Phoenix natives Farr, Gentry continuing hockey career together in Minnesota with USPHL’s Mullets
Preston Farr and Nolan Gentry first came to love the game of hockey in their home state of Arizona, playing up through the AAA ranks before looking at options for junior hockey.
This season, the close friends wound up in Minnesota playing together for the USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets, a situation that has seen both develop their games and show that players from the desert can make an impact at the junior level.
“The opportunity to sign with the Mullets started after my senior year season,” said Farr, a Phoenix native and goaltender. “I was in contact with a ton of coaches emailing back and forth and countless phone calls from teams all over the U.S. and Canada. After talking to teams, I narrowed it down to a few, and the Mullets were a top choice I was looking at and head coach Chris Walby asked me to fly over for a weekend to visit the city I’d be living in. After touring the city, seeing the team’s facilities, and seeing the college campus I’d be living on, it made my decision to sign with the Mullets. It felt like the Mullets would be the right fit for me and my development.”
“The opportunity to join the Mullets arose around Thanksgiving time,” added Gentry, also from Phoenix. “My childhood friend Preston Farr has been on the Mullets for two years now and although he moved away from home a few years ago, we always stayed in touch. I was on a team in Boston to start out the year and telling him about how it hasn’t been the best fit for me and how I
was considering exploring my options elsewhere. This is where he proposed the idea of the Mullets. Preston would go on to text Coach Walby and the timing worked out great because they were in need of defensemen at the time.”
Back in Arizona, Farr played for the Arizona Hockey Union, Jr. Coyotes, Arizona Bobcats, DYHA Jr. Sun Devils and Desert Vista High School.
and Nolan Gentry
Gentry grew up playing for the Arizona Mustangs, Jr. Coyotes, Jr. Sun Devils and Chaparral High School.
“The first time I stepped on the ice was at Arcadia Ice Arena and I was five years old,” Gentry remembered. “My best friend’s mom at the time signed him up for a learn-to-skate program and so my mom signed me up for the same one. This was a total new experience to me as my family had no history of hockey whatsoever. I was already playing multiple sports at the time but the second I stepped on that ice for the first time, I knew hockey was the one for me. I would have slept on that ice that night if my parents had let me.”
“I started my hockey career at the Ice Den Chandler,” Farr added. “My dad introduced me to the sport of hockey and I fell in love with it. As a kid, I grew up a Coyotes fan, watching on TV and going to all of the games. The Coyotes played a major role in inspiring me to pursue my dreams of playing hockey. I started learning to skate around four years old and haven’t stopped loving it since.”
More at AZRubberHockey.com!
Preston Farr
spent the 2024-25 junior hockey season as teammates with the USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets. Photo/Kels Wit
RUBBER HOCKEY
‘Dream come true’ for Valis as Denver native, LHA, Thunderbirds alum inks NHL deal with Maple Leafs
Borya Valis was born in Los Angeles, developed his hockey game in Denver, and has played the last four seasons in the WHL.
Now, Valis’ NHL dreams are coming closer after he signed a threeyear, entry-level contract recently with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Valis has been a dynamic force for the Prince George Cougars this season, playing a crucial role in the team’s success by tallying 73 points (29 goals, 44 assists) in just 57 games. His impressive offensive output has etched his name in franchise history, making him the Cougars’ all-time single-season point leader among American-born skaters.
“I want to thank my family, billet families, coaches, Gold Star Hockey, my teammates, and friends for all of their support and their help throughout my life,” said Valis. “This is a dream come true.”
Borya Valis is having a solid 2024-25 season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. Photo/ Prince George Cougars
Valis was a key acquisition for the Cougars, joining the club near the 2023-24 trade deadline from the Regina Pats. From the moment he donned Cougar colors, Valis made an immediate impact, showcasing his skill, work ethic, and leadership. Over his 89-game tenure with Prince George, he has amassed an impressive 110 points (42 goals, 68 assists).
“Val has earned this contract,” said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb. “He came here with a mindset to get better every day and have an open mindset on trusting the process and coaching. He’s a great example of what it takes to be a pro. I’m very proud of Val on his accomplishment and I’m excited about what his promising future holds.”
