ice times magazine

“Keep your kids out of hot water, put them on ice” APRIL 2010 PRICELE$$

For the Good of the GameBy Keith Andresen

Life Lessons on Iceby Kim Tinkham

Cornerstones of a Complete AthleteBy Kellie Schriver

Hockey From the Neck UpBy Paul O’Donnell

The MessengerBy Mike Schwartz

MHOABy Ken Reinhard

Behind the BenchBy Mark Dyslin

Inside

Good Luck

at Nationals!

IceTimesMagazine

2 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice! icetimesmagazine.com

The Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club U-12 team won the USA Hockey Tier One Texas State Championships.

Cobra Kai recently took 1st place in the Gold division the Shamrock Shootout that took place March 19-21 at the Dr Pepper Star Center in McKinney. Congratulations guys!

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888-878-8465 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice! 3

Congrats to Ethan Palmer after a big win!Ben Wissel, McKinney Bantam Potts –

Defenseman

www.playersbench.com

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The Alliance Bulldogs 19U College Prep team captured the Rocky

Mountain Tier II title during the district championship tournament held at the DPSC in McKinney in March. This win sends the Texas girls to USA Hockey Girls Tier II National Championship located in East Lansing, MI. where they be joined by the Alliance Bulldogs 14U girl’s team. The last time the local girls competed for the National title was in 2005 as the Ice Jets 12U team made it to the Elite 8 and came home with a record of 1-2-1. Only three players (Emily Federspiel, Christina Rohe and Veronica Steen) from that team are still playing locally. This year marks the first trip to Nationals for a whole new group of players. Between the two teams 29 players are headed to Michigan and the National Tournament for the first time. Taylor Caressimo who plays defense on the 14U team said ” Nationals is a big thing to us and we have heard a lot about it from

Alliance Lady Bulldogs Advance 2 teams for Tier II National Championship Tournament

By Sandy Fielder

the U19 players and from our coaches.” Taylor added “For us Nationals is the biggest possible thing we can do and we are going to enjoy every second of it!” Team mate Cheyenne Sessions is looking forward to meeting other girls who also play hockey and hopefully making some new friends. Cheyenne commented “All of the practices and hard work the team

has been doing will really pay off at Nationals and will help to make our team competitive!” Kasie Strong-Fairbarn returns to the Nationals as the head coach. “The last time I went was as a player for the Connecticut Polar Bears as a 16U player” Strong-Fairbarn added “We are so proud of these girls and all their hard work, returning as their coach is amazing!” Coach Kasie (as she is know by the players) will also be competing herself with the Texas Lady Stars at the Women’s B Nationals March 26-28 in Green Bay, WI. This trip will also be a return to trip for the 14U team head coach. For the youngest player on the

Bulldogs 19U team Miranda Bell, this is a chance to match her older brother Jason who played for the Tier II 18U National Champion Dallas Stars in 2009. “Jason played for Coach Stan last year and he is our coach now. We are going to win!” Bell said. Like all of the girls, Bell is excited and working hard to get ready. Her mother Sandy said “Miranda came to me last week and told me she needed shooting lessons!” Mrs. Fielder’s advice was to go out and “just shoot some pucks!”

When the Bulldogs arrive in Lansing they will be making history for female hockey players from Texas, marking the first time that two girls teams from the same association will compete for the their respective National titles. The Coaches, Parents and Players want to thank all of the boy’s teams that have providing them with the local competition they have needed to play at the national level. THANK YOU FOR MAKING US BETTER! ■

of the players who were selected during a highly

competitive 3 day tryout Texas Affiliate Camp (TAC) on 3/19 to 3/21 to represent the Texas Amateur Hockey Association (TAHA) at the USA Hockey Rocky Mountain District Player Development/Evaluation Camp 5/5/10 to 5/9/10 at the Olympic Oval in Salt Lake City Utah. Players from that camp will be selected to attend the National USA Hockey Player Development Camp in either Rochester NY or St. Cloud MN, and then could be invited to attend the USA Hockey National Team Players Development Program. ■

Congratulations to all

Youth hockey season has ended with the last tournaments and Spring Break, yet an athlete’s conditioning should definitely

continue. The LA Times wrote that Team USA/Buffalo Sabres goalie, Ryan Miller “was wise to change his training regimen the last two summers.” In addition to his specific goalie workouts, Miller apparently spent much time dry land training to improve his skating, strength, speed and flexibility.

Like Miller, players should be preparing for next season. Athletes have more time and ability to train on land than on the ice. Ice hockey camp will help players hone their skills, while off ice conditioning and proper nutrition will allow them to enhance those skills with a regimen that incorporates cardio/endurance training, plyometrics for balance, speed, power and agility, and strength training to shoot with power.

The combination of camp and fitness workout will not only make each player better, but every team as well.

Get started, Russian hockey camp starts in April. Register now – space is limited.

Call Coach Dan at 214-405-6017, e-mail: [email protected] or visit us on Facebook.

For nutritional information contact Lita Regala, Herbalife Independent Distributor 888-238-2591

or e-mail:[email protected]

Hockey Wellness – by Lourdes Regala

IceTimesMagazine


Keith Andresen, Senior Director,

Hockey Programs

Dr Pepper StarCentersDallas Stars Hockey Club

For the Good of the GameBy Keith Andresen

Tryouts, Less Stress Through Planning

For youth hockey families this can be the most confusing and stressful

time of the year, especially for you folks who have never been part of the travel hockey world. There are so many options and so many people trying to “sell you” on their program. Which one is best for my child? Should I sign up for a spring camp? Will attending a spring camp help my child’s chance of making a team? All of these are good questions and I will try to help you better understand what you’re getting yourself in to. Let me start off by saying that most of the local travel hockey clubs have good intentions and work very hard to do what’s best for the local hockey community and each child in their program. I often compare the local hockey associations to a donut shop: many varieties to choose from, they are all good but everyone has their favorite. It’s important to do your homework and find out what each club offers and what their philosophy is. Don’t worry about B, A or AA. A number of associations will market teams at specific levels, and yet only very few are able to field teams at the level they have advertised once tryouts are complete. Choose your team based on the coach and the association, rather than the level of play advertised, and you’ll have a better chance of enjoying a rewarding season. Let me start by talking about Mites so please give me a moment while I climb up on my “soapbox”. The only thing 6-8 year old kids need is to have fun and the opportunity to participate. Whether or not your child plays recreational or travel hockey at the Mite level will not affect their ability to get a college hockey scholarship or play in the NHL. However, in many cases, it will affect their ability to enjoy the game as they get older. I have seen many kids quit playing by the time they are 12 and 13 years old because they are already burned out. You won’t even see the burnout coming. One day your young hockey player will just quit and you’ll be left wondering what happened.

