Colorado Commitments: Centennial State natives Michaud, Wilfley decide on NCAA Division I destinations
Charlie Michaud is developing his game with the USHL’s Madison Capitols and the Denver native already has plans for the future with his recent commitment to NCAA Division I Miami.
Likewise, Englewood native Luke Wilfley, playing this season for Okanagan Hockey Colorado, has his college commitment checked off with his recent decision to head to NCAA D-I Arizona State.
“I was first introduced to Miami during my 14U year by my coach Todd Harkins,” Michaud said. “My first official opportunity came during my 15U season with Little Caesars. Funny enough, both Coach Harkins and my 15U coach, Jason Deskins, played at Miami. They spoke highly of the school’s strong hockey tradition and encouraged me to consider the opportunity to help rebuild the program. After an official visit, I fell in love with the campus, the school, and the people. A couple of weeks later, I committed.”
“Arizona State University contacted me on August 1 to discuss the opportunity to attend school at ASU and play hockey,” Wilfley said. “Play-
Denver’s Charlie Michaud (left) is playing the 2024-25 season with the USHL’s Madison Capitols, while Englewood native Luke Wilfley (right) is spending the year with Okanagan Hockey Colorado. Photos/ Rosenau Photography/Madison Capitols (Michaud)/Mady Acorn (Wilfley)
ing in the Rocky Mountain Region, Arizona had attended many of our games, so it was great to hear from such an amazing program that I knew had consistently come to watch our
team play. After many conversations, my family and I decided that Arizona State University would be the right fit for me and I committed in October.
“Next season, I am hoping to play
junior hockey and continue focusing on developing as a player. When I will attend ASU will depend on my development as a player and when the program feels that I am ready.”
Both Michaud and Wilfley are improving their games daily with their current clubs.
“Playing for Madison has been an incredible experience,” Michaud said. “The town has so much to offer, and the fan support is fantastic, creating an awesome atmosphere for games. The coaching staff has been great, especially having the chance to learn from a former NHL player like Tom Gilbert, who brings tons of knowledge and experience. It’s been a great place to grow as a player and a person.”
“Playing at Okanagan has been an amazing experience,” added Wilfley. “The coaches and the staff have really supported me, and the culture is something like I’ve never seen before. We are truly like a family. I am so grateful to play at an organization that cares about its players and creates opportunities for Colorado kids to develop at home and then helps them to move on.”
Santa Ana native, Jr. Ducks graduate Zaccari makes commitment to NCAA D-III Trinity
The NCDC’s defending Dineen Cup South Shore Kings have been the perfect spot for defenseman Jason Zaccari to develop as a player – and to obviously win big!
He has won big again, as all his hard work over the course of the last two seasons has helped him earn an NCAA Division III commitment to Trinity College for the 2025-26 season.
“The NCDC is a great place to get recruited by a top collegiate program,” said Zaccari. “The league is super competitive each game and there’s a lot of great talent in this league. You never know what you are going to get each game. Being a part of such an amazing organization like the Kings and being part of the championship team last season, there has not been a shortage of coaches at our games.”
A native of Santa Ana and an Anaheim Jr. Ducks grad, Zaccari signed with the Kings for the 202324 season, put up 35 points in 49 regular season games, and was a key contributor in the playoffs helping his team win a Dineen Cup. It was a nobrainer for him to return to the Kings this season. Zaccari is off to another great start this season with 18 points
Jason Zaccari is serving as team captain this season for the NCDC’s South Shore Kings. Photo/NCDCHockey.com
in 18 games so far.
“The South Shore Kings has been the perfect place for me,” said Zaccari. “Between the resources like the gym and the training staff, the Kings have helped my development immensely. Something that makes South Shore so special is Coach [Tyler] Holske, who has been nothing but supportive of my development as a player and a person and continues to
push me to make me a better player everyday. After winning the Dineen Cup last year it was one of the easiest decisions that I could have made to come back and play for the Kings. We are working hard every day to reach that goal again and I could not be happier to be a leader of this group.”
Zaccari started communicating with the coaching staff at Trinity
back in the early fall. After his tour of the campus in late October, there was no doubt in his mind that this was the place for him. He took a big liking to the head coach Matthew Greason and he envisioned himself playing hockey there after touring the facilities.
