Rubber Hockey - April 2025 by Rubber Hockey Magazines

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

Fighting to bring home a national title to Utah, the Ogden Jr. Mustangs made history with a 3-1 victory against the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights in Sunday’s 2A title game of the 2025 Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier II 14U National Championships.

“This is awesome, from my understanding it’s the first national championship in Utah,” head coach Jeff Krieger said. “We’ve been doing this since August, kids never gave up, had a big OT win yesterday. Family is great, parents are great, it’s just an awesome season, awesome opportunity.”

Ogden came out strong on the forecheck, controlling the puck for a majority of the first 16 minutes of gameplay. Not only was the team controlling in its offensive zone five-on-five, but the Mustangs also used their strong presence on the penalty kill, continuing to chase the puck down the ice and remain the aggressor against the Knights.

The Mustangs continuously peppered Vegas netminder Cole Larrison, who made several key saves and stopped 27 shots through the

The Ogden Jr. Mustangs won the USA Hockey 14U Tier II 2A national championship back on April 6 in Kalamazoo, Mich. Photo/USA Hockey

first two periods.

Ogden’s defense controlled the first two periods as well, only allowing 7 shots each in the first two periods. The team was able to strip pucks away from their opponents and control play on the blueline to set up their forwards for scoring opportunities.

The strong offense from Ogden final paid off with just 1:18 left in the second period. After receiving a power play opportunity, two-way

forward Colton Harding sent the puck over Larrison’s blocker side, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 lead to carry them into the final period.

Vegas came into the third hungry, tying it up quickly on the power play. Defenseman Quentin Gorman-Avina was able to slip down towards the goal line and stuff the puck into the net for his first goal of the tournament. With the game tied, someone needed to step up in the third peri-

od. Unsurprisingly, that turned out to be Krew Krieger, who picked up an assist on Ogden’s first goal to give him his 20th point of the tournament.

All the way from the Mustangs’ own zone, Krieger carried the puck all the way into the offensive zone, dancing in front of Vegas defenders and ripping a shot top shelf to give Ogden its lead back.

“I knew I had to do it. I saw an opening through a stick and short side, just made a heck of a shot,” Krew Krieger, son of head coach Jeff, said.

Krew Krieger finished the tournament with 16 goals and 21 points, putting him eight points ahead of the second-leading scorer in the tournament.

Jahkai Bennett finished the job for the Mustangs when he scored on an empty net to secure the 3-1 win.

“This is what we worked for all season, everybody deserved it, we just got to take it home,” Krew Krieger said. “We did everything we could all season, we had a great season. It’s awesome.”

-- Red Line Editorial, Inc/USA Hockey

RUBBER HOCKEY

Frontier Selects Hockey Academy announces partnership with Method Schools to continue commitment to education, athletics

Based in Southern California, the Frontier Selects Hockey Academy has been making moves behind the scenes to promote an improved experience with the program.

The biggest positive change is a new collaboration with Method Schools rooted in the program’s mutual commitment to excellence in education and athletics.

“This partnership embodies a shared vision, creating a dynamic relationship for our student-athletes that promotes optimal development, both on and off the ice,” said Frontier Selects president of business operations Justin Reynolds. “Moreover,

we are thrilled to have Ice Realm Westminster and Ice Realm Carlsbad as our home facilities. These facilities allow our athletes to engage in sportspecific training on and off the ice.

Daily access throughout the school year allows our athletes to maximize their training opportunities and enhance their overall performance.”

Jason Stewart, president of hockey operations for the Frontier Selects, explained the core values for the program.

“At Frontier Selects Hockey Academy, our philosophy centers on fostering a culture of continuous growth and daily improvement,” said Stew-

art. “We are committed to creating a training environment that supports the individual development of each student, both athletically and academically. Our approach prioritizes mastery of fundamental techniques over outcomes, enabling athletes to build a strong foundation for longterm success. This focus cultivates proficiency across all areas of development—physical, mental, and emotional.