Ask any USA Hockey official what they think of Mite travel hockey and you’ll find that the people who do not have a financial stake in a travel hockey association will tell you that Mite travel hockey is crazy. The folks from these clubs who are selling Mites on $3500 programs are the ones who make a living coaching these kids. For obvious reasons they want to make sure their pipeline is full at the bottom. With USA Hockey’s new ADM model, you will see significant changes in the way Mites will be organized. Local associations are currently holding regular meetings with USA Hockey representatives to make sure we have the right programs in place for the fall season. If you’re a recreational player looking to try travel for the first time, or a player who enjoys multiple sports and activities, you will want to find a program that will give you the opportunity to grow as a hockey player without demanding too much of your time and money. There are several programs designed to offer competitively priced travel hockey options that give you a challenging environment while still recognizing that people have lives outside of hockey. Talk to folks who run the different programs and find out exactly what type of commitment is required. You don’t want any surprises, so doing your homework before tryouts is important. If you currently are involved in a travel hockey program then you probably have a fairly good idea of the landscape. You are either happy with your association or possibly looking for something new. If you’re looking for a new team, your experiences from the past will help you decide where to go. What did you like about your previous club and what challenges did you face? Were you particularly impressed by one of the teams you played this past season? If so, go on-line and gather information about the program and see if it would be a good fit for your player, your family, and your wallet. The travel

hockey community is relatively small, so talking to other hockey families will give you good insight. Whether you are new to travel hockey or a veteran, it ’s important to find out as much as you can about the coaches. No single person can have a greater impact on your child’s enjoyment of the season than the coach. Regardless of the age or the skill level, every coach should possess some combination of hockey knowledge, coaching skills and people skills. Don’t discount the people skills in this equation. I have known many coaches who have vast hockey knowledge but have no business coaching kids. On the other hand I know quite a few great coaches who are not “hockey experts” but have sufficient knowledge to assure an excellent hockey experience. The best coaches teach hockey skills and life skills. They are able to take 15-20 individuals and make them into a team, with each player having a role that fits his or her skill level and experience. Last but not least is the subject of spring camps. The spring camps that many of the local associations run are a fairly recent innovation. While I believe that these camps serve a purpose, I don’t believe attending a camp is going to assure you of making a team in that organization. While a camp may help you improve your skills, it won’t transform your game in a matter of a few weeks. Don’t be led to believe that the only way you’ll make a certain team is if you attend a pre-tryout camp. Remember that the coaches selling you the camp will make more money if they have more participants. When it comes to tryouts, those same coaches will be selecting the best players, not necessarily the ones who attended their camp. As long as you understand the dynamics you won’t be disappointed. Like I mentioned earlier, most of the associations have something good

to offer. Do your homework and go into the tryout process with your eyes open. Gather as much information as possible. The more work you do on the front end will help assure that you won’t be disappointed with your choices when the season finally arrives. Good luck! Just a thought: No matter your age or skill level, make sure you are playing hockey to have fun! Teams at every level, including the NHL, should strive to have “fun” at every game and practice. That is what hockey is really all about.


On the CoverApril 2010Now In Our Fourth Season!On The Cover:Ice Jets 18U AAA player Mason Miller shoots to score.Photo by Pellerins Photography

Want to be our next cover shot? Send in your high resolution picture [email protected]

Cover Shot Contest! PARENTS: Send in your picture and if it makes our Cover Shot of the Month you will win a gift certifi cate to

YOU SHOOT. YOU SCORE… THE KEG!

Monthly ColumnsFor the Good of the Game. . . . . . . . . . . 5Life Lessons on Ice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Cornerstones of a Complete Athlete . . . 10Metroplex Hockey Offi cials Assn. . . . . . 15From the Stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16The Messenger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Hockey From the Neck Up. . . . . . . . . . 18Behind the Bench. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Ice Times Magazine is published monthly by Tink Ink Publications, LLC & distributed free of charge at ice rinks and pro-shops. Copy and Photographs are welcome and must be submitted by the 20th of the month prior to publication. ITM reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. Reproduction in whole or part without express written consent of the Publisher is prohibited.

Kim Tinkham, [email protected]

Publisher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tink Ink PublicationsSpecial Thanks to Connie Holubarfor lending us a hand in the Editing Department

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IceTimesMagazine


The Ice Jets Hockey Association recently announced the opening

of the Ice Jets Academy, a collaboration with iSchoolHigh in southern Denton County to offer academic excellence, intensive hockey training, and career and life skills development to student-athletes ages 12 to 18. Recently, Ice Times Magazine met with Don Lagrone, program director of Ice Jets Academy (IJA), to get more details about the venture.

ITM: Why do the Ice Jets believe it is necessary to expand beyond the traditional “travel hockey” concept?DL: Today’s hockey players struggle to receive enough hours of ice time and quality coaching to reach the higher levels of hockey. There simply are not enough hours in the day for athletes to train and develop within a traditional public school/athletic system. A new system of training is needed for serious athletes who want to combine the

necessity of a quality education with their passion for hockey.

ITM: How much will it cost to be in the Ice Jets Academy program and what does that include?DL: It is $7,999, excluding travel expenses. The program is 10 months, divided into off-season and in-season phases. Covered in the Academy fee are 400 hours of ice and 400 hours of off-ice, which includes dryland training and class instruction in nutrition, leadership training, sports psychology, and video review. Teams will play 45 to 60 games.

ITM: How much is tuition at iSchoolHigh?DL: iSchoolHigh is a public, fully-accredited Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy with AP and Pre-AP courses. Because it is a public school, there is no cost for tuition.

ITM: What Academy teams will you have for the upcoming season?DL: We plan to have Tier I teams at 18U, 16U, and 14U. Additionally, one 16U Tier II and two 14U Tier II

teams.

ITM: Who are the coaches?DL: Ice Jets hockey directors Karson Kaebel and Paul Taylor will join Butch Kaebel and Jamie O’Leary as head coaches of Academy teams.

ITM: When will Academy players train and where?DL: Players train Monday through Friday at Grapevine Polar Ice. Practices and academics will be on a split schedule during the day, so players will have nights free for homework and social activities.

ITM: What facilities do you have for off-ice training?DL: We have two weight rooms, plyometric room, synthetic ice rink, running track, and performance-proven training equipment. There will also be full-size locker rooms for all Academy teams.

ITM: Will the Ice Jets still have AA teams that train after school?DL: Yes. In addition to our Academy teams, there will be Ice Jets teams at all levels, from mite to midget major. We

also will have our Junior Jets program after a very successful inaugural season. Coaches have been announced and are on the Ice Jets website.

