Anderson Stark will forever be the answer to the trivia question, “Who was the first player signed by the USPHL’s Colorado Fighting Elk?”

A Parker native, Stark signed with the Craig-based Fighting Elk last week after spending the last several seasons between the pipes playing for Chaparral High School.

“I saw Colorado got a team so I reached out to Coach (Donovan) Gault and a few days later, I signed a contract,” said Stark. “Very special that I can stay in Colorado and go play juniors and be the first to sign with the Fighting Elk.

“I was very interested to play in Colorado for my first year of juniors because I am from here. I was looking at AAA and USPHL teams and the Fighting Elk was the best fit for me. I am looking forward to progressing my game and making this the best inaugural season for the Fighting elk.”

Stark said signing with the Fighting Elk checks many boxes and he plans to keep going during the offseason to be ready for this coming fall.

“I think my style of play fits the speed of the game,” he said. “I am planning on working all summer to improve my game and refine my skills to help the Colorado Fighting Elk in our first season.”

Getting his start in the game was a family situation, explained Stark.

“My dad played hockey his whole life, so he put me into roller hockey when I was young,” Stark said. “I loved to watch the game and it just made me love the game. I grew up in Parker and have played here my whole life.”

Once he laced up the skates, Stark suited up for the Arapahoe Warriors before winding up with Chaparral.

“With Arapahoe, Coach (Hank) Taylor really helped my game and progress me into the player I am today,” Stark said. “After my youth career, I went to Chaparral High School where Coach (Tim) Walsh really helped me on and of the ice. Coach Walsh forced me to skate when I was tired and made me always go the extra mile.”

“Last season was a blast and I really found a new love for the game. I worked with my goalie coach Matt Zaba weekly and he really helped me work on my game to prepare me for this jump to juniors.”

Next season, Stark has lofty goals as he heads to the Fighting Elk.

“I am looking to be a wall in the net and make the most of my time in Colorado,” said Stark. “I ultimately want to play in the NAHL and take my game to the next level in college.”

Photo/Rylie Young

— Matt Mackinder

(April 30, 2024)