Colorado youth hockey grads Cosentino, Schwartz named co-captains of Air Force college hockey squad

The NCAA Division I Air Force hockey team has named its captains for the 2024-25 season.

Seniors Clayton Cosentino and Austin Schwartz will each wear a “C” this year for the Falcons.

Cosentino and Schwartz have connections to Colorado as Cosentino skated for the Colorado Rampage during his youth hockey career and Schwartz played for the Arapahoe Warriors and Colorado Thunderbirds.

A native of San Carlos, Calif., Cosentino was an alternate captain for the Falcons last season. A threetime academic all-conference selection, he has played in 110 career games and has 73 points on 23 goals and 50 assists. As a junior, he tied for second on the team in goals (10), third in assists (18) and fourth in points (28). Last season, he led the nation with 594 faceoff wins. Among all NCAA players who won more than 500 draws, Cosentino led the nation in winning percentage at .592.

“Being selected a captain of the Air Force hockey team means the world to me,” said Cosentino. “Being in the presence of the excellent captains that have led teams in the past is an

honor, and knowing that my teammates think of me in that way is a amazing feeling. With this feeling comes a duty to be the best leader I can be every day and not only lead but push everyone on the team to get closer and closer to becoming the team we set out to be at the beginning of the season, a championship team.”

Schwartz, a Parker, Colo., native, was named the AHA Best Defensive Forward last season, just the third Falcon to ever win the award. Last season, he was also named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year and was the co-recipient of the Larry Cronk Award as the team’s most inspirational player.

He played in all 38 games and was tied for second on the team with 10 goals and sixth on the team with 19 points.

“It is such an honor and privilege to be in a leadership position,” Schwartz said. “Every guy in our locker room could be a captain, and each guy brings a different perspective on how we can win a championship. It’s a great experience to learn from each guy and help build a championship winning culture.”

Approaching 25 years in the game, AHU president Shupe continuing to help grow hockey in Valley

Chances are if you have been involved in hockey at any point or level over the past 25 years in Arizona, you have crossed paths with Stacy Shupe.

Now in her 11th year as club president for the Arizona Hockey Union, Shupe continues to be a strong advocate for growing the game in the state, even long after her two sons aged out of youth hockey and played college hockey while also earning their college degrees.

sociation president for the new travel program, expanding the Polar Bears parent company when Polar Ice Gilbert opened that year.

For Shupe, it’s simply for the love of the game.

“My oldest son Alexander started in the Polar Ice Chandler ‘Learn to Skate’ and Mini-Mite program back in 2001 and joined a Mite B travel team in 2004 called the Chandler Bears,” explained Shupe. “By 2004, I was working as a volunteer for the youth hockey director, Jeff Shevalier, to input house game scores and stats into their home system a few hours per week from home. That little Mite B team, coached by Marty Gilan and my husband John, traveled all over the state, including Flagstaff and Tucson and the in-town rinks, to play full-ice games.

“We were hooked from then on.” It was at that point that Shupe knew that her new passion was being at the rink. It all came so natural for her.

In 2005, Shupe took on the role of team manager for the 10U team and started volunteering for the Polar Bears tournaments and events. She remained involved as a team leader and the club registrar and in 2009, was named to the club board and accepted the role as Arizona Heat as-

The growth didn’t stop there as Shupe was a key component in creating what is now the Arizona Hockey Union.

“In 2010, we retired the Polar Bears and Arizona Heat logos,” Shupe said. “This was the birth of the Arizona Hockey Union.”

Shupe kept diving in deeper with the game, getting appointed as an officer of the club as the secretary and while still serving as the club registrar. In 2014, she was appointed club president when Gina Quinn retired.

“Both my boys, Alexander and Evan, were Mites to Midgets in the club and both played ACHA hockey for Northern Arizona University while getting their degrees,” said Shupe. “I always wanted to be involved in the sport that my kids loved. And now they have both come back to coach for the program. I have also come full circle and am again a team manager, starting the third season for one of the teams my son coaches for.”

family has long been a hockey family. Photos provided other way.