ITM: Best of luck to the Ice Jets. For more information about the association, hockey academy and school, visit www.icejets.com, and www.icejetsacademy.com and www.ischoolhigh.com. To take a tour of the school or request an application for the Academy, please email [email protected]. ■

Ice Jets Academy

Don Lagrone

www.icejets.com

IceTimesMagazine


Life Lessons On Ice by Kim Tinkham, Editor

Congratulations to Head Coach Daniel Mignault who was awarded Coach of the Year-Varsity Silver – Rockwall 2009-2010

I have been sitting and staring at my computer for over 25 minutes now

with absolutely no idea of what I am going to write this month. When I sat down at my computer to write this month’s ‘Life Lessons on Ice’ I typed out the title and then went blank. When a writer goes blank or hits the proverbial ‘writer’s block’ they have always been told to just start typing and something will come to them. Here I am typing and you are reading the fruit of my efforts. It is Spring in Texas and frankly being in an ice rink is the last thing I want to do. Actually, I am sitting on my deck with my NEO on my lap praying that my muse returns. I know that some of you will be reading this seated on a hard plastic chair or maybe an even harder aluminum bleacher in one of our many rinks in the area. I feel for you. I can relate, but it’s been a while since I watched my own kid skating on a rink whether it is during a practice, a tryout or an open skate. On my deck, the sun is shining on my face and there is a cool breeze that is wafting over my keyboard

Kim Tinkham is a hockey mom and wife, produces four magazines, a published author, marketing coach, guest on the Oprah Winfrey show, has been mentioned in Newsweek Magazine and is a cancer terminator. She is proudest of her ‘hockey mom’ title. Go figure.

Praying for Deliveranceand past the glass of Chardonnay that I have by my side. The only thing that would make this a more perfect day is if I could find something worthwhile to write about. My challenge is this. It is the end of the season and I am tired. Are you tired? It’s been a tough season and my kid doesn’t even play in the area anymore. It was worse when he played here. Not because we didn’t love it but because at the end of the season we had to make the choice of whether or not to continue on with Spring hockey or take a break. We never took the break fearing that he would miss out on something really important. Looking back I often wonder if that was a mistake or not. My kid is still playing hockey, because he loves it, so maybe we made the right choice. Who knows? I think the problem we have here in Texas, more so than in Oklahoma, is that the ice is available all year long. Maybe that’s good; maybe not. The mentality of ‘if you build it they will come’ takes on a whole new meaning when it is translated into ‘if you build it you will have to sell

the ice in it’. I love the sport of ice hockey. I don’t play it, but I love what it stands for and the history behind it. What I don’t like about it is the same thing I don’t like about youth sports in general. Somebody has to fund the game and I’ve been in business long enough to know that you have to sell something to make a profit. I’m just not sure how much most of us are willing to sell to make sure that the bottom line stays in the black. At what long term cost do we keep our kids on the ice and is it for the right reason? I don’t know and you don’t either. Maybe we will never know. All I can pray for is that one day I am not having a conversation with my son and find out that he doesn’t remember anything about his childhood except for the inside of ice rink locker rooms and waiting for Zamboni drivers to close the door. I just hope that he at least remembers a ‘family time’ that didn’t end up in an ice rink eating overcooked hotdogs and fake cheese nachos. Please God, don’t let his memories end there. ■

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IceTimesMagazine


JPS – Hockey Showcase

• Denver(APEX)MAY21-23,2010• 50Coaches/GM’sinattendance• JPSislikeattending50teamselectioncamps• 4Games&informationsessions(MidgetAAA, Prep,JuniorA,College)

www.JPS-hockey.comGeorge Gwozdecky – Head Hockey Coach, University of Denver WCHA“AttheUniversityofDenverweareproudthat33%ofourhockeyteam is comprised of players from the state of Colorado andtherefore I am supportive of any opportunity that gives younghockeyplayers fromourstatea chance todevelopand receivetheexposure to theJuniorAhockeycoachesaswellascollegehockeyprograms.

Brad Buetow has played and coached at the highest level ofNCAADivision Icollegecompetitionandknowswhat it takes toplayatthislevel.SomeofBrad’sformerplayerswhoarecurrentlyplayingattheUniversityofDenverincludeChrisNutiniandLukeSalazar.”

90’ - 95’ Midget AAA, Prep, Jr A, College Div I-III

Kevin Hartzell – GM/Head Coach Sioux Falls Stampede USHL“BradBuetow,DirectorofJPS,wasmycollegecoachwhenIplayedattheUniversityofMinnesotaandIfeelthatwithBrad’scontactJPSisoneofthetopexposurecampsforjuniors,prep,midget,andcollegescouts.Wewillenjoycomingoutandfeelitisveryworthwhile.CoachBuetow,JPSDirector,hascoachedinDivisionICollegefor20years,scoutedandcoachedintheprosforseveralyearsandwithhisnetworkhehashelpedmycareerimmediately.”

Dean Blais – Head Coach University of Nebraska-Omaha CCHA“We are looking forward to scouting players out of the JPSshowcase.Thecompetitionisexcellentandtherewillbeseveralscouts/coachesfromallthejuniorA/Bandcollegelevels.”

Jon Bonnett – Assistant Coach Colorado College WCHA“I believe Coach Buetow is one of the hardest working youthcoaches/recruiters in the country. Brad is well connected andvisiblewithinthehockeycommunity.Bradismotivatedtodevelopandexposelocalandnon-traditionalhockeyareaplayerstoMidgetAAA,JuniorsandNCAAHockey.Thiscampisthefirststep.”

Luke Salazar and Chris Nutini – Division I Players“BradBuetow,whowasourmidgetcoach,alongwithparticipatinginJPS,wasveryinstrumental ingettingusseenandhavingtheUniversityofDenver(DivisionI)giveusaspotontheirteam.”

Several members of Billy Pye’s Ice Jet Squirt AA team stopped to pose in front of USA Hockey while in Colorado Springs for a tournament. From bottom left, members include Sullivan Sheahan, Thomas Demers, Kimball

Johnson, Jack Hauswirth, Harrison Bonney, Blake Paxton, Josh Paxton, Nolan Bradford and Tristan Brewer.

