Seth Rakosky was born in Oklahoma but after moving to Colorado in 2016, saw his game take an upward turn with the Colorado Rampage.

He’s now in his second season playing junior hockey after spending the 2022-23 season with the NAHL’s Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks and the majority of this season with the NCDC’s Connecticut Jr. Rangers.

“I was drafted in 2021 by CJR and Danbury in the NAHL,” Rakosky said. “I played last season and started this season in the NA at Danbury. While at Danbury, CJR always kept in touch so when I left Danbury, I felt it was the best place for me to go play. I wanted to go somewhere where they wanted me, and when I spoke to Coach (Jim) Henkel, I had that feeling. The NCDC is considered one of the top junior leagues, and CJR has always had a good program. I also wanted to stay on the East Coast to be around more colleges.”

This season has been one of adjustment for Rakosky.

“I have started to get in a really nice groove and rhythm with my team’s systems and players,” said Rakosky. “After leaving the NAHL, I realized how the style is a lot different so learning a whole new system was difficult, but I adapted quickly. Playing under Jim Henkel has really helped develop my game. I hope to keep a steady groove the second half of the season.”

Back home in Edmond, Okla., hockey was a family sport.

“My family was involved in hockey, my older brother was playing, so it was easy for me to want to play,” Rakosky said.

Then came the move to Colorado eight years ago. Rakosky played for the Rampage through his first year of 18U hockey.

“I have had a lot of great coaches that have influenced me in so many ways,” said Rakosky. “Whether that was Andrew Sherman, my coach the first year in the Rampage program, or CJ Yoder, Tyler Shipstad, Pat Bingham, Mario Puskarich or Luke Fulghum and Brett Clark my final season, each had a skill set that I benefited and grew from as a player and individual. In addition, trainer Jon Eng was a mentor and friend that inspired me in many ways off the ice.

“I really enjoy the in-state rivalries that each team has. The ’04 age group was always so strong and competitive and definitely made it a lot of fun to play in the state of Colorado growing up.”

Looking ahead, Rakosky has reachable goals in mind.

“To play college hockey,” he said. “I’m planning on majoring in something in the science or business field.”

Photo provided by Seth Rakosky

— Matt Mackinder

(January 18, 2024)