Luke Yubeta skated two seasons in the EHL and figured he’d be hanging up his skates after the 2022-23 season.

Then oportunity came knocking in the form of NCAA Division III Framingham State University, the school the Chandler native will head to in the fall.

“I was contacted by coach Mike Bailey kind of unexpectedly,” Yubeta said. “At the time, I actually was not planning on playing next season. We talked through the details, I discussed it with my family, and I committed the same day. The whole process happened pretty fast. I played my junior hockey in Massachusetts, so I was pretty familiar with the area. Framingham allowed me to pursue what I wanted to do in school while continuing my playing career, as well as my officiating career at a high level as I have begun to establish myself in that part of the hockey world as well.”

In 2021-22, Yubeta won an EHL Premier championship with the Boston Jr. Rangers and then advanced to the EHL ranks this past season, skating for the Valley Jr. Warriors.

“Playing in the EHL gave me the opportunity to play against highly skilled players and give me exposure to college coaches,” said Yubeta. “I was pushed to elevate my game in the EHL to succeed which in turn gave me college opportunities. School has always been important to me. I took pride in graduating with honors in high school (from Chandler High School in 2021) and I intend to continue my academic success.”

Once he arrives on campus at Framingham State, Yubeta said he intends to major in Finance.

Getting to this point in his career was no easy task, and Yubeta said he couldn’t have done it alone.

“I’ve thanked so many people that I’ve lost count,” Yubeta said. “I thanked as many of my former teammates as I could, my coach at AHU (Jason Evahnenko), my coach at the Jr. Coyotes (Dave Ellett), my Boston Jr. Rangers coaches (Michael Grace and Derick Paxton), my Valley Jr. Warriors coaches (Ryan McGrath and Michael Clougherty), and, of course, my parents (Jeremy and Melissa Yubeta). I wouldn’t have had any of my success in my hockey career without my parents. I owe the world to them.”

Growing up, Yubeta played from Mites through 18U with the Arizona Hockey Union, and also spent time with the Jr. Coyotes and playing AHSHA high school hockey for Basha/Perry.

“AHU gave me so many opportunities to develop in my youth career,” beamed Yubeta. “I’m proud to say that I’m now able to give back to the organization as a coach at their spring skills sessions.”

Going forward, Yubeta is elated to see what the future brings.

“I plan for college hockey to be the end of my playing career,” he said. “It’s a far as I wish to go in that aspect of the game and I’m happy to say I’ve done everything I’ve set out to do. Post college, I plan to stay involved with the game through officiating. I want to officiate at high levels as well as work locally with the AHRA to improve officiating opportunities within the state of Arizona.”

Photo/Dan Hickling

— Matt Mackinder

(June 20, 2023)