“We emphasize the formation of positive habits, ensuring that athletes train with purpose and consistency. Our comprehensive development curriculum is designed to challenge each individual, encouraging them to push beyond their comfort zones and operate to their full potential. By combining the right culture, environment, and guidance, we empower athletes at Frontier Selects Hockey Academy to unlock their full capabilities and achieve excellence, on and off the ice.”

Liam Lane is stopping pucks in ‘24-25 for the EHL’s New York Apple Core. Photo/ Edward Jacobs

their individual goals,” Stewart said. “We implement training methods that have been successfully utilized by players competing at the highest levels. Our goal is to consistently challenge athletes through a comprehensive weekly regimen that includes overspeed skating, passing techniques, tactical play, game awareness, puck control, shooting mechanics, and teaching games for understanding (TGFU). This approach not only develops high-level performance but also enhances each player’s ability to apply these skills effectively in game situations.

“Throughout the year, we incorporate guest coaches who bring expertise in specific areas of the game. This exposure provides players with fresh perspectives and broadens their overall hockey IQ, fostering well-rounded development.”

Overall, Frontier Selects is more than just hockey, according to Reynolds.

So what can one expect from the Frontier Selects program?

· Target players in grades 6-8

· 30-week program

· 1.25 hours daily on-ice skill development (Monday-Thursday)

· Individualized development plans

· Video analysis and incorporation into on-ice development routines

· Post-season performance evaluation and structured off season plans

· Expert coaching (from former professional players and coaches)

· Information sessions and specialized guest coaches

“Our on-ice curriculum is skillbased and designed to equip athletes with the tools necessary to achieve

“At Frontier Selects Hockey Academy, we believe that successful athletes are built upon the foundation of strong character,” Reynolds said.

“Character development is a core component of our program. Students are guided to assess their current character traits and reflect on both their strengths and areas for growth. We recognize that every child possesses unique strengths and faces individual challenges.

“Our commitment is to help each student maximize their inherent abilities while fostering growth in less-developed areas, supporting their journey, both on and off the ice.”

For more information, visit www. FrontierSelects.com.

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Words from the publisher...

It’s already the middle of April.

Crazy how time flies.

Seems like it was just Labor Day Weekend and we were getting all geared up for the season.

Yeah, that was like seven months ago.

And while we have the pro and junior teams still playing, we want to congratulate all the teams from our readership areas that played at the recent USA Hockey National Championships across the nation.

A special congrats to the Ogden Jr. Mustangs on winning a national cham-

Matt Mackinder

pionship at the 14U level. Check out our cover story for more on that incredible team. We also had another Utah team, the Vernal Oilers, win a USPHL national title and UNLV bring home an ACHA college hockey national crown to Nevada. It certainly has been a great season.

We’ve also seen youth hockey graduates from our areas sign NHL contracts

and start their professional careers.

It’s insane to me to see where the game was and where it is going in places

like Arizona, California and Colorado. I remember when we started Rubber nearly 20 years ago that there were times we struggled to come up with feature stories.

That’s no longer the case. And we want you to keep getting involved, too!

Do you have an upcoming

camp? A hockey school? Tryouts? News you want to share on a regular basis?

We want to hear from you! Hop aboard with a collaboration with Rubber Hockey.

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. Have a great rest of your April, Happy Easter, and we’ll see you back here in a month!

-- Matt

Caravella chosen head coach of Arizona Hockey Union 16U AA team, bringing back passion, love for the game of hockey

The list of coaches that were nominated for the second annual Arizona Hockey Union Coach of the Year was impressive and made for a tough decision in the end.

Once the votes were tabulated by the AHU Board of Directors, one name stood tallest in the end – 16U White coach Mike Caravella.

Next season, Caravella will move up to coach the AHU 16U AA squad.

