Longtime AHU staffer Yubeta a valuable asset to Arizona hockey community
Melissa Yubeta has been involved behind the scenes with Arizona hockey since 2010 and has been enamored with the game even longer.
Needless to say, Yubeta is a familiar face in the desert when it comes to hockey in the Valley.
And a valuable and important person when it comes to the continued hockey boom happening in Arizona for the last 20-plus years. Ask Yubeta, though, and she’ll say what she does is all for the love of the game.
“I joined Arizona Hockey Clubs in 2010 when my son Luke played for the Arizona Heat out of the Gibert rink as a Mite,” said Yubeta. “The following season is when AHC merged the Chandler Polar Bears and Gilbert Arizona Heat, forming the Arizona Hockey Union and becoming the Knights. I love to get involved and help and when Luke’s AZ Heat team asked if anyone was interested in being the team manager, I volunteered. I am now entering my 15th season as a team manager for AHU.”
After Luke aged out of youth hockey, he played two seasons of
junior hockey in the Eastern Hockey League and is entering his sophomore season of NCAA Division III hockey this fall at Framingham State University.
Hockey is a family affair in the Yubeta household, too. Melissa’s husband Jeremy was an assistant coach with Luke’s AHU teams from 2012-20 and has been coaching with Desert Vista High School ever since.
Many individuals may leave an
organization once their children are finished playing, but not Melissa Yubeta.
“I have always loved hockey,” she said. “I grew up watching my uncle play for the University of Arizona. My nephew started playing hockey out of Tucson from the age of five until he was 14. They played in the youth league in Phoenix and I would go to all of his games and even travel with him and my sister to all his
tournaments. I loved youth hockey and once I had Luke, I couldn’t wait for him to be old enough to play. He was eight weeks old when I took him to his first youth hockey game at the Chandler rink. Luke grew up running around the rinks watching his cousin play and fell in love with hockey just like his mom.
“Honestly, hockey is my favorite way to spend my free time. Being as involved with AHU as I have been over the years, I just couldn’t see myself not being a part of the AHU family even after Luke aged out. I have worked hard for AHU over the years and have loved every minute of it. It is fun still being a team manager even though I don’t have a kid on the team. Volunteering and helping in all the roles I have makes me happy and keeps me busy not leaving me much time to miss Luke too much while he has been out in Massachusetts these past three years playing junior and now college. Luke even helps out during the offseason and summers with AHU skills and coaching AHU teams.”
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Melissa, Luke, and Jeremy Yubeta bond on the ice as a hockey family.
RUBBER HOCKEY
Centennial native May takes next step, commits to NCAA Division III William Smith for upcoming ‘24-25 season
Natalie May is rarely off the ice.
After developing her game in the Colorado youth hockey ranks, the Centennial native subsequently advanced to the Mid Fairfield/Gunnery hockey team where her game took an uptick to the point where she’ll head to Geneva, N.Y., to play NCAA Division III hockey for William Smith College, part of Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
“I went to a lot of showcases and camps over the last few years and eventually, I got in contact with Matt Cunningham and Kaylee Harnen who were very helpful and amazing throughout the whole process,” said May. “They attended my games and got to see who I am as a player, whether it was at showcases, camps, or games with my team. We emailed and talked before jumping on the
Natalie May played for the Mid Fairfield/Gunnery hockey team in 2023-24.
Photo/Shawn Toffolo
phone with them a few times. Eventually, I went out to the campus a couple times and received an offer at the beginning of my senior year which I later accepted in April.”
Off the ice, May is excited to take the next step in her academic career.
“Hobart has really good academics which is important to me as I want to be a dentist or oral surgeon in the future,” said May. “With Hobart’s wonderful academics, they have an 80%-plus acceptance rate into medical/dental school. The hockey team seemed very welcoming and sweet the second I met them. I knew it was somewhere where I would feel supported and encouraged. Not only was the culture great on the team, but everyone seemed to work really hard and the team was very respectable and competitive with other teams.”
After five seasons with WHL’s Winterhawks, Highlands Ranch native O’Brien inks ECHL deal with Heartlanders
Jack O’Brien made an impact over his five seasons playing junior hockey with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks.
Now, it’s onward and upward for the Highlands Ranch native, who signed his first pro contract last week with the ECHL’s Iowa Heartlanders.
