Category Archives: Columns
Editor’s: Another Shore paves way to NHL
February 26th, 2015Colorado youth hockey celebrated another developmental milestone last month, as Nick Shore made his NHL debut on Jan. 17 as a member of the Los Angeles Kings – the team that selected the Denver native in the third round of the 2011 draft. Shore, a forward, grew up playing in the Littleton Hockey Association (LHA)…
USJDP ideal for development, exposure
February 20th, 2015Now in its 15th year, the U.S. Junior Development Program (USJDP) was founded by Mike Gempeler in 2000 after identifying a need for an elite-level development camp. Gempeler wanted to create a program that would provide Junior A/B and Bantam-Midget AAA/AA-level players the intense training and exposure necessary to better prepare for junior and college hockey. Already…
RMHS celebrates 20th anniversary
January 27th, 2015When Mike Gempeler founded Rocky Mountain Hockey Schools (RMHS) back in 1996, never in his wildest dreams did he think the Kittredge-based company would reach its 20th anniversary. But as that milestone emerges, reality has taken over. Gempeler managed and grew the camp for 10 years on a local and national basis and then passed it…
Q&A: Women’s National Team coach Ken Klee
December 17th, 2014Ken Klee enjoyed a lengthy and successful career patrolling the blue line in the NHL, including a season with the Colorado Avalanche, and now is honing his chops behind the bench. The head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team that competed in last month’s Four Nations Cup in Kamloops, British Columbia, the Littleton resident chatted…
Taking Liberties With… Nick Holden
October 14th, 2014Nick Holden Defenseman, Colorado Avalanche Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta Last Amateur Team: Chilliwack Bruins (WHL) Age: 27 Colorado Rubber: What’s the best piece of advice you have for youth hockey players and parents? Nick Holden: Make sure you’re always having fun. Control what you can control; don’t worry about ice time or any outside factors….
Q&A: Avs’ Fan/Community Development Dept.
October 13th, 2014Tyler Reddy, Doug Fulton and Lesley Linscott head up the community and fan development efforts for the Colorado Avalanche. Recently, the trio chatted with Colorado Rubber about their initiatives and relationship with the local youth hockey community. Colorado Rubber: Talk a little about your role as it relates to the Colorado youth hockey family. Colorado…
Editor’s: More locals pegged as NHL draft prospects
October 11th, 2014Four Colorado-groomed players were selected in last summer’s NHL Entry Draft, and while this season is just in its infancy, expect a few more to hear their names called at the 2015 proceedings. Local products Brandon Carlo, Mikey Eyssimont and Troy Terry – all former Colorado Thunderbirds – were recognized by NHL Central Scouting on…
Industry Profile: Bill Everett
October 11th, 2014Industry Profile: Bill Everett Founder, Avision Ahead Hockey Shields For Bill Everett, it took a puck to the head during a game back in prep school to get him thinking about how to create a safer, more efficient hockey shield. Mission accomplished, as almost 40 years later Everett, the founder of Denver-based Avision Ahead, has…