Westminster facility reopened, rebranding to Ice Realm Westminster with long-term plans in works
In an exciting development for the Westminster community, Westminster Ice Arena will keep its doors open. Earlier this offseason, the Ice Realm announced the reopening of Westminster Ice Arena, located at 13071 Springdale Street, and its commitment to ensuring that the heart of local ice sports in Westminster continues to beat strong.
This decision comes as a result of collaborative efforts between the Ice Realm, also the current ownership group of Icetown Carlsbad and the Jr. Reign Youth Hockey Club, the Anaheim Ducks organization, and the building ownership, all of whom have prioritized the local community. Rick Hutchinson, a longtime member of the Ducks organization, joined Ice Realm as its executive vice president this summer and is excited to move forward with the growth of the two rinks and the Jr Reign Youth Hockey club, grassroots hockey and bring back skating to the community. Known fondly in the hockey community as “Hutch,” Rick was recently named to USA Hockey’s board of directors as a Pacific District representative and will be directly
involved in efforts to grow hockey across the nation.
“We will soon be transitioning our Ice Realm brand to both Westminster and Icetown Carlsbad,” explained Hutchinson. “That’s exciting news to have two facilities. At Westminster, we’ve been doing a lot of rehab and repairs and preparing the building for the community.
“We also launched our adult leagues, Youth Hockey 101, learn to skate, and skating school programs, including our ‘First Steps’ try skating for FREE introductory program.” Jr. Reign club hockey teams will call Carlsbad, Westminster and Icetown Riverside home, while the Ontario Jr. Reign and San Diego Sabers USPHL Premier junior hockey teams will continue to be part of the hockey development path at Ice Realm, along with high school hockey programs including St. John Bosco, Carlsbad United, Mater Dei, Pacific Ridge, the Frontier Selects, and others.
Photos/Clarity Experiences
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Aurora native Beaudette says commitment to NCAA D-I powerhouse Wisconsin ‘the best fit for me’
Shayla Beaudette said it was always a dream of hers to play NCAA Division I hockey “at the highest level.”
That dream came closer to reality recently when the Aurora native committed to perennial national powerhouse Wisconsin, where she’ll start as a freshman in the fall of 2026.
“When I had the opportunity to talk to the coaches and visit Wisconsin, I knew it was the best fit for me,” said Beaudette. “Wisconsin is a great school that I know will set me up academically. They have unbelievable resources and are also consistently one of the best teams in the league.
“I very much value academics and I know Wisconsin will support that and help me continue to learn and grow. I am looking forward to learning more of what interests me
academically the next couple years to determine what I may want to study and pursue in the future.”
The Badgers have won seven national championships, the last one coming in 2023, and have four runnerup finishes, including the latest in 2024.
Back home, hockey was part of the family routine for Beaudette.
“My dad played hockey growing up as a kid and introduced it to my brother at a young age,” Beaudette said. “I’ve grown up in Aurora, and the nearest rink is Family Sports Center. I always remember how I used to run around the rink while either my brother practiced or my dad played his men’s league games. I eventually started skating then wanted to play hockey, and I immediately fell in love.”
Shayla Beaudette is honing her skills with the Bishop Kearney Selects. Photo provided
Colorado youth hockey grad Pashley finds right fit, signs with USPHL’s Fighting Elk for 2024-25 season
Josh Pashley sees things through a realistic lens.
And the Thousand Oaks, Calif., native now living in Castle Rock is thrilled with what he sees with the USPHL’s Colorado Fighting Elk, a team he recently signed with for the 2024-25 season.
“The opportunity arose when I was finished at a main camp in Utah and I decided it might just be best to look closer to home, so I reached out to the Fighting Elk,” Pashley said. “What appeals to me about the team is the inaugural season and all the high-level coaching this team has. What appeals to me about the USPHL is the area and levels that you have to grow and learn about the game and the chance to play collegiate hockey.
“I look forward to growing as a hockey player and a person off the ice and learning what it is like to play at a high, competitive level. I expect to adjust quick and learn what it is
Photo/Sam Beveridge
like to play at the high level the USPHL has to offer.”
Growing up, Pashley’s love for the game began in his home state.
“I got started at age seven with ‘Try Hockey for Free’ and I loved the game ever since stepping on the ice,” said Pashley. “The Avs were a favorite team of mine and they always played a role in the love I had for the game. I have always been a Kings fan, though. They helped grow the love for the game when I was young and they had won their two Stanley Cups.”