“It is obviously a great honor to be nominated, let alone win the coach of the year for Arizona Hockey Union,” said Caravella, who along with fellow AHU coaches Davis Dryden and Chase Gillaspie played for the Knights during their youth hockey and junior hockey days. “I am extremely grateful and while the award is great, to me it means that I was successful in my ultimate goal as a coach – developing players on and off the ice while creating a culture that players can truly enjoy. Players in today’s day and age are much different than while I was growing up which means, as a coach, you must be able and willing to adapt and try new things in order to be effective. I was fortunate to have a great group of players that were committed to working as a team towards a common goal.”

The AHU Coach of the Year Award recognizes the dedication, passion, and positive impact that the program’s coaches have on young athletes, both on and off the ice.

“Outstanding coaching not only strengthens our teams but also shapes the character and future of our players,” said AHU president Stacy Shupe. “By honoring exceptional coaches, we hope to inspire others to strive for excellence in their own coaching journeys. The large number of nominations reflects just how much of an impact our coaches make. AHU coaches are the backbone of our club, shaping the future of hockey through their leadership, dedication, and innovation. Their commitment leaves a lasting impres-

sion on both athletes and parents, and we celebrate all of them for embodying the true spirit of the game.”

To be considered for the 2024-25 AHU Coach of the Year Award, nominees had to demonstrate excellence in the following areas:

Commitment to developing young athletes, both in their skills on the ice and in their character off of it.

Exceptional leadership that promotes teamwork, sportsmanship, and respect.

Innovative coaching techniques that enhance skill development and instill a love for the game.

A positive influence on players, parents, and the broader hockey community.

Aside from Caravella, the other coaches nominated include Chloe McClary, Chris McCabe, Courtney Caravella, Donovan Mattfeldt, Eric Rodarte, Jarod Eagles, MaryAnn Barnhart, Matt Esaena, Ryan Beckman and Ryan Vert.

“Coach Caravella has been described by players and parents alike as a mentor, a motivator, and a true role model,” Shupe said. “His ability to connect with his players, push them to reach their full potential, and create a positive, team-first culture has made an immeasurable impact. Under Coach Caravella’s leadership, the 16U White team has not only achieved remarkable success on the

ice, bringing home multiple gold medals and banner finishes, but they have also grown as teammates and individuals. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with his unwavering dedication, has helped shape a group of young athletes into a cohesive, disciplined, and resilient team.”

To coach for the youth hockey program that helped shape his love for the game means the world to Caravella.

“To be coaching for the same program that I grew up playing at is an amazing opportunity for me to continue to pass along the passion and love of the game that my youth coaches showed to me,” Caravella said. “Over the last 15 years, I have been able to see the caliber of players that come from the Chandler-Gilbert area continue to grow. Being able to coach with two guys that I grew up playing with (Dryden and Gillaspie) has been an amazing experience. We have a huge sense of pride in our organization. We are extremely passionate about building a strong organization that players can come to knowing that they will get focused development while enjoying the game of hockey.”

Players have shared how Caravella’s coaching has transformed their confidence, skills, and love for the game.

One player stated, “Coach Mike

transformed my hockey game, but more importantly, my confidence.”

Another shared, “He pushed us to be better every practice and game, while also reminding us to have fun with hockey.”

“Coach Caravella’s influence extends far beyond the scoreboard,” Shupe said. “He has fostered an environment of respect, accountability, and shared purpose, building lasting relationships with both players and parents. He embodies what it means to be a leader, always encouraging his athletes to handle adversity with grace and determination.

One parent noted, “His calm demeanor creates an environment that players enjoy being a part of,” while another player summed it up perfectly, saying, “He was all in on the team and wanted us to succeed.”

Caravella explained that coaching seemed to come natural to him once he knew his playing days were nearing the end.

“I knew as my competitive hockey career began winding down that it was not something I could just walk away from,” said Caravella. “I started my coaching career as an assistant coach for the 18U AA team at AHU, before moving to 14U level, and now being at 16U for the past two seasons. As soon as I started coaching, I fell in love with the challenge of working with players to find out how to keep them engaged as individuals while working towards a common team goal. There is nothing more fulfilling as a coach than to see a player, or team, put in the hard work and effort required to achieve a goal that they set throughout the season.