Back in Colorado, Valis played youth hockey for the Littleton Hockey Association and Colorado Thunderbirds.
Jr. Ducks product, San Diego native Ivey garners monthly Atlantic Hockey America accolades
Army West Point freshman forward Jack Ivey has earned Atlantic Hockey America Rookie of the Month honors for February.
Ivey led Army with four goals and nine points in the month as he recorded a point in five of seven games for the Black Knights, including all three wins and both shootout victories.
The San Diego native earned AHA Rookie of the Week honors earlier in the month after a five-point weekend against Sacred Heart that featured his first career multi-goal game and first career three-point game. Ivey went on to record three points at Air Force including a pivotal game in game two, before scoring the game-tying goal in the Black Knights’ regularseason finale against American International.
An Anaheim Jr. Ducks grad, Ivey ranks second among all rookies in the conference with 10 goals and 23 points.
Jack Ivey excelled during his rookie season of NCAA D-I hockey at Army West Point. Photo/Army West Point Athletics
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Words from the publisher...
It can’t be the end of hockey season already, can it?
Boy, it really is true that time flies when you are having fun.
Wasn’t it just September when we were at the start of the schedule and teams were coming together, both on and off the ice?
Now, here we are in the middle of March with many teams at the youth level still playing and getting ready for nationals.
Junior teams are still chugging away and college hockey teams are in the home stretch.
Pro teams have a ways to
go yet, but those teams will soon be prepping for their respective postseasons. It’s crazy how fast time flies. I can’t say that enough.
Matt Mackinder
When we first started Rubber Hockey back in 2006 (geez, almost 20 years ago!), we didn’t really know if it would sink or swim.
It’s now 2025 and no water wings or life jackets needed - we are still swimming, baby!
Take a look at all the pages we produce each month. Many of those have ads from our valued partners who see the value in what
we do each month. And for the last few years, it’s been 12 months a year. When we were printing every month, we took off June and August.
That’s no longer the case, and we’re still humming right along.
All that said, we are always
looking for new partners to join our venture. 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!
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 March and we’ll see you back here in a month. -- Matt
Rampage, Tigers, RJHS alum, Castle Rock native Radic collects monthly EHL honors
The EHL has announced that Providence Capitals forward Aidan Radic is a February/March Star of the Month.
The ’05 native of Castle Rock had an outstanding month for the Capitals tallying seven goals and 23 assists in 15 games. Radic had 11 multi-point games over the month with his best performance coming in a 7-4 win over the New York Apple Core where he tallied two goals and two assists.
In just 29 games in the regular season, Radic put up an impressive 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists).
Back home, Radic played for the Colorado Rampage, Colorado Springs Tigers and Regis Jesuit High School.
Castle Rock native Aidan Radic skated in 29 games this season for the EHL’s Providence Capitals, averaging close to two points per game.
Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
After time in WHL, USHL, Centennial native Schelter commits to NCAA Division I St. Thomas for ’25-26 season
Luke Schelter is the next story of a player who played major junior hockey to commit to an NCAA Division I school.
With NCAA rules changing earlier this season, a player with OHL, QMJHL or WHL experience is now eligible to play NCAA D-I hockey. The previous rules stated playing in the CHL voided a player’s opportunity to play at the top level of the college game.
This past week, Schelter committed to St. Thomas, a school playing in the CCHA this season and moving to the powerhouse NCHC for the 202526 campaign.
“The CHL and USHL have been huge for my development,” said Schelter, a Centennial native. “Both leagues are really great at pouring into guys and getting them ready for the next level. I think it is great for hockey that CHL players can now go NCAA. It gives top players more of a choice in junior hockey and makes junior hockey leagues have to compete for drawing top talent. It should be good for young hockey players and will make the NCAA an even more competitive league.”
Schelter played for the Portland Winterhawks and Kelowna Rockets in the WHL and this season for the
USHL’s Fargo Force.
Making his decision to head to play for the Tommies next season was one that Schelter came together rather quickly.