Once Pashley started developing his game, there was no looking back. He played for the Colorado Rampage, MHA, Littleton Hawks and Castle View High School.
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Josh Pashley grew up playing for the Colorado Rampage, MHA, Littleton Hawks and Castle View High School.
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Words from the publisher...
The summer months are long gone and it’s officially hockey season!
Boy, isn’t that music to your ears?
And while the summer was chock-full of players moving on to higher levels, we also had two coaches with Colorado connections move up as Pat Bingham, Colorado Rampage president and coach, was named head coach for the NCAA Division I women’s hockey team at Post University, and former Colorado women’s coach Kevin Dessart was tabbed a new assistant coach for the D-I women’s team at the Uni-
versity of Vermont. Congratulations to both!
Matt Mackinder
With the season here, that also means that it’s another season for Rubber Hockey!
When we first started in 2006, we had ambitions to be where we are today, and here we are!
Yes, the pandemic threw a major wrench in our plans, but we adjusted our strategy and what you see today is the result of those adjust-
ments.
Hockey goes on, and so does Rubber.
We are always looking for more stories to tell and for
more teams/associations to join with us as publishing/ advertising partners. With Rubber being 100% digital/online these days, the opportunities to showcase your teams and associations are easier than ever.
We’d love to hear from you!
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.
I believe hockey is the sport that has the most unique stories to share and with hockey continuing to grow in our readership areas, that only means there is more to tell, more to share with the hockey community.
So what are you waiting for, eh?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Dozen teams bring home championships from IE Sun & Surf Labor Day Tournament
The Inland Empire Tournament Series’ Sun & Surf Labor Day Tournament was held over the Aug. 30-Sept. 2 weekend at Ontario Center Ice and LA Kings Icetown Riverside.
A total of 12 teams brought home banners at the conclusion of the thrilling, competitive weekend in Southern California.
8U B North
Champion: Ventura Mariners
Runner-up: Jr. Reign
The Mariners had the offense going, downing the Jr. Reign 8-1 to bring home the championship banner.
8U B South
Champion: Ventura Mariners
Runner-up: LA Jr. Kings
The Mariners again found their scoring touch, beating the Jr. Kings 7-2 to claim the title.
8U A
Champion: AV Avalanche
Runner-up: Jr. Reign (Carlsbad)
In a close championship game, the Avalanche took the championship with a 3-2 win over the Jr. Reign.
10U B
Champion: Jr. Reign (Westminster)
Runner-up: Jr. Reign (Carlsbad)
This battle of Jr. Reign clubs went to the Westminster team after an 8-3 win over the Carlsbad squad.
10U BB
Champion: Ventura Mariners
Runner-up: LA Jr. Kings
A back-and-forth title game went to the Mariners with a 6-4 victory over the Jr. Kings.
12U B
Champion: Mammoth Stars Runner-up: Jr. Reign
3-2.
12U AA
Champion: Ventura Mariners
Runner-up: Jr. Reign (Dragescu)
Defense won out here as the Stars beat the Jr. Reign 3-1 to secure the championship.
12U BB
Champion: Ventura Mariners
Runner-up: LA Jr. Kings
Another closely-contested championship game saw the Mariners edge the Jr. Kings
Both teams’ defenses clamped down here, but it was the Mariners that picked up the championship banner with a close 3-2 win over the Jr. Reign.
14U B
Champion: California Heat Runner-up: SC Flyers
Two evenly-matched teams met in the championship final
as the Heat came out the victors with a 4-3 win over the Flyers.
14U A
Champion: Ventura Mariners
Runner-up: Jr. Reign (Riverside)
The Mariners put together a complete game here, bringing home the championship banner after a 4-0 shutout over the Jr. Reign.
JV
Champion: IEU Wolverines
Runner-up: OCHC
The offense was on display for the Wolverines, getting to raise the banner after a 5-1 win in the championship game over OCHC.
Varsity
Champion: Jr. Reign 18U AA
Runner-up: Ventura Mariners
The oldest division’s title game saw the host Jr. Reign defeat the Mariners 3-1.
The next IE event on the 2024-25 schedule is the Fall Classic, scheduled for Nov. 29-Dec. 1. The Fall Classic is the biggest Thanksgiving tournament on the West Coast and will have division locations in San Diego, Orange County and the Inland Empire.
For more information and to register for future IE events, visit www.iehockeytournaments.com.