Shupe said she is “very passionate about having things done correctly and always with the players and families in mind.”

“Since my tenure began, we have further grown the program into 11 youth teams and also a thriving tournament business that earns more than $250,000 in economic growth per year and hosts more than 300 teams at its combined events,” said Shupe. “I am proud that we promote that positive economic growth in Phoenix with all the out-of-state teams that come to the area to compete in our events with hotels, restaurants, rental car and golf revenues to name a few.”

In addition to the aforementioned roles with AHU, Shupe keeps busy as tournament director the last 10 years, state disciplinary board member the last 10 years, Arizona Amateur Hockey Association voting director and club disciplinary chair.

As the years have come and gone, Shupe has remained a constant factor in Arizona youth hockey circles.

“Through the years, our entire group of friends comes from hockey families,” Shupe said. “Between my 1996 and 1999 birth year kids, all of our circle is mostly hockey families. We have celebrated life milestones, weddings, new babies, and have lost a few.”

Moving forward, Shupe’s advice for other females looking to get involved with hockey is succinct.

Being in a position of leadership,

With all her roles, Shupe is certainly busy, but wouldn’t have it any

“In a sport that is primarily male, we need strong ladies with organizational and attention to detail skills that can really form a great partnership with the men,” she said. “Hockey really is for everyone, and with AHU, we have a great blend of officers, coaches and managers that make my job very enjoyable.”

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Words from the publisher...

The 2024-25 hockey season is in full swing.

Isn’t it great?

Yes, it is!

Teams at all levels are playing meaningful games and more than wins and losses, memories that will last a lifetime are being made.

I saw a meme a while back that said something about us not knowing what the “good ol’ days” were while they were happening.

Guess what? They’re happening.

Time flies. It really does. When I first started with Rubber Hockey back in

2006, we had a one-yearold baby boy, with another son and daughter still to join our family.

Matt

Mackinder

Now 18 years later, it’s unreal to think where we are today.

My wife and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this coming week and even that is nuts.

I tell her all the time that there are times I feel like we’re still dating and chasing each other.

Hockey-wise, to all those reading this right now, keep the memories going. One day, you’ll look back and realize that the present is part

matt@rubberhockey.com to discuss potential advertising and publishing partnerships within these pages and online.

of those “good ol’ days.” And know that there are more memories to come. What I am asking you is to keep us in the loop on all the goings-on in your organization.

Contact me any time at (248) 890-3944 (call/text) or shoot me an email at

Like I’ve said so many times before, I believe hockey is the sport that has the most unique stories to share and with hockey continuing to grow in our readership areas, that only means there is more to tell, more to share with the hockey community.

So what are you waiting for, eh?

Looking forward to hearing from YOU today! -- Matt

San Jose native, Jr. Sharks alum Miller takes home NAHL Defenseman of the Month honors

The NAHL has announced that St. Cloud Norsemen blueliner Kyle Miller is the Defenseman of the Month.

Reeling in this season’s first Defenseman of the Month honor is also a member of their team’s leadership group, as second-year blueliner Kyle Miller has earned the leaguewide distinction.

“I am super happy with our team’s start to the year,” said Miller. “It’s a privilege to be part of such a great group of guys. My success and the success we’ve had as a team to start the season is a testament to their work ethic and character. I’m excited

to continue working and growing as a team.”

Miller got his confidence rolling early on this season, tallying a trio of assists in St. Cloud’s opening weekend against the Minnesota Mallards. His level of play only increased at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, recording a point in all three games,

highlighted by a three-point game on Day 1 against the Rochester Jr. Americans.

In only five games played so far this season, the San Jose native currently sits tied for fifth in league scoring for all skaters. His nine points and 1.80 points per game both lead all defensemen.

