Blog
Off-ice amenities part of Renegades’ draw
October 14th, 2014By Matt Mackinder When it comes to architecting a successful youth hockey program, having a proper off-ice structure is many times just as important as what happens during games and practices. That fact isn’t lost on the first-year West Coast Renegades (WCR) AAA outfit, which stocks everything an organization needs to help deliver an unparalleled…
Taking Liberties With… Nick Holden
October 14th, 2014Nick Holden Defenseman, Colorado Avalanche Hometown: St. Albert, Alberta Last Amateur Team: Chilliwack Bruins (WHL) Age: 27 Colorado Rubber: What’s the best piece of advice you have for youth hockey players and parents? Nick Holden: Make sure you’re always having fun. Control what you can control; don’t worry about ice time or any outside factors….
Q&A: Avs’ Fan/Community Development Dept.
October 13th, 2014Tyler Reddy, Doug Fulton and Lesley Linscott head up the community and fan development efforts for the Colorado Avalanche. Recently, the trio chatted with Colorado Rubber about their initiatives and relationship with the local youth hockey community. Colorado Rubber: Talk a little about your role as it relates to the Colorado youth hockey family. Colorado…
Seeds of Success
October 12th, 2014By Paul Willis For a program that’s been around for more than four decades, it’d be easy enough for Aspen Junior Hockey (AJH) to rest on its laurels. The Leafs reside in one of the country’s most notable winter havens, and enthusiasm for the sport will be eternal in this glitzy mountain town. But things…
Editor’s: More locals pegged as NHL draft prospects
October 11th, 2014Four Colorado-groomed players were selected in last summer’s NHL Entry Draft, and while this season is just in its infancy, expect a few more to hear their names called at the 2015 proceedings. Local products Brandon Carlo, Mikey Eyssimont and Troy Terry – all former Colorado Thunderbirds – were recognized by NHL Central Scouting on…
Industry Profile: Bill Everett
October 11th, 2014Industry Profile: Bill Everett Founder, Avision Ahead Hockey Shields For Bill Everett, it took a puck to the head during a game back in prep school to get him thinking about how to create a safer, more efficient hockey shield. Mission accomplished, as almost 40 years later Everett, the founder of Denver-based Avision Ahead, has…
Longenecker gets fresh start at Denver East
October 10th, 2014By Paul Willis Jack Longenecker’s disappointment and uncertainly quickly turned into elation. One of the leading scorers on the Bishop Machebeuf hockey team as a junior last season, Lognenecker and his teammates were shocked at the revelation that the Buffaloes were doing away with their hockey program. “There wasn’t very much of a clear explanation…
Adult leagues thriving at Olympic Oval
October 10th, 2014By Matt Mackinder Efforts are being made by rinks all over the country to introduce new players to the sport – young and old – and the Utah Olympic Oval is no exception. Just recently, the facility, which was made famous after hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics, unveiled its Utah Grizzlies Adult Rookie League, along…
Evolution a one-stop shop for elite development
October 10th, 2014By Matt Mackinder The Evolution Elite Hockey Academy has broken structure and organization down to a science. With a new junior squad this season competing in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) – the Colorado Evolution – the program now has teams from head to toe from learn-to-skate and learn-to-play all the way up to…
Air Force’s Michalke eager to finish strong
October 9th, 2014By Matt Mackinder George Michalke is hoping his senior year at the Air Force Academy goes a lot smoother than his 2012-13 season. Just five games into that campaign, Michalke took a serious hit in a game against Canisius College, which sidelined him the rest of the season with concussion-like symptoms. He returned in 2013-14…