“Coach [Matthew] Greason and the rest of the staff have shown me the confidence that they have in me as a player and I am so grateful,” said Zaccari. “They appreciate the fact that I am a puck-moving defenseman that can make the right play at the right time and someone that has grown to become a 200-foot player. The coaches and I are looking forward to continuing to develop my game to tailor it to Trinity’s playing style.”
For Zaccari, academically, this was a key choice for him, as personally like the rigorous academics coming from a prep school in Tabor, where he attended before joining the Kings. He knew he would fit in and also be challenged as a student as he plans to major in Economics.
Read the rest from Alexis Demopoulos at CARubberHockey.com!
Jr. Kings product, Lomita native Sansbury earns monthly Atlantic Hockey America honors
Sacred Heart senior defenseman Hunter Sansbury has been named Atlantic Hockey America Defenseman of the Month for the month of November.
It is Sansbury’s fourth career selection as the league’s Defenseman of the Month.
The Lomita native played in all 10 November games as the Pioneers went 5-4-1 in the second month of the season, tallying nine points on three goals and six assists along the way.
He blocked a team-best 18 shots,
recorded 24 shots of his own, went plus-4, scored one power-play goal and added a game-winning goal for good measure.
Sansbury opened the month with a three-assist weekend against Bentley on Nov. 1-2, and later had six points (3-3-6) across a four-game point streak from Nov. 9-22.
On the season, Sansbury has registered 11 points (4-7-11) through 16 games. He has blocked a leagueleading 39 shots.
Back home, Sansbury played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
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Here we are, a week from Christmas.
Time is flying. Sometimes too fast, you know?
We’re pretty much at the halfway point of the hockey seasons and it will soon be 2025.
Crazy, right?
I want to stray from hockey for a moment and reiterate that life is precious and we should live each day to the fullest and not take anything for granted.
Over the Thanksgiving holiday, one of our dogs, who was only 7 1/2 years old, got sick and literally died in my son’s arms on
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the way to the vet.
It’s a longer story than just that, but what I am struggling with understanding is how nothing prepared us for this.
Matt Mackinder
Georgie was fine from what we could tell on Tuesday, gets sick Wednesday and Thursday, the emergency vet tells me Friday he has 24 hours, and then Saturday, our sweet boy takes his last breath.
I don’t understand.
I miss him so much. He brought life and personality to our family and we have so many fun stories and memories.
I just wasn’t ready for the fun times to end.
It’s ironic that he loved going for rides with me in the car and that’s where he passed away, in my car.
No matter what people say, pets are family. They are 100% family, And we have always treated our
pets like family, I mean, Georgie used to jump up and sit at the table with us.
I could write more, but I have been getting better at not ugly crying, so I’ll veer back into hockey. Speaking of hockey, any new year’s resolutions for 2025? I’m sure there are many. I’m sure of it. Contact me any time at (248) 890-3944 (call/text) or shoot me an email at mackindermedia@yahoo. com to discuss potential advertising and publishing partnerships within these pages and online.
-- Matt
Playing junior hockey with NCDC’s Bulls a ‘blessing’ for Colorado Springs native Peck
Devin Peck left home last season for his first season of junior hockey, going back and forth between the NAHL’s North Iowa Bulls and NA3HL’s Mason City Toros.
This season, the Colorado Springs native started back in the NAHL with North Iowa but has since come home to play for the NCDC’s Pueblo Bulls.
“I went through training camp and the preseason for the second year in a row and then landed on the trade wire,” explained Peck. “There was some interest from a couple of NAHL teams who were also waiting on USHL drops, so nothing looked very promising. Pueblo’s goalie coach Marty Wakelyn ended up reaching out and I spoke with him a little bit about coming to Pueblo and being given an opportunity to prove myself. Looking at my options, it seemed like Pueblo would be the
best spot for me to continue developing as a player and as a person. That decision has turned out to be a really good one for me. The people of Pueblo and fans have been unreal.”
Peck added that the 2023-24 season was a learning experience.
