Rampage graduate Wallace finding positive experience in ‘22-23 with USPHL’s Blue Ox

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Jack Wallace is originally from Iowa and is playing junior hockey this season in Minnesota.

It was his time in Colorado, though, that was the turning point in his hockey development, skating for the Colorado Rampage, Monument Hockey Academy, and Lewis Palmer High School.

This season, Wallace is a rookie defenseman for the USPHL’s Minnesota Blue Ox.

“They saw me play and I made connections during the summer while doing NAHL camps,” Wallace said. “I also had connections from Team Colorado. I liked the program they ran and the Blue Ox knows how to win and develop players. I liked (coach-GM) Jay Witta from the first talk we had and it is just great to have the ability to keep playing hockey in a competitive and fast league. I also found out that a couple of my old hockey buddies were on the team, too.

Jack Wallace has played steady ‘D’ this season for the USPHL’s Minnesota Blue Ox.

“I think as a team, we are learning and going through the season together leaving no one behind. We are getting along well and all focused on the same thing, to win and if we play our game and all buy in, we can do great things because why can’t it be us? Me personally, I have improved a lot this year and can give a performance that will let our team have a winning chance.”

Billeting this season was no issue for Wallace since he was fortunate enough to be able to move to Minne- sota with his parents.

“It is very fun living in Minnesota,” said Wallace, a native of Ankeny, Iowa. “It has so much hockey happening all around and it is super cool to be able to skate outside with the boys every day since there are outdoor rinks everywhere. Also, we get a good amount of snow here, which is awesome.”

In Colorado, Wallace said he was influenced by coaches Pat Bingham, Scott Bradley, and Steve LaMere.

“I followed my buddy out to Colorado because they had a TPH-style program,” Wallace said.

Moving forward this season and beyond, Wallace has goals in place.

“Short term is to make friends, get better at hockey, and be a better person,” said Wallace. “Long term is to play college hockey, get a good education, and take the right steps to lead me to a job I love doing.”