AHU coaches, managers, game-day staff learn how to ‘Stop the Bleed’ at recent training session
BY MATT MACKINDER
After the unfortunate passing of Adam Johnson due to an incident during a pro hockey game in the United Kingdom in late October, the use of neck guards among hockey players at all levels has become a discussion, with many players choosing to utilize the extra protection. On Dec. 3 at AZ Ice Gilbert, several Arizona Hockey Union coaches, team managers, and penalty box attendants participated in “Stop the Bleed” (stopthebleed.org) training, sponsored by the American College of Surgeons. Stacy Shupe, president of Arizona Hockey Clubs, said taking part in this training was an easy decision. “We are very proud to offer this training to our staff,” said Shupe. “It is important and timely due to recent events and we are ultimately here to make the kids as safe as possible. The more educated first responders we have for players, the better the outcome could be.” Knights 18U AA head coach Josh Dahl spoke to the importance of being prepared, on and off the ice.
Arizona Hockey Union players, coaches and staff took part in a ‘Stop the Bleed’ event earlier this month at AZ Ice Gilbert. Photo: AHU “As coaches, we navigate the frontline defense against unforeseen intense realm of hockey where the dangers on the ice. Reflecting on a recent loss of a player in England personal experience with one of my serves as a somber reminder of the top-level forwards, whose seemingly profound impact of skate-cut injumild chest cut revealed hidden danries,” Dahl said. “This tragic incident gers, further emphasizes the multifacunderscores the necessity for coaches eted nature of injuries in this sport. to undergo comprehensive training in Through diligent training, coaches responding to emergencies, creating a not only become adept at immediate
life-saving measures, but also contribute to fostering a culture of safety, ensuring the well-being of our players beyond the scoreline.” Two AHU parents, Steve Scott and Conrad Straube, said having coaches and those on or near the ice trained for these events gives them peace of mind. “I would say the biggest takeaway from the training is the importance of pressure and remaining calm,” Scott said. “Keeping a level head in a traumatic event and keeping the victim calm along with applying pressure quickly can buy time and save lives.” “As the father of a young hockey player, watching our AHU coaches and managers participate in this impactful training was very comforting,” added Straube. “These staff members would be the first to reach a player, or even a referee, in need of medical attention and knowing that med-kits outfitted with pressure dressings and tourniquets will be provided to our coaches provides a great level of reassurance. This was a very proactive approach by AHU, one that I hope other organizations will consider adopting.”
DECEMBER 2023
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
Second annual USPHL Las Vegas Showcase returning to City National Arena Dec. 17 The United States Premier Hockey League in partnership with the Las Vegas Thunderbirds are excited to welcome fans, families and college and pro coaches and scouts to the second annual USPHL Las Vegas Showcase, to be held Sunday, Dec. 17 through Thursday, Dec. 21, entirely at City National Arena in Las Vegas, Nev. This will be the first year the event will be run in its entirety at City National Arena, the practice home of the defending Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights. The USPHL and Thunderbirds will welcome all seven USPHL Premier Pacific Division teams and all five Northwest Division teams. They will be joined by special guests from outside the league’s west region, including the Metro Jets (Great Lakes Division) and Metro Jets Development Program (Midwest East), as well as the Battle Creek Kernels (Midwest East), the Isanti Outlaws and the Steele County Blades (both from the Mid-
west West Division). Sunday evening will see the kickoff event, the sole game of the day being a matchup between the host Thunderbirds and the Seattle Totems. This will be followed by 10 games per day on the Summerlin Hospital Rink A and Ghost Energy Rink B ice surfaces Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 18-20. The action wraps up with three games to close the festivities on Thursday, Dec. 21, allowing ample
time for all those who enjoyed the action to get “home for the holidays.” No games are scheduled for later starts than 7:40 p.m. each night, which allows visitors from outside the area to wrap up a day of hockey and still enjoy the world-famous nightlife of Las Vegas – the heart of “The Strip” (Las Vegas Boulevard) is less than 30 minutes drive away, and one of the top resorts in Nevada.
An even closer entertainment option, Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa, is literally steps away from City National Arena. December is a fantastic time to visit Las Vegas, as Christmas lights abound and the temperatures are pleasantly mild (not hot) in the daytime and cool and comfortable in the evening. College coaches will find first class hospitality and private viewing areas for both rinks, as well as an exceptionally helpful Thunderbirds and league staff to assist you with player contacts and interviews where needed. Additionally, visiting coaches will be able to scan a QR code that will give them access to rosters and scouting information for all 17 teams in attendance. For those who unfortunately cannot join us in person, we hope you will watch on FloHockey. tv. We appreciate your support of, and interest in, our student-athletes. — Joshua Boyd/USPHLPremier.com
NCDC’s Bulls adding scoring for ‘24-25 season, tender Marshchanok twins from USPHL Premier’s Patriots BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB The Pueblo Bulls are enjoying their first season as an NCDC club and are already making plans for the team’s second season in the USPHL Tier II circuit. Recently, the Bulls signed Siamion Marshchanok and Matsvei Marshchanok, twin 2005 birth years playing for the Bulls’ USPHL Premier affiliate, the Potomac Patriots, to tenders for the 2024-25 season. “The Marshchanok twins have been on our radar since our affiliation with the Patriots,” said Bulls head coach Chris Wilhite. “They are elite-level talents that we believe can make a huge impact for the Bulls next season. Coming through our affiliation with the Patriots, we know Coach (Josh) Gratton will have them
The Marshchsnok twins are NCDC-bound next season.
ready for the jump to the NCDC level with his pro experience and ability to develop top-end players that play the right way. “We are very excited to get the Marshchanoks tendered for next season and are looking forward to getting them in our organization.” The brothers are natives of Minsk, Belarus. Siamion is currently leading all of the USPHL Premier with 73 points (28 goals, 45 assists) in 22 games. Matvei is third in USPHL Premier scoring with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points in 22 games. “We are beyond excited to have the Marshchanok twins be our first tenders of the season,” said Pueblo assistant general manager Austin Hoff. “They have had an incredible start to the season and will only continue to grow throughout the year.”
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
Follow Rubber Hockey 24/7 online! ARIZONA RUBBER - AZRubberHockey.com Facebook: ArizonaRubber X/Twitter: @AZRubberHockey Instagram: @azrubberhockey
CALIFORNIA RUBBER - CARubberHockey.com Facebook: CaliforniaRubber X/Twitter: @CARubberHockey Instagram: @carubberhockey COLORADO RUBBER - CORubberHockey.com Facebook: ColoradoRubber X/Twitter: @CORubberHockey Instagram: @corubberhockey
Words from the publisher...