“At the start of the year, I transferred to the Fargo Force in the USHL,” explained Schelter. “My teammate Hayes Hundley was being recruited by UST at the time. After he committed, he told me about how great of a program they have. I reached out to them and they were also scouting me and had me out for a visit. It was only a few hours’ drive and I loved the program as well, so I committed within a couple weeks.
“I am hoping to step right in and be an impact player on the team. I want to help the team win however I can
Liam Lane is stopping pucks in ‘24-25 for the EHL’s New York Apple Core.
in my first year. I’m super excited to play in the NCHC. I’ve heard great things about the programs in it. It should be a great opportunity for me to prove myself and get a chance at the next level after NCAA. It also will be super fun to play against DU and CC with my parents watching.”
In the classroom, Schelter said he’s planning to major in engineering, most likely electrical engineering.
Back home, Schelter started his career with the Vail-Eagle Hockey Association where he played defense. He then moved to Denver and played for the Arapahoe Warriors where he learned to play center and winger. After that, it was off to AAA hockey with the Colorado Thunderbirds and then the WHL.
Schelter has used the ‘24-25 season with the USHL’s Fargo Force as a springboard to NCAA D-I hockey.
Photo/ Edward Jacobs
Luke
Photo/Marissa Shiock
Team Colorado AAA
Grace Ronan grew up playing hockey in Park City, Utah, but saw her career take a decided turn once she came to Colorado to play for the Colorado 14ers and Team Colorado AAA.
Next season, she’ll head to Iowa to play NCAA Division III hockey for the University of Dubuque, a team that just wrapped its second season in the NCAA ranks.
“The coach reached out to me towards the beginning of the season and we kept in touch as the season continued,” said Ronan. “I looked at a few different schools but in the end, I liked Dubuque the best. They have really nice athletic facilities and I loved the rink and the gyms they had on campus.”
Ronan added that she’ll likely major in psychology once she gets to campus later this summer.
“School has not been my strong
suit when I was younger, but now that I’m getting to a point where I can’t be lazy about it, I’m really starting to take it more serious because I need it to get a good job and stuff,” Ronan said.
Back in Utah, Ronan started playing the game she eventually developed to be college-ready in Colorado.
“I started playing hockey when I was seven in Park City,” said Ronan. “At the time, I was trying to get into figure skating. I’m not really sure how but at some point, I decided figure skating wasn’t it and I moved to playing hockey.
“In Colorado, coach Karen Rickard is someone who I have had a really fun time playing for. She is big on not only working hard and making sure our team is the best it can be, but she also makes sure we have fun at practices.”
More at CORubberHockey.com!
Wave, Jr. Kings alum, Valencia native Shadrick signs WHL deal with Rebels
Owen Shadrick will play for the WHL’s Red Deer Rebels for the ‘2526 season. Photo/ Red Deer Rebels
The WHL’s Red Deer Rebels have announced that 16-year-old forward Owen Shadrick has signed a WHL scholarship and development agreement with the team.
Shadrick, a Valencia native, is currently playing for the Chicago Mission 16U AAA team and has 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) in 31 games.
He joined the Mission 18U squad for the recent Circle K Classic tour-
nament in Calgary and had two points in four games.
In 2023-24, Shadrick played for Los Angeles Jr. Kings 15U AAA and posted 77 points (32 goals, 45 assists) in 78 games.
Along with the Jr. Kings, Shadrick also played youth hockey for the California Wave back home.
More California alumni news at CARubberHockey.com!
Grace Ronan is a Utah native who saw her game turn a corner when she joined high-level hockey teams in Colorado. Photo/Be Feral Media
Castle Pines native, LHA product Branish climbing hockey ladder with commitment to NCAA D-III Roger Williams
Tyler Branish has used his days in the EHL as a springboard to the next level, committing recently to NCAA Division III Roger Williams.
Roger Williams, located in Bristol, R.I., will play in the CNE conference next season.
Branish, a defenseman for the New Jersey 87’s and a native of Castle Pines, is an example of the EHL’s ladder of development, climbing from the EHLP to the EHL and now to NCAA hockey. Branish’s pointper-game playoff pace proved pivotal in the 2022-23 championship run for the 87’s Premier team.
