Category Archives: Columns
AHU Coach’s Corner Guest Column: Gretzky & Einstein – Geniuses who thought outside the box
March 3rd, 2020Unlike college and professional football, offensive creativity in hockey comes mainly from players, and each year it is increasingly “coached” out of the game. Avoiding mistakes has become the highest priority, even at the youth level where the need to win eliminates creative trial and error. READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Not only do coaches insist…
Taking Liberties With… Aaron Ness
February 7th, 2020AARON NESS Position: Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes/Tucson Roadrunners Hometown: Roseau, Minn. Acquired: Signed by Coyotes as free agent on July 1, 2019 NHL Draft: Selected by New York Islanders in second round (40th overall) of 2008 NHL Draft Last Amateur Team: University of Minnesota (WCHA, NCAA Division I) Age: 29 READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Arizona Rubber:…
Shop Talk: Smashfest 3 coming in March to BTM Scottsdale location
January 31st, 2020It is getting close to that wonderful time of the year again. A time where families come together from all different backgrounds and walks of life to meet at Behind The Mask Scottsdale and break stuff. Yes, it’s the third annual Behind The Mask Smashfest! Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14! READ OUR LATEST…
Mission Statement: Finding consistency in this crazy world of youth hockey
January 30th, 2020In the crazy world of youth hockey, I think there is a beckon of consistency. This should be used as a model for organizations and serve as an eye opener to the youth community as a whole. READ OUR LATEST ISSUE You have to look no further than our AA or Tier II teams this…
Taking Liberties With… Seth Payson
January 14th, 2020SETH PAYSON Position: Forward, Texas RoadRunners (NA3HL) Hometown: Albuquerque New Mexico Youth Teams: New Mexico Ice Wolves, Taos Roadrunners, La Cueva High School Age: 18 READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up? Seth Payson: My favorite memory definitely has to be from our Silver Stick trip to Toronto my…
AHU Coach’s Corner: Advice for athletes with dreams of college, pro sports
January 13th, 2020In looking at great advice for young athletes who dream of playing college sports, or perhaps even making it to the pros, the short version is found in these three sentences: — One hundred percent want to be successful. — Ten percent take the time to form a good plan. — One percent are willing…
Shop Talk: Looking at top products for those on your shopping lists
December 19th, 2019The holidays are here, and with a wide variety of products crowding the shelves, here are the 2019 Behind The Mask Top Picks for the hockey player or coach in your life. READ OUR LATEST ISSUE CCM Ribcor Trigger 4 Pro Stick The game keeps getting faster, which is why more and more players are…
Taking Liberties With… Todd Burgess
December 10th, 2019TODD BURGESS Position: Forward, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (ECAC Hockey, NCAA Division I) Hometown: Phoenix Arizona Youth Team: Jr. Coyotes Junior Hockey Team: Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) NHL Draft: Selected by Ottawa Senators in fourth round (103rd overall) of 2016 NHL Draft Age: 23 READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing…
Mission Statement: Seeing former Mission players coaching very rewarding
December 9th, 2019It’s always hard to define success in youth hockey with so many different motivations from so many different personalities. Obviously, team success is a huge part of the puzzle. READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Until recently, the thing I was most proud of was so many alumni going on and having the love of the game…
Shop Talk: It’s certainly that time of year – let’s customize everything
December 6th, 2019Custom everything! This year’s hot-ticket item is custom sticks or skates for the ultimate player experience. Nothing is more personal than having your name or number printed or stitched into your gear. The feeling you get from opening a custom box to reveal something built just for you is second to none. With the holidays…