It’s the holiday season! I have long said that the best part of the calendar is from Halloween to New Year’s Day. There is just so much to do, so much family time, and always plenty to eat. As the years go by and the kids get older, you realize that it’s not about the presents or anything like that. It’s about enjoying time with loved ones and cherishing every monent. Time flies by way too fast, and Christmastime
generally gives us all the opportunity to embrace our families. On the hockey side, Christmas means only one thing to me - the annual World Matt Mackinder Junior Hockey Championship! This year, Team USA has two players from our Rubber readship area in San Diego native Zeev Buium and Scottsdale native Cutter
Gauthier. Both players have been impact players in the college hockey ranks this season, Buium at Denver and Gauthier at Boston College. Buium is also a top-end prospect for next summer’s NHL Draft, so keep your eyes on what he does the rest of this season and at World Juniors. I’ve always been enamored with this time of year and I think it harkens back to my childhood and all the memories I have from those times.
Now, it’s about giving our kids those same memories, the kind that get talked about years and years from now. As we move in to 2024, keep those memories coming and keep things positive. That said, 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!
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
Fresno native, Golden Bears alum Morse finds right fit, commits to NCAA Division I Maine BY MATT MACKINDER Brian Morse was born in Fresno and played his early youth hockey with the California Golden Bears before leaving home prior to his 15U season in 2018-19. Now playing his second season of junior hockey for the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs after two seasons of 18U AAA hockey with the NorthStar Christian Academy in Minnesota, Morse recently committed to play NCAA Division I hockey Maine starting with the 2024-25 season. “I am extremely excited and honored to be committing to such a historic program like Maine,” Morse said. “I’m looking forward to getting up there and putting the work in to
Brian Morse has found his junior hockey niche with the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs. Photo/Darren Francis Photography
extend my career as long as possible. I’d like to thank my friends, family, coaches, and most importantly, God, for helping me achieve this goal of mine. “I chose Maine because of my connection with the coaching staff and the school’s emphasis on supporting the hockey program. I know they have some of the best fans in college hockey, and I can’t wait to play in front of them.” In 42 games during the 2020-21 season, Morse tallied 21 points (two goals, 19 assists) while helping the Knights team win the NAPHL championship that season. During the 2021-22 season, Morse broke out to See MORSE on 16
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
FOR MORE INFORMATION: USPHL.COM NCDCHOCKEY.COM USPHLPREMIER.COM USPHLELITE.COM
RubberHockey.com
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
New Tahoe ECHL team branded Knight Monsters, will begin play in ‘24-25 season The ECHL’s newest team, the Tahoe Knight Monsters, revealed its name and logo at a special event held at the Tahoe Blue Event Center on Nov. 30. The team’s colors are teal, gold and black. The Knight Monsters team name and logo is portrayed by a dragon-like creature that resides and rules Lake Tahoe. The inspiration of the name and logo originated from local input and nominations from over 1000 fans. The area has a long-standing folklore of a creature called “Tahoe Tessie,” a fictional creature that resides in Lake Tahoe. These logos also incorporate the amazing Lake Tahoe and the moun-
tains that border it to pay homage to the area and its world-renowned natural beauty. The Knight Monster is unique and iconic, blending the mystique and honor of a Knight with the ferocity of a lake monster creating a distinct visual identity for the team. This Knight Monster is majestic and fierce with a towering presence. The Knight Monster is a protector and fights for those who can’t fight for themselves. The logos were designed by Nick Matarese, president and creative director for The Barn Creative, and his team. The Barn Creative is a marketing and design company that takes See ECHL on 15
To register for these TCS Hockey tournaments, visit TCSHockey.com!
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
RubberHockey.com
Arizona, California, Colorado products chosen for monthly USPHL honors The USPHL has announced its monthly player awards for November, with several standouts from Arizona, California and Colorado taking home the honors. On the Arizona side, Bold City Battalion forward Brett Strick is a Florida Premier Division Forward of the Month and Islanders Hockey Club goalie Tagger Tamburo is the New England Elite Division Goaltender of the Month. It’s Strick-ly business in Jacksonville, as the ‘03 from Goodyear, a second-year USPHL Premier veteran, put up two goals and five assists for seven points to tiw for the team lead for the month for the 4-0 Battalion. Strick also tied for the team lead with a plus-5 rating. For this season, he had 21 points in 17 games entering December, after putting up 23 points in 42 games last season. Back home, Strick skated for the Arizona Bobcats, VOSHA Titans, and Cactus Shadows High School. Tamburo, a 2004-born Phoenix native, put together a 2-1-1-0 month for the Islanders, including a massive 21-shutout against the division-leading Northern Cyclones. He made 98 saves on 104 shots in 241 minutes for a .942 save percentage. Tamburo, who last played for Desert Vista High School, is 8-3-2-0 with a 1.92 GAA and a .926 save percentage on the season. In addition to Desert Vista, Tamburo also played for the Jr. Coyotes, Bobcats, and DYHA. A trio of Californians were also honored. Ogden Mustangs forward Dimitri Voyatzis is an NCDC Mountain Division Forward of the Month, while the Seattle Totems’ Luke Anthony is a Northwest Premier Division Forward of the Month and Northern Cyclones forward Josh Bruno is a New England Elite Division Forward of the Month. Voyatzis, an ‘03 out of Fountain Valley, continues to be a heart and
his second season and has 83 points in 51 regular-season games for the Cyclones. He’s also skated in five USPHL Premier games this year. During his youth hockey career, Bruno skated for the Empire Hockey Club, Orange County Hockey Club and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. Wrapping up the honors, Hampton Road Whalers goalie Liam Lane is the Southeast Premier Division Goaltender of the Month. Like many teams in the Southeast Division, the Whalers took a lighter
Dimitri Voyatzis
Luke Anthony
Josh Bruno
soul player for the Mustangs, as he is now in his third season with the team and made the jump with them from the USPHL Premier to the NCDC with massive success. Voyatzis posted four goals and eight assists for 12 points in eight games of November. He closed a 16-game scoring streak, but posted eight of his 12 points for the month within that streak. His 18:35 average of ice time per game led all Mustangs forwards. In California, Voyatzis played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. Anthony, a 2004-born Anaheim native, dropped in nine goals over seven games, and also put up four assists for 13 points. He posted a 2-1-3 line in three of the team’s games and was a true
sniper for the Totems, burying 28.1 percent of his 32 shots on goal. His plus-3 was also second among the team’s forwards. Before going to the Rock Springs Grizzlies in an NCDC call-up in December, he had registered 22 points in 19 games on the season. Back home, Anthony played for the Jr. Ducks, California Wave and Orange Lutheran High School. He also played in Utah for the West Coast Renegades. Bruno, an ‘04 from Glendora, just rejoined the Cyclones in November and made an immediate impact, jumping out to three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in eight games, giving him an average of 1.63 points per game. Bruno, a returning All-Star, is in
