a loyal friend and truly embodies what it means to

“For short-term goals, I am focused on the current season and making it the best season I can. I’m also focused on my senior year in high school and like this season, I don’t want to take any moment this year for granted, as it’s not going to last forever. As far as long-term goals, nothing is set in stone yet. I plan to further my education in the particular field I decide to go into, and plan to put myself in position to be successful years down the line. For hockey, I am keeping my options open and am just living in the moment. I am willing to consider any hockey opportunities that I may have in the future.”

Still, the AHU staff is hoping the 2025-26 season takes its time getting to next spring.

“AHU is sad that the days are numbered,” Esaena said. “Having the Couch family around has been the perfect display of what a hockey family in Arizona should be.”

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Words from the publisher...

Just think - the next time words appear in this space, hockey seasons will be underway and meaningful games will have been played at many levels.

I can’t wait!

Summers are the perfect time to refresh and regroup for what’s to come pretty much now.

Youth hockey teams are set, practices have started and skates are being sharpened.

And the controlled fun chaos that is the hockey season is suddenly here. Crazy how it was just

June and the kids were wrapping up the school year.

Matt Mackinder

On that note, we take our middle child to college next week for his freshman year. He’ll also be an athlete at the next level and while my wife and I are a tad nervous, we know he’s going to succeed academically and athletically.

Plus, he’s only an hour and 40 minutes away, so

close enough to come home if he wants to but still far enough to be independent.

feature in this edition for a great example of shining the light where it’s deserved.

Kids... they grow up too fast.

Back to hockey, and this new season brings a renewed sense of dedication to youth hockey across our coverage areas. Have a great story to tell? Let us know. And check out the Jack Couch

Interested in getting your organization out there more often? We can help with that. Have something to promote, on or off the ice? Yep, that’s us, too.

Want to join the program? Call or text (248) 890-3944 or email me at mackindermedia@ yahoo.com and I’ll fill you in.

Until this time next month... -- Matt

Castle Rock native Radic finds scoring touch in EHL, commits to NCAA Division III Roger Williams

Aidan Radic, a forward for the EHL’s Providence Capitals, has committed to NCAA Division III Roger Williams for the 2025-26 season.

Roger Williams is located in Bristol, R.I., and will be playing its first season of college hockey in 2025-26.

An ’04 out Castle Rock, Radic was a mid-season addition to the Capitals’ roster. In 29 regular-season games, he boasted 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists), producing at amongst the most impressive rates in the league.

“I am very grateful for this opportunity to continue my hockey career at Roger Williams,” Radic said. “I would like to thank my mom and dad for always being there for me. I would like to thank all my coaches and trainers for pushing me to be a better hockey player. I can’t wait to

start this next step in my hockey career.”

Radic was also instrumental in the Capitals’ run to the semifinals, where he had 15 postseason points (five goals, 10 assists) in seven games.

“Aiden is a dynamic, skilled forward with amazing vision for creating offense,” Providence head coach Jeff Perreault said. “It will be fun watching what Aidan does at Roger Williams.”

Back home, Radic played for the Colorado Rampage, Colorado Springs Tigers and Regis Jesuit High School.

Active EHL and EHLP alumni playing for

Photos/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

Outgoing Grit captain, Colorado Springs native German heading to NCAA Division III Utica

After two seasons with the NAHL’s Colorado Grit, it’s time to move on for Alex German.

Last season’s team captain, the Colorado Springs native recently committed to play for NCAA Division III Utica for the 2025-26 season.

“Coach (Gary) Heenan and Coach (Nick) Therrien reached out late in February,” German said. “We talked for a while and I was very interested

Alex German served as captain of the NAHL’s Colorado Grit in 2024-25 and played in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. Photo/NAHL

with the school. I’ve also been to Utica before when playing in the NCDC and it was a really cool place to play. The most appealing aspects about Utica is obviously their toplevel hockey team, as well as their academics and facilities.”

For more, visit CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net!

Will Sinclair finished out his junior hockey days in last season with the NAHL’s Colorado Grit. Photo/Kristy Lourance

Grit standout, Bison, RoughRiders grad Sinclair off to next stop at NCAA D-III Wisconsin-Stout

Will Sinclair spent his last few months of junior hockey back in his home state with the NAHL’s Colorado Grit.

Next season, the Erie native will play college hockey after recently committing to NCAA Division III Wisconsin-Stout.

“Early on in the season, Stout reached out,” Sinclair said. “I had a couple of phone calls but wanted

to wait it out. After Christmas break when I really wanted to commit and find a school, I decided I wanted to be in the Midwest closer to home.