Los Angeles native, Jr. Kings product Hovsepyan takes next step, commits to NCAA Division III Salve Regina
The NAHL’s Anchorage Wolverines have announced that forward Arvega Hovsepyan has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Salve Regina University (NEHC).
Hovsepyan played his final season of junior hockey with the Wolverines in 2023-24, appearing in 30 games, including nine Robertson Cup Playoff games.
The Los Angeles native was over a point-per-game player, recording 33 points (14 goals, 19 assists). From
mid-March to mid-April, Hovsepyan went on an eight-game point streak where he racked up 13 points.
Of his 14 goals with Anchorage, one was the game winner, seven were on the power play, and one came during a shootout. His most notable performance came on Feb. 17 as Hovsepyan notched a hat trick against the Kenai River Brown Bears.
Prior to junior hockey, Hovsepyan played youth hockey for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
For more on California natives and youth hockey graduates, visit
CARubberHockey.com!
Arvega Hovsepyan averaged better than a point per game in ‘23-24 with the NAHL’s Anchorage Wolverines. Photo/NAHL
Officially on board with AHU, Barnhart bringing drive, motivation, knowledge to Knights
As the head coach for the Arizona Hockey Union’s 10U Silver team this season, Mary Ann Barnhart is starting her first season as an official staff member with AHU.
Truth be told, Barnhart has been part of the Union in several capacities for over 15 years. She’s also been a fan of the game for more than 40 years.
Now on board in an official capacity, the Knights are reaping the benefits of Barnhart’s knowledge and personal approach to the game.
“I’ve enjoyed watching hockey since I was young, but my enthusiasm was kicked into high gear in 1993,” said Barnhart. “The Stanley Cup playoffs were awesome that year (Jeremy Roenick became my favorite player) and my husband and I watched the finals, Montreal vs. the L.A. Kings, on our honeymoon in Key West, Fla. When my older son Jordan was six and playing a T-ball game, he looked at me and asked, ‘Can I play a real sport now?’ I asked what sport he’d like to try and after some consideration he said, ‘Hockey.’ So he started Mini Mites in Chandler that fall and played half-ice Mites the next summer. The Gilbert rink was under construction during that time and when it opened in the fall of 2008, we were one of the first families to sign up.
“I had been approached during the summer half-ice Mites games in Chandler by a coach for the AHU Polar Bears looking to add players for his Mite team. We weren’t sure about joining travel hockey so we politely declined. Just a few seasons later, AHU started the Arizona Heat travel program out of the Gilbert rink. We considered it but decided against it. Fast forward another few seasons and Jordan was playing for the AHU Knights as a Pee Wee and I was an unofficial coach for the team. Our family also had the pleasure of being a billet family for some players in the junior program. We’ve
Mary Ann Barnhart has always enjoyed coaching youth hockey. Photo/Sandra Gmelch
been in and around AHU for over 15 years . So when Stacy Shupe approached me about the possibility of coaching a 10U team last season, I enthusiastically told her ‘Yes.’”
After all these years, Barnhart feels as though AHU has become a second home, a second family.
“I am a development coach, and that’s my role, to get a player ready to play at the next level, whatever that may be,” explained Barnhart. “As a youth house coach, my job was to develop a player’s skill set so that they can play travel or at least ready to play the next age division. My family has also been a part of the ‘Kids First’ program, originally sponsored by
USA Hockey but now run by the Gilbert rink as ‘Try Hockey For Free’ since 2009. My husband Philip is the helmet guru. He makes sure that the kids have a properly fitted helmet before getting on the ice. My sons Jordan and Aaron help me with the on-ice portion - helping kids learn to skate and use a stick. (Jordan hasn’t been able to help since 2020 when he left to join the United States Marine Corps.) I have also been a scorekeeper for hockey since 2012 and was one of only 10 scorekeepers assigned to work the Tier I and Tier II Rocky Mountain District Finals this past spring. As a scorekeeper, I can honestly say that tournaments run by AHU are run very smoothly and rarely get behind.
“I look forward to having a long tenure with AHU and appreciate the
opportunity to develop players under their program.”
Barnhart has always supported the AHU program in various ways - attending junior games and supporting that team, serving as the scorekeeper and PA person for junior games, and donating to various youth teams by purchasing fundraising merchandise or buying football squares.
In addition to the Knights, Barnhart has coached house, Lady Coyotes and high school hockey over the last 14 years. She has been coaching since 2009 with her Level 3 certification and then received her Level 4 in 2013.