“Being able to pass along lessons that can help players on the ice, as well as in their future career choices has kept me hooked in developing the next generation.”

***

AHU tryouts for the 2025-26 season start May 8. More information can be found at the AHU website ArizonaHockeyUnion.com.

Mike Caravella talks strategy with his squad during a game last season. Photo/AHU

Trio of teams bring home banners from California Dreamin’ Mite Madness event

MITE MAGIC: Congratulations to the trio of champions that brought home banners from the California Dreamin’ Hockey Tournaments Mite Madness event, held March 14-16 in Southern California!

Elite: Ventura Mariners 1 (top right) | Advanced: Ventura Mariners 2 (top left) | Competitive: California Wave 2 (below)

UNLV captures first ACHA national title with dominant win over Adrian College

For the first time in program history, the UNLV Skatin’ Rebels are national champions.

In a dominant 7-3 victory over Adrian College in the ACHA Division I national championship game last month, UNLV cemented its place at the top of collegiate club hockey, capturing its first national title since joining ACHA Division I in 2017.

The championship victory comes in a rematch of last season’s final, where the Bulldogs shut out the Rebels 3-0. This time, UNLV left no doubt, executing a relentless offensive attack and delivering a statement win over the defending champions.

postseason

celebrates its national championship last month with the traditional team picture on the ice after the

Bloomington Bison. Photo/Bloomington Bison

After four seasons at NCAA D-I Niagara, Centennial native Ott makes jump to pro game with

Shane Ott didn’t play AAA hockey growing up in Colorado, but the Centennial native recently became the latest in a long line of players from the state to sign a professional contract.

After wrapping up his senior season at NCAA Division I Niagara, Ott signed with the ECHL’s Bloomington Bison and has recorded seven assists over his first three games.

“My season at Niagara University ended earlier than we would’ve liked, but I am grateful to have had Bloomington reach out and show interest in

helping me get my foot in the door to start my professional career,” said Ott. “It has been a crazy, fast-moving experience and a learning curve moving to pro hockey, but I have enjoyed it so far.

“I learned so many things at Niagara – to stay in the present moment, be where my feet are, have fun, and be the best version of myself I can be. Most importantly, to be an uncommon person, which just means to do things others aren’t willing to do. That goes for my future in life, too, being the best person I can be

to others, the best player I can be in hockey.”

Ott appeared in 35 games this season with Niagara, posting 34 points (nine goals, 25 assists) with a plus-6 rating. He totaled 100 points (32 goals, 68 assists) in 149 career games with the Purple Eagles. He’ll graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management.

more at

UNLV

clinching game.

Photo/UNLV Hockey. Read more on the Rebels’ milestone championship at CARubberHockey.com

The

ACHA honors saw UNLV coach Anthony Vignieri-Greener named the ACHA M1 Coach of the Year for the 2024-25 season.

LHA and RJHS grad Shane Ott made his pro hockey debut this spring with the ECHL’s

Parker native, Air Force captain Schwartz named AHA Co-Best Defensive Forward for ’24-25 season

Air Force senior Austin Schwartz has been named the Atlantic Hockey America Co-Best Defensive Forward for the 2024-25 season.

Schwartz shares the award with Bentley’s Ethan Leyh.

Schwartz is the only player in league history to win the Best Defensive Forward in back-to-back seasons. He is only the third player in league history to win one of the major awards in consecutive seasons (Holy Cross’ Liam McLinskey, Player of the Year, 2024 and 2025, and Sacred Heart’s Breaden Tuck, Sportsmanship, 2023 and 2024). Schwartz won the award last season, becoming the third Falcon to win the award, joining Ben Carey (2015-16) and Brady

Tomlak (2019-20).

A team captain from Parker, Schwartz blocked 62 shots this season, the most of any forward in the nation and 24th among all players. This season, he played a key role in the Falcons ranking fourth in the league in scoring defense and ranking in the top 20 in the nation in shots allowed per game. Additionally, this season, he led the team with a career-high 12 goals, including a team-leading four game winners. While playing in nearly every situation in all 40 games, he was called for just three minor penalties all season.