“Last year was my first year of
Devin Peck makes a save in a recent game for the NCDC’s Pueblo Bulls. Photo/Steve Thayer
juniors and I was up and down a lot between the NA3 and the NA,” Peck said. “I learned a lot in that first year, for sure. One of the biggest things I learned was the value of finding a team where I was not only going to be given an opportnity to play, but also be with a program that would
help me hone my abilities both on the ice and in the weight room to help me become the best goaltender I can be. That’s what I found in the Bulls organization. The winning culture and competitive mentality that the staff in Pueblo were instilling in their guys really stood out to me as well.”
Now back in his home state, Peck is thrilled with how everything unfolded.
“To be able to play junior hockey so close to home is a blessing that can often get overlooked,” said Peck. “After being away from home all of last year, I have gained a new appreciation for being so close to home this year and now have the ability to see my friends and family more regularly.”
Liam Lane is stopping pucks in ‘24-25 for the EHL’s New York Apple Core. Photo/ Edward Jacobs
Castle Rock native Lane lands NCAA Division III commitment to West Conn
Liam Lane is playing his third year of junior hockey in 2024-25 for the EHL’s New York Apple Core and will stay out east for the 2025-26 season.
Recently, the 2004-born goaltender from Castle Rock committed to NCAA Division III Western Connecticut State for the fall of 2025.
Lane has played 18 games this season for Apple Core, posting a .908 save percentage and keeping his team in each game.
“I am so happy for Liam,” said Apple Core head coach and general manager Conall McNelis. “He’s been our best player all year. He’s an absolute gamer in the net and is a great leader in the room. He’s earned every bit of this, and I can’t wait to watch him succeed at West Conn next year.”
Lane will join several other EHL alumni at West Conn next season, including current teammate Tyler Gobel, Ryan Teehan from the New England Wolves, and Jordan Blais from the Vermont Lumberjacks. The program, led by head coach Doug Friedman, is
building a strong foundation as it continues to attract talent from the EHL.
“Committing to play NCAA Division III hockey means the world to me,” said Lane. “College hockey has always been a major goal, and reaching it is such a rewarding milestone after all the hard work I’ve put in. Playing for Apple Core and in the EHL has been an incredible experience. Being a leader on this team has allowed me to develop skills that not only help my teammates reach their goals, but also prepare me for what’s ahead. What stands out about the EHL is how much they value every player.
“You feel like an important piece of the puzzle, not just another name on a massive roster, which makes this journey even more meaningful.”
From 2022-24, Lane played in the USPHL for the Hampton Roads Whalers.
During his youth hockey days, Lane played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Kodiaks, Colorado Thunderbirds, Evolution Elite Hockey, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Foothills Flyers and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.
Aspen native Mbereko garners NCHC monthly honors, HCA national award with Colorado College
One day after being named the NCHC Goaltender of the Month, Colorado College junior Kaidan Mbereko was named the Hockey Commissioners Association National Co-Goaltender of the Month for November.
Mbereko shared the award with Alex Tracy of Minnesota State.
tied for the NCHC lead, while he was one of only five NCHC goalies to log a shutout last month. The junior has started all 12 CC games this season, posting a 9-2-1 record with two shutouts, tying for the NCHC lead in wins. Mbereko carries a .940 save percentage, which ranks third in the NCHC and seventh nationally, and
Mbereko logged a heavy workload during the month, starting all eight games, while backstopping the Tigers to a 5-2-1 record. He was one of only two goalies in the NCHC to play in eight games last month and he led the conference with 224 saves, 45 more than any other NCHC netminder. Mbereko averaged 28 saves per game, which was third in the NCHC during the month, while ranking in the top four in the conference with both a .941 save percentage and a 1.71 goals-against average in November.
He made at least 25 saves in seven of his eight starts and stopped 27 or more shots in six of his eight outings. The undrafted free agent compiled 52 saves in a sweep of rival Air Force to open November, while allowing only three goals to earn NCHC Goaltender of the Week honors. Mbereko made a season-high 41 saves in a 3-1 win over Arizona State on Nov. 9, before stopping 36 shots in a 3-2 overtime loss at then-No. 13 Western Michigan the following Friday. He finished the series at WMU with 27 saves in a 1-1 overtime tie on Nov. 16, while making four more stops to help CC win the shootout. Mbereko then closed his month with a 27-save shutout on Nov. 23 against then-No. 11 St. Cloud State, with every save needed in a 1-0 overtime win.