Now in his third year, he has amassed 20 points in 54 total EHL games.
“I could not be more excited for Tyler to commit,” 87’s head coach Adam Houli said. “He has been an 87 for a long time, growing through our ranks at youth and Premier and then
Tyler Branish started in the EHLP, then moved to the EHL and now has an NCAA commitment in tow for 2025-26. Photo/Cara Mooney
becoming an all-star in the EHL. He is very dynamic and I think he will have an immediate impact at the next level. He embodies what the 87’s stand for and so rightfully deserves this opportunity.
“RWU is getting a fantastic player and human on and off the ice.”
Branish is not the only EHL AllStar to be joining the ranks at RWU, as he will be joined by both Cooper and Daxton St. Hilaire of the East Coast Wizards.
“I am so excited for the opportunity to play at RWU,” Branish said. “I am beyond grateful to my family and friends, and I could not be prouder of my time with the 87’s. I am looking forward to the next four years.”
During his youth hockey days, Branish played for the Littleton Hockey Association and at Castle View High School.
Manhattan Beach native, Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings product Koenig chooses D-III UMass Boston for NCAA destination
Alex Koenig, a goaltender for the EHL’s Express Hockey Club, has committed to UMass Boston for the 2025-26 season.
A second year player and All-Star, the Manhattan Beach native has cemented himself as one of the top goaltenders in EHL history. With a league-leading eight shutouts and 18 wins and top-three numbers in save percentage and goals-against average, he has proven vital in the Express’ success this year.
However, his biggest accomplishment to date was his 37-save outing against Elmira College in the EHL All-Star College series, helping the Main All-Star Team take down a top10 nationally ranked program.
“Alex has been a tremendous player to have for the past two seasons,” Express head coach Nic Cota said. “His love for the game and compete
level will bring him success at the next level. We are confident as a staff at the Express that UMass Boston got a good one in Alex Koenig.
Congratulations to Alex and his family on such a great accomplishment. I look forward to watching his continued success the remainder of this season and at UMass Boston.”
“Playing for the Express is more than just hockey,” Koenig added “It’s been a family that has pushed me
to be my best every day. Coach Cota believed in me, challenged me when I needed it, and supported me through every high and low, helping me
grow as both a player and a person. I’m beyond grateful for my family, coaches, and teammates who have been by my side, making it possible for me to achieve my dream of playing NCAA hockey.”
UMass Boston competes in the Little East Conference under head
coach Pete Belisle.
“I chose to commit to UMass Boston because it offers the perfect balance of high-level hockey, strong academics, and a great location,” Koenig said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of such an elite program and to play under coach Pete Belisle, whose dedication and passion make UMass Boston feel like the perfect place to continue my journey.”
In California, Koenig played for the for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
Alex Koenig has seen his game improve playing in the EHL. Photo/Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Surprise native, Jr. Coyotes grad Benjamin sets mark as NCDC all-time games played leader
On Feb. 23, Niko Benjamin set the all-time regular season games played record for the National Collegiate Development Conference, marking his 185th regular season game.
This broke the previous record of 184 games played by former Rockets Hockey Club and Jersey Hitmen standout Michael DiPietra, now playing at Trine University.
“It’s been an honor to achieve this NCDC milestone and to do it playing for Utica the entire time has been a great privilege,” said Benjamin, a 2004-born native of Surprise and a Jr. Coyotes alum. “Coach Louis Educate and all the coaching staff have been very instrumental in my development. They emphasized consistency and to never give up when adversity comes my way.”
Game 1 for Benjamin in the league was on Sept. 24, 2021, and he earned an assist in his NCDC debut as well.
The 2021-22 season also marked Year 1 for Educate as the NCDC head coach.
“Niko has been a part of the Utica Jr. Comets NCDC program as long as I have been the head coach. Niko has had a major impact on this organization during his time here not only as a player but in helping build a winning culture. He has helped shape the teams Identity each and every year along with a full understanding on what our goals have been as an organization over the years,” said Educate. “It didn’t start out with a ton of on-ice success, but Niko has been the focal point as a player of the four year change that has taken place in Utica. It’s been great to see him at the forefront of the team’s success. Niko will have a lot to say down the stretch when it comes to this team’s run and ultimate success.”