The Heartlanders are the ECHL affiliates of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild.
Undrafted, O’Brien represented the Winterhawks as an alternate captain each of the last two seasons as he helped Portland win two U.S. Division titles and a Western Conference championship during his time with the club.
O’Brien was named a co-recipient of the 2023-24 Winterhawks Award, presented annually to the player(s) who best exemplify character, leadership, heart and soul.
He scored 63 goals and 131 assists in 255 career regular-season games. He became the 34th Winterhawk alltime to dress in 250 games and his 194 points are the eighth-most in Winterhawks history among U.S.-born skaters.
The two-way centreman also recorded 25 points in 38 career WHL playoff contests, including 11 this past spring en route to the 2024 WHL Championship Series.
O’Brien originally signed with Portland in November 2018 following his first Winterhawks Neely Cup training camp and broke into the league as a 16-year-old during the 2019-20 season. He won an unprecedented four Neely Cup championships during his time in Portland.
In 2021, O’Brien skated at the Colorado Avalanche Development Camp.
Jack O’Brien played five seasons in the WHL for the Portland Winterhawks and will start his professional career in 2024-25 with the ECHL’s Iowa Heartlanders. Photo/Keith Dwiggins
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Words from the publisher...
It is here, the calm before the storm.
How did we get to August?
All that means is that we’re closer to the start of the 2024-25 hockey season than we are to the end of the 2023-24 hockey season.
And that’s great news!
In the “More Great News” category, three California natives were recently selected to represent USA Hockey in international play.
First, Irvine’s Noah Davidson and Costa Mesa’s Odin Vaukhonen were named to the U.S. Under-17 Select
Team that will play at the Under-17 Five Nations Cup Aug. 14-18 in Piestany, Slovakia.
Matt Mackinder
And then Manhattan Beach’s Morgan Stickney was named to the U.S. Under-18 Select Women’s Team that will play Canada in a threegame series Aug. 14, 15 and 17 in St. Catharines, Ont. Stick taps to all three of you! Bring home the gold! Looking back on the past few months, I think we have
all had that much-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the hockey season that generally seems like a blur from about Labor
Day weekend to late March. Now, it’s time again for those early-morning practices, car rides to tournaments, and the smell of coffee and fresh ice at the rink. And with a new season comes new stories to tell, and each season we hear about more and more that’s
fit to put in these pages.
So let’s hear from you. Let us know about a feel-good story you’d like to see in Rubber Hockey. We’re always up for a reason to have hockey make us smile or brighten up a dreary Monday morning. Keep up the support, too.
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 pages and online. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Join the Ice Realm Community: Gear Up and Get On the Ice!
Ice Realm is excited to offer its new lineup of programming.
Hockey Gear Drive
Got extra gear lying around? Donate it to our Hockey Gear Drive! We’re collecting gently used equipment to help aspiring players who need a little extra support to get started. It’s a great way to give back to the community and help everyone experience the joy of hockey. Drop off your gear at Ice Realm, and while you’re here, check out our upcoming programs!
Learn to Play Hockey 101
Always wanted to play hockey but didn’t know where to start? Our Hockey 101 classes are perfect for beginners of all ages. We’ll cover the basics, from skating to stickhandling, and give you the confidence to join a game. No experience is necessary— just bring your enthusiasm
and get ready to have fun on the ice!
First Steps: Try Skating for Free
Never been on skates before? No problem! Our “First Steps” program offers free learn-to-skate classes for beginners. We’ll teach you the fundamentals of skating in a supportive and fun environment. Whether you’re looking to play hockey or just want to glide on the ice, this is the perfect
Figure Skating & Learn to Skate
We offer a detailed program focusing on grassroots skating fundamentals with a “Skating Road Map” designed to guide skaters through their journey from beginners to advanced levels. This comprehensive roadmap ensures each skater develops strong foundational skills and progresses through clearly defined milestones,
fostering confidence and competence on the ice.
Adult Leagues are currently in session: Compete
& Have Fun
For those who already have some experience, our Adult League is the perfect place to enjoy the competitive spirit of hockey in a friendly environment. Meet new people, stay active, and enjoy the thrill of the game with players of similar skill levels.
