Category Archives: Columns
AHU Coach’s Corner: Being a leader within the game means just being yourself
November 13th, 2017There are two types of leaders in hockey. First, you have the vocal, loud intense player and then you have the quiet leader who leads by example. Both serve a different purpose and can be effective if the leaders go about it the right way. Some leaders have the ability to do both. READ OUR…
Taking Liberties With… Clayton Keller
October 18th, 2017CLAYTON KELLER Position: Forward, Arizona Coyotes Hometown: Chesterfield, Mo. Acquired: Coyotes’ first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2016 NHL Draft Last Amateur Team: Boston University (Hockey East) Age: 19 READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up? Clayton Keller: Favorite memory was winning the Sliver Sticks when I was 10 years…
AHU Coach’s Corner: How watching hockey can make you a better player
October 18th, 2017One of my favorite things to do on an off day from hockey was to watch it. I remember watching highlights of Alex Ovechkin, Jarome Iginla and Sidney Crosby just before games. These guys are the reason why people want to grow up and be a professional hockey player. They give kids hope and something…
In A Devilish Mood: It’s that time of year once again, so let the games begin
October 13th, 2017With the start of the season underway, I am very excited and encouraged by the hockey I have seen so far from teams in all the Valley’s youth hockey organizations. The start of the season is always very chaotic and exciting at the same time, with coaches trying to figure out their lineups and finally…
Shop Talk: Behind The Mask continuing the trend of growing the game
October 13th, 2017Exciting news coming from Behind The Mask – we are moving our BTM Chandler store inside AZ Ice Gilbert. We have been at our Chandler store for five years, but a lot has changed in the hockey landscape since we signed the lease in spring 2012. At the time we signed the Chandler lease, all…
Mission Statement: The time is now to create an Arizona hockey hall of fame
October 10th, 2017A big part of what we try to do at Mission Arizona is teach kids the tradition and respect for the players who have worn this jersey before them. They are reason our current players have what they have and it is very important that the history of the program is honored and talked about….
Taking Liberties With… Jakob Chychrun
September 14th, 2017JAKOB CHYCHRUN Position: Defenseman, Arizona Coyotes Hometown: Boca Raton, Fla. Acquired: Selected by Coyotes in first round (16th overall) of 2016 NHL Draft Age: 19 READ OUR LATEST ISSUE Arizona Rubber: What’s your favorite hockey memory growing up? Jakob Chychrun: There are so many memories. One of my best memories is watching the gold medal…
Shop Talk: Hockey growth in Arizona due to very passionate people
September 13th, 2017Recently, after one of the Arizona Coyotes prospect camps at AZ Ice Peoria, I met with Matt Shott, the director of amateur hockey development for the Coyotes, and Sean Whyte, who is the Southwest regional director of the “Learn to Play” program with the NHL. Matt has been working to grow hockey statewide since he…
AHU Coach’s Corner: Playing within your role helps with being a team player
September 13th, 2017Every team needs to become a family with players that are willing to do whatever it takes for the betterment of the team. Knowing your role as a player is something that kids have trouble with, but that makes a better team. The more realistic a player is with himself or herself, the better player…
In A Devilish Mood: Parents, relax and enjoy the youth sports experience
September 12th, 2017As a parent of three youth athletes, I understand the strong desire that we have as parents that our young athletes are going to someday play professionally. I can’t even count how many times I have been speaking with parents and I hear the phrase, “We are just hoping that our child will get a…