Drake Grier of McKinney prepares to faceoff against DJHA.

www.jps-hockey.com

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www.KatherineRobertsonPhotography.com

The Cornerstones of a Complete AthleteBy Kellie Schriver

Kellie Schriver L.C.D.C., AAC(Hockey Mom)Board Certified

Professional Christian Counselor: Contact Kellie at

www.texcansportsconsulting.com or 972-816-4004

When you travel along the athletic pathway to having a healthy

Mind, Body and Spirit you will find many opportunities to choose the path you will follow. The Cornerstones of a “Complete Athlete” is composed of three foundational dimensions: Mind, Body, and Spirit. The Mind is considered to be the natural brain & neurological composition of the athlete. The Body is the natural physical structure of the athlete the (muscles and organs) that provides the ability to endure the physical demands of sports. And the Spirit is defined as the heart, power and drive within the athlete. I would like to speak to one aspect of the Complete Athlete, and focus on the physical body. You need a strong healthy body to participate in most physical activities. So, the path you follow is important in making conscious choices of how you care for your body. We often forget to take care of our bodies, even though our bodies work so hard for us. It is important to eat a variety of appropriate foods, to drink water, and to get plenty of rest to be at your best physical self.

“Mind, Body, and Spirit” When your bodies suffer sports injuries, and they will, what choice will you make to help heal your body? What path will you go down? First it is important to see a doctor who is competent in Sports Medicine, and who is cautious when prescribing pain medications. I recently spoke with young athletes who said they where aware of team mates that started taking pain medications for an injury and then, continued to take them after their injury was healed. When I asked them why they would make this choice, I was told it was because they didn’t think it was dangerous or considered drug a abuse, since it was prescribed by their doctor. Also, they liked the feeling they got from taking the medication. This is very concerning, and it’s happening more then we want to admit. A recent study by The Partnership for a Drug Free America states that there are an alarming number of teens abusing prescription medications. Here is a part of their findings:Motivation + access > perceived risk What motivates teens to engage in prescription drug abuse? Ultimately,

their desire for getting high outweighs their perception of the risks.• 12to17yearoldsabuseprescription

drugs more than they abuse ecstasy, crack/cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine combined

• 60% of teens who have abusedprescription painkillers did so before age 15

•Thereareasmanynewabusersage12to 17 of prescription drugs as there are of marijuana

• Every day, 2,500 teenagers use aprescription drug to get high for the first time. They’re accessing these drugs in the comfort of home; it can be as easy as opening a cupboard, drawer, or medicine cabinet.

The above study shows a snapshot of teenager perceptions regarding taking medications. What perceptions about use and abuse of prescription medication do you have? Often times we are unaware of the true dangers and risks associated with taking medications. We don’t know the true seriousness and possible impact they can have on our bodies. Every day it’s important to follow

a path of healthy choices. Before you put anything into your body, make an informed decision about how it will keep your Mind, Body, or Spirit Healthy. If it isn’t going to help, or if it’s being taken for the wrong reason, stop. Every day we have chances to make decisions about the paths we take to keep ourselves healthy. Every day we can keep the Cornerstones of a Complete Athlete strong. ■

The Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club U-14 team won the USA Hockey Tier One Texas State Championships.

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Jr. Brahmas won the Peewee AA NTXHL Championship.

www.laurastamm.net

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Richardson won the Texas Amateur Hockey Association High School State Silver Division Championship


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Travis Way, Josh Mehr, and Patric Fun celebrating winning the NTXHL championship.

Owen Ramsay of the Jr. Jets fighting for the puck with Brahmas

Blackhawk during playoff game.

Dallas Penguins 99/00 team celebrates their 2nd place finish in the Colorado Springs Presi-dents Day tournament in the Squirt A Black division. The team posted two shutouts and the lowest goals against for the entire division; losing only the championship game 0-1. The team played short 5 players.

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Penguin Mite Majors Dominate League and Playoffs for a Second Year - Coach Paul Fletcher’s team capped a remarkable season, going 20-0 in the regular season and sweeping in the Semi-Finals and Finals to win their second straight NTXHL Mite Major

Championship. Their next stop is the Mite National Tournament in St. Louis. A special year for a special Championship team!

www.dallasscots.com

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Garrett Phillip awarded both the Offensive Player of the Year Award and the League MVP Award for highschool varsity silver Rockwall 2009-2010.

Captain Ryan Aylor (Goalie) from the Dallas Stars Selects Plano Bantam A team presenting and handing over the NTXHL Championship trophy to Duane “Whip” Wylie the Hockey Programs Manager at the Plano rink to be displayed in the front lobby of the Plano rink.

Assistant Captain Brandon Sung (forward) from the Dallas Stars Selects Plano Bantam A team presenting and handing over the NTXHL Banner to Duane “Whip” Wylie the Hockey Programs Manager at the Plano rink to be displayed over the U.S. Rink, center ice.

IceTimesMagazine


Metroplex Hockey Officials Association

Ken ReinhardPresident, MHOA

Local Area Supervisor of Officials, North Texas

USA Hockey

From March 5th through the 7th, TAHA and

the Dallas /Ft. Worth area was accorded the honor of hosting the USA Hockey, Rocky Mountain District Girls Tournament. It was played at Dr Pepper Star Center in Mc Kinney. I had the privilege of being the Tournament Referee in Chief. There is a lot of preparation that goes into officiating a tournament such as this. I selected a total of 11 officials, all from the Dallas /Ft. Worth area to participate. They did an outstanding job throughout and were complimented by the participants, TAHA and USA Hockey for a job well done. On Friday night, March 5th, history was made. For the first time in Texas, an all female crew of on ice officials were assigned to a USA Hockey tournament game. This was a moment that I have waited for since the last RMD Girls tournament was conducted here some 10-12 years ago. Back then I wondered why more women didn’t officiate. I have watched female officials come and go here, and our most notable to date, Laura

Johnson, is now working at the highest levels of women’s hockey. The referee for this 16U game was Stephanie Simon. Stephanie is the veteran of the crew, working many assignments for MHOA including High School. Now in her fourth year of officiating, Stephanie was getting her chance to “lead the orchestra.” She has a great feel for the game and handles herself very well in tough situations. Her

two linespersons were Kendall Hanley and Melanie Johnston. Both in their second year of officiating, they have progressed at rapid rates and demonstrated all season that they are more than capable. Kendall is a strong skater with a keen awareness for the game. Melanie is just smooth, knows where to be, and works well with any partner. Prior to taking the ice, I only had one word of advice for them. I told them that while this was their moment, they should not lose sight of the game and should keep their same routines. The all-female officiating team did just that, and

Making Herstory

they did a great job. I could not have been more proud of the job these women did on this game, as well as throughout the entire tournament. Stephanie, Kendall and Melanie had two other assignments on Saturday. Kendall earned an assignment in the finals. These three officials, these three dedicated and terrific people, just happen to be female. They are excellent referees, and I’m so proud to have been a part of seeing them make history last month in McKinney. ■

Devon Howard takes the puck from the Aces defense during playoffs

The three amigos celebrating their victory. The white line, Ross Roberts #25, Jordyn Blatt #11 and Brandon Sung #8, winning the

NTXHL Bantam A1 Division Championship.

