Rubber Hockey - June 2023

#CupInSix

The Vegas Golden Knights celebrate their 2023 Stanley Cup championship on home ice at T-Mobile Arena. Photo/TV screenshot

Golden Knights win Stanley Cup in sixth NHL season with Game 5 victory over PantherS

BY DAN ROSEN/NHL.COM

Vegas, baby, Vegas.

The Vegas Golden Knights won the Stanley Cup for the first time, defeating the Florida Panthers 9-3 in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena on Tuesday, June 13.

Vegas won the Cup in its sixth season, becoming the second-fastest team to a championship in the expansion era (since 1967-68) behind the Edmonton Oilers (five, 1983-84).

“All of us, the Golden Knights, we’re all winners,” said forward

Jonathan Marchessault, who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “It’s definitely the best feeling in the world.”

Mark Stone scored a hat trick, Jack Eichel and Shea Theodore each had

three assists, and Reilly Smith had a goal and an assist for Vegas. Adin Hill made 32 saves.

The Golden Knights had seven goal-scorers and 15 players with at least one point.

Read more at CARubberHockey.com

Valor grad, Centennial native Alfieri excited to take jump to NCDC’s Jr. Bruins in ‘23-24

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

After capping his high school career at Valor Christian with a 2023 state championship, Alec Alfieri is moving on to a higher level of the game.

Alfieri, a Centennial native, recently signed an NCDC tender with the Boston Jr. Bruins for the upcoming 2023-24 USPHL season.

“At nationals, the Jr. Bruins coach, Nick Cammarata, first reached out to me,” Alfieri said. “From there, we maintained contact and then he offered me the tender. It’s been a dream of mine forever to play junior hockey. Moving out to Boston and playing at a high level is very exciting.”

are watching is very exciting as playing college hockey is also a dream of mine.”

Growing up, in addition to Valor, Alfieri played for the Littleton Hawks, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, and Colorado Rampage.

“Most of my development came from playing under George Gwozdecky and his coaching staff at Valor,” said Alfieri. “Before that, playing for Andrei Krivokrasov (at Krivo) and Kyle Hull (at Littleton) was beneficial.”

Now with his junior hockey destination set, Alfieri can start to focus on the future.

Knowing the NCDC sends a slew of players to college hockey is a major appeal for Alfieri as he readies to head to Beantown later this summer.

“Playing Tier II hockey and above

has always been a goal of mine,” Alfieri said. “Knowing college coaches

“Short-term goals are to have a successful season with the Jr. Bruins and then hopefully have a good junior career before playing college hockey,” said Alfieri.

Alec Alfieri spent four years playing for Valor Christian.

Photo/Steve Robinson

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Words from the publisher...

Well, hockey season is almost complete.

Youth hockey seasons ended a few months back, junior hockey seasons are a wrap as well as college hockey seasons and most of the pro leagues.

The Stanley Cup Final saw the Vegas Golden Knights win it all a few nights ago with another West Coast team, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, in the Calder Cup Finals for the AHL championship.

I don’t think it’s ever until the end of a season that you get to sit back and realize how much of a grind it all was.

Even for us in the media world.

Hockey players and hockey

teams are on the go pretty much from August until March. Some go longer, plus spring and summer hockey. The media never stops. And that’s a good thing. Since Rubber Hockey started back in 2006, it has been a great ride covering so many players and teams at all levels.

The pandemic had us hit the pause button briefly, but here we are!

The offseason gives us time to breathe and know that there aren’t so many deadlines like we

have during the season.

Personally, a break does a body good. I enjoy getting out and taking care of our yard with my wife and taking a dip in the pool when the weather cooperates.

And the kids, don’t get me started there. I’ve talked about ours in this space a few times, but man, why do they grow up so fast?

Just today, our middle child, who will be 16 in September and a junior in high school, started his first job at a local restaurant. He’s saving for a car. Good choice.

Our oldest graduated from high school a few weeks ago and that brought out the emotions. He’ll start college in the fall and

is working a couple part-time jobs this summer to help with the college expenses.

Our daughter is going into eighth grade, her last year of middle school. Then she’s off to high school and another countdown is on.

Man, oh, man.

Time to enjoy these summer months and soak up all the family time you can. Nothing beats family. Nothing.

As always, 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!

Mackinder

IHAAZ caps 2023 season with pair of State Finals events

BY MATT MACKINDER

The 2023 IHAAZ season culminated the weekends of May 6-7 and May 20-21 with the annual State Finals event.

This year’s tournament was again held at The Wheelhouse in Prescott Valley.

A total of 10 champions were crowned as the tournament proved to be a fantastic ending to an extremely competitive season.

“This past qualifier season, we put an emphasis on trying to create as much parity as possible in our divisions by splitting up age division skill levels where it made sense and the numbers allowed for it,” said IHAAZ tournament director Nick Boyarsky. “By the time State Finals came around, we had a clear picture of the upper and lower divisional play, which allowed us to create very competitive round robin divisions and matchups, as teams battled out for a state championship in their age and skill level. This all led to some truly amazing games and hard-fought championships.”

8U A

In a back-and-forth game, the TPH Knighthawks came away with a 10-9 win over the Arizona Roughriders.

Cole Maschner scored six goals in the win, while Troy Walter had a goal and an assist and London Norgaard, Jarrett Barnes, and Owen Hardison added one each.

Skai Thomas took the win in goal making eight saves.

For the Roughriders, Micah Hilton netted seven goals and Davis Bond and Sydney Sitron scored one goal apiece.

In goal, Oliver Hansen finished with 15 saves.

8U AA

Kasen Pusateri scored six goals with an assist as the Arizona Outlaws Maroon took the title with a 10-2 victory over Yuma Blaze Black.

Peyton Starrh and Kellen Pusateri each tallied two goals and an assist, and Theo Brooks turned aside seven shots in the Outlaws net.

On the Blaze side, Talon Ducharme and Maverick Wegener each scored, and Colton Murphy stopped four

shots in goal.

10U A

Kerby Wofford was the overtime hero, scoring the winning goal to lead the Yuma Blaze Black team 4-3 over the Roughriders.

Jackson Kline scored three goals for the Blaze and Evelyn Stewart made 22 saves in net for the win.

Juliette Bond posted all three goals for the Roughriders, with Conner Gallegos making 24 saves between the pipes.

10U AA

Ben Van Houten went for four goals and an assist and Connor Hillegonds added three goals and four assists to lead the Jr. Wildcats to a 9-1 championship win over the Outlaws.

scored for the Outlaws and Gavin Larose finished with 10 saves.

14U A

The Arizona Imperials used a three-goal, three-assist game from AJ Brandt to down the Jr. Wildcats 9-2 to claim the championship.

Dean Mindeman added two goals and three assists, Moses Brown chipped in three goals and an assist, Oliver Edelstein scored, and Trevin Vargo posted a pair of assists.

Mason Hillegonds chipped in a goal and two assists and Gia Alvarez also scored to back Ryland Scott’s eight saves in goal.

Kasen Pusateri scored the lone goal for the Outlaws and Brooks made 11 saves.

12U A

The Roughriders defeated the Knighthawks 3-1 as Rowan Nebeker, Ryan Hovlid, and Summer McBee all scored goals.

Mason Hilton collected 14 saves in net for the victory.

For the Knighthawks, Devin Peterson scored the only goal and Jack Bauer made 19 stops in goal.

12U AA

Van Houten registered two goals as the Jr. Wildcats Gold won the division with a 3-2 win over the Outlaws Black.

Sam McCloud scored the other goal and Keoni Weir kicked out 11 shots for the win between the pipes.

Robbie Anderson and Evan Tzeng

Connor Blondel made 17 saves in goal.

For the Lucky Charms, Chase Kaplan posted two goals, Justin Kaplan went for a goal and an assist, and Madden Hognauer added two assists.

In goal, Tate Mickey turned aside 20 shots.

18U AA

Brandon Ott fashioned a two-goal, one-assist game as the Blaze beat the Peoria Desert Scorpions 5-1.

Reagan Rivera made 14 stops in goal to gain the victory.

For the Jr. Wildcats, Edward Szadkowski had a goal and an assist and Nolan Wilde also scored. Goaltender Antonio Bras-Taylor was sharp in stopping 30 shots.

14U AA

In a close contest, the TPH Knighthawks Green brought home the championship with a 5-4 victory over Black Magic.

Joey Lepore netted a trio of goals, Brayden Willis went for two goals and an assist, and Sam Koch and Jaden Perea each tacked on two assists.

Between the pipes, Maddox Marshal finished with 25 saves.

Alex Smith recorded a goal and three assists for the Magic, while Braden Hordichuk, Dylan Mickelson, and Ashton Sherstobitoff added goals. Kelzi Olson added two assists and Dylan Hanson made 20 saves in net.

18U A

Another tight championship game saw Austin McPherson tally three goals as the Cereal Killers knocked off the Lucky Charms by a 4-3 count. Brady Ishu added a goal and an assist and Landon Jans chipped in three helpers.