Oilers win 2025 USPHL Premier national championship, bring title home to Vernal

The Vernal Oilers defeated the Springfield Pics 6-2 on March 24 from the Ice Vault in Wayne, N.J., to claim the 2025 USPHL National Championship.

The Pics started the offense on the day with the first lead, when Benjamin Adcock scored at the 7:40 mark of the second period.

With a 30-second 5-on-3 power play and a 4:28 5-on-4 power play to start the third period, the Vernal Oilers drew blood early in that stanza. Dominik Griessmer scored at the 2:01 mark and Kai Tsoar added another goal at the 3:31 mark to give the Oilers their first lead of the game. That lead was shortlived as the Pics’ OT hero from the semifinals Frederic D’Amours scored the equalizers at 6:40 of the third to put the teams into a tie. At 10:41, Gergo Schwartz scored the game-winning goal and it was all Oilers from that point forward.

The Utah-based Vernal Oilers dominated the USPHL Premier regular season and capped off the 2024-25 campaign winning the national championship March 24 in Wayne, N.J., downing the Springfield Pics 6-2 in the title game at the Ice Vault.

Photo/USPHL

Jakub Bulik scored at the 10:57 mark, Roni Alanko added another at 12:32 and Rodion Gornostaev put in the Oilers’ sixth goal at 13:33 of the third period.

Jett McCullum registered two assists on the game.

In net, Levente Hegedus made 20 saves on 22 shots for the win.

-- USPHL Staff

The Bakersfield Roughnecks have relocated to McCall, Idaho, and will play as the McCall Smokejumpers in the 2025-26 season in the USPHL Premier Conference. The Smokejumpers, who are leaving the Pacific Division, will join the Northwest Division.

The team is happy to call the Manchester Ice and Event Centre the Smokejumpers’ new home. McCall, Idaho, has a rich junior hockey history, having hosted the former Idaho Jr. Steelheads from 2009 through 2016.

Local organization laying groundwork for potential new rink, association in Chaffee County

As the game of hockey continues to grow all across Colorado, one area has eyes on joining that trend by making plans to have a brand-new rink and accompanying youth hockey association built and created in the next year.

The board of directors for the 501c3 Ice Rink for Chaffee County (IRCC), including president Jon Fritz from Salida and Mark Hammer from Buena Vista, is working many days around the clock to get everything in order for a new rink sometime next winter after land was acquired this past winter.

Chaffee County has around 20,000 residents and sits right in the middle of Colorado, up against the tallest mountains in the state. It’s known as

a river community and is surrounded by communities that have rinks and robust skating and hockey programs.

“There has been growing interest in hockey in Chaffee County since 2008 and there have been several efforts to create a program,” said on-ice programming director for Ice Rink for Chaffee County Andrew Jasicki.

“Locals have been skating and maintaining the pond since 2008 and hosting pick-up hockey Thursday nights and Saturday mornings. The pond (Frantz or Long Lake) is located close to town and has easy access for local residents.”

Since 2011, local tennis courts were flooded and maintained with city of Salida permission, said Jasicki.

Photo/Ice Rink For Chaffee County

Bakersfield native, California youth hockey grad Moxham commits to NCAA D-I Air Force

The NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings have announced that forward Cade Moxham has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy.

An alternate captain of the Wings, Moxham will head to skate with the Falcons in the fall.

This season in 54 games with the Wings, the Bakersfield native has compiled 20 goals and 25 assists for 45 points along with a plus-18 rating.

He was also selected to participate in the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament, skating with Team Central.

ing an education, and serving this country. I would like to thank my parents, coaches, teammates, and everyone else who has helped me along the way.”

Cade Moxham has used the NAHL as a springboard to NCAA Division I hockey. Photo/NAHL

“I am honored and excited to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey at the Air Force Academy,” said Moxham. “I am grateful for the chance to continue my hockey career, while also pursu-

Wings head coach Scott Langer said Moxham has served as a leader for Aberdeen this season.