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From the STANDS IceTimesMagazine hears from its readers.

Every year more players from Texas and Oklahoma are participating in

camps, tournaments and showcases “up north” in hopes of gaining exposure from college scouts and junior teams. It’s a strategy that can pay off for the players, who can be seen by and communicate with dozens of coaches and scouts over a weekend. It’s also proven to be a good strategy for the growing list of teams that send representatives to scout for their Junior A, College, Prep School, and Midget AAA teams. The Junior Placement Showcase in Denver will be held May 21 – 23, and it’s one showcase that sees a growing number of players from “non hockey”

Showcase Gives Players Exposure and MoreCoach is Building a Team to Take to Sweden

By Connie Holubar

states like Texas every year. Last year more than 300 kids from 13 different states spent a weekend in suburban Denver at the JPS Showcase, playing in front of a large network of hockey coaches and managers, who line the glass to evaluate players and fill out their rosters. This year Coach Brad Buetow, whose JPS Hockey runs the Denver event, is also going to use the showcase to scout for players to take to Sweden for the Swedish Summit Series, which will be held in Stockholm from August

8 – 16. Coach Buetow will serve as the head coach for a Junior/College/Pro team of players from 87 -93 called the JPS Selects and he will assist with coaching a Midget team of 94s and 95s.

Coach Buetow has coached both professional and college hockey, spending 20 years at the Division 1 level at both Colorado College and the University of Minnesota. He was named Coach of the Year five times, twice at the pro level when he coached minor league hockey. He has been a scout for the NHL and

has coached several winning teams. Buetow’s network of hockey contacts is one reason his showcase continues to grow. Registration for this year is still open. Complete information is available on the JPS Showcase website at www.jps-hockey.com. The Swedish trip will be coordinated by Planet Hockey, and it will feature a chance to combine international travel and hockey in one incredible summer experience. Interested players should visit www. planethockey.com to find out more. ■

Dear DJHA alumni and friends, We are pleased to announce that the Dallas Junior Hockey Association

celebrated its 38th anniversary this year. These many years of successful youth hockey in Dallas would not have been possible without the coaches, players and families that have been such an important part of our past. Over the years DJHA has remained committed to developing the character of our players as well as their hockey skills. We believe that participation in team sports helps young athletes build life skills that prepare them for college and their careers. It is in this spirit that we would like to seek out our alumni and track their personal and professional growth as well as their hockey careers. With 38 years of fielding hockey teams in the Dallas Metroplex there are thousands of alumni that have worn the Penguin jersey and we would like to hear from them. If you are a former DJHA player, coach, board member, volunteer or family member please take a moment to fill out the attached information sheet and email back to [email protected] so that we can add you to our new Alumni section of our Dallas Penguins webpage. We will keep your contact information private, but we would like to begin reconnecting with our alumni to keep you up to date with information about how the Penguins are doing today. We have had some alumni suggest that we keep them informed about how the Penguins are competing on a local and National stage. We will begin to draft a newsletter to accomplish this but we would also encourage you to keep track on our website at www.djha.com for up to date details. Please feel free to add any historical information you may have about DJHA or contact information for others in the Dallas hockey community that may be able to assist us in our search. WeappreciateyourassistancehelpinguslocateourAlumni.■

April 26th - June 10th for Mite – BantamMay 10th – June 23rd for Midgets.

The Camp will run two sessions a week for all groups. Squirt, Pee Wee, Bantam, and Midget sessions

will be held at the DPSC Plano. Mites sessions will be held at PSA.

All 2010-11 Dallas Penguins Coaches will be on the ice for the camp!

Camp FocusSkills/Training • Hockey Sense • On Ice • Off Ice

Camp Cost$650 for Squirts – Midgets (94-01)

$399 for Mites (02-03)

FOR INFORMATION AND TO REGISTERVisit the Penguins website at www.DJHA.com

2010 Dallas Penguins Spring Training Camp

www.djha.com

IceTimesMagazine


Mike Schwarz, Team Manager, reminds parents that when it comes to youth hockey marketing, beware the Jabberwock.

The Messenger: Tales of a Team ManagerBy Mike Schwarz

‘Twas brillig, and the slithy toves did gyre and gimble in the wabe:

All mimsy were the borogoves, And the mome raths outgrabe…” OK, it’s not every day that you can pick up a hockey magazine and read Jabberwocky, now is it? I have no earthly idea what it all means, but I do know that Lewis Carroll was describing a world that was topsy-turvy. That poem was from “Through The Looking Glass and What Alice Found There,” so at least we can presume that things were reversed??? Exactly. And that also describes this part of the hockey year. With the competitive season a faint memory, the hockey world is turned upside down, as it goes from “us” to “me.” “Team first” gets supplanted by what’s best for me, or for my hockey son/daughter. (Ok, for some in youth hockey it’s like that year-round, but that’s fodder for another article.) Team is no longer a priority, it’s now all about the player. The name on the back of the jersey is the focus, not the logo on the front. This is the silly season. And this is when the politics of youth hockey takes the foreground. Everyone – players, coaches and even parents – wonders where they will land next season. The first milestone is when Associations announce their next-season coaching line-up. There’s always

a gap or two, which spawns all sorts of conversations and debate. Coaches get calls, coaches make calls, and parents compare notes. It’s a delightful ritual of our hockey. On the surface, it’s also appears to be the time for honing the skills of the players prior to their life-altering events known as tryouts in a couple of months. (I really don’t mean that.) But what’s even more entertaining are the local camps that have evolved to meet the needs of everyone. Well, these activities meet the needs of Coaches, Associations and to some extent the players. What I have most enjoyed this year is that these activities have graduated from simple spring hockey camps, to more meaningful spin-laden ventures: Pre-tryout-camps, Prospect Camps, and my personal favorite, a Combine and Talent Identification Camp. The truth is these are fundraising arms of the Associations that also function as long-term tryouts before the actual tryouts are permitted. Sure, on the surface these activities enable the players to stay in hockey-condition for the tryouts. But, beware my friends, selecting the right camp is the parental gamble made every year. Which camp, which team? Another hockey tradition this time of year is selecting which summer camp your hockey player will attend. This

is usually a multi-year effort, starting with a local camp, moving on to a “go-away” camp in one of our border states, graduating to a final participation in a week-long adventure in the great white north – Canada. This is because we all know that the font of all hockey knowledge and talent resides north of the 49th parallel. For many, there is the belief that this special hockey-talent laden-gel doesn’t quite ooze all the way down below the Mason-Dixon line. To be properly exposed, our kids need to get to Canada. Now, before anyone asks, yes I do live in a glass house, and yes I am throwing stones. I did for my Goalie Son, exactly what I am describing above. And I guess, like all the other hockey parents, I determined that my kid needed the summer camps. It may not have made any difference in his hockey career, but he enjoyed the camps, so it was worth the investment. Because, after all is said and done, the goal was for him to enjoy his sport. And, he still is having fun, even now as he plays club hockey for his college. So, I guess that worked out fine, even if he isn’t going to be playing in the NHL. And there is one other thought that slips into the minds of travel parents this time of year. They think back ever so fondly to their time in house hockey.