Austin Estes, Nicholas Lopez, and Luke Freeman also scored, and Jackson Gebhart stopped 11 shots between the pipes.

Ty Wilson scored the Scorpions’ lone goal, and Aiden Biswanger made 19 stops in net.

In addition to the games, several players took home awards as part of the Behind The Mask Skills Challenge events during both weekends of State Finals.

8U

Top Goalie: Colton Murphy, Yuma Blaze Black

Sniper: Talon Ducharme, Yuma Blaze Black

Fastest Skater: Drake Madia, Outlaws Black

10U

Top Goalie: Ryland Scott, Jr. Wildcats

Sniper: Max Kramer, Knighthawks

Fastest Skater: Austin Smith, Knighthawks

12U

Top Goalie: Gavin Larose, Outlaws Black

Sniper: Everett Smith, Outlaws Black

Fastest Skater: Sam McCloud, Jr. Wildcats Gold

14U

Top Goalie: Antonio Bras-Taylor, Outlaws

Sniper: Robby Skelly, Jr. Wildcats

Fastest Skater: Nolan Wilde, Jr. Wildcats

18U Silver

Top Goalie: Gavin Lopo, Roughriders

Sniper: Gavin Nebeker, Roughriders

Fastest Skater: Drew Jazwin, Lucky Charms

IE Tournament Series ends 2022-23 season with 14 teams winning divisions at Memorial Day Showdown

BY MATT MACKINDER

The Inland Empire Tournament Series, created and hosted by the Jr. Reign, wrapped up its 2022-23 season May 26-29 with the Memorial Day Showdown at LA Kings Icetown, Icetown Carlsbad, San Diego Ice Arena, Toyota Arena, and Ontario Center Ice Arena.

The event proved to be the largest spring tournament in Southern California.

A total of 14 teams brought home championship banners at the conclusion of the exciting weekend.

8U Silver South

Champion: San Diego Selects

Runner-up: San Diego Jr. Gulls

In a spirited game, the Selects took the title with a close 7-6 win over the Jr. Gulls.

8U Silver North

Champion: Hockey Factory Swarm

Runner-up: California Prospects

The Swarm edged the Prospects 3-2 to take the championship title.

8U Gold

Champion: California Prospects

Runner-up: San Diego Jr. Gulls (1)

The Prospects went on a scoring spree and defeated the Jr. Gulls 10-4 to bring home the championship banner.

10U Gold

Champion: San Diego Selects

Runner-up: California Prospects

Brayden Langridge figured in on all four goals for the Selects in a 4-1 win to claim the title. Bartu Barutcu and Aidan Swing also scored. For the Prospects, Brennan Holbrook netted the lone goal. Lainey Nava Anderson took the win in goal for the Selects. Abby Stolin and Kian Phan shared time in goal for the Prospects.

10U Silver

Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors

Runner-up: Jr. Reign Carlsbad

Matthew Genco’s two goals led the Ice Warriors to the championship with a 5-1 win over the Jr. Reign. Max Boswell, Aiden Nelson and Cole

Ferderer added goals while Hunter Turner added two assists and Boswell chipped in an assist for a multi-point game. Caleb Weinstein and Viggo Jackson combined for the win in goal for the Ice Warriors. Jace Copple scored the Jr. Reign’s lone goal and Holt Picazo was sharp between the pipes.

12U Gold

Champion: Jr. Reign Black

Runner-up: Natty Hatty Spencer Willis scored two goals and Trevor Lester went for a goal and three assists as the Jr. Reign defeated Natty Hatty 5-3 for the title. George Barrett and Zachary Sada added goals and Jayden Kehrier and Rene Michaels was stellar in goal. Hiroto Harano had a goal and an assist for Natty Hatty, Maia Gumapas and Paz Cisneros also scored, and Daphne Chacon Lopez tacked on two assists. Dash Reed was sharp between the pipes.

12U Silver

shared time in the Prospects net.

12U Bronze

Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors

Runner-up: Jr. Reign White

The Ice Warriors defeated the Jr. Reign 4-1 with four different goal scorers - Colten Geurink, Hunter Savini, Liam O’Brien, also with an assist, and Valentino Guadagna - to win the championship. Braedyn Rhyder Koo scored for the Jr. Reign.

14U Gold

Champion: San Diego Selects Runnerup: Jr. Reign Black

The Selects’ offense was on fire in taking the title with a 7-1 win over the Jr. Reign. Turner Munsch scored three goals while Dominic Anello, also with an assist, Cole Frayer, Skyler Armstrong and Matthew Mendez tallied one goal each. Christian Collins and Evan Frayer posted two assists each. Logan Alsing scored the Jr. Reign’s goal.

14U Silver

Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors

an assist, and Sebastian Hernandez recorded a goal and an assist. Derek Skene also scored. James Paz and Luna Tapia-Bedolla played well in goal.

JV North

Champion: San Diego Saints

Runner-up: Fresno Monsters

The Saints used a balanced offensive attack to defeat the Monsters 6-1 and secure the championship banner. Jean-Felix Gagne had two goals and two assists, Jack Boland registered a goal and an assist, Samuel Albano added a goal with two assists, and Jeremy Adkins and Cale Flaherty also scored. Asher Armstrong netted Fresno’s goal.

JV South

Champion: Ventura Mariners

Runner-up: San Diego Selects

Cayenne Inbar had a goal and an assist and four other players scored as the Mariners blanked the Selects 5-0 for the title. Nathaniel Alvarado, Jayden Becerra, Ryan Gardner and Ryder O’Connell, with a helper to boot, also scored in the win.

Varsity North

Champion: Jr. Reign Black

Runner-up: West Ranch

The Jr. Reign won the championship with a 7-0 victory over West Ranch. Yubo Geng scored twice, Landen Gallardo and Kevin Yousefpour had a goal and an assist each, and John Ruggiero notched one goal.

Varsity South

Champion: San Diego Selects

Champion: Natty Hatty (2)

Runner-up: On It Prospects

Luca Lefebvre scored two goals with an assist to pace Natty Hatty past the On It Prospects by a 7-1 count. Everett Baker collected a goal and two assists while Brenna Hunt, Ayden Gatica, Emmet Billingsley and Kaveh Majma also scored with Mya Deguzzis taking the win in goal. Mason Murohy scored for the Prospects and Abby Stolik and Amelia Keener

Runner-up: Jr. Reign White Offense was the name of the game as the Ice Warriors downed the Jr. Reign 7-6 to bring home the championship banner. Amir Attar finished with two goals and an assist, Chase Spencer added a goal and two assists, and David Al-Jubori chipped in a goal and a helper. Ethan May, Ryder Darnell and Clayton Chase also scored and Emmry Anderson earned the win in net. For the Jr. Reign, Brian Duffy popped four goals with

Runner-up: Paramount Ice Quakes

This tight title game saw the Selects edge Paramount 3-2 to win the championship. Simon Mantoani had a goal and an assist and Matthew Matsuda and Michael Nilsen scored one each in the victory. Troy Smith and Nathan Laporte scored for Paramount.

Registration is now open for the 2023-24 Inland Empire Tournament Series events.

Thunderbirds alum Levy achieves milestone with commitment to NCAA Division I Arizona State

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Hank Levy’s father, Jeff Levy, played NCAA Division I hockey at New Hampshire back in the 1990s.

Now, the younger Levy will take that step after recently committing to play for Arizona State’s D-I program starting this fall.

“The opportunity to play at ASU was the product of a season with consistent success and my coach, Fred Harbinson (of the BCHL’s Penticton Vees), promoting me,” Levy said. “I talked to ASU in person, through email and over phone calls and decided it was the best fit for me.

“The things that most appeal to me about ASU is the close proximity to home (Salt Lake City), the amazing

new hockey arena they’ve built (Mullett Arena) and just the opportunity to live in such a cool place.”

Levy said his major on the academic side of things is still undecided at this point.

This past season with the Vees, Levy went 13-0-0 with a 1.81 GAA, a .918 save percentage and a pair of shutouts. Along with Luca Di Pasquo, the tandem captured the Wally Forslund Trophy as the goalies with the best team GAA (1.77).

“The BCHL is one of the top leagues in North America which allowed me to have great competition every day,” Levy said. “The league does an awesome job at promoting players to college hockey.”

Heading to college hockey, Levy knows he has goals to accomplish,

on and off the ice, and people that helped him get to this point in his career.

“My freshman expectations for myself are to continue to develop my game on the ice, contribute to a winning culture, and be a great teammate,” said Levy. “In the classroom, I’d like to get as high of grades as I

can and stay on top of school work during travel.

“I’d like to thank my family for their continued support, especially my dad, who has put just as much time and effort into this as I have.”

During his days in youth hockey, Levy developed his game with the Colorado Thunderbirds.