More at AZRubberHockey.com!
Niko Benjamin goes by his bench and celebrates a recent goal with the NCDC’s Utica Jr. Comets. Photo/NCDC
Dear Ice Realm Community,
We’re thrilled to announce that our new Ice Realm sign has been installed at our Carlsbad location!
This is an exciting milestone as we continue to enhance your experience and make Ice Realm feel like home for skaters, hockey players, and families.
At Ice Realm, we’re dedicated to creating a welcoming, high-energy space where the community comes together—whether you’re learning to skate, playing in a league, or just enjoying time on the ice with family and friends.
This new sign is a reflection of that commitment and the exciting growth happening at our rinks.
What Ice Realm Stands For:
-- People First – A great rink experience starts with a motivated team and a strong connection
to our community.
-- Leading by Example – From leadership to staff, we set the bar high for professionalism, dedication, and customer-first service.
-- Going Above and Beyond –We strive to exceed expectations, delivering exceptional quality and memorable experiences.
From perfecting the ice to ensuring smooth operations, Ice Realm is built on passion, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Thank you for being part of the Ice Realm family!
We can’t wait to welcome you under the new sign and continue creating unforgettable memories together.
See you at the rink! – Ice Realm Leadership Team www.icerealm.com
Jr. Sharks grad Miller nabs monthly NAHL recognition
St. Cloud Norsemen blueliner Kyle Miller has been named the NAHL Defenseman of the Month.
A third-year St. Cloud veteran, Miller put on a thriller during February. The San Jose native scored four goals and dished 11 assists over nine games for the Norsemen. He led all blueliners in the month with 15 points, while ranking second overall among all skaters with that stat line for February.
“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Miller said. “I thank my coaches and teammates for pushing me to be great on and off the ice every day. A large amount of my personal success is due to my team’s success as a whole. We won a lot of games in February because of our commitment to playing our style of hockey.
“As we enter into the most exciting part of the season, I am determined to help lead my team into the playoffs. I love this group and can’t wait to make this final push with them.”
One of Miller’s most impactful games was on Feb. 8 against the Austin Bruins. During the Norsemen’s 2-1 overtime victory, he played a role in both goals. He first assisted in the game-tying goal during the second period and then scored the game-winning short-handed goal in overtime.
In the month, he produced a plus-9 rating and only had one game out of nine in which he did not produce a point. Thanks to his work on the ice, the blueliner produced an average of 1.67 points per game.
The San Jose Jr. Sharks alum has continued to help his squad inch closer to being in playoff contention. St. Cloud currently sits in fourth place in the Central Division standings.
Even though Miller is a defenseman, his offensive dominance is felt by the Norsemen. He leads his squad in total points (55), assists (43), and points per game (1.17). Miller ranks third overall for St. Cloud in goals (12) and features the second-best rating (plus-6).
This award marks the second time he has earned Star of the Month honors, with his last recognition happening in September.
“Kyle was excellent throughout February,” Norsemen coach Joe Exter said. “His play has been consistent all year. The most impressive part is, that as each month passes, he elevates all areas of his game to a higher level. Kyle shows up daily to work and improve with a true pro mindset.
“This dedication is the driving force behind Kyle being one of the best defensemen in junior hockey.”
Kyle Miller
Ronan Mobley recorded solid numbers in net this season for SUNY Cortland.
Playa Del Rey native Mobley takes top SUNYAC honors for 2024-25 season
The SUNYAC conference has announced that the Herb Hammond CoPlayer of the Year and Goaltender of the Year is Cortland’s Ronan Mobley.
A junior, Mobley led the league with a 1.70 goals-against average and .923 win percentage (12 wins) in conference competition this season. He had a season-high 36 saves
against Fredonia on Feb. 1.
Overall, the Playa Del Rey native also led the SUNYAC with 17 wins maintaining an .810 win percentage. He totaled 527 saves in 1296:26 minutes played over 23 games.
During his youth hockey days, Mobley played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and California Titans.
