After spending all of his youth hockey days in Colorado, Dalton Spitz is heading to Idaho for the 2022-23 season after recently signing with the new Idaho Falls Spud Kings team that starts play next month in the USPHL.

Spitz grew up in Berthoud and played for the NCYH Jr. Eagles through Bantams and then skated for the Resurrection Christian high school program.

“After Coach (Joshua) Hoff was announced as the head coach of the team, I had reached out to him for information about the program and one thing led to another,” Spitz said. “I was really intrigued about the opportunity of being able to help build the program and set the culture of a new team. I am really excited about being a part of the inaugural team.

“The USPHL having such a great track record of sending kids to college is really appealing for myself because, ultimately, playing college hockey is a goal of mine.”

Being away from the confines of home will be nothing new for Spitz as he enjoyed that situation playing for the Cougars during his high school years.

“This last season on a personal level I felt like I was able to develop and improve as a player and living away from home helped me off ice as well,” said Spitz. “Being away from home and living on my own really helped me develop that sense of being independent and it helped me make some really great friendships along the way.”

Back home, Spitz said Jake Pence, Rhett Gordan, and Matt Clark are coaches he had that have stood out and made a positive impact on him.

Looking ahead, Spitz his goals in order.

“Short term, I want to be able to make a positive impact in Idaho Falls and help the team win games,” Spitz said. “Long term, I want to be able to play college hockey as I pursue my degree for teaching.”

Photo/Kristyn Clark

— Matt Mackinder

(August 3, 2022)