Category Archives: Youth
Jr. Sun Devils continue to provide opportunities for local youth talent
May 12th, 2016Desert Youth Hockey Association (DYHA) teams have a new name, but most things have remained the same. While the Jr. Sun Devils don’t focus on winning, they continue to triumph, just as when they were Firebirds. DYHA’s Oceanside Arena received a facelift in time for the association’s 40th anniversary, but their philosophy continues to attract…
Coaches, like players, developed in ‘15-16 with FYHA
May 11th, 2016Most times, an organization will deduce that a successful season comes with player development and how much those players developed over the course of the season. While that is definitely true with the Flagstaff Youth Hockey Association (FYHA), the program’s slate of dedicated coaches also made strides due to the Coaches Development Program, a program…
Bobcats start ‘16-17 plans with spring, summer programs
May 5th, 2016The hockey offseason may signal an end to games and tournaments, but for many serious youth hockey programs, it doesn’t mean that players forget about the sport altogether. For the Arizona Bobcats, the spring and summer are times to develop new skills, build strength and flexibility, and prepare for the season ahead so players can…
AAHA set for 14U, 15U USA Hockey Youth Nationals in 2017
May 4th, 2016The Arizona Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) was already hosting the 14U Tier I Youth Nationals in 2017. That much was known and a definite feather in the cap for all involved in Arizona youth hockey. Then came Jan. 29 when USA Hockey announced an addition to its slate of 2017 and 2018 Tier I Youth…
Ice Den Scottsdale undergoing sparkling refurbishment
May 3rd, 2016Expect the howl coming from the Jr. Coyotes next fall to be just a tad louder. That’s because with the massive project the organization is seeing happen at the Ice Den Scottsdale, not only will the rinks be stronger, but so will the hockey programs. The old sand floor (under the ice and refrigeration unit)…
Mission AZ mourns loss of former player Charlie Price
April 29th, 2016The players, coaching staff and management of the Mission Arizona hockey club like to think of themselves as a family. Last month, that family lost one of its own. Charlie Price, a former Mission AZ forward who had played for the club for five years, passed away unexpectedly on March 23 at the age of…
Arizona quartet takes in rewarding nationals experience
April 27th, 2016For the four teams that traveled out of state for the USA Hockey Youth Nationals earlier this month, the experience playing on such a stage proved to be beneficial for all involved. Jeremy Goltz’s Mission Arizona 18U AA Red squad went to Amherst, N.Y., and finished 0-3. “Always a great experience to get to go…
Success for Jr. Coyotes begins with tireless front office
April 27th, 2016Take a look at any successful youth hockey organization and several items will immediately stand out – a strong infrastructure, quality coaches and players with aspirations to develop and learn the game. Welcome to the Jr. Coyotes/Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA). The organization has a solid backbone in place with its front office, which includes…
AHU program continues to provide family-oriented hockey
April 26th, 2016As the hockey season comes to an end, the Arizona Hockey Union continues to focus on its family-oriented mission. The Union aims to provide long-term growth and competitive development of youth hockey players serving the Valley. This past season has done just that. Club president Stacy Shupe always wants to make sure the Union encourages…
DYHA 16U combo team exudes brotherhood, high-end talent
April 12th, 2016The Desert Youth Hockey Association’s (DYHA) 16U combo team had a successful 2015-16 season. Need proof? The team won the AZYHL league and playoff championships, the 16U A state title and totaled four banners altogether, but the players and coaches took away more than wins from the season. “The team totally bonded and played for…