Photo/Darl Zehr Photography
From Colorado to Canada to Minnesota, Denver native Paranjape has had whirlwind year in hockey journey
Dhilan Paranjape played the 202324 season for Regis Jesuit High School and then began his junior hockey career last fall with the SIJHL’s Kenora Islanders.
Unfortunately, the Islanders franchise folded midway through the season, but the Denver native quickly found a new home with the USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets.
“I don’t have many connections, so me and my parents decided to put my stats from the SIJHL season onto the NCDC recruiting page,” said Paranjape. “Almost immediately, (Mullets coach-GM) Chris Walby reached out to me with the opportunity to join the team for the remainder of the season. At the time, my SIJHL team was still running, so I didn’t communicate much, but my parents did instead. When I learned about my team folding, I immediately contacted Chris, and he had me do all the paperwork
Dhilan Paranjape during his RJHS days. Photo/Paul Shepardson
needed. I was in Minnesota by the next day, and played from then on. The team seemed like they had a lot of games left in their season and being in a playoff spot was definitely a big reason I came down. After missing so many games due to cancellations and other issues in Kenora, all I wanted to do was play as many games as possible before the season ends.”
Once he first laced up the skates, there was no looking back for Paranjape.
“What I will remember most about playing hockey in Colorado is definitely always being an underdog. I started my career from the bottom, basically just a level above houseleague hockey, and grinded day in and day out to try to catch up to other very talented kids in my birth year.”
More at CORubberHockey.com and ColoradoHockey.net!
Rampage standout Hertz signs NCDC tender with new Buckaroos team, will be ‘cool to play back home’ in Montana
Zach Hertz is a Montana native who has spent his formative hockey development years playing AAA hockey with the Colorado Rampage. Next season, the Billings, Mont., product will head home to play with the Montana Buckaroos, a new NCDC team that is joining the junior hockey league for the 2025-26 season.
“The opportunity came up as the head coach reached out to me about the program and he knew I was from there,” said Hertz. “We both thought it would be cool to play back home. The team caught my eye as I will be playing Tier II hockey. I am most looking forward to making my jump to juniors with a good coach and team.
“My plan for adjusting will be to train over the summer with the Rampage and get stronger and faster so I can be a physical playmaker with the Buckaroos.”
While growing up in Montana
After time with the Colorado Rampage, Zach Hertz is off to the new NCDC team in Montana. Photo provided by Zach Hertz
meant being in a non-traditional hockey environment, Hertz still found a way to play the game.
“I started hockey because of my older brother who played and I just fell in love with the game,” Hertz said. “I would say the NHL played a role and for me, it was the Boston Bruins. I’ve played with the Rampage since 14s and I’ve been lucky enough to have phenomenal coaches all of my years here.
“This year (with the Rampage 18U AAA team) has been a blast as we have a great, tight-knit team. The year has definitely prepared me for juniors as we have had ups and downs and had to battle all the way through state playoffs. The year really taught me that you have to buy in to the little things.”
Denver’s Ingle takes next step in hockey career, signs NAHL tender with Rebels
Broxton Ingle has been on skates since he was two years old.
Once the Denver native learned to appreciate the game, he’s improved each season and recently signed an NAHL tender agreement with the Philadelphia Rebels.
“I’m going back out to finish the season with them this year, so I’m hoping that will give me some good time to adjust with no pressure,” Ingle said. “I think my game translates well to the next level and especially in the NA. I’m going to use my size, strength and heavy skill to make a impact the rest of this year and next year.”
Ingle said that getting noticed by the Rebels happened innocently enough and the tender offer happened quickly.
“It started with their scout watching me and then passing my name onto them,” said Ingle. “They obviously watched their film and stuff
and then invited me out to practice. I showed well at practice and then when I met with them at the end of the week, they offered a tender. The team playing in the East Division I think was the biggest appeal because of the amount of exposure to schools they have. They had nice facilities and I like all the staff and coaches. I also liked my billet a lot. Being near the city and relatively close to the coast was also an appeal. The appeal to the NA was that it is a high-level league that my play style fits best in.