Brett Strick
Tagger Tamburo
Liam Lane November schedule after being busy in September and October. They were still fully locked in and went 2-1-0-1 during the month, with Lane, an ‘04 from Castle Rock, helping them earn three of their five points. On Nov. 4, he got a win against Virginia in-state rival Richmond Generals with 42 saves on 46 shots. He then pushed the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, a top-10 team in the Premier, to the shootout with 48 saves on 50 shots during the 65 minutes of play. Lane currently stands at 2-2-0-2 with a .928 save percentage and a 2.56 goals-against average. Back home, Lane played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Kodiaks, Colorado Thunderbirds, Colorado Evolution, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Foothills Flyers and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders. -- USPHL Staff
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
Serving as captain for AHL’s Griffins ‘a huge honor’ for Littleton native, Hawks, Thunderbirds alum Didier BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB Josiah Didier has pretty much done it all in the AHL, but he’s not done yet. The Littleton native was part of the Calder Cup-winning Charlotte Checkers team in 2019 and served as captain the past two seasons with the Providence Bruins. This season, the 30-year-old Didier wears the ‘C’ for the Grand Rapids Griffins, the top affiliate for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings, and wants to guide the team back to AHL glory. “Being named captain of the Griffins was a huge honor to me,” said Didier, who grew up playing for the Littleton Hawks and Colorado Thunderbirds. “Especially it being my first season here with the team, it shows the trust and confidence that management and the coaching staff has in me to help lead this team. “It’s always tough at first when you come to a new team and organization, but they wanted to bring me in for a reason. That, in turn, gives me a lot of confidence to know that what I am doing both on and off the ice is making an impact.” Didier said being captain in Providence helped with the transition to western Michigan. “I think I learned that different players need different things and what works for one isn’t going to work with others,” Didier said. “So just knowing when and what to say to different guys to try and help them and boost their confidence is something that I’ve brought with me here. Especially being a young team, they react in different ways, so finding the right ways to motivate and get through to the guys. Also, being close as a team is something that is the most important to me, so just getting the guys to hang out together as much as we can away from the rink will help bring us closer as a team and that will lead to more success on the ice. “I’ve learned that the teams that I’ve been on that have the most suc-
Josiah Didier has served as an AHL captain for three straight seasons, including the current 2023-24 campaign with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Photos/Nicolas Carrillo/Grand Rapids Griffins cess are the teams that are the closest and become a family.” Now in his ninth season of pro hockey after four years at NCAA Division I Denver from 2011-15, Didier said he still has NHL aspirations. He was originally drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fourth round (97th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft. “Of course, I’m still chasing that dream of playing in the NHL,” said Didier. “Even if it never happens, I have no regrets. I know that I’m still giving it my all and doing everything that I can to try and make it. I just love the grind and try to push myself to get better every single day. I’m so lucky to be able to play this game as a job and never want to take that for granted. “As an older guy in the league now, if I can be an influence and a mentor to some of my younger teammates and help them get to the NHL, then I know I did my job.”
Looking back on his youth hockey days back home and how the landscape has changed since then, Didier said there are numerous positives that have contributed to the growth of the game in Colorado. “I think the biggest positive change that has had to most impact on the growth of the game has been the involvement of current players and teams giving back to the community,” Didier said. “I feel now more than ever teams and players are getting involved more in the community with the youth players, whether it’s going to skate at a practice or just helping out somewhere. I think the young kids getting to interact and see their favorite players outside of a game in the local rink or at an event has been huge. The kids being able to see these players that they look up to up close makes them want to be just like them some day. “I think us as players have taken on the role of being a role model
and someone that the kids look up to really well, and I think it has led to great growth of the game.” The 2023-24 AHL season in full swing, Didier said he has but one goal this year. “My goal every year is to win the Calder Cup again,” said Didier. “After winning it once, I want to win it even more again. That is obviously the end goal for us as a team and something that we strive for every day. “It’s a long season and we just have to continue to put in the work day in and day out and continue to get better every single day. I think getting this team back into the playoffs and restoring the winning culture that the Red Wings organization has had is what will make it a successful season both for the team and for me personally.”
For more, visit CO.Hockey!
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
Russell twins following same NCAA D-I path with dual commitment to AHA’s Holy Cross BY JOHN HARRINGTON As a kid, I had the amazing experience of playing on the same team as my older (much older) brother for a few years. Of course, I had to use all his old equipment, and to save even more money our father insisted we take all of our team pictures…together, side by side. So, when I heard about the Russell boys, a flood of memories came back. However, not only are Hayden and Garrett brothers, they are twins who have spent their entire hockey careers on the same teams (Anaheim Ducks, California Golden Bears, Los Angeles Jr. Kings). Over the years, many had told them that the day would soon come when they would inevitably be split up. That day still has not arrived. When it was time to evaluate the prep school route, and many of their talented teammates were leaving California, their family made the decision to keep the boys local. At the time, Hayden and Garrett felt a little FOMO as their friends moved faraway to be compete at the highest levels back East and in Canada. However, staying home paid off as they joined the 15O AAA Jr. Kings and won the national championship. Their stellar performances garnered the attention of the Holy Cross Crusaders of Worcester, Mass., and they were both soon offered Division I scholarships. I share this story as it reveals yet another path for our local athletes as they evaluate their next steps. As their father told me of the decision to stay close to home, they had to stop, take a deep breath, and shut out all the noise of what everybody else was doing. This pause gave them time to really assess all options which were best for the family (not just the athlete). In this case, staying local made sense, as many talented players (and a former Bears) formed a team that took home the biggest banner on the national stage! As we know, big banners get big attention, and it was during this run
