Arizona Rubber

Arizona’s and New Mexico’s Authoritative Voice of Hockey

Mission Statement: The time is now for an Arizona hockey hall of fame

 

*** This column originally appeared in the Sept. 2017 edition of Arizona Rubber Magazine.***
Jeremy Goltz (middle) with Greg Powers (left) and ACHA commissioner at the time, Brian Moran (right) after Goltz recieved his ACHA Coach of the Year Award on May 1, 2010. Photo by Brandi Goltz.

A big part of what we try to do at Mission Arizona is teach kids the tradition and respect for the players who have worn this jersey before them.

They are reason our current players have what they have and it is very important that the history of the program is honored and talked about.

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As much as we try to do as an organization, I see a gap with this process at the state level with its volunteers, past players and coaches who have helped put Arizona on the map nationally long before most of you ever donned your first jersey.

I want to use this article to start the push for a statewide hockey hall of fame, where there is a founders, coaches and players induction process, so folks can be educated on the history and realize who did it and what was done so our current players understand why they have these opportunities.

I also would like to recognize a few gentlemen who recently stepped out of roles without much praise or accolades for all they have done for this town.

David Lieb oversaw a lot of the scheduling and was instrumental in the development of the Arizona Youth Hockey League (AZYHL), which has really given more of our teams a chance for steady play and a non-tier opportunity at a true state title.

Jeff Farr was the backbone of the high school showcase program, which has been a first-class experience for high schools to represent their state at a national event and be recruited by junior and college programs.

Mike DeAngelis was the hockey director at CAHA Scottsdale for 14 years, and helped to build many great players and provide an opportunity for so many kids to move on to the next levels of play beyond youth.

Sean Whyte has been a staple in town between Ozzie Ice and DYHA, and has been involved and at the forefront of Arizona hockey for so many years.

These are just a few of hundreds of longtime Arizona contributors that not only need to be recognized, but permanently honored and taught to our younger players, parents and coaches as the reason we are here.

THE ARIZONA HOCKEY HALL OF FAME NEEDS TO HAPPEN!

Jeremy Goltz is the director of hockey operations for Mission Arizona.

(Nov. 9, 2018)

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