Some of us were there longer than others, but most of us started there for some period of time. Sure, it may not have been the best level of hockey ever played, but the kids sure had fun. And, the parents enjoyed watching their kids. It was a fun time, no pressure, no worries, affordable, and simple. That’s what many travel parents think about at this time of year. And as this hockey year draws to an end, and I think of all the many events and milestones of these past ten months, I find myself aligned with Alice (of Wonderland fame) as she contemplated Jabberwocky. Her words encompass my thoughts on the year: “It seems to fill my head with ideas -- only I don’t know exactly what they are.” To be continued… ■

Dylan Johnson fights for the wraparound.

Tanner Vendal keeps his eye on the puck.

IceTimesMagazine


Hockey From the Neck Upby Paul O’Donnell

Shouldn’t Spring Hockey Be More About Having Fun?

Paul O'Donnell currently writes for the Hockey Stop Magazine. He has been coaching in the Chicagoland Area for the past 25 years. Paul grew up in The Greater Boston Area and played college hockey for Salem State College in Massachusetts.

With the regular hockey season over and spring hockey about to

begin, many hockey parents are under the misconception that their child’s future hockey development hinges on their participation. I’m here to tell you right now - it does not! In fact, I believe in some respects playing spring hockey, the way it’s currently structured, brings little or nothing to the table for your hockey player’s development. In the past, as a coach, whenever hockey parents have inquired about spring hockey, I would always be very honest with them. I would say to them that I think it’s great that their son still wants to play and that I would be happy to put together a spring team if there’s enough interest; but in the next breath, I have always told these usually anxious parents that I would rather have their sons play a different Spring sport or even, just go hang out with their buddies for a couple of months, to recharge their batteries. It ’s at this point, where I would always get the look. You know, that look that people give to other people when they realize that they’re talking to somebody, who isn’t all-there. Before moving on, I’d like to give you my

impression of what these parents are probably thinking, from the looks on their faces, just after I’ve suggested that their child should skip spring hockey:“What do you mean my son shouldn’t play spring hockey? Are you nuts? How is my son going to get his D-1 scholarship, before getting drafted by the NHL, if he doesn’t play spring hockey? Are you under psychiatric care? Have you ever been held for a 72 hour involuntary psychiatric evaluation before? Do you take antipsychotic medication?”If you’re laughing while reading this, you’ve probably met these parents. ByUSAhockeystatistics,over43%of all hockey players quit the game by the time they are 9 years old and over 70%bythetimeplayersreachtheirteenyears. Nobody can tell me that the way it’s currently structured, in many parts of the country, that spring hockey isn’t an important factor in these alarming statistics. While many hockey coaches, directors and parents want to believe that playing a heavily weighted ‘game to practice’ spring league hockey schedule is fun for players; aren’t they only kidding themselves? I would like to know, what’s so fun about a player having to

go through the anxiety of another tryout or having a coach screaming down the back of their young necks while playing a meaningless game that does nothing for the player’s development? Furthermore, for you parents, what’s so fun about schlepping your hockey player, 30 miles one way, on a Friday night, during rush hour, for a useless away game on a beautiful spring evening? My point is that there is a better way. Decades ago European hockey authorities introduced small games hockey theory into their training practices and procedures. This philosophy embedded so early during young European hockey players’ development has produced many of the great European players that we see in the NHL today. Whether they’re moving to open ice without the puck or stickhandling in small spaces and traffic, the influence of small games training is clearly noticeable during every NHL game if you know what to look for. More and more, our governing bodies have been trying to put more emphasis on integrating small games training into our coaches’ training regimens. And while some coaches have answered the call, many others in the hockey community have not. The reluctance of some coaches to implement small games theory into their regular hockey season is somewhat understandable. Almost every coach has too little ice time and too much to teach before the playoffs roll around, during the regular season, to have the ability to implement any meaningful small games regimen into their practice schedule.This is why springtime is the perfect opportunity to introduce, in-house, 3 on 3 and small games theory for hockey players at all age levels and skill brackets. For those who wish to participate, spring hockey should be a time for young players to get some relief from the pressure of the regular season and have the chance to play a less formal style of hockey with their neighborhood hockey buddies - in an environment that’s fun! What I love about 3 on 3 and small games is that there are no coaches telling players that they’re doing something wrong or screaming at them because they weren’t in the right place or doing

exactly what the coach wants. The beauty of small games, when introduced correctly, is that players actually learn so much more, in what appears to be an informal pond hockey style setting, than they ever could hope to learn in any 3 seasons of regular spring hockey, the way it is currently structured in many states today. This is because each and every player who participates will touch, carry and shoot the puck, 5, 10 or maybe even 20 times more during one session than they ever could in a regularly structured spring league game. I believe, if introduced correctly, this informal pond hockey style of competition, can significantly improve an individual player’s physical skills and quickness as well as their on-ice awareness of the game. These uncomfortable small areas, in which players are forced to compete, will force each and every player to establish new and higher comfort levels for themselves. This very effective time tested European training is, in actuality, a very effective method of self teaching, which will pay huge dividends, not only for the coming fall season, but for years to come as well. ■Ryan Machos makes his move.

IceTimesMagazine


All Texas hockey fans are encouraged to visit USA

Hockey’s website at www.usahockey.com/adm

to learn about the American Development Model and Long

Term Athlete Development.

All Texas hockey fans should review the weekend event schedule below

and come out to support their favorite local hockey team or player at an

upcoming event. The action will be non-stop, so come on down! Visit the TAHA website for more information.

2010 Planned Events

Apr 7-11 Nationals: All Youth (varies)

Apr 14-18 High School Nationals (IL)Apr 14-18 HS Showcase (Pittsburgh)May 6-9 RMD Player Dev. Camp (SLC)

June 26 2010 Annual Meeting (Dallas)

USA Hockey has set April 7-11, 2010, as its

“National Tournament” for most age divisions.