The Russell twins will soon be teammates in the college ranks out east at Holy Cross. Photo/James Russell that Hayden and Garrett got the exwas 2 years old then began playing posure they worked so hard for. They organized games when I was 4 years are driven, focused, and quite frankly, old. My parents inspired me to play. just down to earth guys. I interviewed Garrett: I started playing hockey them separately as both had their when I was two years old. My dad own unique voice and perspective. inspired me to play. A classic brotherly moment occurred Years at the Bears? Best Bear when Garrett, perfect timing, ZoomMemory? bombed Hayden, over his shoulder, Hayden: I played one year for the peeking into his room half-way Bears, and my best Bear memory was through our interview. On purpose? winning the Pacific District ChampiWe will never know. But Hayden, onship and moving on to Nationals. such a pro, was able to keep on point. Garrett: I spent one year with the It’s clear these Russell boys will be bears and my favorite memory is just fine come media day! winning the Pacific District and adWhy hockey? (TEN WORDS OR vancing to Nationals. LESS) Nickname among your hockey Hayden: Hockey builds character, friends? work ethic, the fastest, hardest team Hayden: Russ sport. Garrett: G-Rus Garrett: Hockey teaches lifelong Which coach/mentor/role model skills like hard work and perseverstays with you, to this day, in the ance. back of your mind? How did they When did you start playing? elevate your game? Who inspired you? Hayden: Peter Torsson has been Hayden: I started skating when I and still is a coach, and mentor that
stays with me to this day. Peter had me think the game beyond the x’s and o’s which built my hockey IQ and the reasonings behind plays. Garrett: Peter Torsson will always be a coach that helped elevate my game. He believed in me and helped me to see the game in a smarter way. How did you balance studying, practice, and lots of missed school days? Hayden: The way that I balanced studying, missing lots of school days, and playing hockey was time management, communication, and hard work. The advice I have for the classroom is to make sure you communicate a ton with your teachers, by sending them the days you will be gone and building a relationship with them over the school year. Garrett: I balance all my school and hockey by always working with my teachers and never falling too far behind. Which exercise gives you the biggest advantage on the ice? Hayden: The exercise that gave me and our Bears team the biggest advantage on the ice was our off-ice workouts and conditioning. Peter pushed our team past our limits, and we knew that working harder than the other teams would pay off when it really mattered. Garrett: I think just straight up conditioning has given me the biggest advantage on the ice. Where are you playing now and how did you get there? Hayden: Last year I played for the Jr. Kings 15O AAA team which won nationals. Now I am playing with the 16 AAA Kings team. The way that I got here was by staying in California and not worrying about leaving for prep school, but by developing at home. Garrett: I am now playing on the 16 AAA Kings team. I joined the Kings one year ago after my 14’s year at the Bears. Where do you see yourself in 10
See RUSSELL on 21
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
IE Fall Classic wraps Thanksgiving weekend with 11 champions crowned The Inland Empire Tournament Series’ second event of the 2023-24 season, the IE Fall Classic, ran Nov. 24-26 with more than 50 teams competing at LA Kings Icetown Riverside, Icetown Carlsbad, Ontario Center Ice, and San Diego Ice Arena. A total of 11 teams brought home championship banners at the conclusion of the exciting weekend. 8U A Champion: Jr. Reign Riverside Runner-up: Jr. Reign Carlsbad This thriller between Jr. Reign teams ended up going to a shootout tied 8-8. The Riverside club won the game 9-8 after clinching the shootout. 8U B Champion: Empire Hockey Club Black Runner-up: San Diego Saints Empire won the battle of highpowered offenses, bringing home the banner after an 8-5 win. 10U B Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors Runner-up: San Diego Jr. Gulls Five different players scored for the Ice Warriors in the 5-1 win to secure the championship. Elijah Franco and Maverick Byers each had a goal and an assist and Kaleb Martens, Cole Ferderer and Apollo Fletcher scored one each. Brandon Zupan netted the lone goal for the Jr. Gulls. 10U A/BB Champion: Tri Valley Blue Devils Runner-up: Pasadena Maple Leafs Tri Valley brought out the scorers and defeated Pasadena 8-2 to win the title. Malcolm Glover had two goals and two assists in the win, Kenji MacDonald and Colin Cardillo each notched a goal and two assists, Damon Keyser and Luke Edwards added a goal and an assist each, Ethan Liu and Maxx Raser also scored, and Carson Kaplenko chipped in two assists. In goal, Rasmus Holmbaeck took the victory. Obiejando Boykins and Micah Song scored for Pasadena and Theodore Paquette Reza played strong in goal.
12U B/BB Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors Runner-up: SDIA Oilers Joshua Kastner Liam recorded a goal and an assist as the Ice Warriors claimed the championship with a 4-2 victory. Raymond Armstrong, Garrett Meiers, and Corey Janecek also scored for the Ice Warriors and Jeremiah Castro Ivyn earned the win between the pipes. Trace Jonas and Zakkory Simpkins scored for SDIA, with Samuel Aubin getting the call in goal. 12U A/BB Champion: Jr. Reign Runner-up: Las Vegas Ice Warriors The Jr. Reign was led by Spencer Wills’ two goals and an assist en route to a 4-1 win to bring home the banner. Isaiah Ignacio added a goal and an assist and Gavin Ordaz added a goal. Jayden Kenrier picked up the win in the Jr. Reign net. For the Ice Warriors, Adler Vanblaricum scored
the lone goal and Harrison Angulo was sharp in goal. 14U A Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors Runner-up: AV Avalanche Greyson Milton scored twice to lift the Ice Warriors to a 3-1 win and the title. Victor Caspary also found the back of the net and Aidan ScherrTefft was the winning goaltender. Gavin Grubert scored for the Avalanche and Landon Stoney fared well in goal. 14U B Champion: Las Vegas Ice Warriors Runner-up: Los Angeles Jr. Kings Cash Johnson pitched the shutout and Kyle Diaz went for a goal and three assists in the 6-0 victory for the championship. Luke Burgoyne and Landon Cabral added a goal and an assist apiece, and Ethan Shohet, Brayden Schuebel and Nathan Ehlers all scored. For the Jr. Kings, Jeremy Glenn and Mia Raley shared time in
the blue paint. HIGH SCHOOL JV Champion: Corona Norco Stingrays Runner-up: Central Cathedral Jets The Stingrays led from start to finish and skated away champs after a 9-2 win over the Jets. Adam Malinowski contributed two goals and two assists, Nathan Fanning registered two goals and an assist, Nathan Cano two goals, Hayden Delaney a goal and two assists, and Tristan Vorhees and William Barker also scored. Nicholas Matar chipped in two assists and Easton Lee collected the win between the pipes. Luke Ring and Declan Stapleton scored for the Jets and Leo Weismiller was busy in goal. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY SOUTH Champion: Jr. Reign 16U AA Runner-up: Las Vegas Ice Warriors Daniel Nemecek popped three goals and guided the Jr. Reign to a 4-2 win to bring home the championship banner. Drake Dunphy added a goal, Markus Mineck tacked on two assists, and Matthew Day took the win in the Jr. Reign cage. For the Ice Warriors, Zachary Machado-Welch and Calvin Christensen scored and Ethan Erdman played well between the pipes. HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY NORTH Champion: Corona Norco Stingrays Runner-up: Jr. Reign 18U AA In a tight game, Jacob Velarde and Jeremiah Croley scored in the first period and the Stingrays held on to gain the title with a 2-1 win. Makai Collins turned in the winning performance in goal. Mason Java netted the lone Jr. Reign goal and Nicholai Rubio was stellar in net. Registration is now open for the remaining 2023-24 Inland Empire Tournament Series events, including the MLK Challenge, which runs Jan. 12-15, and the Presidents Day Open, scheduled for Feb. 16-19. Visit www.jrreign.com/tournaments for more information and to register today.
