New Frontier Selects Prep School Academy coming to L.A. to provide top-notch education-based elite hockey program
As the game of hockey continues to grow at a rapid pace in California, the new Frontier Selects program kicking off in 2024-25 is another notch on the list of high-end programs elite calling the Golden State home.
Jason Stewart, president of hockey operations for Frontier Selects, said coming to California is a natural fit for the program.
“The longer you work in the hockey world, you come to realize how interconnected this environment is and having over 20 years experience as an educator, coach, academy owner, league executive member and scout, I’ve come to develop an extensive network,” Stewart said. “This network opened up the opportunity in Southern California by introducing me to some specific individuals in the area and led me down the path of exploring the education based hockey model in California. With my previous experience as a high school educator and academy program owner and operator in the Canadian Sports School Hockey League, I soon realized the opportunity in front of me here in California that would allow
me to utilize my strengths and experience to help support and hopefully strengthen a niche market for hockey in the area.”
Stewart said his vision for the Frontier Selects in California has both short-term and long-term goals.
“I am a major advocate for education-based hockey at the youth level as I feel it provides an unparalleled opportunity to work with youth and combine their passion for sport into their daily educational experience,” said Stewart. “This opportunity allows you to develop and strengthen both the academic and athletics abilities of student-athletes by blending their passion into a holistic development model. In short, our goal as a program is to establish ourselves and our unique developmental approach in the local California hockey landscape. As things progress, we want to show local hockey markets that they can stay home in California and be provided with an opportunity to develop and compete against some of the top North American academy programs.”
JUNE 2024
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Denver native Bender finds NCAA D-III Salem State commitment checks all boxes for next step in career
Admittedly, Aidan Bender hadn’t planned on playing college hockey.
Then the right opportunity presented itself and the Denver native decided to switch gears and start his NCAA Division III career this fall at Salem State University, a school located in Salem, Mass.
I met Coach Chris MacInnis when I started with the Northern Cyclones U16s and after that season, he took the head coaching job at North Shore Academy where he recruited me,” said Bender. “We’ve been in contact ever since and when looking for a school, I loved the idea of playing for Chris once again. Salem has a really strong business program as well as a solid athletic building. Having the rink on campus attached to other amenities makes for a great environment and convenience.
“Academics are obviously important as an athlete and were a big part of my hockey career. However,
I wasn’t sure if college was the right path for me. I have dual citizenship for the U.S. and U.K. and was planning on playing pro in England. There were some logistics this year that made me reconsider my options. Now that I am enrolled at Salem State, I’m excited to further my education.”
The past two seasons, Bender skated in the NCDC, playing for the Boston Advantage in 2022-23 and the Twin City Thunder this past season. Playing at a high level of the game is something Bender has always strived for, in addition to other components of hockey.
“My family were all Avalanche fans and when we would go to the games, I instantly fell in love,” Bender said. “My dad was also playing at the time and started to take me out to public skates. Since then, I have loved the Avs and hockey as a whole. I have even extended to other areas of the game in coaching and officiating.”
Chandler product, Jr. Coyotes, Bobcats, RoughRiders alum Koshiol decides on NCAA Division III Keene State
Ryan Koshiol, a defenseman for the EHL’s East Coast Wizards, has committed to Keene State College for the fall of 2024.
The ’03 native of Chandler played his second season with the Wizards in 2023-24 and served as one of the team’s captains. Overall, in 85 career games in the EHL, Koshiol tallied 42 points to his credit on seven goals and 35 assists.
“We are thrilled about Ryan’s commitment to Keene State,” said Wizards head coach and general manager Kory Falite. “He has grown so much over the two years he’s been a Wizard, both on and off the ice. He’s been the backbone to our ‘D’ core for the past two years, and we’re excited to see his game continue to grow at the next level.”
Koshiol will now join a new pro-
Ryan Koshiol wore the ‘C’ in 2023-24 for the EHL’s East Coast Wizards. Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
gram this fall, as Keene State will be kicking off their inaugural season at the NCAA Division III level. Koshiol is one of 15 EHL players that have committed to the Owls.