Hank Levy spent ‘22-23 with the Penticton Vees. Photo/Jack Murray

From the Trainer’s Room

Choosing the best strength training plan for you

Summer is here, and focus should be shifting to preparing for the next season, addressing any aches and pains, shoring up weaknesses, and bolstering strengths.

A big part of that process includes a proper strength training program.

There are many different theories on strength training, but one key is knowing why you are lifting weights. “To get stronger” seems to be the common sense answer, but in what way? Is your goal to lift more weight? Gain body weight? Increase power? Improve speed? Prevent injuries?

Your goal may be a mixture of all of the above.

Step one in any program should be to establish your goals. Once you have your goals written out, it’s time to get to work.

Here are five steps that can help you put together the best strength program for you:

Find the right strength coach

Working with the right professional can make all the difference. But how do you know who is “right” for you?

First, ask what their credentials are. An athletic trainer (ATC), a certified strength coach (CSCS), or a comparable credential is a great starting point. After that, ask what their experience is like: what sports they work with, what level athletes they typically coach, and who is on their staff (if they have one). Ask about their programs, their knowledge of injury prevention, their objective measures, and any other questions you may have.

Phase your program

A well-rounded program changes throughout the year, changing from

off-season to pre-season to in-season. It should take into account travel schedules and try-outs and off-season camps. The same concept is applied to the off-season, and should be broken down into different phases, which allows you to tailor the program to meet your goals while building base athleticism.

Include unilateral exercises

If you look at most sports, the athletes are spending most of the time on one leg.

Training single leg strength, then, is crucial to not only improve performance, but to injury prevention. Bilateral exercises should certainly have a place, as well, but don’t neglect the single leg work!

Keep it simple

Measure your progress

How will you know when you have reached your goal if you aren’t measuring your progress? Find objective measures that correlate with your goals and track them as you go. This is where a competent sports performance professional can come in handy and administer the appropriate tests. Subjective measures can be useful, as well. How are you feeling on the field? Are you recovering better? Is your performance improving?

Chris Phillips

If strength coaches posted on social media what they do day-in and dayout, it would get much fewer likes than posting the latest and the trendiest lift that is often over-complicated, inefficient, or sometimes downright dangerous. Why is that? Because doing the same, simple, tried-and-true exercises over and over again will get you results. Does that mean you can’t vary your lifts to keep it interesting? Of course not. Does that mean strength coaches don’t incorporate new techniques, new exercises, and different progressions? Of course they do. But before trying something new that you saw on Tiktok, ask yourself why you are doing so and what it is going to help you accomplish.

When it comes to finding a strength program, an important part is knowing what will meet your needs the best to improve performance while reducing injuries. Utilizing a professional who has experience in your sport to develop a proper program is another key. Look for progress in your strength training program. Ask yourself these questions: Are you lifting more weight than before? Are you obtaining your goals of running or skating faster? Do you feel better when you play?

A proper program will leave you answering these questions with a solid “Yes!”

Recovering faster for the next game

As the summer tournament season begins to heat up, the frequency of games in a short period of time can become a concern.

Athletes may play multiple games on the same day or weekend, which can take a toll on a player’s body,

causing fatigue and soreness, leading to decreased performance and increased injury risk.

A quality training program includes stretching and cool down exercises at the end of the session to decrease muscle soreness and improve mobility, but many athletes do not perform these exercises following practices or games. Leaving these recovery techniques can sometimes lead to increased muscle soreness and limited mobility.

A simple program following practices and games that include cooldown exercises, massage, and mobility movements, as well as proper nutrition, can lead to quicker recovery time so the athlete is better prepared for the next event. This program does not have to take a long time or need a lot of equipment as a quality routine can be done in approximately 15 minutes, and all that is needed is some space and a foam roller, lacrosse ball, or other self-massage equipment.

The following is a sample program of what can be done following a game or practice:

— 5-minute light jog to cool down.

— Using a foam roll or lacrosse ball, roll back and forth 10 times each way, targeting the following muscle groups: glutes, quadriceps, hip flexors, calves, and groin.

— Static stretching of 15-30 seconds on each side of the following muscle groups: glutes, hamstrings, groins, hip flexors, and calves.

— Ingest some sort of protein source, such as a shake or bar that contains approximately 200-300 calories and 15-25 grams of protein within 30 minutes of the end of the activity. These numbers will vary

Dealing with the Bauer Bump, preventing shoulder injuries

Continued from Page 8

based on the size of the athlete.

— Eat a well-balanced meal within two hours of the activity.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with over 30 years’ experience in professional hockey, football, soccer and the Winter Olympics. Chris is the owner of Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Orange County and can be reached through www.competeperformance.com.

The Bauer Bump

If you play hockey, you’ve probably heard the term “Bauer Bump” at some point, which refers to a bony prominence that can form at the back of a player’s heel.

But what exactly is that? Is it a problem? How do you get rid of it?

The clinical term for the condition is Haglund’s Deformity, a bony prominence that can begin to form at the heel when skates are worn extensively or if shoes are ill-fitting. Though it is commonly called a Bauer Bump in the hockey world, it is not specific to Bauer skates, as any brand of skates can cause the condition.

Do you need to do anything about it? Well, that depends. Is it bothering you? For some, the bony protrusion can become symptomatic, either from excessive friction in the skate, increased pressure on the Achilles tendon, or pain when wearing shoes.

If it does become symptomatic, there are a couple of things you can do:

NSAIDs: Trying ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory OTC drug can help bring down the inflammation and pain. Just keep in mind that this is not a long-term solution, as NSAIDs should only be used for a short amount of time.

Check your skates: If the skate is either too big or too small, this can cause issues for your foot. Too big and you have excessive movement, which leads to friction. Too small and you have excessive pressure, which can also cause irritation.

Ice: Using ice after skating can

help relieve immediate pain, and is easily accessible.

Padding: If the bump is small enough, then sometimes using a donut pad in the skate can take some of the pressure off and give it enough time to bring the inflammation down.

Manual therapy: If the Achilles tendon is becoming irritated, then sometimes a massage and stretching can help relieve the pain.

As always, if you are experiencing pain or injury, your best bet is to check in with your doctor or athletic trainer, especially if the above solutions do not provide relief.

Shoulder injury prevention

The shoulder: all sports use them (some more than others), and they tend to be prone to injury.

The shoulder is a very mobile joint, and it has the ability to move in multiple directions. While the increased mobility is necessary for the shoulder to function, it comes with a higher injury risk. As the season approaches for each sport, we tend to see prehab, including for the shoulder, neglected.

When athletes take proper care of their shoulders, less injuries will occur, which means more playing time during the season.

Here are a few simple tips for shoulder injury prevention:

1) Improve rotator cuff strength

Strengthen the muscles that do internal/external rotation and make sure the shoulder can move easily through its full range (AKA being functional), strengthen at all degrees of motion, and you’ll be ready to go!

2) Maintain shoulder mobility

Ensuring that the shoulder can move through its full range of motion will not only reduce injury risk, it will improve your performance.

3) Have a proper warmup

Yes, you need to warm up, it’s good for you and especially for your shoulder. A simple five-minute routine can oftentimes do the trick!

4) Have a proper recovery routine

You just did an intense workout, game, practice, etc., but you didn’t do any recovery work afterwards. Your

body will lock up and won’t move as freely. A little arm care, foam rolling, and stretching can go a long way after doing intense work.

5) Don’t overdo it!

Listen to your body. If you are sore, tired, and feeling miserable all the time when doing any type of

exercise or sport, that’s your body sending you a message. You need to back off, recover, and give your body the time it needs to get back to 100 percent.

For more information, visit the Compete Performance website at www.competeperformance.com.

RUBBER HOCKEY

Ten champs crowned to finish ‘23 IHAAZ campaign

Continued from Page 5

18U Gold

Top Goalie: Keegan Tinsdale, Outlaws

Sniper: Nick Nunez, Outlaws

Fastest

Skater: Daniel Madia, Outlaws

All-Star Games were also held within all divisions each weekend.

“The makeup and landscape of Arizona roller always changes slightly from year to year,” Boyarsky said. “Going into every new season,

we look at what worked and what didn’t from the past season and how the next season numbers and divisions may bounce out to put together a better experience for all our current and new teams that may be playing.

“We’ve got some truly exciting changes in the works. More to come on that as we approach the 2024 season.”

For more info, visit IHAAZ.com.

Greenwood Village native Rakowski signs

NAHL tender with first-year Grit organization

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

As the NAHL’s Colorado Grit continues to shape its roster for the 202324 season, the team has been adding Colorado natives to the lineup.

The latest tender signing was Greenwood Village’s Ben Rakowski, who signed in May.

“I think this opportunity came to a tender because of all the hard work

Continued on Page 13

Ben Rakowski captained the Colorado Thunderbirds’ 16U AAA team during the 2022-23 season. Photo provided by Ben Rakowski

Gilbert native St. Clair tabbed

It did not take long for the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness to fill its coaching vacancy.