The WIAC is known as the best conference in NCAA D-III, so it was a no-brainer.

“The appeal was definitely my major. I wanted to do Construction Management and they are one of very few schools that offer it.”

For more, visit CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net!

Lodi native, GSE, St. Mary’s alum Hayes moving on to NCAA Division III St. Olaf

The NAHL’s Wisconsin Windigo has announced that forward Hunter Hayes has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for St. Olaf.

A Lodi native, Hayes started the 2024-25 season with the Minnesota Mallards, lacing up for 38 games and collecting 13 goals and 10 assists for 23 points. for the team. His dominance on the ice led him to being named to the Central Division team at the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament, where he produced one assist in two games.

In early February, Hayes was acquired by the Windigo and in 28 games, put up 14 multiple-point games and had only six games without a point on the scoresheet. Hayes found the back of the net 19 times and notched 25 assists for 44 points for the Windigo.

“There’s not much to say about Hunter,” said Windigo head coach John Mitchell. “His league-leading

Hunter Hayes excelled during the 2024-25 season with the NAHL’s Wisconsin Windigo. Photo/NAHL

playoff performance did that for him. Acquiring him at the deadline made my life easier. He was a fantastic athlete and human to coach. I foresee him being an immediate contributor at St. Olaf.”

Hayes’ best matchup of the season was his last game of the season against the Lone Star Brahmas in Game 3 of the Robertson Cup semifinals. Hayes secured a four-point performance, thanks to a hat trick and an assist. He led his team with seven goals and was tied with 13 points in the playoffs.

Hayes is an example of the “Ladder of Development” that the NAHL prides itself on as he played two seasons with the NAPHL’s Philadelphia Little Flyers.

In California, Hayes played for the Golden State Elite Eagles and St. Mary’s High School.

More at CARubberHockey.com!

Centennial native Nelson joining ‘dream school’ Denver with commitment to NCAA D-I Pioneers

Payton Nelson is coming home.

Nelson, a Centennial native who has played junior hockey since 2022 in the BCHL, NAHL and USHL, recently announced his commitment to return to the Rockies and play for NCAA Division I Denver.

He’ll enroll as a freshman for the upcoming 2025-26 season.

“The opportunity came up when (Denver assistant coach) Tavis MacMillan gave me a call in mid-April,” said Nelson. “We talked on the phone and then a couple weeks later, I met with the staff at Magness Arena and then took advantage of the offer to play at Denver this year. I was very excited to be extended the opportunity to be part of a program with such great history and the talent of the players and coaching staff. I am also very excited to be playing and attending college so close to home.

“Denver has always been a dream school of mine.”

Since 2022, Nelson has played

Payton Nelson rounded out his game this season in the BCHL.

Photo/Garrett James Photography

for the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks and Des Moines Buccaneers, NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness and BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks.

“The past couple seasons helped

me develop my game by increasing my on-ice maturity as well as teaching me how to play different roles within a team to make an impact,” Nelson said. “Playing with bigger,

stronger, faster players in the USHL when I was 17 immediately showed me the place I needed to get to physically to be able to compete in that league. I think spending time in a great league like the USHL as well as the BCHL and NAHL surrounded by so many future college players helped me develop my game for college.”

In the classroom at DU, Nelson said he’ll be starting with an undeclared major in business and most likely end up pursuing finance.

“Some expectations and goals I have for my time at DU are to mature on and off the ice,” said Nelson, who grew up playing for the Littleton Hawks and Colorado Thunderbirds.

“I also want to compete to the highest level, do well in school, make an impact within the team to help us succeed in any way I can, and win another national championship.” More at CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net!

Westminster product Valdez, deemed by coach a ‘constant professional,’ commits to NCAA Division III Lawrence

Michael Valdez grew up in Colorado, developing his game with the Hyland Hills Jaguars and Colorado Thunderbirds.

Now, after four seasons of junior hockey in the BCHL and NAHL, the Westminster is off to college hockey, recently committing to NCAA Division III Lawrence in Appleton, Wis.

Valdez spent the past two seasons skating with the Corpus Christi IceRays and also played in the NAHL for the Springfield Jr. Blues and BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals and Wenatchee Wild.

“We’re proud of Mikey for earning his commitment to Lawrence University,” said Corpus Christi assistant coach Phil Oberlin. “He’s the type of player coaches love to have because you know exactly what he’s going to bring every day to the rink. He was a constant professional and leader within our group who made players

around him better. We wish Mikey the best at Lawrence University as he moves into the next chapter of his hockey career.”