Over her time in Gilbert, Barnhart said she has formed unbreakable bonds with other AHU families, something she truly relishes.
“We have so many friendships with families that would not have occurred if it weren’t for AHU,” Barnhart said. “And this year, getting to know my Squirt Silver players and parents, I know that these are families that will forever be in my heart and I’m hopeful that this team will stay together and hopefully play for a national championship as teenagers in the future.”
As a female leaving her mark on the game, Barnhart is hopeful others can follow her path.
That all starts with getting involved, she said.
“I would tell them to reach out, whether it’s to me, to their nearest rink, to any of the local hockey programs around the Valley, even the referee/scorekeeper association,” Barnhart said. “There are so many areas within the sport that can use help. If you love hockey, there’s a place for you somewhere within the sport. It is, after all, the coolest sport on the planet.”
And with Barnhart now firmly entrenched with the Knights, the organization will continue to progress and grow rapidly into the future.
Mary Ann Barnhart
Canadian junior hockey in SJHL next stop for Denver native, Jr. Pios, Thunderbirds alum Fisher
Brick Fisher said Canadian hockey has always appealed to him with its history and style.
Now, the Denver native will get to experience that firsthand after recently signing with the SJHL’s Notre Dame Hounds.
“This opportunity arose from my family advisor Patrick Bedell,” said Fisher. “Patrick has played a huge role in my hockey journey and has relationships with a lot of great junior teams, one of them being with Brett Pilkington of Notre Dame. Brett and I connected and we were able to talk about my game and my goals in this sport.
“I feel like the Canadian leagues are a great opportunity for me to
Brick Fisher completed his youth hockey days in ‘23-24 with the Colorado Thunderbirds. Photo provided
achieve my hockey goals. Two years ago when I was 16, I took a step to leave for East Coast hockey, which made me comfortable to leave home this time.”
This past year, Fisher came back to Colorado to play for the Colorado Thunderbirds’ 18U AAA team, a season he said was “a really good year of growth, on and off the ice.”
Growing up, hockey was a new experience in the Fisher household.
“My dad was a college football player,” said Fisher. “I started playing football but realized that hockey was my sport.”
Aspen’s Lauer uses ‘23-24 season in EHL as springboard to NCAA D-III commitment to LVC
Lochlan Lauer spent the 2023-24 season playing in the Eastern Hockey League for the Philadelphia Hockey Club, and the Aspen native will stay in the region for the 2024-25 season after recently committing to play NCAA Division III hockey for Lebanon Valley College.
The Dutchmen play in the UCHC with the school based in Annville,
Pa., about 90 milers northwest of Philadephia.
“I am very happy for Lochlan,” said PHC head coach and general manager Adam Bartholomay. “He was a solid part of our organization last season and played very well for us. He has great character. Lebanon Valley is getting a quality person and player.”
FOR MORE, VISIT CORUBBERHOCKEY.COM & COLORADOHOCKEY.NET!
Lochlan Lauer played the 2023-24 season for the EHL’s Philadelphia Hockey Club. Photo Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Michael Carden played the blue paint in 2023-24 for the USPHL’s Dells Ducks. Photo/ Matt Purtill/@midwestpixllc
Rampage, Thunderbirds alum Carden using faith to battle adversity, on and off the ice with move to USPHL’s MadHatters
Born in Ohio, Michael Carden and his family moved to Florida and then to Colorado all by the time he was six years old.
It was once Carden arrived in Colorado that the goaltender’s hockey career took off.
“I played for the Colorado Rampage 13U and 14U AAA teams, and after a hiatus due to my first surgery, I played 16U AAA for the Colorado Thunderbirds,” explained Carden, who now calls Black Forest home. “I actually learned to skate in Al Pederson’s ‘Try Hockey for Free’ events at Monument Ice Rinks when I was seven after moving to Colorado from Florida. My dad was in the military and we ended up moving quite a lot.
“My biggest positives from my time in Colorado were the coaches who pushed me to keep playing. Pat Bingham of the Rampage and Ryan Massa at the University of Denver were some of my biggest supporters and I would be so far behind on my game if it weren’t for them. I may have even stopped playing if they hadn’t given me the tools I needed to recover after my surgeries.”
After youth hockey, Carden moved up to the junior level and spent the 2023-24 season with the USPHL’s Dells Ducks. He’ll stay in the USPHL for the upcoming season after signing to play for the Atlanta MadHatters.