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
Cimarron Hills native Goble shooting for daily improvement, college looks with USPHL’s Rush BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB
Ashton Goble is enjoying his second season in the USPHL, playing the 2023-24 season for the Charlotte Rush after spending last year with the New York Aviators. All it took to get the Cimarron Hills native to North Carolina was a simple communication from the Rush staff. “(Rush associate head coach) Trevor Kleckner reached out and talked to me about coming out to play in Charlotte,” Goble said. “He said they had the pleasure of watching me play against the Northern Cyclones and Wilkes-Barre last year. He said I was a proven goaltender in this league. “What really caught my eye about the Rush was the culture they have. It truly is a family out here and the culture is amazing. Each and every one of the guys here would do anything for their teammates. This had led to success in the past and has led to countless college commitments.” Off the ice isn’t too shabby either, according to Goble. “Living away from home is pretty hard, but the billet families out here are the best,” said Goble. They truly do care about the well-being of the players and allow us to be mentors for the youth players in the Carolina Premier Hockey organization. Charlotte is a very nice town, pretty scenic, and pretty warm most of the time.” Growing up, Goble said he started playing hockey at Skate City in the third grade. “My school had flyers laying
Ashton Goble has seen his game grow between the pipes this season with the USPHL’s Charlotte Rush. Photo/Tony Terrana around for hockey at Skate City,” remembered Goble. “I have played roller hockey most of my life and started playing ice hockey as a second-year Squirt.” Goble began his journey with the Green Mountain Falls Catamounts (now Pikes Peak Catamounts) and also played in high school for Doherty High School. “Some coaches that have really
stood out to me were Mathew Zubial and Edward Hughes at the ‘Cats,” said Goble. “They were my coaches from Squirts to Bantams and they care about how we are on the ice and they care about what type of people we are off the ice as well. Another coach that really stood out to me was Will English. He was the coach my freshman and sophomore year at Doherty. Will took a different ap-
proach to coaching than I have had before. He really installed a culture in the locker room that I’ve never seen before and this really allowed me to mature fast and really develop on hockey. I will remeber the experiences I had with the Catamounts. Being able to grow up around a group of boys and then continue to play with them in high school was very memorable. “The final coaches that have stood out to me are Trevor Kleckner and Trevor Jewell with the Charlotte Rush team. Much like Will, they have installed a culture in the locker room and really brought a family together from all over. Trevor Kleckner took a huge risk on bringing me in this season due to me having to miss a few months from injury. He believed in me from Day 1 and it was worked out great.” Moving forward, Goble has reachable aspirations, at the rink and away from the rink. “Some short-term goals for me on a daily basis are to get better on the ice and to get better as a person,” Goble said. “Even if it’s a little bit every day, it all adds up. Some long-term goals for me are to win a national championship this year with the Rush and eventually earn a college commitment. I will go to school for physical therapy or athletic training in hopes to attain my doctorate degree. “I would love to work for a professional sports team as a team trainer, especially if it’s the Detroit Red Wings.”
Visit the Colorado Hockey Hub: www.CO.Hockey
RubberHockey.com
ECHL Continued from Page 7 branding to the next level. The Knight Monsters are owned by 2007 Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, along with David Hodges, CEO of Hodges Management Group, LLC and 925 Partners, LLC. “We are so incredibly excited to introduce our team’s name for our fans and for the region,” said Tebow. “We look forward to bringing people together for fun family entertainment, as well as making a positive impact in this community.” “It is an honor and privilege to steward the Tahoe Knight Monsters for this community.” added Hodges. “Tim and I have an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in this community.” The team will begin play for the
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
ECHL’s 2024-25 season at the new Tahoe Blue Event Center, a 4,200seat arena. The multi-purpose arena is located in Stateline, Nev., and is managed by OVG360, a division of Oak View Group which owns and operates two NHL properties (Seattle, Wash., and Belmont Park, N.Y.), and manages two additional NHL arenas (Pittsburgh, Pa., and Tempe, Ariz.), as well as multiple AHL, ECHL and college hockey arenas across North America. -- ECHL Staff
To register for these TCS Hockey tournaments, visit TCSHockey.com!
DECEMBER 2023
MORSE Continued from Page 5 be one of the best defenseman at the 18U AAA level. In 55 games, Morse scored 74 points (13 goals, 61 assists) which ranked him first among all 18U AAA defenseman in the country. His production helped his team win another NAPHL championship as well as an invite to the 18U NAPHL All Star game.
RUBBER HOCKEY After that successful season, Morse was drafted by the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms but chose to sign with Chilliwack. Last year during his rookie season with the Chiefs, Morse posted 21 points (five goals, 16 assists) in 53 regular-season games and also added 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 15 playoff games. This season, he’s produced 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) in 20 games, which have him near the top of team scoring and scoring among
all BCHL blueliners. “We are thrilled for Brian and his commitment to Maine,” said NorthStar 18U Prep head coach Rylan Galiardi. “He was such a joy to coach while he was here, and I am thankful for our continued relationship. (Maine head coach) Ben Barr and his staff will be getting a ‘D’ that can play in every situation and plays like a NorthStar warrior. More importantly, Brian will be a leader both on the ice but off the ice for his teammates and team.”
RubberHockey.com
“This is very much deserved for Brian,” added Chiefs head coach and general manager Brian Maloney. “He’s worked hard for this, has continued to improve every day, and has been very patient. He’s had to adapt and change his game to give him the best chance to be an excellent NCAA player. “It’s paid off.”
