Chandler native, longtime AHU standout Yubeta utilizes EHL for NCAA D-III college hockey commitment out east

BY MATT MACKINDER

Luke Yubeta skated two seasons in the EHL and figured he’d be hanging up his skates after the 2022-23 season.

Then oportunity came knocking in the form of NCAA Division III Framingham State University, the school the Chandler native will head to in the fall.

“I was contacted by coach Mike Bailey kind of unexpectedly,” Yubeta said. “At the time, I actually was not planning on playing next season. We talked through the details, I discussed it with my family, and I committed the same day. The whole process happened pretty fast. I played my junior hockey in Massachusetts, so I was pretty familiar with the area. Framingham allowed me to pursue what I wanted to do in school while continuing my playing career, as well as my officiating career at a high level as I have begun to establish myself in that part of the hockey world as well.”

In 2021-22, Yubeta won an EHL Premier championship with the Boston Jr. Rangers and then advanced to the EHL ranks this past season, skating for the Valley Jr. Warriors.

“Playing in the EHL gave me the opportunity to play against highly skilled players and give me exposure to college coaches,” said Yubeta.

“I was pushed to elevate my game in the EHL to succeed which in turn gave me college opportunities. School has always been important to me. I took pride in graduating with honors in high school (from Chandler High School in 2021) and I intend to continue my academic success.”

Once he arrives on campus at Framingham State, Yubeta said he intends to major in Finance.

Getting to this point in his career was no easy task, and Yubeta said he couldn’t have done it alone.

“I’ve thanked so many people that I’ve lost count,” Yubeta said. “I thanked as many of my former teammates as I could, my coach at AHU (Jason Evahnenko), my coach at the Jr. Coyotes (Dave Ellett), my Boston

Rangers coaches (Michael Grace and Derick Paxton), my Valley Jr. Warriors coaches (Ryan McGrath and Michael Clougherty), and, of course, my parents (Jeremy and Melissa Yubeta). I wouldn’t have had any of my success in my hockey career without my parents. I owe the world to them.”

Growing up, Yubeta played from Mites through 18U with the Arizona Hockey Union, and also spent time with the Jr. Coyotes and playing AHSHA high school hockey for Basha/ Perry.

“AHU gave me so many opportunities to develop in my youth career,” beamed Yubeta. “I’m proud to say that I’m now able to give back to the organization as a coach at their spring skills sessions.”

Going forward, Yubeta is elated to see what the future brings.

“I plan for college hockey to be the end of my playing career,” he said. “It’s a far as I wish to go in that aspect of the game and I’m happy to say I’ve done everything I’ve set out to do. Post college, I plan to stay involved with the game through officiating.

“I want to officiate at high levels as well as work locally with the AHRA to improve officiating opportunities within the state of Arizona.”

Lone season with Rampage lifts Muhlfeld to junior hockey opportunity with BCHL’s Capitals

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Jack Muhlfeld grew up in Montana and spent the 2022-23 season with the Colorado Rampage 16U AAA team.

Next season, Muhlfeld will make the jump to junior hockey with the BCHL’s Cowichan Capitals.

“I was scouted by Cowichan and asked to attend their identification camp in BC last month,” said Muhlfeld. “I grew up in Whitefish, Montana, which is an hour from the Canadian border. My dad played hockey growing up and got me interested in the sport and coached me through Pee Wees.

“My goal has been to play in the BCHL because it’s a fast, skilled league that advances players to Division I NCAA college hockey, which is my goal.”

Muhlfeld said his time with the Rampage was a turning point in his career.

“The Rampage has an amazing coaching staff, training opportunities, and a great reputation for developing players and advancing them to the next level,” Muhlfeld said. “I played in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League and my coach Pat Bingham worked with me throughout the year to improve my skills, hockey IQ, and physicality that I would need for the next step playing junior hockey. He pushed me throughout the entire season and taught me how to be a 200-foot player. He played a huge part getting me prepared to play at the next level.”

Looking ahead, Muhlfeld has his eye on attainable goals.

“My short-term goal in hockey is to be a top player in the BCHL,” said Muhlfeld. “My long-term goal is to play Division I NCAA college hockey. From there, I’d love to make a career professionally playing hockey. For school, I want to attend a university and play hockey while getting a degree in something that interests me for my career.”