“Cade has made a statement this season with his leadership, on and off the ice,” Langer said. “He is a relentless competitor that will be a perfect fit for the Air Force Academy.”

In California, Moxham played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Golden Bears, Kern County Knights and has previous junior hockey experience with the USPHL’s Fresno Monsters.

Lodi native, GSE, Saint Mary’s alum Hayes collects monthly NAHL honors

The NAHL has announced that Wisconsin Windigo forward Hunter Hayes is the NAHL Forward of the Month.

Making a splash ever since he joined the Windigo in February, Hayes has blazed a path of his own. The Lodi native averaged over two points per game in March. In his nine games last month, there was only one game he was pointless. That one game was his first pointless game since Jan. 24.

Hayes joined the Windigo in early February from the Minnesota Mallards. The 21-year-old notched six goals while leading the league in March with his 14 assists, 20 total points, and a plus-13 rating. He had two four-point games in the month.

His first four-point game was on March 7 against the Chippewa Steel. During this matchup, he produced his first hat trick of the season alongside an assist on John Halverson’s goal. His second four-point game was on March 22 against the Kenai River Brown Bears. Hayes played a role in every goal except one. He tallied three assists before scoring the last goal of the matchup. Hayes’ contribution to the scoresheet has been major as six out of his nine contests in March were multipoint games.

“It is a huge honor to win this award,” said Hayes. “I felt I had a good month individually and our team had a great month.”

Rancho Palos Verdes native, Jr. Kings product Pack decides on NCAA Division III Augsburg for next stop in hockey journey

The NAHL’s Amarillo Wranglers have announced that defenseman Jean-Sebastien Pack has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Augsburg.

The ‘04 blueliner is heading to Minneapolis, Minn., to join the Auggies this fall.

Pack is a Rancho Palos Verdes native and a first-year skater in the NAHL. The 20-yearold was acquired by Amarillo through a trade with the Danbury Hat Tricks on Jan. 29.

USHL development, NCAA Division I Princeton commitment highlight 2024-25 season for Vail’s Prowse

Will Prowse has taken his game to another level during the 2024-25 season.

The Vail native made the roster of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars and then committed to NCAA Division I Princeton for the 2026-27 season.

Obviously, it’s been a whirlwind of a season for the young goaltender.

“When I first made Lincoln, Princeton was the first school to reach out and show interest,” Prowse said. “Once the season started and I started to play some games, I was given the opportunity to go on a visit during our Christmas break and see the campus. When we got back, I played a few more games and then got the opportunity to commit to Princeton, which I couldn’t turn down.

“Princeton has so much to offer academically and hockey wise. They do an incredible job mixing a very good education with very competitive hockey. The coaches have been so great and showed a lot of interest, which was very appealing. They also have one of the best campuses I’ve ever been on and definitely the coolest rink I’ve ever been in.”

Prowse said academics have always been a top priority in his life.

“School has always been very im-

portant to my family and I and when I talked with them, they helped me realize when you have an opportunity to play at an Ivy League school, you take it,” said Prowse. “I will look to major in economics.”

Back home, Prowse said he started playing hockey at Dobson Arena in Vail when he was about five years old and it just started as a new sport to try. He then played for the Vail Mountaineers, Arvada Hockey Club and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders.

“The coach that stands out to me most during my time playing in Colorado is Steve Quailer when I was with the RoughRiders,” Prowse said. “He helped me become a better teammate and person.”

Looking forward, Prowse is building his game on the ice and his academic mentality off the ice to be ready for Princeton.

“For hockey, a goal of mine is to someday play pro hockey out of college and try to make a career out of hockey,” said Prowse. “However, hockey comes to an end at some point or another, which is also a key reason I chose Princeton because Princeton will help set me up for so many new opportunities once hockey ends.”

handed goal and two assists over 18 matchups. Prior to Danbury, he laced up with the Springfield Jr. Blues for three games, tallying a goal and an assist.