Good luck & safe travels to the Tier II teams below

who will compete. Fans can check scores at

www.usahockey.com

12U Alliance (3A)14U DJHA (3A)

16U Houston Wild (3A)16U Texas Aces (1A)18U Texas Aces (3A)

18U Ice Jets (3A)14U Alliance Girls19U Alliance Girls

Womens B Lady Stars

Celebrating the win.

www.tahahockey.org

IceTimesMagazine


BEHIND THE BENCH By Mark Dyslin

Mark Dyslin has been coaching youth sports for over 15 years and coaching youth hockey since 1999. He is currently one of the coaches for St. Mark’s Junior Varsity Hockey Team.

Life of the party service: Eliminate the risk and embarrassment of a DWI while at the same time experience the enjoyment of being dropped off and picked up at the front door everywhere you go. No parking hassles. A DWI is expensive, costing thousands of dollars. Your personal driver for the night is about $150 ($35 an hour).

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Reasons to be Sporting events/concerts: One word… PARKING. Let’s face it, if the traffic doesn’t stress you out, the parking will. We’ll drop you off in front and we will be there when you’re ready to go.

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I have ceased to be alarmed at the number of coaches who argue with

officials about a call after it has been made. It happens at all levels and in all leagues. Sadly I find myself calloused to these boorish antics and that worries me. Why? I fear this behavior has become ingrained in youth coaches, as though it’s part of the game or is “right.” So I sought counsel and solace from my referee buddy, Lou Bludacawl. Lou works more games than I can see, so I hold his judgment without question. “Lou, is there more arguing going on between coaches and officials?” I asked. “No, it ’s not getting worse,” Lou replied.

“Thank goodness for that!” I said. “It has consistently been a problem,”

he continued. Rats! So I asked the obvious, “How many times have you changed your mind

Wise Words from a Hockey Refafter listening to a coach’s argument?” Lou didn’t blink, “Never.” “So why do you think they go down that road?” I inquired. “Well,” Lou started, “I suppose it makes them feel in control of something. Perhaps it makes them feel like they are influencing events, which to some degree they are.” “Get out!” I replied with no small amount of shock. “Sure,” he continued, “but it is usually not the direction they intend. I can predict the outcome of any argument by the type of gasbag I am confronted with. In no order, they are: (1) the Prophet; (2) the Tyrant Banshee, and (3) the TV Lawyer. The Prophet prognosticates that if I don’t start ‘making calls on both sides’ dire events will befall us. The Tyrant Banshee screams at the top of her/his lungs, ranting incoherently and

without any discernible point. Finally, the TV Lawyer raises an objection, realizes immediately s/he is wrong, but continues arguing as if circumvention of the rules is their predestination.” Dejectedly I asked, “What do we do?” “Keep the eye on the prize,” Lou responded. “Every time a coach goes off on an official it sets two things in motion: (1) players reflect that anger in their game; and (2) parents use that as an excuse (as if they need one) to start acting the fool.” Lou went on to tell me he appreciates it when a coach meets him during the breaks, away from the team, to discuss calls. He admits to blown calls. But that's part of the experience. In reality, we’re all amateurs and need to wrap our conscience around that fact. On the ice, the refs are in charge. Arguing gets you no where, or at least according to Lou, it won’t get you where you want to go. ■

www.drivendfw.com

IceTimesMagazine

Keep your kids out of hot water, put them on ice! 1

DFW MetroplexAddison Sq Gdn 972-960-7465Starbucks 972-238-1563 .3miOlive Garden 972.239-9096 .1miER CareNow 972-387-8900 2.1mi

The Allen Event Center972-678-4646www.alleneventcenter.com

American Airlines CenterHome of the Dallas Starsfor tickets 214.Go-Stars

Dr Pepper StarCenterEuless 817-267-4233Starbucks 817-684-7943 1.1miOlive Garden 817-251-0222 8.0miER CareNow 817-428-7300 5.0mi

Dr Pepper StarCenterFarmers Branch 214-432-3131Starbucks 972-406-8289 3.4miI Fratelli 972-501-9700 3.5miER CareNow 972-387-8900 5.9 mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Frisco 214-387-5600Starbucks 972-668-9520 .9miOlive Garden 469-633-0406 .8miER 1st Choice 214.618.6800 1.8mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter McKinney at Craigs RanchMcKinney 469-675-8325Starbucks 214-383-4095 1miCareNow 972-599-0077 8mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Plano 972-758-7528Starbucks 469-229-0100 .4miOlive Garden 972-578-8576 3.5miER 1st Chioce 214-291-0101 2.1mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter PSA 972-208-5437Starbucks 972-758-9565 .5 miOlive Garden 972.633.0406 3.2miER 1st Chioce 214-291-0101 2.1mi

Dr Pepper StarCenter Valley Ranch 972-831-2453Starbucks 972-304-1985 1miSiena Pasta 972-462-0499 1miCoppell EmCare 972-745-8097 3.6mi

ICE at Stonebriar 972-731-9600Starbucks 972-668-1750 0.1miOlive Garden 469-633-0406 .8miER 1st Choice 214.618.6800 2.4mi

Rinks with closest Starbucks, Italian Food and ER Centers AnD AssOCiATiOns (things change, please call before making the trip)

ICE at The Parks 817-419-0095www.IceAtTheParks.netStarbucks in mall outside of rinkOlive Garden 817-283-3121 11miER CareNow 817-465-4928 1.7mi

Ice Training CenterITC Richardson 972-680-7825Starbucks 972-238-1563 .3miOlive Garden 972-234-3292 2.0miER CareNow 972.387.8900 4.7mi

Polar Ice House Grapevine 972-874-1930Starbucks 972-874-1394 .6miOlive Garden 817-251-0222 4.1miCoppell EmCare 972-745-8097 2.6mi

HoustonAerodrome Ice Skating ComplexHouston 281-84-SKATEStarbucks 832-237-7586 .25 miOlive Garden 281- 890-0784Methodist Willowbrook Hosp.281-477-1000 across from rink

Sugar Land Ice & Sports Center281-265-7465Starbucks 281-265-8911Papa LaRosa Flying Pizza in rink281-313-3500Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 281-274-7000

Space City Ice StationFriendswood 281-486-7979www.spacecityice.netOlive Garden 281-488-1022Starbucks 281-488-9800ER Clear Lake l 281-332-2511

AustinChaparral Ice Centers - Austin512.252.8500

Oklahoma CityBlazers Ice Centre -405-631-3307

Arctic Edge Ice Arena - 405-748-5454

StarStuff Locations in all Dr Pepper StarCenters Rinks(except Valley Ranch)