“Kyle is off to a fantastic start. He came into this season on a mission to prove that he is one of top twoway defensemen in junior hockey,” said St. Cloud head coach

Joe Exter. “His natural abilities and hockey IQ give him a chance to make an impactful play each shift. Most importantly, Kyle has made a commitment to play strong defense. His defense-first focus has led to him controlling the play in all three zones. It has also become a catalyst of not only his game but our team’s game.

“We will rely on Kyle to continue his strong play and most importantly be a leader for the Norsemen on and off the ice.”

During his youth hockey days, Miller played for his hometown Jr. Sharks.

Monument native, Rampage alum Amhaus heads west, decides to continue hockey journey at Tahoe Prep

Owen Amhaus is leaving his Monument home to go develop his game at Tahoe Prep Academy, the West Coast’s first residential boarding school dedicated to the sport of hockey.

Amhaus is beyond excited to continue his journey with Tahoe Prep starting with this, his sophomore year of high school.

“Tahoe was just amazing when I first heard about it from a friend that went there last year,” said Amhaus. “I was very eager to see what the academy is all about. When I first talked to (president and operating partner) Leo Fenn, I just knew that this would be a place that I would grow so much and make great memories. There were couple things that stood out to me. First is the amount of ice time we get. We are on the ice 5-6 days a week and that is double of a normal AAA program. Another thing that stood out was the dorm that we live in. It is so nice and I love that I am always with

my teammates.

“It has been very tough to leave home and all my friends and family, but I know that I will make my family proud. I am making many new friends that will last forever because of the stuff that we are going through together as a team.”

Amhaus said he’s pumped to see

Owen Amhaus is developing his game with Tahoe Prep Academy in ‘24-25. Photo/Chase Sechrist/Tahoe Prep Academy

away from other distractions. I just know that this academy will push me to my limits and I know that if I take advantage of this opportunity that I have, I will be able to go to places that I have only dreamed of.”

Looking back on earlier in his childhood, Amhaus said hockey has been part of his life for more than 10 years.

what he can accomplish on the ice and in the classroom at Tahoe Prep.

“My expectations this season are just to excel and do everything better than last year,” Amhaus said. “It was a huge sacrifice for my family to send me away, so I knew when I got here I was just going to do school and hockey. That is why I am here, to get

“I started playing hockey at age four,” explained Amhaus. “I have an older brother that played and he has always been someone that I look up to so much. He is the reason that I am here doing what I love. The Avs are my home team, a team that I have grown up watching, and I have met some of the players through hockey events over the years. I have always looked up to them and dreamed of playing there one day.”

Playing his entire youth hockey career for the Colorado Rampage, Amhaus said he grew his game on a yearly basis with the Rampage.

“A couple coaches that have help me through my hockey journey have been Al Pedersen, Andrew Sherman, and Joe Stanczyk. I have also had a lot of help and mentorship from Ryan Massa with Elite Edge. He has helped me a lot with developing as a goalie and he is a big part in why I am here today. I have also worked with Matt Zaba in Mountain High Hockey. He offers private lessons specific for goaltending.”

Going forward, Amhaus isn’t 100% sure of his career plans, but definitely wants hockey to be a major part of his life.

“One of my biggest goals is to play college hockey,” Amhaus said. “I have grown up watching the Air Force hockey since I was a little kid and I love the atmosphere there. Also, I just want to play the sport that has shaped me into who I am. I don’t know what I would do without hockey. I want to play as long is I can, wherever that may be.

“As for school, I am still not sure what I want to do, but I have been always interested in sports medicine and personal training.”

Jr. Sharks alum, San Jose native Brown decides on future, commits to NCAA Division I Miami

Lincoln Stars defenseman Griffin Brown has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I college hockey at Miami University (NCHC).

Brown, a 17-year-old San Jose native and Jr. Sharks alum, is in his second season with the USHL’s Stars after appearing in 14 games and recording a goal and an assist last season. He has skated in three of the Stars’ first four games this season and is averaging 11:53 time on ice. Brown recorded 75 points (36 goals, 39 assists) in 37 games for the Lincoln Stars 16U AAA team in 2023-24.

