After four years of high school hockey, Hayden Kolczynski is heading to junior hockey this fall with the NA3HL’s Wisconsin Woodsmen.

Kolczynski, a Parker native, spent his high school years playing for Chaparral after stints with the Arapahoe Warriors and Colorado Evolution.

“The opportunity to play for the Woodsmen came from when I was playing on Team Colorado at the CCM NIT and they approached me after the tournament,” Kolczynski said. “It will be very exciting. I always wanted to play at the next level, so this opportunity is one I couldn’t miss.”

During his youth hockey days, Kolczynski skated for Arapahoe up until 12U and then played AAA with the Evolution before suiting up for Chaparral.

“My (Chaparral) coach Ryan Finnefrock was a great help to my game and helped me switch from offense to defense, where I have gotten much better,” said Kolczynski. “Last season wasn’t what the team was hoping for because we got knocked out in the quarterfinals of the state tournament, but the season for me was pretty good. I made All-State and Team Colorado, which gave me these opportunities.”

His junior career fast approaching, Kolczynski has reasonable goals in my mind as he starts the climb up the hockey advancement ladder.

“My short-term goal is to move up to the NAHL from the NA3HL,” Kolczynski said. “My long-term goal is to hopefully to play NCAA D-I somewhere and go to school.”

Photo/Kolczynski Family

— Matt Mackinder

(August 2, 2023)