“I’m super excited to be committed to studying and playing hockey at Keene State this fall,” said Koshiol. “I owe a huge thank you to Coach (Bobby) Rodrigue for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to my parents and family for all the support over the years. I also want to thank the coaching staff and teammates here at the Wizards for everything they’ve done for me the past two years. I’m excited for next season and can’t wait to get things started in the fall.”
In Arizona, Koshiol played for the Jr. Coyotes and Arizona Bobcats and in Colorado, for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders..
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Aidan Bender spent the 2023-24 season in Maine playing for the NCDC’s Twin City Thunder. Photo/Martha Tatro & Ram McDonough
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Words from the publisher...
The summer months are here.
This is the time of year when the sun shines a little brighter and the beaches are a bit more fuller.
It’s also a time of year when families seem to reconnect and enjoy more quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of hockey season.
Now, don’t get me wrong, families are together during the season, but it’s generally in a car on the way or from a game or practice.
Once the season ends, the sticks and gear are put away for a stretch and family time ensues.
Matt
Mackinder
I always like to look at summertime as a time to reflect on the past year and what to expect moving forward.
In this line of work, what makes it most exciting is that no one day is ever the same. Each day brings different conversations, differ-
ent stories to write, and different people to meet.
I love it.
I really love it.
In looking back on the past few editions of Rubber Hockey and going back many years prior, I feel a sense of pride in telling so many hockey players’ stories and getting them recognition that maybe they wouldn’t get elsewhere.
That’s what we do.
And as we’ll start to get moving on next season here, we want to get even more names and faces in
these pages each month and on our websites and social media.
There are so many associations and players out there with stories to tell znd ways to keep promoting this great game.
Contact me any time at (248) 890-3944 (call/ text) or shoot me an email at matt@rubberhockey. com to discuss potential advertising and publishing partnerships within these paged and online.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
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RubberHockey.com JUNE 2024 RUBBER HOCKEY
AHL’s Roadrunners to continue calling Tucson home, will play at least 30 games in ’24-25 at Tucson Convention Center Arena
The Tucson Roadrunners have announced that the team will play at least 30 of its 36 regular-season home games during the 2024-25 American Hockey League season at the Tucson Convention Center Arena in downtown Tucson.
In addition, Tucson will remain the home market for the AHL club for the foreseeable future.
“The Roadrunners staying here is a win for the region and great news for Arizona hockey,” said Rio Nuevo District chairman Fletcher McCusker..
“We would like to thank the Rio Nuevo District Board of Directors for their tremendous support that enables the Roadrunners to maintain a strong presence in Tucson and throughout Arizona,” said Alex Meruelo Jr. “This is an important step in our continued commitment to a bright future of hockey in Arizona.”
The Roadrunners will enter their ninth season of play this fall.
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Rampage standout Polumbus advances to junior hockey, signs with BCHL’s Oilers for upcoming ‘24-25 season
Cody Polumbus was born in Montana and found his hockey development take a huge upturn when he ventured to Colorado to play for the Colorado Rampage.
Next season, Polumbus will begin his junior hockey career in the BCHL with the Okotoks Oilers.
“During a trip in Canada, I reached out to Colorado Rampage coach Cody Dion, who is an Okotoks Oilers alumni, and he set up a great opportunity for me to skate for part of the week before I went home,” said Polumbus. “I got there and instantly felt welcomed by the coaches, staff, and the players. I really liked the coaching style and the pace of the practices as well as the attention to detail during the drills. The BCHL is a league that can help me reach my goals as a hockey player, and it is a league where I can see myself having
success as a player.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to make the jump to junior hockey. I really like the Oilers organization and I’m excited to work with them to help reach my goals. Being away from home is nothing new to me, and I’m excited to graduate and be able to focus on chasing my dreams.”
Polumbus has realistic aspirations next season north of the border.
“I expect to play hard at a high level,” said Polumbus. “Meaning, be hard to play against on both sides of the puck and make quick plays that are expected on a nightly basis. I have a great opportunity ahead to train with my coaches in Colorado and work hard to have an impact for the Oilers next season.”
Back home, Polumbus got hooked on hockey at an early age. More at CORubberHockey.com
& ColoradoHockey.net
Scottsdale native Gauthier wraps 2023-24 season with pair of awards from USA Hockey
USA Hockey honored 12 deserving individuals at its President’s Awards Dinner on June 7 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center as part of its fourday Annual Meeting.