The team has announced that Colten St. Clair as the sixth head coach in team history. His hiring comes just one week after Brett Skinner departed to lead the coaching staff of the Fargo Force of the USHL.

The 30-year-old St. Clair has spent the last two seasons as associate head coach of the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers. In his first season with Sioux City, he helped guide the team to a Clark Cup championship. Before the start of the 2022-23 campaign, the role of assistant general manager was added to his duties.

“I’m really excited,” St. Clair said. “Mr. (Barry) Bohman (Wilderness owner) and Mr. (David) Boitz (Wilderness general manager) gave me the chance to learn and grow to carry on the tradition and bring another championship to the Wilderness.”

new head coach for

Prior to joining the Musketeers staff, St. Clair spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, one season as a volunteer assistant with the University of Maine and was introduced to the coaching ranks with the Phoenix Knights of the WSHL.

In Phoenix, he started as an assistant coach and skills instructor in 2016-17, before being promoted to head coach the following season. In his first campaign as a bench boss, St. Clair took a team that won five games the year before to 28 wins in 2017-18.

the youngest coach ever to win the WSHL’s coach of the year award.

St. Clair also spent time working with the Arizona Hockey Union youth hockey program.

That turnaround, when he was only 25 years old, made history, as it earned him the distinction of being

NAHL’s Wilderness

included helping the Fighting Hawks win a national title in 2016. St. Clair was an alternate captain on that championship squad.

“Colten is an outstanding young coach,” said Boitz. “We are extremely excited to bring him in to be our next head coach. Based on his passion for the game, commitment, and organization, we felt that Colten was by far our first choice among a very talented group of applicants.”

A Gilbert native, St. Clair spent almost his entire adult playing career in North Dakota. His junior tenure was spent in Fargo where he played three seasons with the Force.

He then went north to the University of North Dakota where he played five seasons of NCAA hockey, which

St. Clair also had a short professional career - six games in 2016-17 with the Arizona Outlaws of the Mountain West Hockey League.

St. Clair’s resumé shows some similarities to Skinner’s, as both won NCAA championships in their playing careers (Skinner with Denver in ‘04 and ‘05) and both were on the coaching staff of Clark Cup winners (Skinner with Sioux Falls in 2019).

St. Clair said he spoke with Skinner over the last few days and the former Wilderness coach encouraged him to pursue his old job.

“I respect him a lot,” said St. Clair. “I talked to him for about 45 minutes about his experience with the Wilderness, and he’s been nothing but a great help.”

Continued on Page 20

St. Clair

Rakowski staying in Colorado to begin junior hockey career

Continued from Page 11

I have put in over the years,” said Rakowski. “I have had great support from my coaches, teammates and family. I am thankful for Coach (Steve) Haddon and Coach (David) Clarkson to believe in my potential and offer me this tender. They have a strong vision for this program and I am honored to be a tender for Grit.

“I am so excited and proud for the opportunity to be part of building the Grit program in Colorado. Being able to stay in my home state close to family and friends to play junior hockey will be amazing. Colorado has a lot of great hockey players and bringing the NAHL to our state is awesome.”

Growing up, Rakowski skated for the Littleton Hawks until his U11 year when he moved to the Colorado Thunderbirds and played there through this past season’s 16U year.

“My highlights have always been the bonds I have formed with my teammates,” Rakowski said. “Hockey has taught me so much of the impor-

tance of teamwork and I will never forget going to nationals my 14U year and winning states my 15U year. I have been fortunate to have a lot of good coaches that care about their players.

“Kyle Hull (Littleton Hawks Squirt) was a great skills coach that taught me so much at an early age. Phil Patenaude (14U Thunderbirds) built confidence in me to be a leader, and Cam Clemenson (15U and 16U Thunderbirds) pushed me to develop and define who I am as a player.”

Looking ahead, Rakowski has set high aspirations for himself, both at the rink and in the classroom.

“My short-term goals are to keep developing as a player, on and off the ice,” said Rakowski. “I want to be a contributor to the Grit to help build a strong culture. Long term, I aspire to play high-level college hockey and push myself to take it as far as I can in life. My success in school is important and I will continue to work hard to be the best student I can while balancing my drive for hockey.”

www.co.hockey

Ben Rakowski celebrates a goal playing with the Colorado Thunderbirds. Photo/Shannon Valerio

Feeling a draft: NA3HL, NAHL, USHL, USPHL

NCDC, WHL gear up for future with annual events

Over the past couple months, junior hockey leagues have held their annual drafts, selecting players from across the Rubber Hockey coverage areas - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah - in the process.

NA3HL Draft - April 19

1st round, 17th overall, Bryce Bethard, F, Rocky Mountain

RoughRiders 18U AAA, Butte Cobras

2nd round, 58th overall, Kyle Miller, D, San Jose Jr. Sharks 18U AAA (San Jose), Mason City Toros

3rd round, 78th overall, Dylan Jimenez, D, Vegas Jr. Golden Knights 18U, Yellowstone Quake

3rd round, 80th overall, Luke Anthony, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 18U AAA (Anaheim), Sheridan Hawks

3rd round, 94th overall, Zane Irion, F, Wenatchee Wild 18U (Rio Rancho), Yellowstone Quake

4th round, 112th overall, Joseph Gutierrez, F, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders 18U AAA (Albuquerque), El Paso Rhinos

4th round, 119th overall, Ethan Kuehn, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 18U AAA (Anaheim), Bozeman Icedogs

NCDC Draft - April 25

1st round, Sam Anderson, F, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders 16U AAA (Syracuse), Ogden Mustangs

2nd round, Ty Izadi, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (Bellflower), Ogden Mustangs

3rd round, Paul Spino, D, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Englewood), South Shore Kings

3rd round, Egor Barabanov, F, New Jersey Rockets 16U AAA (Anaheim), Rock Springs Grizzlies

3rd round, Brendan Dunphy, D, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (San Diego), Provo Predators

4th round, Kasen Mainberger, G, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 15U AAA (Anaheim), Rock Springs Grizzlies

6th round, Charlie Kresl, F, Bishop Kearney Selects 16U AAA (Denver), Pueblo Bulls

7th round, Shea Barry, D, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA, South Shore Kings

8th round, Stephen Grumley, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U AAA (Manhattan Beach), Rockets Hockey Club

8th round, Tyler Kedzo, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA, Connecticut Jr. Rangers

8th round, Brady Turner, F, Jr.

9th round, Charlie Michaud, D, Little Caesars 16U AAA (Denver), Ogden Mustangs

9th round, Tyler McGowan, D, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (Irvine), Utah Outliers

13th round, Paul Wiczek, F, Yale Hockey Academy 16U AAA (Park City), Connecticut Jr. Rangers

13th round, Duke Ehrhard, F, Mount St. Charles Academy 16U AAA (Manhattan Beach), South Shore Kings

Coyotes 15U AAA (Scottsdale), Rockets Hockey Club

8th round, Brodie Donovan, F, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders 16U AAA (Los Gatos), Pueblo Bulls

8th round, Tanner Henricks, D, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (Las Vegas), Utah Outliers

9th round, Easton Larson, F, Boston Hockey Academy 15U AAA (Herriman), Islanders Hockey Club

9th round, Alexander Stamenov, D, Colorado Rampage 16U AAA, Northern Cyclones

9th round, Finn Safir, D, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders 16U AAA, Pueblo Bulls

10th round, Liam McGuern, D, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (La Verne), Connecticut Jr. Rangers

10th round, Ben Rakowski, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Greenwood Village), Rock Springs Grizzlies

11th round, Colin Frank, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (Ladera Ranch), Rock Springs Grizzlies

12th round, Thomas Prendergast, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Denver), Boston Jr. Bruins

12th round, Korey Cardenas Aston, F, Elite Hockey Academy 16U AAA (Los Angeles), Mercer Chiefs

12th round, Mason Root, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 15U AAA (Denver), Pueblo Bulls

13th round, Jayden Dean, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 15U AAA (Aliso Viejo), Northern Cyclones

13th round, Nicholas Christianson, F, Long Island Gulls 16U AAA (Upland), Provo Predators

17th round, Brayden Hall, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 15U AAA (Littleton), Pueblo Bulls

17th round, Grant Young, F, Long Island Gulls 16U AAA (Boulder), Ogden Mustangs

17th round, Kaden Armstrong, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 16U AAA (Carlsbad), Utah Outliers

18th round, Jack Squibbs, D, Sioux Falls Power 16U AAA (Park City), Provo Predators

18th round, Landen Hindman, D, Colorado Rampage 16U AAA, Idaho Falls Spud Kings

18th round, Isaiah Yates, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U AAA (San Diego), Utah Outliers

20th round, Remy Pusateri, D, Colorado Thunderbirds 18U AAA (Denver), Utica Jr. Comets

20th round, Carson McGinley, F, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA (Phoenix), Idaho Falls Spud Kings