For more: CARubberHockey.com
www.MonarchyIceHockey.com
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
Jump to USPHL’s Cougars proving to be best bet for Fort Collins’ Shibalov on latest stop in hockey journey BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB
Mark Shibalov was born in Kansas, started playing hockey in Alaska and Canada, and started to see his game come to fruition once he moved to Fort Collins. This season, Shibalov is seeing his game take another turn for the better with the USPHL’s Chicago Cougars. “After I finished my junior season (in 2022-23) at Resurrection Christian, I reached out to my former coach Chance Creger, who I played 16U AA for at Hyland Hills,” said Shibalov. “He recommended me to the team, and following a showcase event at which the Cougars staff was present, I was offered a contract. “I wanted to play in Chicago for a few different reasons. I knew their coach Josh Dallmann had a long record of advancing players to Tier II and NCAA Division III hockey. The Cougars are also a competitive and well-run team year after year, and the stability of knowing I would have a good team was attractive. Having the chance to play for both the Premier and Elite teams also appealed to me because it meant I would play lots of games this year and get to develop as both a top player on Elite and a bottom-six player on Premier.” Living away from home has also been a great experience for Shibalov,
Mark Shibalov is in his rookie season with the USPHL’s Chicago Cougars. Photo/Kole Wendt who said it’s been “fun overall.” “I currently live in a billet home with my Elite teammate Josh Roman, who’s from Los Angeles,” Shibalov said. “Billeting was a new experience, but I enjoy helping my billet family with chores and other family activities. We play at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville (moving from Fifth Third Arena in downtown Chicago). The move has helped us reach more people in the Chicago area and do more community work, such as
volunteering to build a playground and an outdoor rink in the area.” Growing up, Shibalov’s hockey journey took him several places. “I started playing hockey at the age of four in Soldotna, Alaska,” said Shibalov. “Doctors were worried about my gross motor skills, and hockey was the best fit for me to physically develop. After my first season in Soldotna, the family moved to Leduc, Alberta, Canada, and in true Canadian spirit, I fell in love with the game. Naturally, being up north, I didn’t know much about the Avalanche unless they were playing locally against the Oilers or Flames. Having moved all over, I wouldn’t say I have a true hometown, but the closest thing is Fort Collins. Of course, to stand out a little more on roster sheets, I always say my birthplace of Liberal, Kansas. “I moved to Fort Collins in 2019 and played both my Bantam seasons for NCYH. After graduating 14U, I played one season for the Hyland Hills 16U AA team and the following year for Resurrection Christian’s Varsity and CPHL Tier I team. The coach who had the greatest positive impact on me is by far Chance Creger at Hyland Hills. Coach Creger taught me how to really see the game, different systems and plays, while also exposing me to a high skill and pace level
of hockey. He changed the way I saw the hockey world and helped shape my hockey goals.” Shibalov noted that playing hockey in Colorado provided some of his best memories on the ice. “I love living in Colorado. Out of all the places I’ve lived, I truly consider Colorado my home,” Shibalov said. “My best hockey memory here would be with Hyland Hills, playing in the finals of the Littleton Thanksgiving tournament against the Littleton 15U AA team and scoring two goals in front of a packed house to help win the championship. A close second would be the same year winning the Silver Stick Regional tournament in a shootout, also against Littleton 15U AA.” Looking ahead, Shibalov has attainable plans, both on and off the ice. “My short-term goal in hockey is to establish myself as a Premier player and finish the season there to set myself up for my next year of junior,” he said. “Long term, my goal is to play Tier II junior hockey and then play collegiately at the NCAA D-III or ACHA D-I level. Academically, I am finishing my senior year of high school this year, and then looking to study Fishery Biology and Fish and Wildlife Management.”
Jr. Kings grad Zadvernyuk takes next step, commits to NCAA D-I Brown The NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas have announced that forward Ivan Zadvernyuk has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for Brown University (ECAC Hockey). Zadvernyuk, 19, is serving as an alternate captain this season, which is his second in the NAHL with the Brahmas. The native of Moskva, Russia, has provided a force to be reckoned with at the faceoff dot. “As for myself and assistant coach Logan Murphy, we couldn’t be happier that he has made this announcement because he works hard and this is the best kind of news we can de-
Photo/ NAHL
liver to hockey fans,” said Brahmas head coach and general manager Dan Wildfong. “We appreciate everything he does for the team. Congratulations to Ivan.” So far during the 2023-24 season, Zadvernyuk is third in team scoring with 20 points (six goals, 14 assists) in 23 games. He was named the South Division Star of the Week on Nov. 6. During the 2023-23 season, Zadvernyuk had 22 points in 57 games. Prior to playing in the NAHL, Zadvernyuk spent one season with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
Move to USPHL’s Juniors paying dividends for Longmont native, Hyland Hills alum Gonzalez BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB
Lucas Gonzalez played for two USPHL teams during the 2022-23 season, but feels he has found his niche this season with the Tampa Bay Juniors. “My family actually moved down here last season while I was playing in Chicago (for the USPHL’s Chicago Cougars), but ultimately, I just kind of went to the tryout camp and did my best to show I belonged here,” Gonzalez said. “The big draw to sign with TBJ was the true focus towards player development instead of just winning games like some other programs. When I met with the coaching staff over the summer, I was very impressed with their true care for their players and the community that they have at the rink. Also seeing the number of guys they move on to colleges, I knew that what they were doing here would work and so far, it’s been great here with basically everything - good group of guys, good staff, and good training. I am definitely looking forward to a warm winter. “Since my family does live here now, I have had the convenience of being able to live at home with my parents. However, I did live away from home last season which was fun and it really taught me to do things myself and to come out of my shell a bit since I did not have any family to rely on, having to instead rely on my teammates.” Back home in Longmont, Gonzalez
Lucas Gonzalez makes a play during a recent game for the USPHL’s Tampa Bay Juniors. Photo/Alex Walworth
was hooked on the game of hockey from Day 1. “I ultimately started playing hockey because of my dad as he is the one who got me on the ice and is one of my biggest inspirations,” said Gonzalez. “The Avs definitely did play a role, though, as seeing the team allowed me to follow through on wanting to play the game.” Once he got going, Gonzalez played most of his developmental
years for the Hyland Hills Jaguars, which I loved with great coaches there like Tyson Davis and Chance Creger being the two that had the biggest effect on me,” Gonzalez said. “They were the ones who really helped with my development and helped me get to the junior level. “I’ll always remember the guys in Colorado that I played with, just the fun memories with them and getting to grow up with them.”
Now loving life in Florida, Gonzalez has started to look ahead at what his future may bring. “Short term, I definitely want to make a nattys run this year with our team and I think the group we have here can definitely do it,” said Gonzalez. “Ultimately, I want to play NCAA Division III college hockey and hopefully get the chance at playing semi-pro overseas.”
