Category Archives: Junior
USPHL’s Mullets bring back Litchfield Park native, Arizona youth hockey grad Scott for ’22-23 campaign
July 21st, 2022The USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets have announced the return of veteran Brent Scott. The defenseman was solid for the Mullets last season and will look to continue his success in the upcoming campaign. The Litchfield Park native is the second of the Mullets from Litchfield Park to return for the new season following the announcement of…
Litchfield Park’s Ortega heading back to USPHL’s Mullets ahead of ’22-23 campaign
July 20th, 2022The Minnesota Mullets have announced that veteran forward Tyler Ortega will return to the team for the upcoming 2022-23 season. The center will bring experience and depth to the Mullets’ lineup. A native of Litchfield Park, Ortega skated in 42 regular-season games for the Mullets last season and posted six points (two goals, four assists),…
Scottsdale native, Bobcats alum Poole anxious for return to USPHL’s Mullets for 2022-23 season
July 18th, 2022The USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets have announced the return of veteran defenseman Austin Poole. Poole posted five points (goal, four assists) in 35 games for the Mullets last season, including a short-handed assist. Originally from Scottsdale, Poole traded the desert heat for the winter blizzards right around his time to play bantam, which he did for…
Bobcats, Jr. Coyotes alum Bonaldi takes next step, advances to NCAA Division III Nichols
July 11th, 2022Life in the Pacific Division of the USPHL Premier in its first two seasons of existence has been pretty sweet for Las Vegas Thunderbirds goaltender Anthony Bonaldi. The lifelong resident of Las Vegas built on both his team success and his own accomplishments in the net – twice being named a season-ending USPHL Premier Pacific Division…
Jr. Coyotes alum Littler sees NHL dreams get closer, selected by Flames in 2022 NHL Draft
July 11th, 2022The 2022 NHL Draft was held July 7-8 in Montreal, and aside from the Arizona Coyotes selections, one player with desert connections saw their dreams get one step closer as they were picked by an NHL club. Jr. Coyotes alum Cade Littler was taken by the Calgary Flames in the seventh round (219th overall). ALSO…
Handful of Arizona products selected during 2022 NAHL Entry Draft
June 27th, 2022The NAHL held its annual entry draft June 15 as member teams selected players to bolster rosters for the 2022-23 season. A handful of Arizona players were taken by NAHL clubs. 1st round (18th overall) – Dean Noonan (Chandler), D, Odessa Jackalopes 4th round (94th overall) – Aidan Coupe (Gilbert), F, Maine Nordiques 5th round…
Jr. Coyotes, Bobcats alum, NA3HL standout Gross signs NAHL tender with Amarillo
June 13th, 2022The NA3HL’s El Paso Rhinos have announced that forward Matthew Gross has signed an NAHL tender agreement with the Amarillo Wranglers of the NAHL’s South Division. Gross, 18, just completed his first season of junior hockey in the NA3HL with the Rhinos. The Las Vegas native played in 31 regular-season games in the 2021-22 season for El…
Arizona players, connections selected during 2022 NCDC Entry Draft
June 9th, 2022The USPHL held its annual NCDC Entry Draft last month as member teams selected players from the 2005 and 2006 birth years. Many Arizona players and those with ties to the state were taken by NCDC clubs. 2nd round – Alex Hebblethwaite (Canada native, Jr. Coyotes), F, Boston Advantage 2nd round – Joey Melo (Canada…
Arizona players, connections selected in two-phase USHL draft process during 2022 event
June 9th, 2022The USHL held its two-day draft in early May, having its teams select 2006 birth years in Phase I and all other eligible birth years (2002-2006) in Phase II. A handful of Arizona players and those with ties to the state were taken by USHL clubs. PHASE I 4th round, 52nd overall – Jack Lackas…
Trio of Scottsdale products taken in 2022 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft
June 9th, 2022Last month, the WHL held its two-day draft, starting with the 2022 U.S. Prospects Draft and wrapping with the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft. Three Arizona natives were selected by WHL teams in the U.S. draft. 1st round, 9th overall – Brady Turner (Scottsdale), F, Tri-City Americans 1st round, 15th overall – Brandon Gorzynski (Scottsdale), F,…