“First off, I would say just playing juniors and having the juniors experience is what I’m looking forward to, but I’m also looking forward to being scouted by schools.”
And to think, playing hockey wasn’t the first sport that grabbed Ingle’s attention.
“I started skating when I was two with my parents on lakes and stuff,” Ingle said. “My dad played beer
Broxton Ingle played a steady game in ‘24-25 with the Colorado Rampage.
league and liked hockey, so I naturally wanted to play. Originally, the first sport I played was football when I was six. That season was always kind of in the way of hockey, so I didn’t start playing until I was nine, which is relatively old. My first season I was in ‘C’ house at DU. We won one game all year, but I loved it and just kept playing and wanted to get to the next level every year. I wouldn’t say the Avs had a huge part in my hockey career, but having a pro hockey team in our city was definitely inspiring and fun.”
Ingle started with the Jr. Pioneers and played there until Bantams. He then went to the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders when he was 14 and played there until his first 18U year. For the 2024-25 season, Ingle joined the Colorado Thunderbirds for his second 18U year.
More at CORubberHockey.com and ColoradoHockey.net!
Intrigue of playing in NAHL leads Colorado Springs native, Tigers, Thunderbirds, Rampage alum Davis signing tender with Minotauros
Braden Davis has lofty goals for his hockey career and the Colorado Springs native is traveling the country to see those goals come to fruition.
For the 2024-25 season, Davis ventured to the St. Louis area to play for the CarShield AAA program. Next season, he has a shot to play for the NAHL’s Minot Minotauros after recently signing a tender agreement with the North Dakota-based club.
“Minot started watching me play at the end of last season and then continued into the beginning of this season after going to their camp and offered me a tender early in November,” Davis said. “What appealed the most to me about Minot was the consistency of being a top team in the NA and also a top team for moving players on to NCAA Division I and developing players to dominate at the next level. The facilities, coaches
Braden Davis looks for a play during the 2024-25 season.
Photo/Renee Degroat
and all the amenities they offer are all top-tier and have a very passionate fan base.
“I’m looking forward to developing my game by playing against great players every day to play Division I. I expect to adjust well to junior hockey and be an impact player by being hard to play against and with an in-your-face power forward playing style. I expect it to be difficult at first, but I know I can learn to adjust.”
Growing up, Davis noted how he started playing the game on a floor, not ice, and that once his passion grew, so then did his skill level.
“My grandma actually got me into hockey when I was six by signing me up for a roller hockey camp,” said Davis.
Photo/Jill P. Mott
Ten teams secure banners from California Dreamin’ Presidents Day Open event
The California Dreamin’ Hockey Tournaments’ Presidents Day Open was held over the Feb. 14-17 weekend in Southern California.
A total of 10 teams claimed championship titles at the end of the thrilling weekend.
8U B East
Champion: Empire Hockey Club
Runner-up: Jr. Reign
MVP: Bradley Barnes
Empire doubled up the Jr. Reign 8-4 to bring home the championship banner.
8U B West
Champion: Jr.
Reign Westminster
Runner-up: Jr.
Reign Riverside
MVP: Carter Kent
The offense was on display for the Jr. Reign Westminster team, topping the Riverside squad 8-1 to win it all.
8U A
Champion: Ana -
heim Jr. Ducks
12U B/BB
Champion: Coachella Valley Jr. Firebirds
Runner-up: Empire Hockey Club
MVP: Benjamin Moritz
The Jr. Firebirds had it all in a 5-1 win over Empire to claim the championship banner.
14U A
Champion: California Heat
Runner-up: Jr. Reign Riverside 3-1
MVP: Alexandr Edelberg
The Heat took the championship crown with a 3-1 win over the Jr. Reign in the title match.
Runner-up: Jr. Reign Riverside
MVP: Connor O’Brien
The Jr. Ducks played strong defense, knocking off the Jr. Reign 4-1 to win the championship.
10U B
Champion: Jr. Reign
Runner-up: Aliso Viejo
MVP: Joshua Stevens
More stellar defense as the Jr. Reign shut out Aliso Viejo by a 3-0 count to secure the title.
