Blog
‘Special and unique’ Rampage coaches create family-like culture
December 29th, 2015Whether one is building a hockey team or developing a hockey player, it’s a process. It’s no different with building a club, but the process – particularly the teaching part – is something the Colorado Rampage embraces. “A school is good because they have a reputation for having good teachers,” said Andrew Sherman, the club’s…
Miners playing impressive hockey in inaugural RMJHL season
December 29th, 2015The easy part is in the past for the Pikes Peak Miners team in the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League (RMJHL). Off to an extremely fast start in the first season of the six-team league, the Miners now must continue the momentum each weekend they take the ice. “Moving forward, we just can’t let our…
Staufer endures summer scare, back coaching Lady RoughRiders
December 28th, 2015Jennifer Staufer is an avid hiker in the offseason, but this past summer, found herself climbing a much higher challenge that had her starting out in panic mode, but ultimately, has a happy ending. Staufer, who coaches the Rocky Mountain Lady RoughRiders 12U team, was hiking Crestone Peak in July with her hiking partner, Adam…
Veterans Butcher, Zajac taking control of Denver blue line
December 28th, 2015The University of Denver faced a daunting task coming into the season – replace seven seniors who played key roles for a squad that reached the NCAA tournament’s final eight last spring. Perhaps nowhere were the losses felt more than on the blue line, where All-American Joey LaLeggia and rock-solid Josiah Didier graduated and went…
Mainland offers unique spring tourney experience
December 27th, 2015Every spring for the past two decades, youth hockey teams from all over British Columbia have flocked to the Vancouver area to compete in one of the region’s most beloved tournaments. The Mainland Hockey Tournament will be back for its 22nd year in 2016, and is expected to draw up to 100 teams – many…
Colorado developing goaltenders at a rapid pace for junior, college hockey
December 24th, 2015As the overall quality of youth hockey in the Rocky Mountain region has increased in the past decade or so, another trend has emerged – the place is starting to become a goalie factory. Think it’s fiction? Check the facts. Four goaltenders from Colorado and Utah have been selected in the past three NHL drafts…
Holiday community outreach a must for West Coast Renegades
December 23rd, 2015Within all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the West Coast Renegades found a way to make a difference recently in the Salt Lake City area. And not only did the teams do that, but they contributed in an impactful way that seems to mean more this time of year. “Community service is…
Air Force’s Reid never thought about military, but now embracing it
December 23rd, 2015Playing college athletics and serving in the military is in A.J. Reid’s blood. His dad, Alan, was a Division I football player and his uncles graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Today, Reid finds himself in a similar situation as both his dad and his uncles. He’s currently a Division I athlete…
HPHL proving to be competitive spring hockey option
December 22nd, 2015Hockey in the spring? Why not? The High Plains Hockey League (HPHL) has proven since 2000 that it can be done. The USA Hockey-affiliated high school league gives hundreds of Colorado hockey players an opportunity each year to represent their school and community and play alongside their friends and classmates. A total of 34 varsity…
Taking Liberties With … Francois Beauchemin
December 20th, 2015FRANCOIS BEAUCHEMIN Position: Defenseman, Colorado Avalanche Hometown: Sorel, Quebec, Canada Last Amateur Team: Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) Age: 35 Colorado Rubber: What advice do you have for a young hockey player and his/her parents? Francois Beauchemin: Enjoy the game. Just go out there and have fun. The game of hockey is fun and you’re not supposed…