Among the winners is Cutter Gauthier, named the Jim Johannson College Player of the Year.
Gauthier was also earned the USA Hockey’s Bob Johnson Award for excellence in international hockey competition
A sophomore forward, Gauthier was a standout at Boston College during the 2023-24 college hockey season. The Scottsdale native helped lead the Eagles to both the Hockey East regular-season and tournament championship, and propelled BC to its first national championship game appearance since 2012.
Gauthier led the nation in scoring
Cutter Gauthier celebrates a goal for Boston College during the 2023-24 season.
Photo/Brody Hannon
with 38 goals, including a charttopping 10 game-winners, and ranked second nationally with 65 points. His 13 power-play goals ranked second nationally, as he tallied an impressive 1.59 points per game.
Gauthier, who signed an entry-level contract with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks following the college season in April, was named an AHCA Division I First Team All-American as well as earning All-Hockey East First Team honors.
On the international stage, Gauthier helped Team USA to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship.
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Montana native Cody Polumbus saw his game take a positive turn playing for the Colorado Rampage. Photo/Carlaen Mukpik
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own!
Colorado’s
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IE Tournament Series’ Memorial Day Showdown crowns 17 division champions over final May weekend
The Inland Empire Tournament Series’ Memorial Day Showdown was held over the May 2427 weekend at Icetown Carlsbad, Ontario Center Ice, San Diego Ice Arena, and LA Kings Icetown.
A total of 17 teams brought home banners at the conclusion of the exciting weekend.
8U Competitive
Champion: SoCal Hockey Factory
Runner-up: Wild Wingz
The SoCal Hockey Factory scored at a consistent pace, capturing the championship banner with a 10-4 victory over the Wild Wingz.
8U Elite
Champion: Rubber Puckies Orange
Runner-up: Rubber Puckies Green
In a battle of Rubber Puckies teams, the Orange squad downed the Green team by a 4-2 count.
8U Competitive Southeast Champion: Monarchy Synergy
Runner-up: SD Selects
Monarchy had the offense and defense going, winning the title with an 8-0 win over the SD Selects.
8U Competitive Southwest Champion: Simi Skippers
Runner-up: San Mateo Black Stars
In a back-and-forth game, the Skippers defeated the Black Stars 5-4 in a shootout to claim the championship.
10U Elite
Champion: Monarchy Stealth Runner-up: Krivo School of Hockey
Monarchy Stealth went undefeated en route to an 8-1 win
over Krivo to bring home the banner.
10U Competitive North Champion: California Kings
to claim the championship.
12U Elite
Champion: Monarchy Force Runner-up: Monarchy Stealth
Runner-up: SoCal Hockey Factory
This tight contest saw the Kings hold on for a 5-3 victory over SoCal Hockey Factory to capture the title.
10U Competitive South Champion: Simi Skippers
Runner-up: Kroc
The Skippers won the title with a hard-fought 5-2 win over Kroc.
12U Competitive
Champion: Monarchy Chrome Runner-up: Pasadena Maple Leafs
Monarchy Chrome used a balanced attack and stingy defense to double up the Maple Leafs 4-2
14U Elite North Champion: Epicenter Hockey Runner-up: SC Flyers
A close game throughout, Epicenter edged the Flyers for the title with a 2-1 victory.
14U Elite South Champion: Monarchy Stealth Runner-up: Knights
The Monarchy Stealth squad found the back of the net often, defeating the Knights 8-2 for the banner.
High School JV Champion: VC Poseidon Runner-up: San Diego Jets
A thrilling contest from start to finish, Poseidon secured the title with a 4-3 win over the Jets.
Varsity/16U AA Champion: West Coast Hawks Runner-up: SD Selects
Regulation time wasn’t enough for these two teams, but Magnus Balakrishan won it in the shootout, giving the Hawks a 4-3 victory over the SD Selects to claim the title.
This battle of the Monarchy teams went to the Force as they beat the Stealth by an 8-2 score to win it all.
14U Competitive South Champion: NOSOLO Runner-up: Friars
NOSOLO was firing on all cylinders, taking home the title with a 6-1 win over the Friars.
