Category Archives: Youth
New Draft League focusing on 14U travel players coming to Coyotes Community Ice Center
January 16th, 2024Hockey continues to grow in Arizona, and the new Draft League starting up in Mesa at the Coyotes Community Ice Center is another sign of that growth out west. The founder of the league, James Maragh, said the idea “really came from roller hockey and a lot of the stuff people will see in the…
AHU coaches, managers, game-day staff learn how to ‘Stop the Bleed’ at recent training session
December 5th, 2023After the unfortunate passing of Adam Johnson due to an incident during a pro hockey game in the United Kingdom in late October, the use of neck guards among hockey players at all levels has become a discussion, with many players choosing to utilize the extra protection. On Dec. 3 at AZ Ice Gilbert, several…
Jr. Coyotes standout blueliner Peterson signs WHL deal with Prince George
June 21st, 2023The WHL’s Prince George Cougars have signed defenseman Drew Peterson to a WHL scholarship and development agreement. Peterson was the Cougars’ 164th overall selection in the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft. Originally from Milwaukee, Peterson spent the 2022-23 season playing for the Jr. Coyotes’ 16U AAA club. According to the Cougars’ director of scouting Bob Simmonds,…
Bobcats overcome tight second period for 18U Tier II 2A national championship
April 10th, 2023Those watching didn’t have to wait long for goals in the Chipotle-USA Hockey Youth Tier II 18U National Championships 2A title game on April 3 in Maple Grove, Minn., at Kottemann Arena inside the Maple Grove Community Center. Cameron Cote of the Arizona Bobcats found the back of the net not once but twice within…
Hockey harmony: The life of a hockey mom
February 14th, 2023I have been a hockey mom for over 10 years. The beginning is important but not as important as the story. The story starts with learning to skate, hockey tots and house play, beginning at age five. It quickly and accidentally turned into travel hockey, known to some as club hockey. He was eight at…
TPH Phoenix Academy blossoming in player development, on ice and in classroom
December 27th, 2022As Arizona youth hockey continues to grow in numbers, the opportunities for players are increasing as well. The Total Package Hockey (TPH) Academy is one such result of that growth, and one that is moving the needle for player development, both on the ice and in the classroom. Brett Blatchford, the academy’s director and head…
The Mill closes its doors after nearly three years training, developing Arizona hockey players
October 29th, 2022The Mill Hockey Training Warehouse, which opened back in 2020 prior to the pandemic, has closed its doors, effective Oct. 19. Owners Jarred and Bailey Smith posted a statement on social media recently explaining the decision. We’re sad to share that The Mill Hockey Training Warehouse will be closing the doors. The last lessons will…
Shott to be remembered with banner in all Arizona hockey rinks
October 28th, 2022The same phrase was consistently repeated throughout the Ice Den Chandler on Monday evening: Matt Shott is Arizona hockey. Shott, the Arizona Coyotes’ vice president of hockey development, tragically passed away in December 2021 following a courageous battle with cancer. He worked tirelessly to help grow the game of hockey in the state of Arizona,…
AHU’s Wilson looking to take program’s goaltenders to next level
August 24th, 2022Trevor Wilson was a goaltender during his playing days and hopes to pass on his knowledge of the position to the same players at the Arizona Hockey Union. Wilson joined AHU as its first goalie director in 2021-22 and is back again for 2022-23 to take the proverbial next step. “Following junior hockey, I returned…
New video program helping make memories for young Arizona puck stars
August 21st, 2022As the game of hockey continues to grow in Arizona, so, too, does programs and businesses that aim to help with that growth. Recently, SportsKast came on to the market, something its president and founder Pat Wilde calls “the most exciting product for athletes that has ever been offered.” “It’s the most spectacular sports product…