Arizona Rubber

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Category Archives: Junior

Benjamin off to new challenges at NCAA D-III Norwich as Surprise native knows ‘college hockey is on a different level’

August 31st, 2025

Niko Benjamin left his mark on the NCDC and now the Surprise native is looking to do the same in college at NCAA Division III Norwich. On Feb. 23, Benjamin set the all-time regular season games played record for the NCDC, marking his 185th regular-season game. This broke the previous record of 184 games played…

After two seasons with USPHL’s Jets, Chandler native Lewis commits to NCAA D-III Anna Maria

July 9th, 2025

River Lewis played his youth hockey in his home state of Arizona before a season at the renowned Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school in Minnesota. The past two seasons, the Chandler native has developed his game with the USPHL’s Metro Jets organization to be ready for the grind of college hockey. Last week, Lewis took another…

Slew of Arizona products selected in 2025 junior hockey drafts

June 12th, 2025

Starting in April with the NA3HL Draft and concluding in June with the two NAHL drafts, Arizona hockey players were selected in several junior hockey drafts this year. USHL Draft (Phase I) – May 5 5th round, 72nd overall – Trevin Vargo, F, Gilbert, Anaheim Jr. Ducks 15U, Waterloo Black Hawks12th round, 171st overall –…

Former Arizona Hockey Union coach, Gilbert native St. Clair tabbed head coach for USHL champion Lumberjacks

May 26th, 2025

The USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks have announced that Colten St. Clair is the seventh head coach in franchise history. St. Clair joined the organization in February as an associate head coach, helping the team to its first Clark Cup title last week. A Gilbert native, St. Clair joined the Muskegon coaching staff with 16 games left…

Scottsdale native, Jr. Coyotes product Lipinski commits to NCAA D-I Maine

May 22nd, 2025

The WHL’s Vancouver Giants have announced that forward Jaden Lipinski has announced his commitment to NCAA Division I Maine. The 20-year-old will join the Black Bears for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Lipinski played four seasons with the Giants, tallying 68 goals and 124 assists for 192 points in 260 regular-season games. He sits ninth in…

Jr. Coyotes alum, Scottsdale product Shephard commits to NCAA Division III Lake Forest

April 30th, 2025

The NAHL’s Watertown Shamrocks have announced that defenseman Will Shephard has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Lake Forest College (NCHA).  The Scottsdale native will be heading to skate with the Foresters this fall. Shepherd is a second-year skater in the NAHL. Last season, he skated with the Anchorage Wolverines in 38 contests. This…

Jr. Coyotes alum, Mesa native Hansen uses EHL play to garner NCAA D-III commitment to UMass Dartmouth

April 24th, 2025

Nick Hansen, a goaltender for the EHL’s Providence Capitals, has committed to NCAA Division III UMass Dartmouth. An 04’ out of Mesa, Hansen spent three years in the EHL, the most recent being his best. In 2024-25, Hansen set career highs in wins (16), save percentage (.916), and minutes (1407). He also represented the Capitals…

Mesa native, Jr. Coyotes alum Hansen gloves weekly EHL accolades

March 12th, 2025

The EHL has announced goaltender Nick Hansen of the Providence Capitals as a Mid-Atlantic Division Showcase Star. The ’04 native of Mesa played two games in the showcase, stopping all 28 shots in the Capitals win over the East Coast Wizards and 31 of 33 shots in the 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Hockey Club….

Surprise native, Jr. Coyotes grad Benjamin collects weekly NCDC award

March 11th, 2025

Utica Jr. Comets forward Niko Benjamin has been named the NCDC New England Division Forward of the Week. Benjamin (‘04/Surprise) scored two goals and three assists for five points, which helped him pass the 100-point mark on March 1. The all-time NCDC games played leader has played in 188 games since first joining the Jr….

Jr. Coyotes grad Melo earns weekly BCHL honors

March 10th, 2025

Blackfalds Bulldogs forward Joey Melo has been named the BCHL’s 1st Star of the Week. Melo led the BCHL in points last week with six in two games, piling up two goals and four assists in a pair of Blackfalds wins. On Friday night, the Alaska Anchorage commit collected a pair of assists in his…

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