14U Competitive North Champion: Monarchy Chrome Runner-up: Pasadena Maple Leafs
Monarchy put up the offense and the back end held firm, leading the squad to a 5-0 win over Pasadena for the championship.
Varsity North Champion: West Coast Hawks Runner-up: Epicenter Hockey
Another tight game saw the Hawks hang on to win the title with a 3-1 win over Epicenter.
Varsity South Champion: SD Selects Runner-up: SoCal Rays
The Selects captured the championship, downing the Rays 5-2.
The next IE event is the SoCal Meltdown, scheduled for July 5-7. For more information and to register for future events, visit www.iehockeytournaments.com.
See photos from the event at CARubberHockey.com!
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Colorado Springs product, Rampage grad Sykes takes next step, commits to NCAA Division III UMass Dartmouth
Spencer Sykes enjoyed playing junior hockey in Massachusetts that he will stay there for college hockey.
The Colorado Springs native recently committed to NCAA Division III UMass Dartmouth after two seasons with the EHL’s Boston Jr. Rangers.
“The coaching staff at UMass Dartmouth saw me at a showcase and invited me to visit the college,” Sykes said. “After a day on campus, I felt it was the right fit for me and they offered me a spot. UMass Dartmouth intrigued me because their NCAA hockey program is top notch. I toured UMass Dartmouth in November of 2023 and fell in love with the campus along with the fact that they are ranked among the top business schools in the U.S.
“Academics have always been a priority for me since I was a kid. My parents made sure I was giving my
full effort in school if I wanted to continue to play competitive hockey. Balancing both has really helped me in all aspects of life, especially in school, and has helped me become a better student-athlete.”
Sykes will major in Business Finance at UMass Dartmouth.
“Spencer has been a great player and teammate for us these last two seasons,” said Rangers head coach and general manager Rich DeCaprio.
“He’s a big part of the success we have had as a team. He’s really grown into a college player here and it’s been great to watch him develop. He has first-class speed, and with his size and puck skills, he will really flourish at the next level. We are very happy for Spence and can’t wait to watch him at the NCAA level.”
Sykes started playing hockey in Monument when he was four years old.
More at CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net
Spencer Sykes used a solid 2023-24 EHL season to move on to play NCAA D-III hockey for the upcoming 2024-25 season Photo/Dan Hickling/ Hickling Images
Junior hockey across the border in KIJHL just the ticket for Broomfield native, Hyland Hills, Thunderbirds alum Sellers
Deegan Sellers has been enamored with the Canadian style of the game of hockey and next season, the Broomfield native will get to experience the junior hockey side of the game with the KIJHL’s Nelson Leafs.
The KIJHL is a league based in Western Canada, and Sellers is excited to get started with Nelson.
“A Nelson scout contacted my Colorado Thunderbirds head coach Philip Patenaude and I was then asked to attend their spring camp,” said Sellers. “The KIJHL moves kids to the BCHL. I feel it’s a good place for my first year of juniors to gain experience with Canadian hockey. I am looking forward to playing and learning hockey in the Canadian world of hockey.
“I expect it to be a little faster, and I’m ready to make that adjustment by
Deegan Sellers skated for the Colorado Thunderbirds’ 18U AAA team during the 2023-24 season. Photo/Jill P. Mott
doing more off ice and on the ice. I feel if I just play my game and trust my skill set and the way I’ve been tough to play against, I can have an impact quickly.”
Sellers got his kickstart in the game early on and his passion has grown ever since.
“I grew up playing for the Hyland Hills Hockey Association and then the Colorado Thunderbirds,” said Sellers, who also played two seasons of High Plains spring hockey. “I got started in hockey because of my grandfather who was a founding coowner of the Colorado Eagles when they were a CHL/ECHL team.” More at
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CORubberHockey.com
& ColoradoHockey.net
Scottsdale native, Jr. Coyotes, NDP alum Hordichuk signs agreement with
The Regina Pats have signed 2009born forward Braden Hordichuk to a Western Hockey League scholarship and development agreement.
Hordichuk was drafted by the Pats with the first-overall pick of the 2024 U.S. Priority Draft.