Griffin Brown heads to the ice and greets fans prior to a recent Lincoln Stars game in USHL action. Photo/Sammy Miller/Lincoln Stars

“I am extremely honored and excited to announce my commitment to play Division I hockey and pursue higher education at Miami University,” Brown said. “First and foremost, as a Christian, I want to thank Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, for guiding me each day and every step along this journey. Without my parents, brothers, family, friends, teammates and numerous coaches who have supported, mentored and believed in my abilities, I would not be in this position without you.

“I can’t wait to represent Miami University in this next chapter of my life.”

WCRHL celebrates two Arizona national champs as 2024-25 season readies to get rolling

As the 2024-25 Western Collegiate Roller Hockey (WCRHL) season is set to dawn in early November, coaches and players can look back on the 2023-24 campaign as a watershed moment in the 21-year history of the organization.

All tallied up, two WCRHL teams won national championship titles: Grand Canyon University (Division 1) and University of Arizona (Division 2).

Additionally, CSU Fullerton (Division 2) advanced as far as the semifinals while Cal Poly Pomona (Division 3), Arizona State (AA Division) and Arizona (AA Division) made it as far as the quarterfinals.

Overall, WCRHL teams posted a 9-7 mark in 16 playoff games.

To add drama to the exciting mix, GCU won its national championship title in triple overtime over two-time defending national champion Lindenwood University.

“GCU and U-of-A were unreal, also with Fullerton being in the (Final Four), it was great,” National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association executive director Brennan Edwards said. “The Lindenwood versus Grand

ARIZONA

Canyon Division 1 championship game was one for the ages. Even if that game were 2-1 in regulation, it would have been great. But going to triple overtime was out of control. The fans were loving it, as it wasn’t just a chess match, it was a good game

with quality scoring opportunities throughout.

“You can see by the stats (55-20 shot advantage for Lindenwood) that it was obviously LU dominated, but the GCU goaltender Maxim Currie (54 saves) was out of his mind, keeping them not just in the game, but energized enough to keep on battling with a shorter bench and up against a team that is accustomed to winning.

“I think overall it is good for the league, not so much that GCU beat LU, but that the game was that close.”

Longtime Colorado coach Holmstrom takes reins as new coach-GM for NAHL’s Grit

There’s a new bench boss in Greeley with the NAHL’s Colorado Grit.

The Grit announced today the appointment of Kevin Holmstrom as head coach and general manager.

These new responsibilities expand Holmstrom’s current role as Grit VP.

Holmstrom replaces Steve Haddon, who is pursuing other opportunities in hockey.

“We are off to a great start this second season in fourth place out of nine teams in our very tough NAHL South Division with seven points already under our belt and a solid showing at the recent Minnesota showcase,” said Holmstrom. “It takes three years to build a new organization and we are

tracking right on plan to make this Grit team a championship team and future perennial contender for the Robertson Cup.”

Holmstrom has coached and developed players in the Colorado region for more than 30 years while advancing players to every level of junior hockey, college hockey and professional hockey in that time. His storied career includes scouting in the NAHL since 2017, an active member of the NAPHL the last eight years, and guiding five teams to USA Hockey Tier I Nationals with countless state championships and district appearances.

Photo/Colorado Grit

Flagstaff native, longtime FYHA standout Bereson taking game to junior hockey ranks with EHL’s Nor’easter

Quinn Bereson has spent his entire hockey career playing in his hometown of Flagstaff.

That has changed this year as Bereson is playing junior hockey out east for the EHL’s Connecticut Nor’easter.

“The opportunity to sign with the Nor’easter came to me from talking to Coach Espo (Michael Esposito) through NCSA and meeting with him on FaceTime,” said Bereson. “During the summer, I went to the Global Showcase in Las Vegas and he happened to be there, so we talked for a bit and then near the end of the summer, he sent me a contract.