Jean-Sebastien Pack played the 2024-25 season for the NAHL’s Amarillo Wranglers.

In his 13 contests with the Wranglers, he has produced four assists for the squad. While with the Hat Tricks, Pack featured a short-

Photo/Lauren Correa

“I am grateful for the warm welcome and all of the opportunities I have had so far since arriving to Amarillo midseason,” said Pack. “I am honored to be joining such a historically successful program next year, and I couldn’t have done it without my family, coaches, teammates, and the whole Wranglers staff.”

Back home, Pack played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

Fort Collins native and University of Denver junior forward Aidan Thompson has signed an NHL contract with the Chicago Blackhawks. Back home, Thompson played for the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders and Colorado Thunderbirds. Photo/ Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative Photography

at CORubberHockey.com

San Diego native and University of Denver sophomore defenseman Zeev Buium, previously named the NCHC Player of the Year, Offensive Defenseman of the Year and a Hobey Bat Trick finalist, has signed an NHL contract with the Minnesota Wild. In California, Buium skated for the SDIA Oilers and Los Angeles Jr. Kings. Photo/Martin Gonzalez

Tustin native and Providence College freshman forward Trevor Connelly has inked an NHL contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. Connelly played for the San Diego Saints, Anaheim Ice Dogs and Anaheim Jr. Ducks back home. Photo/ Providence Athletics. Read more at CARubberHockey.com.

Corona native and Arizona State University senior Ty Murchison has signed his first NHL contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. Murchison, also named the NCHC Defensive Defenseman of the Year, skated for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings during his youth hockey career back in California. Photo/Arizona State Athletics. Read more at CARubberHockey.com.

Kyle Miller

Castaic native, Jr. Flyers, West Ranch, Tahoe Prep alum

Vukovic commits to NCAA Division III MCLA for ‘25-26

Charlie Vukovic, a forward for the EHL’s Express Hockey Club, has committed to NCAA Division III Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts for the fall of 2025.

An 04’ out of Castaic, Vukovic is in his second year in the EHL. After registering seven points in his rookie season, Vukovic tripled those totals this year as the Express captain with 10 goals and 12 assists in all 46 games.

“Charlie, ‘aka Chuck,’ is a twoyear player for us, and a very special person and player,” Express head coach Nic Cota said. “I will say that his determination to become a better hockey player and person has been extremely special to watch as his coach/mentor. Charlie is a huge example as to why we have had success as a team. He has led the team as

Charlie Vukovic has used his time in the EHL to get his game ready for the NCAA grind. Photo/Dan Hickling/ Hickling Images

captain in a very strong fashion and I couldn’t be more proud of him for that. Congratulations to the Vukovic family on Charlie’s commitment to play at MCLA. Selfishly, I’m extremely excited to keep him close as we will continue a lifelong friendship.”

Led by head coach Jeremiah Ketts, MCLA is loaded with former EHL talent.

“Moving out east and playing for the Express in the EHL has been an incredible experience,” Vukovic said. “I got to make friends, develop as a player, and make it to the next level. Competing in the EHL made me the most college ready while playing a good brand of hockey.”

Denver native, Colorado youth hockey alum Andrus enjoying EHL junior hockey experience in Massachusetts

Brogan Andrus spent time with several youth hockey organizations growing up in Colorado, but once he made the leap to junior hockey, found his home in Massachusetts with the EHL’s Bridgewater Bandits.

The Denver native is now in his second and final season with the Bandits and has an eye on moving on to college hockey next fall.

“I was playing for Team Colorado in America’s Showcase and a former coach of the Bandits reached out to me,” said Andrus. “He watched my game while I was there. Eventually, we had some talks and I ended up signing. I really enjoyed my first season playing in Bridgewater. I got my fair share of opportunities, the guys were great, and the hockey was a step above anything I had played before. I knew I could elevate my game by my next season and I really wanted to be a leader at the junior level. So I came back for a second season.