Adult Learn to Skate & Rookie Hockey
Are you an adult who’s always wanted to learn to skate or play hockey? Our Adult Learn to Skate and Rookie Hockey programs are tailored specifically for you. We start with the basics, helping you develop the skills needed to confidently step onto the ice. Once you’re comfortable, join our Rookie Hockey program, where you can put your new
skills to the test in a supportive, low-pressure setting.
Why Ice Realm?
At Ice Realm, we believe that hockey is for everyone. Our programs are designed to make the sport accessible and enjoyable for all ages and skill levels. Our welcoming community will ensure you feel right at home, whether it’s your first time on the ice or you’re a seasoned player looking to improve.
Get Started Today!
Don’t wait—gear up and join the Ice Realm family! Whether you’re donating gear, learning to skate, or joining our adult league, there’s a place for you here. Visit our website or stop by the rink to learn more and sign up for our programs.
Ice Realm Where Skating Dreams Begin
For Wheat Ridge’s Boettiger, commitment to defending national champion DU ‘right for me’
Being from Colorado, Harrison Boettiger has always known about the tradition of college hockey at Denver.
Starting with the 2025-26 season, the Wheat Ridge native will suit up for the Pioneers.
“I actually accelerated a year, so I went from being a sophomore to a junior very suddenly and DU found out that had happened and reached out to me,” Boettiger said. “We kept talking for months until I knew DU was right for me. The hockey speaks for itself10 national championships, the most of any program in college hockey. It is the best place you can be as a hockey player because you can develop at a high rate and win hockey games. I’ve heard great things about the academics and it is a prestigious hockey university.”
Boettiger expects to excel on and off the ice at DU.
“Academics have always been important to my family and I,” said Boettiger. “Hockey ends for everybody, so it is huge to have a backup plan when that day comes. I am pretty sure I will be majoring in business, which greatly interests me.”
Last season, Boettiger played for the U.S. National Team Development Program in Plymouth, Mich., and will do so again this coming season.
Harrison Boettiger is entering his second season with the Plymouth, MIch.-based NTDP in ‘24-25. Photo/Rena Laverty/USA Hockey’s NTDP
Twin talents, part 1: Summit grad, Breckenridge native Jackson Weir signs with NA3HL’s Mountain Kings
For Jackson Weir, it was all about comfort and having confidence in trusting the process.
Next season, the Breckenridge native will play junior hockey with the NA3HL’s New Hampshire Mountain Kings, a situation he said checked all the boxes.
“I started looking for opportunities to continue playing hockey after high school,” said Weir. “I reached out to one of my old coaches, Nick Turcotte. Coach Nick introduced me to a couple of junior coaches, and I had a few calls with those coaches who asked me to come out and skate with their teams. I also started looking at locations I wanted to live in to see if they had junior teams in the area. In February, I took a trip back east to see family and we set up skates with a couple of teams I was interested in. My favorite team was the Moun-
Jackson Weir excelled with Summit High School in ‘23-24. Photo provided
tain Kings. I skated with them for two hours and did an off-ice workout with them. My new coach Clint Cas-
savaugh offered me a tender right on the spot.
Weir will be joined on the team by
his twin brother Luke.
“I skated with a couple of teams that weekend, but the Mountain Kings really stood out for me,” Weir said. “The play was fast-paced and fun. The players were friendly and supportive. It felt like a good team atmosphere. I also really liked Coach Clint. He was intense on the ice, you knew where you stood, but was friendly and easy to talk to off the ice. I am really looking forward to moving to New Hampshire and living on my own. I am familiar with New Hampshire as I have family there and have spent many summers visiting them over the years.”
Pine Creek graduate Hunter signs with NA3HL’s Irish to continue development at junior hockey level
Once Logan Hunter finished his final season of high school hockey in the spring with Pine Creek, he had a choice to make regarding next season.
After weighing all his options, the Colorado Springs native decided to head to Montana to play junior hockey with the NA3HL’s Butte Irish.
“I had multiple opportunities that had potential, but then my (Front Range Rangers spring hockey) coach Josh Cronk connected me with Coach (Marc) Brodeur and I really liked his approach to the game,” said Hunter. “He is a definite players coach, and I like that in a coach.
“I have the opportunity to come in to a junior team and battle to get the No. 1 spot and play a lot of games while being able to play in a very competitive division. Hopefully, this gives me the opportunity to advance to the NAHL to continue my advancement in hockey.”
The 2023-24 season for Pine Creek
Logan Hunter tends the pipes for Pine Creek last season.