10U A/BB
Champion: Goldrush
Runner-up: AV Avalanche
MVP: Brynlee Fisher
The Goldrush had the offense and defense, winning the championship with a 4-1 win over the Avalanche.
16U AA/Varsity
Champion: SC Flyers
JV/Midget A Champion: IEU Wolverines
Runner-up: OC Hockey Club
4-3
MVP: Kai Pastora
This tight game saw the Wolverines edge the OCHC 4-3 to come home with the championship.
Runner-up: Los Angeles Jr. Kings 3-1
MVP: Brady Even
A back-and-forth battle saw the Flyers come out on top, 3-1 over the Jr. Kings to claim the title.
18U AA/Varsity
Champion: Capistrano Coyotes
Runner-up: Santa Clara Blackhawks
4-3
MVP: Cordell Frasier
Another tight championship contest saw the Coyotes win it all after a 4-3 win over the Blackhawks.
For more information and to register for future events, visit www.californiadreaminhockeytournaments.com.
www.CaliforniaDreaminHockeyTournaments.com
California, Colorado products pick up monthly accolades from NCDC, USPHL
The NCDC and USPHL have announced their monthly award winners, with several from California and Colorado taking home the honors.
California wise, the NCDC New England Division Forward of the Month is the Northern Cyclones’ Noah Tano, while Ontario Jr. Reign blueliner Morry Sheynin is the USPHL Pacific Premier Division Defenseman of the Month, Henderson Force goalie Nicholas Perry is the Pacific Premier Goaltender of the Month and Kai Tsoar of the Vernal Oilers is the Northwest Premier Division Forward of the Month.
saves on 189 shots during the month of February, including a 56-save shutout against the Iron County Yeti to begin the month. He finished with a .931 save percentage on the season and a 2-2-0 record. For the season, Perry was 15-10-0 with a .920 save percentage.
During his youth hockey days, Perry played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, high school hockey for Mater Dei and Placentia-Yorba Linda USD, and in the USPHL for the San Diego Sabers.
Friedman started the season with the Atlanta MadHatters in the USPHL Premier, earning the in-season call-up – “USPHL Advancement In Action!”
In Colorado, Friedman played for the Denver Jr. Pioneers and Denver East High School.
Stukey (‘06/Golden) scored four
goals and four assists during his six regular-season games in February. He finished the season with 24 points in 28 games.
Back home prior to junior hockey, Stukey played for the Arvada Hockey Association and Littleton Hockey Association.
-- USPHL Staff
Tano (‘05/San Mateo) put together a 3-7-10 line for the month of February, and he now has 25 points in 37 games. Tano is a product of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation and the Cyclones’ 18U program.
In California, Tano played for the Golden State Elite Eagles and Anaheim Jr. Ducks.
Sheynin (‘05/ San Carlos) scored five goals and 10 assists for 15 points, part of the great success he’s had with 18 points in 16 games since being acquired in January from the Palm Beach Typhoon. He closed the regular season with 27 points in 18 games.
Back home, Sheynin skated for GSE and Palo Alto High School.
Perry (‘05/Chino Hills) made 176
Tsoar (‘04/Calabasas) joined the Oilers late in the season to help them in their playoff push. He finished the season with 27 goals and 74 points in 27 regular season games. He had nine points in four games with Vernal. Prior to junior hockey, Tsoar played back home for the California Golden Bears, California Titans and Ventura Mariners. He also started this season with the USPHL’s Ventura Vikings.
On the Colorado side, Pueblo Bulls goalie Noel Friedman is the NCDC Mountain Division Goaltender of the Month, while Hampton Roads Whalers forward Curren Stukey is the USPHL Southeast Elite Division Forward of the Month.
Friedman, a Colorado Springs native, went 4-0 during February, stopping 117 of 121 shots, including an epic 42-save performance against the division-leading Idaho Falls Spud Kings, as well as a 21-save shutout against the Rock Springs Grizzlies. He stands at 7-1-0-0 on the season.
top, cloc kwise from top left, are Noah Tano, Morry Sheynin, Nicholas Perry and Kai Tsoar. Pictured left, from left, are Noel Friedman and Curren Stukey.
Pictured