Mbereko’s five wins in November
a 1.56 GAA, which is second in the NCHC and fifth in the NCAA, into December.
The Aspen product, who played back home for the Aspen Leafs and Rocky Mountain Snow Kings, won the national award last season in February.
SPRING & SUMMER HOCKEY
USPHL Las Vegas Showcase kicks off Dec. 17 featuring Premier action at America First Center in Henderson
The USPHL Premier’s Pacific and Northwest Divisions will make up a large portion of the competitors at this week’s USPHL Las Vegas Showcase, an always exciting event that puts a spotlight on the westernmost teams in the league.
All 15 Pacific and Northwest Division teams will be featured, along with three teams from the Premier’s Great Lakes Division, two from the Midwest Division and one from the North Division.
With its location close to one of the most exciting cities in the world, Las Vegas, the Vegas Showcase always draws scouts from across the NCAA, ACHA and AAU to take in the best junior hockey on the West Coast, as
well as Las Vegas’ famous nightlife. The scouts visiting the Vegas Showcase will be able to view players from a USPHL Premier Conference that produced more than 350 NCAA, ACHA and AAU college commitments in 2023-24.
The America First Center, which is also home to the Henderson Silver Knights, the AHL farm team of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights, will be the site of all games at the showcase. America First Center is a first-class facility with private viewing areas and a landscape view of the Las Vegas valley.
For more Nevada hockey news, visit CARubberHockey.com!
Fort Collins native, Thunderbirds, RoughRiders product, Pioneers star Thompson nabs monthly NCHC honors
Denver junior forward Aidan Thompson has been named the NCHC Player of the Month.
Thompson has been on a tear to start the season and continued that into November, tallying at least a point in all eight games he played last month and scoring a goal in five of them. The Chicago Blackhawks draft pick led the NCHC with 11 points in November, while his 1.38 points per game also led the conference. Thompson scored six goals to tie for the NCHC lead in November, while dishing out five assists, which was sixth in the NCHC during the month.
The Fort Collins native is currently riding a career-long 14-game point streak to start the season, which is Denver’s longest point streak since Bobby Brink had a 14-game run from Dec. 31, 2021-Feb. 19, 2022.
Thompson recorded four points (2g/2a) in a sweep at Yale to open November, including two goals and an assist in a 5-1 win in the series finale on Nov. 2. The DU alternate captain was named NCHC Forward of the Week for his efforts, including
the game-winning goal and a careerhigh 11 shots on goal on Nov. 2. In a sweep of Lindenwood on Nov. 8-9, Thompson tallied a goal and an assist. A weekend later, he came up big in a sweep at then-No. 9 North Dakota with a goal each night and three points in the series, including two in a 5-2 win on Nov. 15. Thompson then closed out November with an assist and a goal against Arizona State on Nov. 22-23, respectively.
Thompson, who helped DU to a 6-2 record last month, finished the month with 45 shots on goal, tying for the NCHC lead in November. He posted a plus-2 plus-minus with three power-play goals and one gamewinning goal last month.
On the season, Thompson sits second in the NCHC and NCAA with 22 points (10g/12a) in 14 games this year, while his 10 goals trail only teammate Sam Harris’ 11 in the NCHC and tie for third nationally.
During his youth hockey days, Thompson played for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders and Colorado Thunderbirds.
California, Colorado products earn monthly accolades from USPHL
The USPHL has announced its monthly awards for November, with several California natives taking home the honors.
Northern Cyclones forward Justin Scarbrough is the New England Premier Forward of the Month, while San Diego Sabers forward Sam Bailey is the Pacific Premier Forward of the Month, Potomac Patriots forward Yovanni Flores is the Southeast Premier Forward of the Month, Carolina Jr. Hurricanes defenseman Alec Pool is the Southeast Premier Defenseman of the Month, and Northern Cyclones goalie Oliver Caballero is the New England Elite Goaltender of the Month.