21st round to end

Sean Barnhill, D, Jr. Coyotes 15U AAA (Scottsdale), Boston Jr. Bruins

Jake Solano, F, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA (Phoenix), Idaho Falls Spud Kings

Jamie Wang, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Boulder), Idaho Falls Spud Kings

Griffin Brown, D, San Jose Jr. Sharks 15U AAA (San Jose), Ogden Mustangs

Eli Fareria, F, CDA Hockey Academy 17U Prep (Oakland), Ogden Mustangs

Dan Rassega, F, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA, Provo Predators

Continued on Page 15

Arizona, California, Colorado products chosen in 2023 spring junior hockey drafts

Continued from Page 15

Kade Pareja, F, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA (Litchfield Park), Provo Predators

Chase Stefanek, F, Mount St. Charles Academy 16U AAA (Yorba Linda), Provo Predators

Michael Albert, F, St. Mary’s Prep (Clayton), Provo Predators

Vladimir Zakharov, F, Wasatch Renegades 16U AAA, Provo Predators

Nolan Caffrey, F, Shattuck-St. Mary’s 16U Prep (Belmont), Pueblo Bulls

Ethan McEneany, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Denver), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Ilya Krivosheev, F, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 15U AAA (Rancho Santa Margarita), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Devin Berg, D, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Denver), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Chase Berg, F, Colorado Thunderbirds 16U AAA (Denver), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Max Workman, F, Wenatchee Wild 16U AAA (Salt Lake City), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Luke Gustafson, F, San Jose Jr. Sharks 16U AAA (San Jose), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Mathew Stoddard, F, Wenatchee Wild 16U AAA (Phoenix), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Wyatt Hanna, F, Wasatch Renegades 16U AAA (Flagstaff), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Zachary White, G, Wenatchee Wild 16U AAA (Stockton), Rock Springs Grizzlies

Ben Vatis, G, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA (Phoenix), Utah Outliers

Zakhar Meshcheriakov, F, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA, Utah Outliers

USHL Phase I Draft - May 2

1st round, 5th overall, Ben Kevan, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U AAA (Fairfield), Des Moines Buccaneers

2nd round, 29th overall, Caden Campion, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings

15U AAA, Chicago Steel

4th round, 53rd overall, Sean Barnhill, D, Jr. Coyotes 15U AAA (Scottsdale), Dubuque Fighting Saints

4th round, 56th overall, Griffin Brown, D, San Jose Jr. Sharks 15U AAA (San Jose), Lincoln Stars

5th round, 65th overall, Luke Norcross, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U AAA (Los Angeles), Des Moines Buccaneers

6th round, 84th overall, Stephen Grumley, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings

15U AAA (Manhattan Beach), Green Bay Gamblers

7th round, 92nd overall, Clarke Nehmens, D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Chino Hills), Omaha Lancers

7th round, 94th overall, Max Silver, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U

AAA (Poway), Waterloo Black Hawks

7th round, 100th overall, Dylan Nolan, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U

AAA (San Jose), Tri-Cty Storm

7th round, 103rd overall, Timofei Runtso, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings

15U AAA (Playa Vista), Waterloo Black Hawks

10th round, 142nd overall, Jack Wideman, D, Rocky Mountain

RoughRiders 16U AAA, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

10th round, 146th overall, Aaron Sachs, G, Fairmont Prep (San Diego), Lincoln Stars

USHL Phase II Draft - May 3

5th round, 64th overall, Paul Minnehan, F, Northeast Generals (Cypress), Des Moines Buccaneers

8th round, 110th overall, Tyler Dysart, F, St. Cloud Norsemen (Sunnyvale), Tri-City Storm

9th round, 130th overall, Sebastien Brockman, F, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (El Segundo), Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

9th round, 132nd overall, Gryphon Watson-Bucci, F, Boston Hockey Academy 16U AAA (Sandy), Green Bay Gamblers

13th round, 186th overall, Dane Sorensen, D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Santa Monica), Sioux Falls Stampede

13th round, 188th overall, Noah Grolnic, Chippewa Steel (Arvada), Des Moines Buccaneers

13th round, 190th overall, Philippe Lalonde, F, Culver Academy Prep (Irvine), Cedar Rapids RoughRiders

13th round, 195th overall, Wyatt Stefan, F, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (Laguna Beach), Youngstown Phantoms

14th round, 200th overall, Shaun Rios, F, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep

(San Jose), Omaha Lancers

14th round, 207th overall, Parker Murray, F, Wenatchee Wild (Los Angeles), Green Bay Gamblers

16th round, 230th overall, Jake Solano, F, Jr. Coyotes 16U AAA (Phoenix), Omaha Lancers

16th round, 236th overall, Michael Valdez, F, Wenatchee Wild (Denver), Dubuque Fighting Saints

18th round, 267th overall, Cullen Emery, F, Dexter Southfield Prep (Los Angeles), Green Bay Gamblers

WHL U.S. Priority Draft - May 10

1st round, 3rd overall, Alofa Tunoa Ta’amu, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings

14U AAA (San Diego), Edmonton Oil Kings

1st round, 6th overall, Reed Brown, F, Colorado Springs Tigers

14U AAA (Tempe), Brandon Wheat Kings

1st round, 8th overall, Tyus Sparks, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA, Vancouver Giants

1st round, 9th overall, Shaeffer

Gordon-Carroll, F, Chicago Mission

14U AAA (Salt Lake City), Medicine Hat Tigers

1st round, 11th overall, Masen McCosh, D, Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA (Glendale), Calgary Hitmen

1st round, 13th overall, Sean Burick, D, Los Angeles Jr. Kings

14U AAA (San Clemente), Tri-City Americans

1st round, 16th overall, Zachary Schmidt, D, Colorado Thunderbirds

14U AAA (Highlands Ranch), Moose Jaw Warriors

1st round, 18th overall, Cooper Soller, F, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Los Angeles), Red Deer Rebels

1st round, 19th overall, Daniel Peate, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 14U AAA (San Juan Capistrano), Saskatoon Blades

1st round, 21st overall, Drake Owens, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders

14U AAA, Seattle Thunderbirds

2nd round, 25th overall, Odin Vaukhoven, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Costa Mesa), Victoria Royals

2nd round, 26th overall, Oliver Kanat, G, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA (Newport Beach), Kelowna Rockets

2nd round, 27th overall, Caden Dionne, F, Sioux Falls Power 14U AAA

(Denver), Prince Albert Raiders

2nd round, 31st overall, Noah Davidson, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA (Irvine), Medicine Hat Tigers

2nd round, 33rd overall, Joel Anderson, G, Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA (Albuquerque), Everett Silvertips

2nd round, 34th overall, Blake Riley-Kam, F, Jr. Coyotes 14U AAA (Phoenix), Regina Pats

2nd round, 35th overall, Rowan McCord, F, Rocky Mountain

RoughRiders 14U AAA, Tri-City Americans

2nd round, 36th overall, Logan Stuart, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA (Los Angeles), Lethbridge Hurricanes

2nd round, 37th overall, Broden Scissors, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA (Los Angeles), Prince George Cougars

2nd round, 39th overall, Luke Wilfley, F, Colorado Springs Tigers 14U AAA (Englewood), Portland Winterhawks

2nd round, 40th overall, Ethan Park, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA, Red Deer Rebels

2nd round, 41st overall, Luke Host, D, Colorado Springs Tigers 14U

AAA (Columbine), Saskatoon Blades

2nd round, 43rd overall, Zane Torre, F, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Ladera Ranch), Seattle Thunderbirds

WHL Prospects Draft - May 11

10th round, 202nd overall, Nolan Beddow, F, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Parker), Kelowna Rockets

10th round, 210th overall, Dain Gordon, F, Bishop Kearney Selects 14U AAA (Denver), Regina Pats

10th round, 215th overall, Morgan Stickney, G, Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep (Manhattan Beach), Portland Winterhawks

11th round, 229th overall, Matyas Fischer, F, Los Angeles Jr. Kings 14U AAA (Valencia), Medicine Hat Tigers

NAHL Draft - June 14

1st round, 30th overall, Parker Murray, F, Wenatchee Wild (Los Angeles), Lone Star Brahmas

3rd round, 73rd overall, Michael Valdez, F, Wenatchee Wild (Denver), Corpus Christi IceRays

3rd round, 81st overall, Jackson

Continued on Page 16

Annual junior hockey drafts see teams across North America prep for ‘23-24

Continued from Page 15

Ebbott, F, Wenatchee Wild (Encino), Kenai River Brown Bears

3rd round, 89th overall, Logan Morrell, F, Omaha Lancers (Mesa), Minnesota Wilderness

3rd round, 96th overall, Aidan Comeau, G, Winkler Flyers (Newport Beach), Oklahoma Warriors

4th round, 100th overall, Devin Nabozny, D, Mercer Chiefs (Colorado Springs), Maryland Black Bears

