Kale Tibbetts played for two USPHL teams last season and is hoping a fresh start this season with the Colorado Fighting Elk is the ticket to more success.

The Glenwood Springs native said coming back to the Craig-based Fighting Elk after the 2023-24 season with the Minnesota Moose and Las Vegas Thunderbirds feels like the right fit.

“Last season was a bit of a shock to me,” said Tibbetts. “Coming from high school to juniors was a massive jump. The players are bigger and faster and they always make sure you know they’re there. Learning how to take a hit from them is a huge learning curve but after a few practices and games, I felt much more comfortable. Some personal highlights from my last season were my first goal and my first hit. The hit is something I’ll always remember because the team and crowd loved it and let me know.

“The opportunity to come to Craig this season came through one of my friends who was looking into coming here. He sent me the coaches contact and I gave him a call and he was more than happy to take me in.”

With the new season just about here, Tibbetts is aiming to be an impact player.

“This season, I’m looking forward to trying to build a culture within a new team and helping some of the new players in juniors ease into juniors,” Tibbetts said. “This season, I’m hoping this team can make it to playoffs and have a good run.”

Prior to junior hockey, Tibbetts played for Glenwood Springs High School, the Vail Mountaineers and Colorado Springs Tigers.

Photo provided by Kale Tibbetts 

— Matt Mackinder

(September 14, 2024)