With junior hockey options for the 2020-21 season, Holden Beckett decided to stay home this past season and play one more year of 18U and high school hockey.

That decision has paid off to the 2003-born Craig native as Beckett recently signed to play next season for the USPHL’s Boston Advantage.

“I participated in the CCM Showcase this year and was contacted by them after the All-Star Game,” Beckett said. “I spoke with the coach and scout and really liked what their program has to offer. The biggest thing will be adjusting to the speed and making quicker decisions. I am excited to work hard and hopefully develop into a leader on the team.”

What appeals to Beckett about the team and the USPHL?

“I almost went to the Florida Eels last season after the CCM but with COVID, I decided to stay local and play high school (with Chatfield High School) and AA with Hyland Hills, but I had done a lot of research into the league,” said Beckett. “I chose the Boston Advantage after talking with (scout) Ean Mendeszoon. I really like the location and amount of training, they also field a Tier II NCDC team, and there are a lot of Division I and III schools in the area.”

During the 2020-21 season, Beckett saw time with his brother Hunter on the NA3HL’s Gillette Wild. Being away from home during that time when hockey was on hold in Colorado will be a major help come 2021-22.

“I am really looking forward to focusing on developing and improving my game in all aspects in Boston,” Beckett said. “The amount of ice time and training you can do there is hard to beat. It will be my first time away from home for an entire season. My brother Hunter played the last two seasons with the Gillette Wild and I was able to go there for three weeks while our season was paused due to COVID. Was a good chance to see what juniors will be like away from home.”

Beckett began his hockey journey at the age of five with his hometown Craig Cougars. With no Mite team, he played four years at the Squirt level.

“Both my parents played hockey, and, in fact, my mom played in a tournament at the Promenade when she was four months pregnant with me,” said Beckett. “Both parents were Avs fans, and my brother was able to skate with them as a youth player of the game.

“I have played for a lot of associations over the years. Starting in Craig for Mites, Steamboat Springs for my Squirt years before moving to Denver. Since we have been here, I have played for Littleton, Chatfield High School, and Hyland Hills. I have been lucky to have some great coaches over the years. The ones that were the most impactful have been Corey Allen, Brett Clark, Nick Turcotte, and my entire Hyland coaching staff from this year, Brady Reynolds, Zack Schwenk, and John Naylor.”

Beckett said that even as the past season wasn’t normal by any means, he still found the time to reflect on positives.

“This year’s 18U AA Hyland Hills team was the most fun team I have ever been a part of,” Beckett said. “Even with the challenges of COVID, the staff and the team worked hard to make the season as fun and rewarding as possible. I can’t thank them and my teammates from last year enough for a great season.”

Next season, Beckett said he plans on finishing his senior year remotely through Chatfield and be able to graduate with all of his school friends.

“Hockey plans are to spend a few years in juniors and, hopefully, work up to the NCDC Advantage team before making the transition to college hockey at some level and working towards a degree in Emergency Response or Video Production,” said Beckett.

(June 30, 2021)