4th round, 110th overall, Michael Marquez, F, Yarmouth Mariners (Up-

land), Anchorage Wolverines

4th round, 116th overall, Brecken den Hartog, D, Melville Millionaires (Rocky Mountain RoughRiders), Amarillo Wranglers

5th round, 131st overall, CJ Theberge, D, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 18U AAA (Valencia), Anchorage Wolverines

6th round, 185th overall, JeanSebastien Pack, D, Lawrence Academy (Manhattan Beach), Minnesota Wilderness

7th round, 216th overall, Cooper Owens, F, Colorado Rampage 18U

AAA (Colorado Springs), Amarillo

Wranglers

7th round, 219th overall, Jake Lindstrom, F, Elite Hockey Academy 18U AAA (Denver), New Jersey Titans

7th round, 221st overall, Zephyr

Tangri, D, Burnaby Winter Club Academy Prep 18U (View ParkWindsor Hill), Wisconsin Windigo

9th round, 268th overall, Gryphon Watson-Bucci, F, Boston Hockey Academy 16U AAA (Sandy), Johnstown Tomahawks

9th round, 274th overall, Phil Fein-

berg, F, Northeast Generals (Highlands Ranch), Northeast Generals

9th round, 283rd overall, Tyler Lee, D, Yarmouth Mariners (Claremont), New Jersey Titans

9th round, 286th overall, Jason Zaccari, Tabor Academy (Santa Ana), Lone Star Brahmas

11th round, 321st overall, Duncan Shin, Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA (Chandler), Colorado Grit

12th round, 379th overall, Caden Hunter, Cleveland Barons 18U AAA (Provo), New Jersey Titans -- Compiled by Matt Mackinder

For Brighton native, Team Colorado AAA star Sutherland, NCAA D-III commitment to Norwich checks all boxes

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

When Payton Sutherland started looking where to play her college hockey next season, she wanted a school that was strong in hockey and academics.

The Brighton native found just that with Norwich University, an NCAA Division III school located in Northfield, Vt.

“(Norwich) coach Sophie (Leclerc Doherty) had been at the same events, tournaments, and even districts camp, and I was fortunate enough for her to finally contact me after watching a game in Washington D.C.,” said Sutherland. “Norwich was appealing toward me because of their location in the Vermont mountains and the Exercise Science program so I can later get my

professional degree. Academics are huge for me and I hope to one day to become a chiropractor with my own practice.”

During her formative years in Colorado, Sutherland developed her game with the Rocky Mountain Lady RoughRiders and Team Colorado AAA.

“I started playing hockey at six years old,” remembered Sutherland. “I took a field trip to Skate City and after the free skate, there were kids playing hockey, I saw it and wanted to try. I played roller hockey for six years before going to play ice hockey. I tried playing goalie when I was 10 years old and fell even more in love with the sport.

Payton Sutherland finished her youth hockey career in 2022-23 between the pipes for the Team Colorado AAA program. Photo/Be Feral Media

“Chris Lockrem, Hannah Westbrook, Karen Rickard, and Julie Howard have been outstanding coaches and I wouldn’t be where I am without them.”

Looking ahead, Sutherland has her eyes on making an impact, both on and off the ice.

“In hockey, I want to play overseas

after my college career,” Sutherland said. “Short term, I want to be the best I’ve ever been my first year at Norwich. Academically, I want to get my professional degree and open my own practice as a chiropractor.”

Irvine native, longtime Jr. Ducks standout Johnson signs NHL contract with Sabres

Ryan Johnson spent four years with the Golden Gophers.

After spending four years playing for the University of Minnesota men’s hockey team, Ryan Johnson has inked his first professional contract, a two-year, entry-level deal with the Buffalo Sabres.

The 2019 first-round pick (31st overall) of the Sabres will report to the AHL’s Rochester Americans where the Amerks are tied 1-1 with the Hershey Bears in the AHL’s Eastern Conference Finals as of late May. Johnson served as an alternate

captain this season for the Golden Gophers and reached the NCAA national championship game behind a career-best four goals, including the first game winner of his career at Notre Dame (Jan. 14) to go with 14 assists and 18 total points.

A native of Irvine, he guided the Maroon and Gold to its secondstraight NCAA Frozen Four appearance during the 2022-23 campaign and led the team with 64 blocked

Continued on Page 17

Photo/Bryce Hemmelgarn

Johnson starts pro career in Buffalo organization

Continued from Page 16 shots, finishing his career blocking more than 200 shots. He earned a spot on the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention Team as a senior and was given the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Johnson also was a nominee for the Hockey Humanitarian Award Nominee and landed on the Academic All-Big Ten Team for the third time as a Gopher. Johnson made 143 appearances

during his four years of college hockey and recorded 59 career points on nine goals and 50 assists. He helped Minnesota reach the NCAA Tournament three times over his time on campus, along with back-to-back

regular-season Big Ten Conference titles and a B1G Tournament championship in 2021.

Back home, Johnson played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Santa Rosa native Sechrist uses USPHL development to gain commitment to NCAA Division III Salem State

BY JOSHUA BOYD USPHLPREMIER.COM

From Chase Sechrist’s home in Santa Rosa, it’s about a 40-minute drive to put your toe in the Pacific Ocean.

It may be a brisk walk for him this fall to put the same toe in the Atlantic Ocean.

Sechrist, a two-year leading light for the Lake Tahoe Lakers before a late-season trade to the Charlotte Rush this past season, has committed to Salem State University. Salem State is based in one of Massachusetts’ most historic coastal towns, one forever linked to the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692. That history, however, tends to blot out Salem’s later status as an international shipping port known the world over.

“I talked with a couple of my buddies that already go there, and I got in touch with the coaches,” said Sechrist, a former Tahoe Prep Academy standout before joining the Lakers in 2021. “They liked my offensive defenseman play style.”

Sechrist racked up 62 points in 72 games over his two seasons at Lake Tahoe and brings that game to Salem. With the Vikings, he will rejoin former Tahoe Prep teammates Zach Dill and Erik Larsson.

Dill was a standout with the Rush when they won the national championship in 2021, and he scored 30 points in 27 games for the Vikings as a freshman in 2022-23. Larsson, a

native of Sweden, was the MASCAC Rookie Of The Year in 2021-22 and has averaged 1.2 points per game through two NCAA seasons at Salem.

Sechrist cited “playing hockey with old teammates and living on the East Coast, and they have the majors that I want” as major draws to joining Salem State, where he’ll enroll in their Business program. He has not visited Salem just yet, but is certainly excited to join a whole new family. He had nothing but good things to say about both the Lakers and the Rush as he leaves behind his junior career.

“I think they are both great organizations with top-level staff on both teams, and they most definitely helped me become the player I am

today. I consider both family now,” said Sechrist.

Sechrist helped get the Lakers off the ground when they were an expansion franchise in the Pacific Division (itself only a year old at the time) during the 2021-22 season.

“I think it’s a great place to play junior hockey. Being able to practice every day and work out at a high altitude helps a ton with your stamina, which helped my overall game a lot,” said Sechrist. “It’s just a great hockey environment to be in if you want to get better.”

He was acquired from Lake Tahoe along with one of the Lakers’ top forwards Ari Rossi, in order to bolster Charlotte’s already frightening depth

and to give both players a chance at a national title. The Rush made the final and played it tight for most of the game against the Northern Cyclones, but the Hudson, N.H.-based ‘Clones came out as title-winners in the end.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to finish off my junior career with a national run with one of the best teams I’ve been a part of. Great group of guys – I definitely made some friends for life,” he said. “I also want to thank all the coaches over there, including Trevor Jewell, who let me and Ari stay at his home for the three months we were there.”

With the Lakers, Sechrist got to play several different teams from around the country, including at the 2022 USPHL Winter Showcase in his future college home state of Massachusetts as well as at this past December’s inaugural USPHL Las Vegas Showcase.

“The USPHL is great at showcasing the players. It’s very nice finishing your junior career and having options for schools afterwards,” said Sechrist.

Back in Santa Rosa, there won’t be a whole lot of time for Pacific toe-dipping at Bodega Bay or Point Reyes, as Sechrist wants to be fully ready as a go-to blueliner right off the bat for Salem State.

“I’m going to hit the gym and work on my physical play to make the biggest impact I can in NCAA hockey,” he said.

After

two USPHL seasons with Moose, Glenwood Springs native Knott staying in Minnesota with NCAA D-III Saint John’s commitment for 2023-24 season

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Cooper Knott came to the USPHL’s Minnesota Moose for the 2021-22 season and returned this past season for his last year of junior hockey.

Those two seasons helped develop his game to be ready for the college ranks, and the Glenwood Springs native recently committed to Saint John’s University, an NCAA Division III school in Minnesota that plays in the MIAC conference.

“My coaching staff at the Moose helped me out all season in the hunt for a school,” Knott said. “Saint John’s was a school on the top of my list for the past couple years. I went on a visit/tour and an overnight throughout this past season and I was lucky enough to have things work out with them. The campus is great, student life seems like a blast, and I’m very excited to head out come fall.