Photo/Justin Crosby
was one that saw Hunter improve his skills in net and his leadership, on and off the ice.
“The team was decent, but the level of compete was not the same throughout the team,” Hunter said. “On a personal level, it was good since I was a captain on the team. I was involved with almost everything and connected with my underclassmen well. This gave me the chance to lead the team, which is rare as a goalie.”
Overall, Hunter finished with a 5-5-0 record with a 2.14 goalsagainst average and a .934 save percentage.
It’s those numbers and intangibles that will see him advance to the next level.
Two years with Thunderbirds boost Pankey to junior hockey opportunity with KIJHL’s Braves
As a native of Spokane, Wash., Bronson Pankey left his home state to play two years of AAA hockey with the Colorado Thunderbirds.
Now, Pankey is heading back home to the Evergreen State to play junior hockey with the KIJHL’s Spokane Braves.
“Being from Spokane, I’ve always been interested in playing for the Braves,” Pankey said. “Playing for my hometown team is what appealed to me the most, and I believe we have one of the best coaching staffs in the country.”
Last season, Pankey was sidelined with a severe concussion, wondering if his time on the ice would continue.
“I worked hard behind the scenes to continue my playing career,” said Pankey. “I moved away from home
when I was 14 to play for the Thunderbirds. I’m thankful for Coach (Adam) Shaner (also a former player with the Braves) for giving me an opportunity. Playing in Colorado was the best two years of my life. I had awesome billet families and awesome teammates both years.
“I was four when I started playing hockey. My dad had the biggest influence on me. Being from Spokane, the state of Washington wasn’t a big hockey state, but it is growing with the addition of the Kraken.”
Looking ahead, Pankey has reasonable goals in mind when it comes to hockey.
“I want to continue my playing career as long as possible and, hopefully, play college hockey one day,” Pankey said.
COLORADOHOCKEY.NET
Bronson Pankey spent two seasons with the Colorado Thunderbirds.
Photo provided
Carbondale native, Grit alum Jacober heading to college hockey with NCAA D-III Augsburg
After a season playing for the NAHL’s Colorado Grit, Wilder Jacober is on the move to college hockey.
Recently, the Carbondale native committed to NCAA Division III Augsburg University, a MIAC school located in Minneapolis, Minn.
“The opportunity to commit to Augsburg after the season playing for the Colorado Grit,” Jacober said. “After researching and talking to many schools throughout and the season and after, I had my sights set on Augsburg. After reaching out and speaking to Coach Hendrickson and doing some research on the team, it looked like a great organization and school with a bright future.
“The culture at Augsburg is all about hard work and progression, getting better every day with the goal of winning a championship. And with a the great roster they have built over the years, I think it’s extremely realistic. It was exactly what I was looking for in the hockey side of things and for school, it seemed like a great fit being a smaller school. I always appreciate a smaller class size with more resources for each student and the best chance for success.”
Jacober said that getting back into the swing of school will pay off in the long run.
“Academics have definitely been a priority for me throughout the years,” said Jacober. “I don’t always love going to school and doing homework as most people can agree, but the opportunity is priceless. To be able to play the best sport as well as pursue higher education is something that isn’t an option for many people. I am hoping to study graphic design and/or new media working with technology, social media, and communications.”
Last season with the Grit “made a huge difference on the level my game is at,” Jacober said.
“Being an older guy on the team helped me step out of my comfort zone and become a leader, in this case, leading by example,” he said. “Although production isn’t every-
thing in hockey, it’s a huge part of playing at a high level. The Grit took my production to the next level. I fell short of what I would have wanted or expected in the points category but in terms of producing beyond goals or assists, my game grew a ton. Playing a better 200-foot game and being a player that can push the pace and intensity of the game has prepared me for the next level.”
As for what to expect next season, Jacober said it’s all about effort.
“I never like to set expectations of where I play in the lineup,” said Jacober. “Instead, I like to have expectations of how much I can earn through hard work and consistency. MGrowing up, Jacober skated his first several years with Aspen Junior Hockey before making the jump to AAA hockey with the Colorado Rampage, where he played the rest of his years before heading to the USPHL’s Provo Predators for the 2022-23 season.
Wilder Jacober spent the 2023-24 season in the NAHL with the Colorado Grit. Photo/NAHL