The Scottsdale product tallied 32 points (20 goals, 12 assists) in 37 games in 2023-24 with the Jr. Coyotes’ 14U AAA team, finishing second on his club in points and goals. He posted 37 points (27 goals, 10 assists) with Notre Dame Prep (AHSHA) in the 2022-23 season, once again leading his team in points and goals.
“Hordichuk projects as a power forward in the WHL,” said Regina GM Alan Millar. “Pats fans can expect a very hard working, competi-
Braden Hordichuk recently signed to play junior hockey for the WHL’s Regina Pats. Photo/Regina Pats
WHL’s
Pats
tive player in Braden, with offensive upside in his game.”
Hordichuk has roots to Saskatchewan as his father Darcy hails from Kamsack, Sask., playing his 18U AAA hockey with the Yorkton Mallers in 1996-97. Darcy then played in the WHL with the Calgary Hitmen and Saskatoon Blades from 1998-2000 and was later drafted by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2000.
CAHA president, Clovis native Hancock named USA Hockey’s John Beadle Adult Member of the Year
USA Hockey honored 12 deserving individuals at its President’s Awards Dinner on June 7 at the Denver Marriott Tech Center as part of its fourday Annual Meeting that begins on June 5.
Among the winners is Tom Hancock, named the John Beadle Adult Member of the Year.
Hancock exemplifies what dedication and leadership looks like in the adult hockey community throughout the state of California.
As the president of the California Amateur Hockey Association, Hancock has advocated for the advancement of adult hockey in the Golden State and has shown a proven commitment to growing the game at all levels.
An active member of USA Hockey’s Adult Council, the Clovis native has proactively engaged adult players and teams across the state resulting
in the exponential growth of CAHA’s adult leagues.
Amongst his most successful and innovative initiatives has been the resurgence of the annual CAHA Adult Hockey State Tournament, which has seen unprecedented success in the years since the pandemic. From inception to puck drop Hancock has spearheaded remarkable participation levels from teams around the state. In light of the event’s success, CAHA was able to start to organize two tournaments in the state each season, one for northern California and one for southern California, both in partnership with the area’s local NHL team.
To keep pace with the increased level of adult participation throughout the state, Hancock helped implement beneficial oversight that assists teams and leagues around the state to compete at a standard that is consistent at every level.
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Tom Hancock
at CARubberHockey.com
More
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Arvada, Centaurus, Ralston Valley high school alum Henry moving up to USPHL’s Fighting Elk for ‘24-25 season
Jadon Henry enjoyed a successful high school hockey career in Colorado, and the Arvada native will continue on with junior hockey next season in his home state with the new Colorado Fighting Elk franchise in the USPHL.
“The opportunity was actually presented to me by Anderson Stark (the first player signed by the Fighting Elk),” said Henry. “He ended up giving me some contact info and I was lucky enough to reach the coaching staff. I’m incredibly honored to be one of the first few to be signed.
“The USPHL has always been very cool to me. It all tied in when my best friend Ethan Blackburn signed with the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings a while back. I’m looking forward to the team building and being in a new environment, not to mention to see a jump in skill. All of it is exciting.”
Jadon Henry excelled in the Colorado high school ranks. Photo/ Teagan Herbers
Henry noted that he plans to make noise next season and get noticed on a daily basis.
“I expect to be an impact player this year by adjusting my game,” Henry said. “I will always be the first and last guy on the ice and I’ll never give up, even if things get tough.”
Prior to making the jump to junior hockey, Henry progressed up the ranks in Colorado.
“I’ve always been rooted in the Arvada program,” said Henry. “I played with the same group up until freshman year where I played for Centaurus High School. It was tough, but it made me a great athlete. I recently finished up at Ralston Valley High School in Arvada. My sophomore year coach Johnathan Docherty really stood out to me because of his drive and no quit in any of his players.
After five seasons of Colorado youth hockey, Wyoming native Salmans heading home to play for NCDC’s Warbirds
Joey Salmans started playing hockey in Wyoming before leaving for Colorado prior to the 2019-20 season.
Earlier this offseason, Salmans decided to head back home, signing to play for the NCDC’s Casper Warbirds near his hometown of Laramie.