“I’ve always wanted to become an engineer but at Saint John’s they do not have engineering unfortunately, but there is a way to do pre-engineering and pursue a further degree through other routes. SJU also has a top-ranked business school, and as of now I have my mind set on pursuing a business degree.”

Knott, who grew up playing for the Glenwood Grizzlies, Colorado Thunderbirds and Colorado Rampage, said playing in the USPHL was huge for

his game.

“Two or more years of juniors will shape any player,” said Knott. “The more (years) the better, to be honest. I think it helped me find my identity as a hockey player, and provided me the hockey maturity and work ethic to hopefully stick at the next level.

“The Moose are and always will

be a top team in the USPHL. With the coaching staff we have, the crave to win, and most importantly, the amount of hate that we have against losing, drives the Moose every year to be with the top of the league. This mindset was talked about, day in and day out. Our first year we unfortunately missed our chance at the

national tournament in playoffs. This past season, we made sure that didn’t happen again.”

Deciding to play for the Moose was a no-brainer back in 2021.

“Obviously, I wanted to play for one of the best teams in the league,” Knott said. “I was lucky to have a former coach of the Moose approach me at an NAHL main camp and invited me to come out to Minnesota and fill a role on the squad. I also have family and a lot of friends out here, so that was another draw for me.”

Looking ahead, Knott wants to keep playing hockey and living the dreasm as long as he posibly can.

“In the short term, I am honestly excited to get back to learning again,” said Knott. “I know it will not be super easy getting back to school after being away from it for two years, but I’m excited for the change and the challenge. I also hope to play as an impact player at Saint John’s in the years to come.

“Long term, I have always wanted to play hockey professionally. Who hasn’t dreamed of getting paid to play a sport that they love? I think it would be awesome to get a chance to play overseas and see the world through hockey. After that, with a degree as good as SJU offers, I think I’ll be able to find a place in the world, hopefully on a ranch somewhere in the middle of nowhere.”

Jr. Ducks, OCHC grad, Orange County native Gilman makes NCAA D-III commitment to St. Norbert

The NAHL’s Austin Bruins have announced that Top Prospects defenseman Bryan Gilman has announced his commitment to NCAA Division III at St. Norbert College.

“I’m excited to announce my commitment to St. Norbert College,” stated Gilman. “Thanks to my family, teammates, coaches, and everyone who helped along the way.”

A native of Orange County, Gilman appeared in 64 games in his first and only season in Austin while helping the Bruins reach the Robertson Cup Final for the first time since the 2014-15 season. This season, Gilman totaled one goal and seven assists for eight points.

Prior to joining the Bruins, Gilman was a member of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks program and spent a previous junior hockey season in Canada with the SJHL’s La Ronge Ice Wolves.

St. Norbert College is a private Norbertine liberal arts college in De Pere, Wis., a suburb of Green Bay.

The Green Knights are members of the NCHA. St. Norbert won the NCAA Division III national championship in 2018, beating Salve Regina in double-overtime in Lake Placid, N.Y.

In addition to the Jr. Ducks, Gilman also skated back home in California for the Orange County Hockey Club.

Cooper Knott played up front for the USPHL’s Minnesota Moose from 2021-23. Photo/Masha Barankovskavy/Minnesota Moose

Bryan Gilman proved to be a stalwart on the back end during the 2022-23 season for the NAHL’s Austin Bruins. Photo/Minot Minotauros

Castle Pines native, incoming Grit goaltender Lacroix realizes ‘dream come true’ with NCAA Division I BU commitment

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Playing prep school hockey for The Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Mass., has opened doors for Castle Pines native Max Lacroix.

One of those doors was to Boston University, an NCAA Division I school that made the Frozen Four this past season, and a school that Lacroix recently committed to once his junior hockey career comes to a close.

“I’ve been basically in their backyard for the last three years,” Lacroix said. “New England prep school hockey has a lot of exposure to a lot of colleges, both Division I and Division III. Absolutely a dream come true to play at such an incredible program. The city of Boston itself is a wonderful place with a storied culture, and BU’s hockey speaks for itself, but its academics are very prestigious as well.”

Lacroix will start his freshman year in 2024-25 season and plans on majoring in Business at the university’s Questrom School of Business. Max Lacroix grew up playing youth hockey in Colorado before going to prep school in Massachusetts. Photo provided by Max Lacroix

Next season, Lacroix will suit up with the first-year Colorado Grit in the NAHL after being one of the team’s first signings in February.

“I am super excited for the opportunity to be playing in their inaugural season in Colorado,” said Lacroix.

“This is a very important summer for development and getting prepared for next season. I’ll be skating and training at Drillhouse Sports Center in Centennial.”

Growing up, Lacroix played youth hockey for the Arapahoe Warriors, Littleton Hawks, and Colorado Thunderbirds before heading out to prep school.

His father is former Colorado Avalanche player Eric Lacroix and grandfather Pierre Lacroix served as the Avalanche general manager when the team won Stanley Cups in 1996 and 2001. He passed away in Dec. 2020.

Castro Valley native, Blackhawks, Jr. Sharks alum McManus commits to NCAA D-III Suffolk

Scott McManus, a forward for the EHL’s Seahawks Hockey Club, has committed to NCAA Division III Suffolk University for the fall of 2023.

The 2002-born native of Castro Valley recently finished up his third and final season with the Seahawks. McManus joined the program towards the end of the 2020-21 campaign, and over the course of 106 career games, the All-Star forward tallied 86 total points (38 goals, 48 assists) to his credit.

“Scott arrived during the COVID season as his U18 team had to shut down,” said Seahawks head coach and general manager Bill Zaniboni.

“Although young, Scott had great compete and the drive to get better everyday. Scott was then drafted into the NAHL and started the following season there. When Scott came back, he had a goal and that was to lead the Seahawks and make sure he did his part to have a successful season(s).

“We are excited for Scott and his family.”

As Zaniboni mentioned, McManus

grew as a leader for the Seahawks, finishing out his junior hockey career as the captain of the team this past year.

Overall, the West Coast playmaker is beyond grateful that his hockey journey took him east, as he’ll now play his college hockey in the hockey-rich town of Boston.

“I am very excited to announce my commitment to play hockey at Suffolk University next season,” said McManus. “I would like to thank my family and friends for all the sacrifices and support I’ve received that has led me to this point. I’d also like to thank the Seahawks Hockey Club and Coach Zaniboni for helping me grow as a player and person these past three seasons.

“I am thrilled to play under Coach (Shawn) McEachern and look forward to continuing to grow in my hockey and academic career at Suffolk University.”

Back home, McManus played for the Santa Clara Blackhawks and San Jose Jr. Sharks.

-- EHL Staff

Scott McManus honed his game with the EHL’s Seahawks Hockey Club and is off to NCAA D-III hockey in the fall. Photo/Dan Hickling

Former AHU coach St. Clair moves up to NAHL bench

Continued from Page 12

One possible reason for St. Clair’s early success in his coaching career could be the influence of those that coached him in his playing career.

Those mentors include United States Hockey Hall of Famer Dean Blais, who was head coach/GM of Fargo in St. Clair’s first season of ju-

nior hockey. Blais is best known for his 18 seasons as a head coach in the NCAA, where he won two national championships with North Dakota.

While in Fargo, St. Clair also played under Jason Herter, who is currently the associate head coach at Western Michigan University and is a former assistant/associate head

coach at Minnesota Duluth, where he helped guide the Bulldogs to two NCAA titles.

At North Dakota, St. Clair’s coaches included Dave Hakstol, who is now behind the bench of the NHL’s Seattle Kraken, and current Fighting Hawks head coach Brad Berry.

St. Clair’s priority now is to get

better acquainted with the Wilderness staff, including assistant coach Patrick Munson, getting to know the players tendered and drafted for next season.

He and his girlfriend, Sydney Raboin, plan to find a residence in the Cloquet area by early August.

-- Minnesota Wilderness Staff

Lady Ducks, Wave alum, Linden native Bryant advances to women’s professional ranks with PHF’s Whitecaps

The PHF’s Minnesota Whitecaps are adding a new forward to the fold, signing California native Brooke Bryant to a contract for the 2023-24 season.

Bryant, originally from Linden, has signed a two-year deal with the ‘Caps.

For Bryant, playing on the Whitecaps has been a dream ever since she came to Minnesota to play at the college level. After playing for five seasons with Minnesota State University, the 22-year-old is thrilled to be jumping to the professional ranks in the “State of Hockey.”

“Playing college in Minnesota made playing for the Whitecaps a huge goal of mine,” Bryant said.

“Having the opportunity to play with such a talented group of players is a dream come true.”

Bryant will also be reuniting with former Minnesota State teammate Brittyn Fleming, who recently signed a two-year deal with the Whitecaps after a standout rookie season. The chemistry between the dynamic duo was one of the reasons that general manager Chi-Yin Tse went after Bryant in free agency.