Scarbrough (‘04/Redondo Beach) made massive impacts for the Cyclones in November, registering 14 goals and six assists across eight games. In his third season with the NCyclones, Scarbrough is the season points leader for the franchise. In 82 career games, he has 50 goals and 32 assists.
Back home, Scarbrough skated for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
Bailey (‘05/Escondido) scored points in every game he played in November, including two game-winning goals. The rookie posted nine goals and 10 assists in eight games for the Sabers. Bailey has 38 points across 23 games in his first season, with 20 goals and 18 assists.
Prior to junior hockey, Bailey spent time with the San Diego Saints.
Another October Player of the Month, Flores (‘04/Los Angeles) helped the Potomac Patriots end November on a four-game win streak and top of the board in the Southeast Division. He scored nine goals and had four assists in November, putting his career point tally to 60. In his third Premier season, Flores has played 90 games with the Patriots.
In California, Flores played for the Jr. Kings and California Wave.
Pool (‘04/Monrovia) is the leading defensive scorer for the Jr. Hurricanes this season, putting up two
goals and four assists in November. In three seasons with the franchise, he has played 93 Premier games and has 63 points (11 goals, 52 assists).
Back in California, Pool played for the California Golden Bears, Wave, Jr. Kings, and the South Bay Stingrays high school team.
Caballero (‘06/Tustin) is 3-1-0-0 this season with a .926 save percentage. In November, he shut out the Montreal Black Vees, securing a win for the Cyclones. He made 67 saves on 72 shots over the month and has a 1.75 goals-against average in his rookie season.
Caballero is a former Anaheim Jr. Ducks goalie.
In addition, Hampton Roads Whalers forward and Colorado native Curren Stukey is the Southeast Elite Division Forward of the Month.
Stukey (’06/Golden) has helped the Whalers remain undefeated in regulation through 11 games, going 9-0-1-1 during that time and elevating themselves to second in the Elite overall. During the month of November’s four Whalers games, he put up four goals and added one assist for five points, including the short-handed game-winning goal for one of his two goals against Carolina on Nov. 10.
Back home, Stukey played for the Arvada Hockey Association, Littleton Hockey Association and the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.
-- Joshua Boyd/USPHL.com
Total of 18 squads bring home banners from 2024 IE Fall Classic tournament
The Inland Empire Tournament Series’ Fall Classic was held over the Nov. 29-Dec. 1 weekend at four rinks in Southern California.
A total of 18 teams brought home banners at the conclusion of the exciting weekend.
Lake Forest Ice Palace
8U B Gold
Jr. Reign Carlsbad beat
SC Flyers 4-1
MVP: Reed
8U B Silver
SC Flyers beat AV Avalanche 6-0
8U B South Gold
SDIA beat Jr. Reign Riverside 3-2
8U B South Silver
AV Avalanche beat Jr. Reign Westminster 10-8
8U A Gold
SC Flyers beat Jr. Reign Carlsbad 6-5
8U A Silver
Jr. Reign Riverside beat Aliso Viejo 6-1
Aliso Viejo Ice Palace
14U A/B
Aliso Viejo Avalanche
beat Jr. Reign Riverside A2 6-1
Icetown Carlsbad
10U A
10U B
Jr. Reign Westminster beat Jr. Reign Riverside 9-6
MVP: Atticus Stibolt
12U BB
SC Flyers 12U B beat CA
SC Flyers Stirzel beat Jr.
Ducks 10U A2 3-1
10U B2
Kroc beat Jr. Reign Carlsbad B1 6-4
Icetown
Riverside
Heat 1-0
MVP: Brady Mahegan
12U B
Jr. Reign Westminster beat Jr. Reign Riverside 3-1
12U A
Jr. Ducks 12U A3 beat Jr. Reign 12U A3 Riverside
3-2
MVP: Casson Beaudoin
14U AA
Jr. Reign AA2 RV beat Jr. Kings 6-4
MVP: Alex Whitehead
JV Gold
IEU Wolverines beat Jr. Reign 16U A 9-2
MVP: Daniel Medina
JV Silver
Jr. Reign 16U AA beat SD Central Jets 3-1
MVP: Leo Weismiller
Varsity Silver
Sonoma County Flyers beat Empire 16U AA 4-1
MVP: Niizhonissin Domingues
Varsity Gold
Jr. Reign 18U AA beat Corona Norco Stingrays 4-1
MVP: Charles Johnston
The next IE event on the 2024-25 schedule is the MLK Challenge, scheduled for Jan. 17-20, 2025.