Players BenchRichardson 972.808.9991Coppell 972.393.2777

PRO shOPs*

Forwards/DefenseDavid Ambler 817.905.4561David Fry 817.832.2847Phil Chaney 214.537,6997Cliff Cook 469.831.5441Sergey Deshevyy 214.498.6967Danny Force 817.903,5442Ryan McLean 210.788.8286Stew Carson 817.253.7022 Michael Beck 972.571.7760Christophe Crossley 817.201.6211Chris Shakesby 214.597.1907Justin Walters 405.413.8623

Goaltending

Francois Lemay 469.766.1981Billy Pye 817.845.0133Andrew Norton 817.896.5084Cam MacDonald 817.800.2130

Power SkatingRob Warner 214.478.6605Ramil Sarkulov 817.805.0002David Horn 972.740.5513

PRivATe LessOns*ASSOCIATIONSAerodrome Ice Hockeyaerodromes.com

Alliance Bulldogsalliancebulldogs.org

Arctic Wolf Ice Centerarticwolfice.com

at&t Metroplex High School Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

Austin Roadrunnerswww.chaparralice.com

Bay Area Houston Houndshoundsicehockey.org

Corpus Christi Youth Hockeycoastalbendhockey.com

Dallas Stars AAAdallasstarsaaa.com

Dallas Ice Jetsicejets.com

Dallas Stars Selectsdallasstarsselects.com

Dallas Stars Youth Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

DJHA Penguinsdjha.com

DMHA Titansdmhahockey.orgDragons Youth Hockeydyhadragons.com

El Paso Hockeyelpasohockey.org

Grapevine Wolvesgrapevinestarcenter.com

Houston HERricanes Girlswww.houstonherricanes.com

Houston Hitmen Hockeyhoustonhitmen.com

Houston Hurricane Hockeyhoustonhurricanehockey.com

Houston Jr Aeros Hockeyjunioraeros.com

Houston Wild Hockeyjunioraeros.com

ICE at the Parks Hockey817-419-0095

Ice Skate USA Hockeyskatememorialcity.com

Ice Sports DirectoryInterscholastic Hockey Leagueishl.orgSouthwest Texas areasanctioned high school league and association

Jackalopes Amateur [email protected]

Killer Bee Foundationkillerbeehockey.com

McKinney Ice Hockey Clubmckinneyicehockey.com

Oklahoma City Youth Hockey Association -www.okcyha.org

Pegasus Flyers Inlinepegasusflyers.org

Polar Ice Housepolaricehousegrapevine.com

Rio Grande Valley Youthrgvyouthhockey.com

River City Hockeyrivercityhockey.org

Scots Hockeydallasscots.com

Senior Stars Hockey Leaguedrpepperstarcenter.com

Sugar Land Ice & Sportssugarlandice.com

Texas Aces Hockey Clubtexasaceshockey.com

Texas Tornado Hockeytornadohockey.com

Tulsa Youth Hockeywww.tyha.com

Univ. of Texas Ice Hockeytexasicehockey.com

Wichita Falls Wildcatswfwildcatshockey.com

Want to be listed as an instructor? You must be a member of good

standing with USA Hockey. Contact [email protected]

You must have a valid USA Hockey membership number

Pro Shops are listed for free with purchase of a regular ad.

Contact us today to place an ad.

[email protected]

Readers, we need a little assist here.Don’t see your rink or association listed,

see something that isn’t correct?Email us today at

[email protected] with your information.

Ice Sports Directory


IceTimesMagazine


So, I was asked to write about how I invented Puckz. So here it goes. To

start the story I will have to go way back in time to the year 2005. I was three and half years old watching TV with my mom. She had this crazy game on where the guys had things on their feet that made them glide. WOW! I could do

How I Invented PuckzBy Joseph R Hudicka II & My Mom

that! I remember zipping through the basement with my bat hitting anything I could find on the floor. I was gliding like the big guys!!! My Dad asked if I wanted to skate and play hockey. I had no idea what it would be like, but I did know I liked what I saw. So off I went to Aspen ice rink for my first set of lessons. Coach Pat was awesome. He made me laugh and taught me how to skate. No kidding I was skating! I was doing hockey drills and learning how to shoot a puck. I had one more year of lessons but what I really wanted was to play hockey. And then in came the BIG guys. Wearing bright orange and black with speed and ability I came face to face with the NJ Renegades. I wanted to wear that jersey. I wanted to be on that team! Okay, here is the problem, I was too young to be a Mite so how could I play for them? What do you do when there is a problem, you ask

for help. I asked my Dad and Mom to get me on that team. You know what? The NJ Renegades invited me in as a practice player. They let me do drills with the Mites. They let me come to the games and sit on the bench to learn more about the game. They gave me a jersey, my very own jersey, and made me feel like part of the family! Coach Cliff would shout words of encouragement as I did my drills. I even made him laugh when I gave him advice. One day during practice he said water break to all of us. I said let’s not. Too much water makes you pee your equipment and that is not fun to play in. It was during this time, I started to collect hockey cards and create games using my cards. After every practice and any chance I could get, I would take out my blue backpack filled with my cards lay them out in teams and play a game with them, a game like checkers. One night after practice, with all my cards lined up to do battle on the floor, my Dad asked me to teach him what I was doing. We had a great time! I was able to explain the rules, hockey rules and play the players like checkers. We had so much fun that Dad asked me if we should make it into a board game. SO COOL! Me, at 5 years old with a board game. How cool is that. So we made it together always using USA against

Canada and entered it in a competition for young inventors. Although I did not win that competition I was interviewed for a TV show in Canada about me. Since then, for two years, we placed Puckz in our family game spot and played it with family and friends. Until one day in my new school, Immaculate Conception, Annandale, my second grade teacher, Mrs. Teri Craig, asked about who I was and what I like and do. She was very interested in my game and allowed me to share it with my class. Puckz stayed in the classroom for a month. It was at that time my Mom looked at the shape of the board we made and the fun of the game and said this would be an awesome game App! From that moment on, I worked with a company to make my App. I would get emails from them in which I had to play the game, figure out the bugs and email them a list of bugs and enhancements that I wanted done. I picked out the sounds, the images and the feel of the game. I even taped myself playing the game, emailed that video and demonstrated to the developers what I wanted done. Super Cool! So here I am ,8 years old and an App inventor. This is my story so far. I already have more ideas for my next one. What do you think? Want to join the Puckz craze? ■

Southlake Carroll won the Texas Amateur Hockey Association “Texas Cup” High School State Gold Division Championship. Southlake Carroll will repre-sent Texas in the inaugural USA Hockey High School National Championships April 14-18 in Chicago.

IceTimesMagazine


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Goodbye to another great season. Dallas Scots Bantam team Thanking fans and Parents after final 09-10 season game.

Ethan Williams #20, makes the save on this wide open shot for the 5-0 shutout win.

www.kegsteakhouse.com

www.mitvideoproductions.com

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