Manhattan Beach native, Jr. Kings grad Shane cops monthly ECAC Hockey accolades For the second consecutive month, Cornell junior goaltender Ian Shane has been named the ECAC Hockey Goaltender of the Month. Over his six appearances in November, Shane posted a 3-1-1 record with a 2.10 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. Shane ended up stopping 108 of the 119 shots he faced in the month. His 2.10 GAA was second in ECAC Hockey and his .908 save per-
Ian Shane has been lights-out in goal this season for Cornell. Photo/Lexi Woodcock/ Cornell Athletics
centage was third. The Manhattan Beach native opened the month with a pair of victories over Yale and Brown in which he allowed a combined two goals, making 34 saves. He capped off the month with a season-high 35 saves in the Big Red’s victory over then-No. 5-ranked Boston University at Madison Square Garden. Back home, Shane played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
NCDC bringing All-Stars event to Boston University’s Agganis Arena in Jan. 2024 The National Collegiate Development Conference, the Tier II conference of the United States Premier Hockey League, is proud to announce its 2024 All-Star Game Event, which will be played January 15, 2024, at Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University in Boston, Mass. The NCDC All-Star Game, featuring the top players from the NCDC’s New England and Atlantic Divisions as voted on by the divisions’ coaches, is scheduled to begin at 2:40 p.m. The NCDC Young Guns All-Star Game, beginning at 12:20 p.m., will feature top players born 2006 or earlier from NCDC Atlantic and New England teams, as well as affiliated Tier I Hockey Federation (THF) Midget-level teams. There will be NCAA Division I committed players as well as highend Division I prospects at both games as well as players being con-
sidered for the 2025 and 2026 NHL Drafts skating in the Young Guns Game. The NCDC has sent more than 250 players to the NCAA Division I ranks since the Tier II conference was founded in 2017.
There have been 14 NHL Draft selections who have played in the NCDC, including three drafted directly from the league in 2021 that led all North American Tier II leagues for that year. College coaches and NHL scouts
will be treated to first class hospitality at one of the NCAA Division I hockey world’s finest venues, one which opened in 2005 during the 40-year coaching career of legendary former Terriers coach Jack Parker. The leading vote-getters for the NCDC All-Star Game will be announced on December 22, 2023, with the remainder of the rosters announced the first week of January 2024. Both games will be presented live on FloHockey.tv with The Dan K Show, creators of The Most Watched Show In Junior Hockey, presenting the play-by-play and color commentary, in addition to in-game interviews and post-game Player Of The Game interviews. Check NCDCHockey.com for all of the updates on the All-Star Game. — NCDC Staff/NCDCHockey.com
Oakland product, former Barracuda coach Sommer to be enshrined into AHL Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Oakland native and current Wenatchee Wild (WHL) head coach Roy Sommer has been selected to this year’s American Hockey League Hall of Fame class. This year’s induction set to take place as part of the festivities at the 2024 AHL All-Star Classic presented by Tech CU, which will be hosted by the San Jose Barracuda. The AHL Hall of Fame induction and awards ceremony is scheduled for Feb. 5. Sommer has enjoyed the most decorated resume of any coach in AHL history – his 828 career wins are far and away the most in league history, and his 25 seasons as an AHL head coach is also a league record. His teams won four division titles, and he earned the AHL’s Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as its outstanding coach in the 2016-17 season, in which he led the Barracuda to a
Bay Area native Roy Sommer served seven years as coach of the AHL’s San Jose Barracuda. Photo/Phillip Brents
franchise-best 43 wins and a spot in the Western Conference final. He also coached three times in the AHL AllStar Classic. During his professional coaching career, more than 150 of his players moved on to play in the NHL, and Sommer himself served twice as an assistant coach in the NHL. His induction into the AHL Hall of Fame will also be a homecoming – Sommer coached in the San Jose Sharks organization from 1996-2022. Ten of those seasons were spent in San Jose with the Sharks and the Barracuda. He also enjoyed a notable playing career, playing 10 seasons of pro hockey after being drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1977. He appeared in three games for the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers in 1981, and won the 1984 AHL Calder Cup with the Maine Mariners.
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
USPHL’s Oilers proving to be ‘a great experience’ for Fort Collins native Stringer BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB Even though Evan Stringer hadn’t planned on playing for the USPHL’s Vernal Oilers this season, he’s definitely glad it all worked out that way. Now in his second season in the USPHL after playing the 2022-23 season for the Northern Colorado Eagles, the Fort Collins native is fitting in nicely with the Utah-based Oilers. “I wasn’t originally planning on playing for Vernal, but I was cut from a team and I was lucky enough that Vernal gave me the opportunity to come play for them,” Stringer said. “I was interested in playing for Vernal because I know their track record for the last couple of seasons and it impressed me. I also spoke to some guys on the team before I signed, and they had nothing but good things to say about the program and the coaching staff. “This is my first year living away from my home and it has been a bit of a adjustment period, but it’s been a great experience.” Stringer has played hockey since
Evan Stringer is enjoying his time in goal this season playing for the USPHL’s Vernal Oilers. Photo/Vernal Oilers he was three years old and said he has his parents to thank for that. “My dad has always liked hockey and has helped get the whole family into it,” said Stringer. “I grew up watching the Avs and the Eagles, so they definitely had a big role in fueling my obsession with hockey.” Once he took to the ice, Stringer played for the Colorado Jr. Eagles
until he was 12 and then moved up to AAA hockey with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders before going to the USPHL last season. “While I was with the Jr. Eagles, my coach Scott Swanson was a huge influence for me,” said Stringer. “He was one of my first coaches and he has had a lasting impact on how I view how a coach should be. When I
was 13, I wanted to play at a higher level, so I went and played for the RoughRiders. I played there four seasons until my 16U season. While I was there, I had lots of coaches and mentors, but I really have to thank my goalie coaches Mark Sample and Timm Lorenz for helping me progress in my hockey career. I played my first year of juniors last season and I had a blast. My coach Steve Haddon really helped me excel and he gave me the opportunity to prove myself. “The one thing I will remember about playing hockey in Colorado is the the amount of high-level hockey players the state produces. Colorado is a great place to have a chance to play at a high level and advance your hockey career.” Looking ahead, Stringer has reasonable milestones he hopes to reach, on and off the ice. “My short-term goals for hockey are to move up in junior level and to play high-level college hockey,” Stringer said. “My school goals are to study sports medicine because I want to be able to help athletes and stay in the hockey business as long as I can.”
