Category Archives: Youth
From Gilbert to Glendale, Mite to Jr. A, the ‘Union’ has the Valley’s puck scene covered
November 4th, 2015There are philosophies that hold a place in the lexicon of almost all good coaches, and at the top of every up-and-coming team’s goals: Always keep improving, and never sit satisfied with where you were yesterday. So it’s hardly a coincidence, then, that those same mantras could be applied to how the Arizona Hockey Union…
AHU advances seven from 18U AA “Dream Team”
October 28th, 2015Seven players from the 2014-15 Arizona Hockey Union (AHU) 18U AA team are not back with the team this season, but that’s perfectly fine with the organization. The “Dream Team” has moved on goaltenders Aaron Gittings and Tanner Ronning, defenseman Kevin Savela and forwards Ashton Amaya, Isaac Lee, Alexander Shupe and Alex Storjohann from the…
Mission Arizona programs continue to give back to community
October 19th, 2015The culture around the Mission Arizona hockey program is about more than winning. In fact, it’s about more than being able to lace up your skates, strap on the gear and hit the ice. “The most important thing our kids have to realize is that it’s not always going to be out them and that…
Jr. Coyotes product Samuelsson picks NCAA powerhouse Boston College
October 8th, 2015The Phoenix Jr. Coyotes keep pumping out college commitments. The latest is former Bantam AAA defenseman Adam Samuelsson, who will suit up for perennial NCAA powerhouse Boston College starting with the 2018-19 season. Samuelsson skated for the Jr. Coyotes during the 2013-14 season and is currently with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers of the United States…
DYHA Bantam A team hits San Diego, wins Fun In The Sun tourney
September 22nd, 2015The DYHA’s Bantam A Jr. Sun Devils team started off their season on a high note, dominating and winning the Fun In The Sun Tournament over Labor Day weekend in San Diego, Calif. The team was undefeated throughout the tournament, winning in the finals 4-0 against a talented local San Diego team. “We started out…
AHU teams successful at pre-season Seeding Jamboree
September 22nd, 2015With summer coming to a close, the Arizona Youth Hockey League held its Pre-season Seeding Jamboree for Pee Wee and Squirt teams Sept. 5-7 at AZ Ice Arcadia, Peoria AZ Ice, Ice Den Chandler, AZ Ice Gilbert and Oceanside Ice Arena. The Arizona Hockey Union (AHU) teams were well-represented and came away with renewed optimism…
AAHA Mite Jamborees heading across Arizona this season
September 22nd, 2015What better way to celebrate a child’s introduction into the game of hockey that to do just that – celebrate? Every year, the Arizona Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) puts on a series of Mite Jamborees across the state. The first one for the current 2015-16 season was hosted by Mission Arizona at AZ Ice Peoria…
New Arizona Bobcats 18U coach Gough brings Junior A experience to table
September 21st, 2015When the Arizona Bobcats officially joined forces with the Valley of the Sun Youth Hockey Association this offseason and its list of teams grew near-exponentially, that meant the program’s coaching roster would inevitably expand, too. It’s familiar local faces like Pat Mahan, Jim Livanavage, Mike Hensdell and of course, Bobcats founder and head coach Ron…
Mission Arizona continues to build a hockey powerhouse
September 21st, 2015It’s not about winning games. It isn’t about trophies or banners – or even state or national championship opportunities. OK, fair enough – it’s kind of about all of those things. But on an even grander scale, it’s also been about something else – family, or “the brotherhood.” That’s how Mission Arizona founder and coach-in-chief…
Jr. Coyotes alum Playfair out to make his mark in WHL
September 20th, 2015It’s not easy to be the son of an NHL coach and former player – no one knows that more than Austyn Playfair. Now entering his second season of Major Junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Tri-City Americans, the younger Playfair is proud to be Jim Playfair’s son, but wants to carve out…