For more information and to register for future events, visit www.iehockeytournaments.com.
For IE Fall Classic championship team photos, please visit CARubberHockey.com!
Donovan Bradford is living the dream playing for the NA3HL’s El Paso Rhinos.
Rampage grad Bradford grateful for 2024-25 NA3HL season with Rhinos, enjoying ‘sense of family’
Donovan Bradford was born in Northern California but moved to Colorado at the start of his teens and saw his game take off with the Colorado Rampage.
This season, Bradford is loving his second year of junior hockey with the NA3HL’s El Paso Rhinos.
“The opportunity to sign with El Paso came about last season,” Bradford said. “I started the year in Mason City but was traded in November. From the moment I arrived in El Paso, I knew this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my junior hockey career. Everything about the organization stood out – the coaching staff, the front office, and even our equipment manager. The sense of family here is unparalleled. I genuinely believe El Paso is the best place to play junior hockey in the U.S.”
Bradford went on to say that the Rhinos organization’s biggest appeal is the professionalism.
“Everyone – players, staff, and management – is fully committed to the “Rhino Way,’” said Bradford. “The camaraderie and dedication are unmatched, and it’s inspiring to be part of such a cohesive group. An-
other standout for me is the incredible fan base. Playing in front of a sold-out arena with 3,000 passionate fans every home game is something special. The city’s support is overwhelming, in the best way. When I’m out for coffee, people recognize me and ask for autographs. It’s humbling and motivating, and I want to put on a show every night for the fans who come out to support us.”
Being away from home has been tough for Bradford, but having a home away from home in El Paso has made the adjustment that much smoother.
“Having the best billet family, Dave and Emily Howard, makes all the difference,” Bradford said. “They’re incredible people who make me feel truly at home, and I’m so grateful for their kindness and support.
“Last season was a great experience for myself and the team. Personally, finding a place that felt like home right away was incredible. The team welcomed me from Day 1, and it was refreshing to join such a strong and supportive group.”
Colorado youth hockey grad, Golden product Stukey enjoying ‘24-25 ride in Virginia with USPHL’s Whalers
Curren Stukey is playing his rookie season of junior hockey with the USPHL’s Hampton Roads Whalers, an organization located in Virginia.
So far, the Golden native is enjoying the 2024-25 season, on and off the ice.
“I got the opportunity to sign with Hampton basically just by advocating for myself and reaching out to my now coaches,” Stukey said. “People spoke highly of the culture here and the good core group at the whale and along with all the other positives such as great billets, it was an easy choice.”
Being away from home has been an obstacle that Stukey has been able to overcome.
“At times it gets kind of lonely, but I’ve started to take pride in doing the little things in my life like laundry and things like that,” said Stukey. “I often find myself in a good mood and proving I’m a step closer to living on my own eventually.”
Back home, Stukey first got the itch for the game innocently enough.
Curren Stukey is developing his game with the USPHL’s Hampton Roads Whalers. Photo/@allysonrmmedia
“One day, probably when I was around three or four years old, my dad put me in a learn-to-play-hockey class to see if it would stick,” Stukey said. “And it just kind of did.”
Once he delved into competitive hockey, Stukey joined the Arvada Hockey Association, playing there through his 14U season under coach John McKibbon.
“Then me and a handful of teammates left for the Littleton Hawks and played 15s and 16s, winning a 16U AA national championship in my final year there,” Stukey said. “I then went to the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders to play my 18U year coached by Doug Smail.”
Stukey is now coached by Colten Teubert, a corner first-round NHL draft pick (13th overall) of the Los Angeles Kings in 2008. He later played 24 games in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers in 2011-12.
Looking ahead, Stukey has attainable goals.
“I hope to play in college, whether it be at the ACHA or NCAA D-III level after I finish my junior hockey career,” said Stukey.