San Diego native Buium cops national player of month honors After becoming the first freshman defenseman to ever win NCHC Player of the Month on Nov. 28, Denver rookie blueliner Zeev Buium has been named the Hockey Commissioners Association Men’s National Co-Player of the Month for November. The San Diego native shares the honor with Lake Superior State senior forward Jared Westcott. Both players tied for the NCAA lead in November with 14 points. Buium was dominant at both ends of the ice in November, helping Denver to a 6-2-0 record last month. He led all NCHC players in points (14), points-per-game (1.75), assists (11) and plus/minus (plus-13) during the month. Along with his 11 helpers, the 17-year-old scored three goals in
November and had three multi-point outings. Buium tallied at least a point in all eight games in November for a career-long eight-game point streak, tying for the longest by a DU freshman defenseman since 2002 (with current junior Sean Behrens). Buium dished out an assist each night in a sweep of rival Colorado College to start the month on Nov. 3-4. He scored his first goal of the month on Nov. 10 at Arizona State, before handing out two helpers in an 8-4 win the next night. The NHL draft-eligible prospect had a fourpoint weekend in a split with Omaha Nov. 17-19, including a then-careerhigh three points (goal, two assists) in an 8-4 victory in the opener Nov. 17. Buium saved his best for the last
Zeev Buium has been on fire with Denver since the start of the 2023-24 season. Photo/Martin Gonzalez weekend of November, tallying five points in a 14-0 sweep of Yale to earn NCHC Defenseman of the Week. He scored a goal in a 5-0 win on Nov. 24, then doled out a career-high four assists and points in a 9-0 win a night later when he was plus-5. The fourassist game was only the third by any NCAA freshman blueliner since 2016. Along with his offense, Buium blocked three shots in November and
played on a penalty kill unit that was 23 for 27 (85.2 percent) last month. On the season, Buium leads all NCHC defensemen with 14 assists and 18 points, while adding four goals, which ties for the NCHC blueliner lead. His plus-16 plus/minus also leads all NCHC defensemen and is third overall in the NCHC. During his youth hockey days, Buium played for the SDIA Oilers and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
RubberHockey.com
RUSSELL Continued from Page 12 years? Hayden: In 10 years, I will be 26, and I think I see myself hopefully playing pro hockey just a few years out of playing college hockey. Garrett: Hopefully still playing hockey. Who would win in a hockey fight, Connor McGregor (on skates) vs. Bob Probert? Hayden: Without a question, Bob Probert would win because he is on ice and has way better balance. Garrett: 100% Bob Probert. Best celebrity sighting at Pick-
RUBBER HOCKEY wick Ice in Burbank? If not at Pickwick, any other rink in L.A.? Hayden: When I am at the rink, I see a lot of NHL players coming in and out of the rink, the players I see most frequently would probably be Anze Kopitar. Garrett: Teemu Selanne. The longest drive you/parents made for a hockey game? Hayden: The longest drive we have made for a hockey game would be for a tournament in Arizona. Garrett: The longest drive was driving up to San Jose. Favorite hockey slang that confuses your civilian friends? Hayden: Lettuce Garrett: Dust
You have a Bears Time Machine (patent pending), you fly back to your first day of Mites, what advice would you give yourself? Hayden: If I had a Bears time machine and I could fly back to my first day of mites the advice I would give myself is skating is the most important thing to work on when you are young. Also, to make sure to enjoy every moment of it even when it’s hard. Garrett: To try my best to go to every practice and game with intention. Look at your phone, what is the very last song you listened to? Be honest! No reason or apology necessary (we all have that one song). Hayden: Tennessee Whiskey
DECEMBER 2023
Garrett: Wham Bam Shang-ALang. Any real-world experience that made you think “Yes, that’s just like in hockey.” What did you learn from your hockey life, which has helped you in the real world (school, job, friendships)? Hayden: I have learned lots of things from my hockey life that have helped me in the real world. Skills in particular would be teamwork, leadership, and effort. In school, jobs, and friendships when you are able to apply these traits you are destined for success. Garrett: Sometimes the more skilled team doesn’t always win.
Wellington product Bradshaw soaking in season of junior hockey down south with USPHL’s Battalion BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB
Kelton Bradshaw grew up in northern Colorado and developed his game on the ice once he moved to AAA hockey with the Colorado Thunderbirds. This season, the Wellington native is enjoying his second season of junior hockey, skating for the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Bold City Battalion. “(Bold City head coach) Rett Vossler reached out to me to come play for his team after my season last year,” said Bradshaw. “The idea of getting to play junior hockey in Florida is very appealing, plus they are a first-year team so I can make an impression early on in the program’s history. “Living away from home at first was tough. I was very homesick, but my parents and teammates helped me push through. The weather come fall and winter is very ideal with it being in the 70s most of the time.” Bradshaw said he first started wanting to play hockey after going to his first Colorado Eagles game. “My love of the sport stemmed from there,” said Bradshaw. Playing for the Thunderbirds helped Bradshaw turn a corner in his development.
Kelton Bradshaw looks for a pass this season playing in Jacksonville, Fla., for the USPHL’s Bold City Battalion, a first-year organization in the junior hockey circuit. Photo/Milo Davis “(Thunderbirds coach) Cam Clemenson has been a huge help for me throughout my years of playing,” Bradshaw said. “In Colorado, you never forget your teammates. Most of the kids I played with back home I was on the same team as them for four-plus years. You always stay in
touch with them.” Moving ahead, Bradshaw has simple goals in mind. “My short-term goal is to hopefully win nationals with Bold City and move up to Tier II juniors,” said Bradshaw. “I hope to play NCAA hockey in the future.”
For more, visit USPHL.com!
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com
Grit’s Riego de Dios becomes team’s second NCAA commitment, decides on D-I Air Force The NAHL’s Colorado Grit have their second college commitment of the team’s first season in the league. Forward Romulus Riego de Dios has decided to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy (Atlantic Hockey), joining goalie Max Lacroix, who earlier committed to Boston University (Hockey East). Riego de Dios, 19, is currently in his first season playing junior hockey in the NAHL for the expansion Grit. The native of Gahanna, Ohio, has seven goals and three assists for 10 points in 24 games to date. “I am very honored and excited to announce my commitment to play
Romulus Riego de Dios has been an impact player during the first half of the 2023-24 season for the first-year Colorado Grit. Photo/NAHL
Division I college hockey at the United States Air Force Academy,” said Riego de Dios. “Thank you to my coaches, teammates, friends, and everyone else who pushed to make me better every day, supported me throughout my process, and believed in me every step of the way. “Most importantly, I would like to thank my mom for all the sacrifices she has made for me during my hockey career.” Prior to playing in the NAHL, Riego de Dios spent four seasons playing for Culver Military Academy at the Prep and 16U levels.
wishes you all the very best this holiday season and a happy and healthy 2024!
RubberHockey.com
RUBBER HOCKEY
DECEMBER 2023
DECEMBER 2023
RUBBER HOCKEY
RubberHockey.com