The University of Arizona’s alumni weekend is always a great time to reflect on the Wildcat program’s rich history.

However, on December 4, 2021 against Arizona State University, it will be extra special as the Wildcats will retire the No. 21 jersey of Jeremy Goltz.

Goltz will forever be anointed into the rafters alongside fellow teammate Kelly Walker’s No. 15 banner as well as the 2018-19 and 2019-20 WCHL conference championship banners at the Tucson Convention Center.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Wildcats coach Chad Berman. “When you look at his entire body of work and all that he has committed to this game, you realize the immense impact he has made not only with our program, but in the entire state of Arizona. Many people talk about growing the game, but he really walks the talk. Whether it be on the ice, behind the bench, or in the trenches helping kids to get to the next level, he has been a pioneer of Arizona hockey. I’ve had the tremendous pleasure of working with him at my summer camps and what stands out the most is his passion for the game and the fact that he really cares about his players. People don’t follow bosses, they follow leaders, and you can see that impact in the wake of hundreds of players he has helped along the way.

“He represents everything that is great about this Wildcat program, and I couldn’t be happier for him and his family.”

Now the founder and coach-in-chief for Mission AZ Hockey, Goltz finished his Wildcat career with the most goals scored by a defenseman with 36 and ranked third on the all-time defensive scoring list with 98 points. After his decorated career on the ice, Goltz returned to the Wildcats to serve as assistant coach under Leo Golembiewski before eventually taking on a head coaching opportunity in the ACHA, winning the 2010 ACHA Division 1 Coach of the Year.

Mission, located in Peoria, has been responsible for sending many players into college hockey across the United States.

(July 13, 2021)