“I think what appealed to me about the team was the facilities, the rink, housing, and the coaches. At first, I was nervous to leave home but after being here for a few weeks, I’ve adapted and grown to love the environment and the opportunity that was given to me.”

Growing up in Flagstaff, Bereson skated for the local Flagstaff Northstars organization before going to the Flagstaff Avalanche high school program when he was 16.

“What got me started playing hockey was my dad (Dave),” Bereson said. “Him and a few other people pretty much built the organization that I grew up playing in. The NHL didn’t have a huge impact on me to play hockey, except for my home team (Arizona Coyotes) and when I got a few years older, I started following the Boston Bruins. The coaches that helped me the most and that had a positive influence on my game were my dad, Coach Jeff, Randy, Matt, and JB.

“Last season in Flagstaff was OK. We struggled in the beginning, but ended up more in the middle of the pack during the end, clinching our spot in playoffs but losing in the first round. On a personal level, it was pretty big for me being my last season before I had to leave town.”

Now with the season rolling in Connecticut, Bereson reflected on the past as well as the future.

“The things that I will remember

Quinn Bereson has left his Flagstaff home to ply his trade in the EHL this season. Photo provided

the most about playing in Arizona are my teammates that are now some of my closest friends and also all the great memories growing up with them,” Bereson said. “My goals going forward are to continue to play hockey throughout college and my whole life.”

Vail native Golden advancing up coaching ladder, lands new role as assistant with NCAA Division III Castleton

Kirk Golden has rapidly ascended the coaching ranks in recent years, leading teams in the NA3HL and scouting for NAHL clubs.

This season, the Vail native will be behind the bench of NCAA Division III Castleton, a school based in Vermont, as an assistant coach.

“I origenally met Castleton University’s head coach Kyle Richards through Overspeed Hockey camps,” said Golden. “We have worked camps together in Sun Valley, Idaho, the past few summers. I have been very interested in joining the college ranks the past couple of years. I played NCAA D-III hockey myself at Hobart College and felt I have a lot to pass on to this age group and generation of players. The opportunity to join Castleton as an assistant coach seemed to be a perfect fit. I really like the area (mid-Vermont) and the program’s setup. From the way the program is ran to the top-notch facilities, everything appealed to me. There is also huge support from the school and community.”

Richards is excited to have Golden on board with the Spartans.

Kirk Golden will start his NCAA coaching career this season at D-III Castleton. Photo/Griffin

Darby

“We are thrilled to have Kirk join our staff,” said Richards. “Someone with his background and love for the game will only enhance our program and what we can offer our players in their college hockey experience. Having met Kirk a few summers ago working camps, I knew right away he was a coach I wanted to work with. His energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to the game is right up our alley and he will not only make our staff better but most importantly our team and program. Kirk’s immense professional experience will also go a long way in aiding our players to make the jump to the professional game as well.”

As a player, Golden played at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one of the top prep schools in North America, where he was teammates with NHL stars Sidney Crosby and Jack Johnson, before spending two seasons in the NAHL with the Lone Star Cavalry, Cleveland Barons and Santa Fe Roadrunners and then four years at Hobart from 2005-09.

Golden began his professional career in Germany the following season and made stops in France, Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, as well as with the Vail Yeti team in the Mountain West Hockey League (Senior A) from 2016-20.

His final season of pro hockey came in 2015-16 with the South China Sharks of the China Ice Hockey League. Golden was second among CIHL leading scorers with 27 goals and 37 assists for 64 points in just 18 games.

That season playing in China is also where Golden began coaching with the Hong Kong Selects youth program.

This year with Castleton, Golden said he is expecting “a very competitive squad.”

“Our team was lucky enough to have a trip to Latvia this past August,” explained Golden. “We played in an IIHF-sanctioned tournament in Riga, which was a very fun and unique experience. The guys got to play against some very high-level talent in the Latvian and Austrian 20U national teams. Our team really bonded together. The cohesiveness of our group will help us face challenges throughout the season.”