“The coach here in Atlanta has put
New era dawns for SDSU men’s hockey program with new head coach Wilson at helm of Aztecs
The San Diego State University men’s hockey team enters its third year at the ACHA Division 1 level hoping to build off its record-breaking sophomore season.
The Aztecs finished 8-14-1 in 2023-24. While that may seem like a modest record, it was light years ahead of SDSU’s inaugural season with a 1-20-1 mark.
together an amazing squad,” said Carden. “He pulled guys strong in their faith from across the country to build a team with the strongest bond possible.”
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The long road to gaining Division 1 club status for the program was the end goal for head coach Phil Bateman, who stepped down after last season following an eight-year stint (seven years with the COVID-19 pandemic wipeout).
Bateman and assistant coach Clark Oliver compiled 111 wins and a place in notoriety as California’s lone ACHA Division 1 program.
Now the baton has been handed to
new head coach Dean Wilson, who faced off a new era in the SDSU program with tryouts Aug. 27-29 at the Kroc Center Ice Arena. The Aztecs face off the new season against Loyola Marymount University in an interdivisional contest on Sept. 14 at the Kroc Center. Another home game follows on Sept. 21 against CSU-Northridge in another interdivisional matchup.
Loyola Marymount University and CSUNorthridge both compete at the ACHA Division II level.
A San Diego native, Wilson is obviously excited about taking the reins of a hometown program.
Dean Wilson
Glenwood Springs’ Tibbetts looking for fresh start with new USPHL Fighting Elk franchise
Kale Tibbetts played for two USPHL teams last season and is hoping a fresh start this season with the Colorado Fighting Elk is the ticket to more success.
The Glenwood Springs native said coming back to the Craig-based Fighting Elk after the 2023-24 season with the Minnesota Moose and Las Vegas Thunderbirds feels like the right fit.
“Last season was a bit of a shock to me,” said Tibbetts. “Coming from high school to juniors was a massive jump. The players are bigger and faster and they always make sure you know they’re there. Learning how to take a hit from them is a huge learning curve but after a few practices and games, I felt much more comfortable. Some personal highlights from my last season were my first goal and my first hit. The hit is something I’ll always remember because
Kale Tibbetts spent part of last season with the USPHL’s Las Vegas Thunderbirds.
Photo provided
the team and crowd loved it and let me know.
“The opportunity to come to Craig this season came through one of my friends who was looking into coming here. He sent me the coaches contact and I gave him a call and he was more than happy to take me in.”
Tibbetts is aiming to be an impact player for the Fighting Elk.
“This season, I’m looking forward to trying to build a culture within a new team and helping some of the new players in juniors ease into juniors,” Tibbetts said. “This season, I’m hoping this team can make it to playoffs and have a good run.”
Prior to junior hockey, Tibbetts played for Glenwood Springs High School, the Vail Mountaineers and Colorado Springs Tigers.
For more on Colorado natives and youth hockey graduates, visit CARubberHockey.com!
Denver’s Larson uses strong senior season at Valor Christian as boost to USPHL’s MadHatters
Ben Larson was part of three Colorado state championships playing for Valor Christian High School.
Now, the Denver native will have a shot to compete for a national junior title with the USPHL’s Atlanta MadHatters.
“I thought last season went really well for myself,” Larson said. “I definitely developed and got better as a player and a person. The team was pretty decent. We were a game off playoffs, but we had some gritty wins and it was overall a great experience.
“I’m expecting a great year this year. We have a good group of guys and a very knowledgeable coaching staff that are pouring everything they have into this team. Should be a great season.”
Larson said he began his hockey journey at DU, “and that’s where I fell in love with the game.”
“I eventually moved on to play two seasons of AAA at Evolution where I gained a lot of confidence from the coaching staff and really started to become a good hockey player,” said Larson. “After that, I went and played a year with the RoughRiders, which was a good experience. I then played four seasons at Valor Christian where I won three state championships and made great connections.”
It was at Valor that Larson’s game started an upward trend.
“The most influential coach I have ever had was George Gwozdecky (at Valor Christian),” Larson said. “He is by far the best coach in the state at the youth level and I learned so much about the game from him. I also credit him with a lot of the person I am today and everyone who has played under him can attest to the fact that he really taught us how to be men.”
Ben Larson makes a move in tight during a game last season for Valor Christian. Photo/Steve Robinson
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