“I had always had my mind set on the EHL. It’s high-caliber hockey

Brogan Andrus has found success and improved his game playing for the EHL’s Bridgewater Bandits during the 2024-25 season. Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images

and it produces NCAA D-III players better than any other league does. I knew that I was going to take my opportunity to play in the league when I got the chance. That led me to choosing the Bandits. Because they were going to be a new EHL team, I figured that it was my best opportunity to showcase myself and develop at the next level.”

Andrus is also loving the hockey landscape out east.

“It’s a really different environment out here,” Andrus said. “The game is faster, it’s more physical, and you have to think the game better.”

Moving forward, Andrus has goals and aspirations set, on and of the ice.

“Short term, I want to play at the NCAA level,” said Andrus. “I want to keep rising up the ranks of competitive hockey and develop my game while also having the opportunity to attend school.” Read

For Windsor native Romero, NCDC tender with Rock Springs opportunity to chase down NCAA dreams

Andre Romero left home in 2023 to play 18U AAA hockey for the Atlantic Coast Academy in Pittsfield, Mass.

This past season, the Windsor native returned to Atlantic Coast, but will head back west next season to start his junior hockey career with the NCDC’s Rock Springs Miners, a team based in Wyoming, after recently signing a tender agreement with the club.

“My advisor reached out to them and we were able to set up a time for me to come and skate with them at the end of the season,” said Romero. “I got to practice with them for the week before their final game of the season. About a week or two after my time in Rock Springs, I had the opportunity to tender with them. During my time skating with the team, I really enjoyed the experience. I was impressed with the staff and the plans

Andre Romero spent the last two seasons playing AAA hockey for the Atlantic Coast Academy.

Photo/Reilly Balcom

for the upcoming season. I got to attend their final game against Casper at Rock Springs and the atmosphere was exceptional. Even during practice, the intensity was high, and Coach (Anthony) Carlier was focused on improving the team.

“Additionally, it’s close to home, so my family can attend games. The NCDC has been a goal of mine for the past few years, as I have seen the development of players who advance from the league to continue their careers in NCAA hockey.”

Romero added that the 2024-25 season out east played a major role in getting his game to the NCDC level.

“At first, I was hesitant about playing another season of 18U AAA hockey, but I am grateful that I decided to continue,” Romero said. Read more at CORubberHockey.com and ColoradoHockey.net!

Cherry Creek grad Frangiskakis signs NCDC tender with Jr. Rangers as league ‘suits my playing style

Harry Frangiskakis hoped he’d get the chance to play junior hockey after wrapping up his time with Cherry Creek High School.

Putting in the hard work has paid off as the Greenwood Village native recently signed an NCDC tender agreement with the Boston Jr. Rangers.

“I found the opportunity to get tendered by my dedication this season and hard work, but also by my coach Jeff Mielnicki, who gave me this opportunity and really pushed me,” Frangiskakis said. “I have heard a lot of great things about the NCDC and how it can take hockey players to the next level at college. It also is a very grinding, hard-working league that I think suits my playing style.

“I am most forward to playing juniors next year because it’s the next step in my hockey career and it’s going to really challenge me to become

a better hockey player, on and off the ice. I think the challenges that come with it, like playing against older guys, will push me to be the best I can be. I’m going to be working very hard every single day on and off the ice, getting stronger and faster so it won’t be such a big shock to me playing at that next level, just becoming a lot stronger will help so that I can play that physical role I do now.”

Growing up, Frangiskakis started playing hockey when he was three years old. Frangiskakis and his mom are the only ones from his family born in America. The rest of his family was born in Greece.

“My dad is from Chicago and he loved the Chicago Blackhawks,” explained Frangiskakis. “They are also my favorite team and just growing up watching them really helped me choose to be a hockey player and make this a life-long goal.”

Read more at CORubberHockey.com and ColoradoHockey.net!

Harry Frangiskakis had a stellar season in 2024-25 with Cherry Creek High School. Photo provided