“The coach (Jacob Smulevitch) watched me play throughout last season and has been interested in having me play for him,” said Salmans. “Playing in my home state close to my hometown at a rink that I grew up playing in was a big reason for going there and also playing for a coach who cares about the players.”
In Colorado, Salmans played for the NoCo Jr. Eagles in 2019-20, then the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders from 2020-22 and Colorado Thunderbirds from 2022-24.
“This last season was an amazing environment with a great group of
Joey Salmans’ strong 2023-24 season with the Colorado Thunderbirds led to an NCDC opportunity for next season. Photo/ Abby Salmans
guys who all bought in to the process,” Salmans said. “Success was not measured by wins and losses last year. We grew as a group and I developed a ton of hockey IQ and leadership skills throughout the season.
“I’ll always remember the great group of guys that I have had the opportunity to play with each year that helped each other to achieve their goals.”
Growing up, Salmans said hockey became his passion early on and that he’s grown to love the game more and more each season.
“I have always looked up to my older brother as a role model,” Salmans said. “Watching my brother play in Laramie and enjoy the sport encouraged me to want to play as well.”
More at CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net
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Bobcats, Jr. Coyotes alum, Phoenix native McBride commits to new NCAA D-III Keene State program
Sean McBride, a defenseman for the EHL’s Railers Jr. Hockey Club, has committed to NCAA Division III Keene State College for the fall of 2024.
Keene State will ice its first men’s hockey program starting with the 2024-25 season.
The ’03 native of Phoenix joined the Railers in October of the 202223 season, scoring a goal in just his second game with the team. This past year, he matched his first year total of 14 points, while also adding four more points to his credit in the postseason, including a goal in the championship game.
“I wasn’t too stressed going into the season,” said McBride. “Coach (Sean) Bertoni is great with committing players and I was just focused on getting better. I knew if the team was winning we’d have a lot of commitments and we did.”
Bertoni went on to attest McBride’s statement, as well as speak to the player that the defenseman had become during his time in the EHL.
“Sean is a high-end skater, with a great ability to move the puck with
McBride enjoyed a solid
EHL’s Railers
his feet and always hit his outlets,” said Bertoni. “Sean could make something out of nothing. He’s a very confident player with good vision and plays the game the right way. He’s a fierce competitor. Sean provided veteran leadership on and off the ice, and he was a very underrated defenseman in the EHL, doing all the little things with perfection. We are happy Sean will be attending Keene State.”
McBride went on to talk about the experience he gained while working with the Railers’ coaching staff.
“I definitely benefited from the hands-on coaching with the Railers,” McBride explained. “When you did something wrong or right, you never had to guess. You knew or you were told. I think my decision making and hockey sense came a long way here.”
McBride joins a growing list of Railers who will be Owls come the new season. Bertoni informed McBride that Keene expressed interest and McBride considered it a good match.
Boulder native Wallace making jump to NCAA D-I hockey with commitment to St. Cloud State
Ocean Wallace found his niche in junior hockey with the NAHL’s Austin Bruins.
After three seasons with the Bruins, the Boulder native will head to college hockey in 2024-25, recently committing to NCAA Division I St. Cloud State.
“I am very proud to announce my commitment to play Division I college hockey and further my academics at St. Cloud State University,” said Wallace. “Huge thanks to my teammates, coaches, friends and most of all my family for the continued support up to this point in my career.” Wallace joined the Bruins early in the 2021-22 campaign. In 43 games as an 18-year-old rookie, Wallace put
up eight goals and 12 assists for 20 points in 43 regular-season games. This season, Wallace brought his offensive production to another level. In 59 regular-season games, Wallace tallied 21 goals and 44 points.
In February, Wallace was selected to participate in the 2024 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament. There, he represented Team Central and tallied a pair of points in two games.
Wallace also skated in 91 regularseason games in the USHL for the Lincoln Stars and Youngstown Phantoms.
Back home during his youth hockey days, Wallace played for the Boulder Hockey Club and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.
Photo/NAHL
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Sean
2023-24 junior hockey season with the
Jr. Hockey Club. Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
More at AZRubberHockey.com
Ocean Wallace had a stellar ‘23-24 season with the NAHL’s Austin Bruins.
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