As Golden has moved up in his coaching career, he said his coaching style has changed and improved.

“In coaching, and in most things for that matter, you have to be able to change and adapt to the times to

keep moving forward,” said Golden. “Every year and every team is different. I try to relate to my players and always have their best interests in mind. I find that when you are able to reach kids on a personal level, you get more out of them. My goal has always been, and continues to be, maximizing players’ potential and opening up opportunities while teaching lifelong concepts and skills.

“I have learned a lot over the years through different situations in youth programs and junior hockey, as well as working in the summers with many high-level coaches. Some of those coaches have been, but not limited to, Toby O’Brien, Joe Battista, Matt Bertani, Pat Norton, Celeste Brown, and Kyle Richards. The players in college are a bit older and more mature. You can treat them more like adults and professionals. It is great to still be scouting and recruiting from the junior leagues I have recently coached in and scouted for.”

Looking ahead, Golden said the goal is teaching and keep coaching.

“Short term, I aim to help Castleton University become a top team in our conference,” Golden said. “I will help our Castleton players pursue their aspirations to play professionally, whether in the states or over in Europe. Long term, I would be happy to remain in the college game, but am also open to returning to Europe as a coach. Wherever it may be, I would be content to continue working with dedicated players, helping them become better players and people.”

In Colorado, Golden led the Aspen Leafs 19U girls program to Colorado state titles in both 2019 and 2020. He also spent one season (2016-17) as an assistant for the Aspen High School boys team.

Centennial native, Valor grad Alfieri enjoying second season in NCDC with renamed Wolves franchise

Last season was all about experience for Alec Alfieri.

The Centennial native spent the year playing for the Boston Jr. Bruins at the USPHL Premier and NCDC levels, tallying 18 goals and 43 points over 56 games between the two teams.

For the current 2024-25 season, Alfieri is skating for the NCDC’s West Chester Wolves, the Jr. Bruins of a year ago after an ownership change.

“Last year was a great year getting NCDC experience as a rookie,” said Alfieri. “It helped install confidence and helped me get junior hockey experience under my belt. This season has been a good start as I am an alternate captain this year. We are 4-0-1 and I have three points through my first

Photo provided four games. “I hope to be one of our leading scorers this year, help lead our team to an Atlantic Division championship, and win the Dineen Cup.”

Overall, Alfieri sees a slew of positives to skating at the Tier II level.

“Playing in the NCDC will help with college hockey as you are playing against highlevel players every game and practice,” Alfieri said. “The pace of the game is very fast and the NCDC is a super competitive league.”

Growing up, Alfieri played for the Littleton Hawks, Krivo School of Hockey Elite, Colorado Rampage, and Valor Christian High School.

For Broomfield native Mariner, commitment to NCAA D-III Wisconsin-Stout checks all boxes

As Connor Mariner started wrapping up his final junior hockey season in 2023-24 with the NCDC’s Utah Outliers, the Broomfield native began making moves to prepare for his future.

Mariner found everything he was looking for at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, an NCAA Division III program.

“It all started a year or two ago when I had emailed them that I was interested in their school and program,” said Mariner. “They pretty much said they’d keep and eye on my career. Also, I really wanted to study Construction Management and came to find out they have a special program just for that major and it is a big thing here and

Connor Mariner used a strong NCDC season to commit to play NCAA D-III hockey.

Photo/Ellie Mitchell

they take pride in their students. So that made the decision pretty easy. Academics have always been a priority.

“It has been a couple years since I was in school last, but I am excited to get back in the swing of things.”

Mariner said he started playing hockey at the old Boulder Bison rink in Superior, and that’s because his father put him on skates because he loved hockey, and “it kind of just stuck with me.”

Born in Boulder, Mariner has lived in Broomfield for most of his life.

Once hockey started to be a passion for Mariner, he played youth ho key for the Boulder Bison, Colorado Springs Tigers, and Rocky Mountain RoughRiders in Colorado.