Addy Powell has seen his game improve in great strides playing for Cherry Creek High School, and junior teams have taken notice.

Recently, the Parker native and defenseman signed an NA3HL tender with the Granite City Lumberjacks, a perennial contender in the junior hockey circuit.

“The opportunity came about with Granite City when they came out to Blaine (Minn.) to watch me and the rest of the guys on the team at the league showcase,” said Powell. “What’s appealing to me is the amount of guys that have been able to move on from that level and also the location. It’s a great location in the heart of hockey and that certainly piqued my interest. I am for sure excited to leave home, and I know it’ll be a good experience.

“Knowing how many kids they send to college was really appealing to me. Being able to play hockey for a university would be an amazing experience.”

This season with the Bruins was a memorable one for Powell.

“The season went well,” Powell said. “We really came together towards the end of the season and fought for a playoff spot and were blessed enough to earn one. Unfortunately, we lost to Chaparral in a four-overtime game. On a personal level, the season was great. I got a lot of opportunity for growth not only as a player but as a man as well. 

“This season prepared me for juniors by allowing me to fix holes in my game and helping me continue to become a stronger competitor.”

Back home in Colorado, Powell also played for the Arapahoe Warriors.

“Some coaches that stood out to me along the way were Benje Powell, the most crucial, and Buddy Downs, Benny Tolar, Rob Flay, Matt McGregor, Tim Walsh, and most importantly, Coach Mel (Jeff Mielnicki),” said Powell.

Going forward, Powell has attainable goals and aspirations.

“My short-term goals for hockey are definitely to fix the holes in my game and make them stronger,” Powell said. “My long-term goals are definitely to make it to the NAHL one day. My long-term life goal is to join the Air Force and become a PJ (pararescueman) in the future.”

— Matt Mackinder

(March 16, 2022)