This year in 63 games for Corpus Christi, Valdez popped 11 goals with 17 assists for 28 points. Three of his goals were game-winners while two were scored on the power play.

Over the three years in the NAHL, Valdez hit the ice for a total of 148 games.

Growing up playing for Hyland Hills, Valdez then made the jump to AAA his 11U year with the Thunderbirds.

“I played for Zach Bloom, who shaped my mentality of the importance of work ethic,” Valdez said. “He developed me as a player in unimaginable ways and made me a better person. Also, David Clarkson was an instrumental part in my career. He pushed me every day.”

Michael Valdez, a Westminster native, played the past two seasons for the NAHL’s Corpus Christi IceRays. Photo/NAHL

the 2024-25

Photo/NAHL

NCAA D-III Wilkes the next stop for Stevenson Ranch native Mech

The NAHL’s Oklahoma Warriors have announced that forward Caiden Mech has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Wilkes.

The Stevenson Ranch native picked up four goals and five assists for nine points in 46 games for the Warriors during the 2024-25 season.

“We are very happy for Caiden on his commitment to play NCAA

hockey,” said Warriors head coach Mick Berge. “He is a selfless player who gave everything he had anytime he was on the ice. His work ethic and determination will help him be successful in whatever he chooses to do in the future.

“We wish him luck and look forward to seeing his growth in the years to come.”

Jr. Kings alum, Manhattan Beach native Gentzler off to NCAA Division I hockey with Air Force commitment

The NAHL’s Anchorage Wolverines have announced that forward Duke Gentzler has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey America).

The Manhattan Beach native and Los Angeles Jr. Kings alum played 59 games past season with the Wolverines and El Paso Rhinos. In 26

Duke Gentzler spent part of last season in Alaska with the NAHL’s Anchorage Wolverines.

games with the Rhinos, he tallied 11 goals and 10 assists for 21 points.

Gentzler was acquired by Anchorage near the start of 2025 and in 33 games with the Wolverines, recorded five goals and 13 assists for 18 points.

For Colorado Springs native Bagley, commitment to NCAA D-III Hiram ‘a good opportunity to play right away’

Kenneth Bagley developed his overall game and skill set in Colorado Springs and then moved to the junior hockey ranks in the USPHL with the Islanders Hockey Club.

Next season, Bagley will skate for Hiram College, a first-year NCAA Division III program in Ohio.

“I was playing pretty well at the time and my head coach Jay Punsky did a good job of getting me out there to schools and Hiram seemed like the best option after talking with Coach Curto a little after another one of my teammates committed,” said Bagley. “What appealed me was it was a smaller school and I knew the learning was going to be on a more personal level. As for hockey, it’s a new program so a good opportunity to play right away and compete in the lineup with guys that are more my age.

“School wasn’t always a priority for me until my second year of

Kenneth Bagley spent time in the USPHL and is now off to NCAA Division III Hiram College.

juniors when I realized there was a chance I could play NCAA. I always knew I wanted to do something with business so I will be majoring in Business Management.”

While his hometown is Colorado Springs, Bagley lived in Grand Forks, N.D., where he grew up watching UND and fell in love with game.

“Then when I moved to the Springs, I had a close friend get me into hockey and start playing the game,” said Bagley. “I would say the biggest thing that got me in was watching college hockey between Colorado College and the University of North Dakota.”

Back home, Bagley skated for the Colorado Springs Tigers, Monument Hockey Academy and Pine Creek High School.

“Some coaches that have stood out are Joey Carrol, who is a great coach and taught me a lot when

moving to higher levels of the game, and Ed Saxer, Walt Aufderhiede, George Pagonis, Kevin Holmstrom, Pat Bingham, Pat Kelleher, Justin Ochsendorf, Tony Driscoll, and then my junior coach Jay Punsky,” said Bagley. “All of theses coaches have played a big impact on my journey, whether it’s in the summer or during the season.”

Looking forward, Bagley has reasonable expectations.

“I would say short-term goals would be to have a good start and successful year at Hiram College and start my education on the right foot, giving a new program the best I can give,” Bagley said. “As for long-term goals, I want to be part of building a well-known program with Hiram. Maybe some pro hockey after that. I would also like to maybe coach or own some kind of business.”

More at CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net!

Photo/Bella Capozzi

Caiden Mech

joyed

season in the NAHL with the Oklahoma Warriors.

Photo/Ted Davis

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