Category Archives: Junior
Bailey native, LHA, Mountain Vista alum Burns collects weekly USPHL honors
March 3rd, 2025Northern Cyclones forward Kail Burns been named the USPHL New England Elite Division Forward of the Week. Burns (‘06/Bailey) put home three goals and added two assists in a two-game stretch to close the season for the Cyclones, including a 3-1-4 line against the South Shore Kings on Feb. 23. He stands with 41 points…
‘Dream come true’ for Valis as Denver native, LHA, Thunderbirds alum inks NHL deal with Maple Leafs
March 2nd, 2025Borya Valis was born in Los Angeles, developed his hockey game in Denver, and has played the last four seasons in the WHL. Now, Valis’ NHL dreams are coming closer after he signed a three-year, entry-level contract this week with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Valis has been a dynamic force for the Prince George Cougars…
Castle Pines native, LHA product Branish climbing hockey ladder with commitment to NCAA D-III Roger Williams
March 1st, 2025Tyler Branish has used his days in the EHL as a springboard to the next level, committing recently to NCAA Division III Roger Williams. Roger Williams, located in Bristol, R.I., will play in the CNE conference next season. Branish, a defenseman for the New Jersey 87’s and a native of Castle Pines, is an example…
After time in WHL, USHL, Centennial native Schelter commits to NCAA Division I St. Thomas for ’25-26 season
February 22nd, 2025Luke Schelter is the next story of a player who played major junior hockey to commit to an NCAA Division I school. With NCAA rules changing earlier this season, a player with OHL, QMJHL or WHL experience is now eligible to play NCAA D-I hockey. The previous rules stated playing in the CHL voided a…
Colorado natives Friedman, Stukey garner weekly honors from NCDC, USPHL
February 22nd, 2025The NCDC and USPHL have announced their weekly awards, with a pair coming from Colorado. The NCDC Mountain Division Goaltender of the Week is the Pueblo Bulls’ Noel Friedman, while the USPHL Southeast Elite Forward of the Week is Curren Stukey of the Hampton Roads Whalers. Friedman (‘05/Denver) was back to old tricks, stopping 42…
From Colorado to Canada to Minnesota, Denver native Paranjape has had whirlwind year in hockey journey
February 19th, 2025Dhilan Paranjape played the 2023-24 season for Regis Jesuit High School and then began his junior hockey career last fall with the SIJHL’s Kenora Islanders. Unfortunately, the Islanders franchise folded midway through the season, but the Denver native quickly found a new home with the USPHL’s Minnesota Mullets. “I don’t have many connections, so me…
Rampage product Contreras-Checani tabbed for weekly NCDC honors
February 14th, 2025Rock Springs Grizzlies defenseman Casey Contreras-Checani has been named the NCDC Mountain Division Defenseman of the Week. Contreras-Checani (‘06/Gilbert, Ariz.) registered a goal and added two assists for a three-point weekend against Idaho Falls. After starting the season in the NA3HL, he has advanced to the NCDC where he’s enjoyed contributing six points in nine…
Staying in Colorado for junior hockey with NAHL’s Grit ‘an amazing experience’ for Arvada native Poirier
February 13th, 2025When one door closes, the next one that opens is usually one of greater opportunity. George Poirier experienced this at the beginning of the 2023-24 season and is now on the verge of playing 100 games in the NAHL with the Colorado Grit. To make the 2024-25 season even sweeter, Poirier has also been named…
Quartet of Colorado connections bag weekly honors from NCDC, USPHL
February 12th, 2025The NCDC and USPHL have announced their players of the week, with four coming from Colorado. Pueblo Bulls goalie Noel Friedman is the NCDC Mountain Division Goaltender of the Week, Bulls forward Gavin Barr is the NCDC Mountain Rookie of the Week, Bremerton Sockeyes forward Thomas Hickey is the USPHL Northwest Division Forward of the…
Colorado Springs’ Ward earns weekly NA3HL accolades
February 12th, 2025Atlanta Capitals forward Tristan Ward has been named the NA3HL South Division Star of the Week. As a new member of the Capitals, the ’05 from Colorado Springs had an impressive debut weekend with his new team, racking up an outstanding nine points in three games while boasting a plus-8 plus-minus rating for the series….