When it comes to developing players for high-level junior hockey, few do it better than the Colorado Rampage.

A total of 12 standouts from last season’s 16U AAA and 18U AAA teams have moved on play in the United States Hockey League (USHL), North American Hockey League (NAHL), Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) and United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) for the 2014-15 campaign.

“The USHL and NAHL are arguably the top two junior leagues in the country, and for us to have that many kids just from last season’s Midget teams playing there definitely is a credit to our exceptional coaching staff,” said Rampage 18U AAA coach and chairman Andrew Sherman.

Defenseman Bo Hanson (Muskegon Lumberjacks), forward Jack Suter (Sioux Falls Stampede) and goaltender Garrett Metcalf (Madison Capitols) are playing in the USHL this season.

In addition, goaltender Jacob Weatherly is on Madison’s affiliate list and playing for the NAHL’s Amarillo Bulls, and forward A.J. Vanderbeck is on the Des Moines Buccaneers’ list and skating for the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas.

Forward J.J. Huerena is also with Amarillo, while blueliner Sean Giles is a teammate of Vanderbeck’s with the Brahmas.

Forwards Ryan Bochert (Johnstown Tomahawks), Cam Strong (Topeka RoadRunners) and Jake Gerson (Kenai River Brown Bears) round out the 2013-14 Rampage alumni in the NAHL.

What’s more, forward Logan Speelman is rostered with the USPHL’s Bay State Breakers, while defenseman Nolan Carothers has headed north to play for the AJHL’s Calgary Canucks.

“Our coaches take pride in preparing the kids for higher levels of hockey and we’re confident that, when they leave our program, the time is right and they’re ready,” Sherman added.

– Matt Mackinder