Brooke Bryant developed her game at Minnesota State, playing five seasons for the Mavericks. Photo/David Faulkner/SPX Sports

“Brooke has really great chemistry with Brittyn Fleming, and I anticipate the pair to put up points this season,” Tse said. “She brings high energy and will be a shooting threat all over the ice. I really liked what I saw in her college career and felt as if she could be another impact player.”

Bryant made a splash in her first season with the Mavericks. She notched 11 goals and nine assists in her first year, making her the first freshman to score 20 points at Minnesota State since the 2010-11 season. Her 11 goals also led the season and she was second in team scoring. Bryant matched that point total as a fifth-year player, scoring seven goals and dishing out 13 assists.

Bryant is excited to reunite with Fleming and gel with her new teammates next season once the PHF’s campaign starts.

“I am looking forward to not only playing with such amazing players but working hard to do everything I can to help this team,” Bryant said.

In California, Bryant spent time with the California Wave and Anaheim Lady Ducks.

-- Minnesota Whitecaps Staff

Cherry Creek, LHA graduate Flay decides on EHL’s Jr. Rangers as next stop for ‘23-24

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Logan Flay was born in Camarillo, Calif., and moved to Colorado at the age of four, calling Aurora home ever since.

Once he strapped on the skates in Colorado, he played for the Littleton Hawks through his freshman year of

high school before joining the Cherry Creek High School team the last three seasons.

Now, all of Flay’s hard work and determination has paid off as he’ll make the jump to junior hockey this fall with the EHL’s Boston Jr. Rangers.

“The opportunity came up the

last weekend in May with the CCM Showcase that came into town,” Flay said. “It is a heavily scouted showcase. I originally wasn’t going to play juniors next year, but when Coach (Rich) DiCaprio said he would give me a contract, they shot right to the top of my list. After talking things over with my parents, I got the

green light to sign my contract with them. It will be very exciting to leave home, but also very tough because I am leaving my family for a year and everything I am used to here. Looking at it as an opportunity, I am very excited to play a high level of hockey and get new types of exposure in the

Continued on Page 22

Flay off to EHL

Continued from Page 21 hockey sense of things.

“I am very excited to play in the EHL, a league that sends a hefty amount of players on to play NCAA hockey each year. That is definitely something that appealed to me right away.”

In reflecting on his time playing and developing in Colorado, Flay beamed with pride.

“I couldn’t tell you a bad thing about each organization (Little-

ton and Cherry Creek),” said Flay. “They’ve both done such great things for me and helping me excel to the next level.”

Moving forward, Flay has his mind on hockey and away from the game.

“My goals in hockey are to try and develop as much as I can in the game and prove that I can go play NCAA hockey later on,” Flay said. “Looking at my long-term goals in life, I want to make a living out of project management and business.”

Lakewood native Friedrichs finds balanced fit for hockey, academics with NCAA D-III Anna Maria commitment

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Mason Friedrichs played for six junior hockey teams over his threeyear career, but the Lakewood native saw that as a positive to his development.

Next season, Friedrichs will head to college after his recent commitment to NCAA Division III Anna Maria College, a school in Paxton, Mass.

“Right before Christmas, I reached out and expressed my interest in Anna Maria,” said Friedrichs. “I had a nice phone call with coach Paul Martone. Then, when I got traded to (the NA3HL’s) Norwich (Sea Captains), I had a couple interactions and a visit to their campus and rink. The smaller campus made it have a very tight-knit feel with the majority of students being athletes. The coaches and professors were very welcoming and made for a good experience. As for the hockey side, the way the program is headed and how well they treat their players was a huge selling point for me to choose Anna Maria.

“This final season of juniors prepared me for college hockey by giving me the opportunity to play with a wide range of players. Packing my bags for three teams allowed me to meet a bunch of different players and continue to work on different as-

Mason Friedrichs played the last part of the 2022-23 season for the NA3HL’s Norwich Sea Captains. Photo/Erica Fontaine

pects of my game, based on the role I played on each team. I believe it made me into a more rounded player that can make an impact regardless of the role I play. It also solidified that no two paths are the same, but with my work ethic, it allowed for opportunity to grow my game.”

During the 2022-23 season, Friedrichs played for the Sea Captains and Mason City Toros in the NA3HL and the USPHL’s Steele County Blades. In 2021-22, he skated for the NA3HL’s Sheridan Hawks and US-

PHL’s Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings. Friedrichs began his junior career in 2020-21 with the USPHL’s Dells Ducks.

Now with his college commitment secured, Friedrichs can start to plan for the future.

“School has always been a priority because hockey ends at some time for everyone, and preparing myself for what is to come has always been a priority,” Friedrichs said. “Hockey has always been the reason why I choose to apply myself for school. I knew in order to be appealing for college, I needed good grades on top of a hockey skill set to be considered.

“I plan to major in Business because I believe it is applicable to any career I choose to pursue after college. My family is involved in business and have groomed me in a way to follow in their footsteps.”

Growing up, Friedrichs said he began playing hockey after he watched “The Mighty Ducks” movie for the first time.

“I then went to a rink with a family friend and got my first puck and it was all history from there,” said Friedrichs. “From then, it was going to learn to skate programs and playing hockey in the garage with a goal taped on the wall for me to shoot at. I then would go with my grandpa to University of Denver games.”

On the ice, Friedrichs played for

the Foothills Flyers, Littleton Hawks and Chatfield Chargers.

“Matt Frick has had a tremendous impact on my hockey career, having worked with him for the last eight years or so,” Friedrichs said. “He has helped me progress on ice and also improved my confidence and helped guide me along my career. Neil Ruffini also stands out as a positive influence in my career as I have spent countless hours on and off the ice with him and his wife in my offseasons. I can’t thank them enough for the time and effort they have invested in my career.”

Moving ahead, Friedrichs said he has short-term and long-term goals in both hockey and away from the rink.

“I would like to come into Anna Maria and find a role where I can dress and have an impact to help contribute to a winning season,” said Friedrichs. “Being an independent team, there is no conference championship to play for, but if our record is higher than past seasons, I will consider it a success. I just want to continue to work my hardest individually to contribute to the team’s overall success.

“Once I am done with school, I would like to play some sort of professional hockey for a couple of years and see where it takes me. Obviously, my goal is to play at the highest level I can”

LHA alum Luke Flay skated three seasons of high school hockey for Cherry Creek from 2020-23. Photo/Melanie Eisen

Behind the Bench: ‘Tis the season – tryouts season

Tryouts – where parents worry, kids stress, and coaches just want it over.

It truly is the worst time of the year. Where should you play? Who should you play for? What coach is good? Where are those top players going? Where will my kid develop?

The list goes on.

I was recently speaking to a player trying to make the jump to juniors (NAHL/USHL). I was speaking with his dad about how he just doesn’t seem to be getting scouted and talked to as much as they had hoped.

Fortunately, I know the parents well and they sent me some videos to watch and give my two cents.

After years of watching kids, it is what I suspected. The kid plays absolutely FINE.

He is a defenseman, and he plays well. Nothing amazing. He is positionally OK, but not great. He skates alright, moves alright, and overall plays alright. He keeps up and makes good plays here and there.

He fits in just fine.

He is good.

Here’s the thing… nobody is looking for fine.

Scouts are looking for “something.”

While watching hockey and scouting, the game often turns into a sea of gray.

Even the NHL. Everyone kind of fits in. That said, in the NHL, “fitting in” means you make exceptionally high-level plays, consistently and are among the elite of the world. But… most are still just “average” for that level.

Most guys still just “fit in.”

Then there are the few that stand out, even at that level. Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Jonathan Marchessault, to name a few.

Ask yourself, why do they stand out?

There is a reason certain players stand out. Maybe they are great skaters, have unbelievable hands, make highly consistent or fantastic plays, or maybe they are just the meanest dudes out there.

To stand out, you need “something.” What is your “something?”

Coaches want to win. Even myself. I couldn’t really care less about winning without doing it in the “right” way, but I still prefer winning 10 times compared to losing. I would rather win than lose every single day of the week.

When you’re trying out for teams or being scouted, coaches and scouts are looking for something.

What are you bringing to the table?

ity?

Are you bringing speed? Skills? Toughness? Reliabil-

How will you stand out from that sea of gray on the ice?

Coaches want to win, and they want people that will help them win. If you are one of those kids, you’re making any and every team you try out for.

If you just blend in, then it makes it really hard for a coach to actually want you.

Maybe you can fill a role and get a job done but they don’t “need” you. You want to be a “need” player.

So this tryout season, when you are going out for your team, figure out how you stand out.

What do you do better than other kids and/or what can you do to stand out amongst the sea of gray?

Do that, and you can make any team you would like.

Noah Babin played NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Notre Dame and currently coaches with the San Diego Jr. Gulls youth hockey program.

Babin