Ethan Beyer grew up playing for the Arapahoe Warriors, Krivo School of Hockey Elite and the Colorado Thunderbirds, taking something from each of the programs and transforming himself into a top player the past few years at Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School.

Late this past summer, Beyer realized a lifelong dream by committing to play NCAA Division I hockey, deciding on Arizona State University.

“Last summer, I was selected to attend the USA Hockey Under-17 National Development Camp with several coaches and scouts in attendance,” explained Beyer. “After the camp I was approached by ASU to continue conversations. After meeting all the coaches, I knew ASU was the right place for me. I am excited about all that ASU has to offer, new rink, growing hockey program, and great teammates, but I picked this program because of the coaches. I am grateful for the opportunity coaches (Greg) Powers, (Mike) Field and (Alex) Hicks are giving me. They want to win, and so do I.

“I want to play for a team that wants to win, that has grit. Currently, the team plays out of a small, older rink, standing room-only for games, yet they play with grit and heart. I believe you need those two things to put a championship team together.”

Once Beyer enrolls as a freshman at ASU for an upcoming fall, he won’t be going in blind.

“One of my current teammates, Chase LaPinta, is also committed to ASU,” Beyer said. “After visiting school, yes, I now know a few of the guys on the team. It’s a brotherhood, which makes me excited to play for ASU.”

Born in Philadelphia before moving to Colorado at a young age, Beyer has spent his high school years at Shattuck, a prestigious institution located in Faribault, Minn.

“Shattuck has a special culture and structure, and I am proud to be a part of the boys Prep team,” Beyer said. “Our team this year is a mix of guys from 10th to 12th grade. We all have a common goal, to win a national championship for our school. Every day, we all work together to make each other better. As far as my development, I couldn’t be in a better place, and I am learning what it is to play really solid defense. I play my best hockey when able to play as part of the rush and contribute to the offensive play. Coach (Tom Ward) continues to allow me to grow in this area as well and as we all know, expects his players to give 200 percent. Coaches like him don’t come around that often. He challenges each one of us. 

“As the season unfolds, I believe myself and my teammates will only improve, and we will be ready for the national championship.”

Beyer said he started playing hockey at 6 years old.

“My grandfather enrolled me in a skating class at 4,” remembered Beyer. “My grandfather is the reason I play hockey. He is a huge Pittsburgh Penguins fan and had season tickets for 15 years before moving away from his hometown.”

After starting his hockey career and playing a handful of years with Arapahoe, Beyer asked his parents if he could play for Krivo, and then experienced his first taste of the game at the AAA level.

“We practiced every morning at 6 a.m. before school,” Beyer said. “I enjoyed starting my day with hockey. That also made me a better student. When I was 11, the Thunderbirds’ 11U team had tryouts, and I continued to play for them for three years before asking my parents if I could try out and play for Shattuck.

“As far as coaches, that is where I have been extremely lucky. Every coach I have had has been a positive influence on my hockey career so far, from Tim Shay, Andrei Krivokrasov, Zach and Buddy Blom, Milan Hedjuk and, of course, every coach at Shattuck. They are why I love the game. Each of them believed in me and challenged me to be my best self.”

Looking to the future, Beyer wants to only live in the current moment.

“I am focused on this year with my teammates and coaches,” said Beyer. “I am here to win a national championship. Yes, several teams are showing interest in me for next year, but right now, I am focused on this team and winning.

“My goals are short- and long-term for hockey and life. Of course, my long-term goal is to play in the NHL, but I will focus on today, doing things every day that make me a better person and hockey player. I have worn the same bracelet for four years. It says, ‘Trust the Process.’ I am focused on today and being a good person and teammate. Everything else will fall into place. I am excited about my future.”

— Matt Mackinder

(November 9, 2021)