Ice Times Magazine December 2011

Hockey is Expensive This Magazine is FREE“Keep your kids out of hot water, put them on ice”

The Official Hockey Magazine of the Texas Amateur Hockey Association

DECEMBER 2011

The RickardReport

Sports Nutrition

FacilityNow Open!See pg. 4 for more information

GetNoticed

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Get NoticedBy Brad Buetow

Want To Play Prep School, Midget AAA, Junior or College Hockey?

Coming May 18-20, 2012, Texas and Oklahoma hockey players have the opportunity to show

off their talent at the 8th Annual Junior Placement Showcase. JPS hockey showcase will be at Apex Arena in Denver and will start on Friday, May 18 and will end on Sunday, May 20. Attending and participating in JPS hockey showcase will be coaches and GM’s from Midget AAA, Prep School, Junior A, and College (Division I-III) programs from the United States and Canada. Last year there were over 60 programs involved at the showcase. These coaches/GM’s will coach behind the bench and provide informational sessions to players and their parents regarding their respective programs during the weekend. Director, Brad Buetow, stated that he believed there was a need for this hockey showcase so that Texas/Oklahoma athletes could be noticed and further advance their hockey careers. Brad has had over 20 years experience as a head coach at the University of Minnesota, United States International University, and

Colorado College, was name “Coach of the Year” 5 times (both in the collegiate and professional levels), played professional hockey, and has been director/coach for 9 years in Colorado Midget AAA programs where he has placed over 75 players in Junior A and over 40 players in Division I-III college programs. “I know Texas and Oklahoma has great potential to move players on to other programs so they can accomplish their lifelong goals of getting a quality education and continuing to play hockey. That is the sole purpose of JPS!” In addition, many players from previous JPS camps have received offers from various programs throughout the US and Canada. According to Brad, attending JPS is like attending over 60 individual camps, thus saving money and yet maximizing player’s exposure. Information regarding JPS can be found online at JPS-Hockey.com or you can email Brad Buetow at [email protected]. ■

Brad Buetow is the Director of Junior Placement Showcase. He is also a coach and former professional hockey player.

JPS – Hockey Showcase92’ - 97’ Midget AAA, Prep, Jr A, College Div I-III

Denver, CO (APEX Arena) MAY 18-20, 201260 Coaches/GM’s in attendanceJPS is like attending 60 team selection camps4 Games & Information sessions (Midget AAA, Prep, Junior A, College)

www.JPS-hockey.comGeorge Gwozdecky – Head Hockey Coach, University of Denver WCHA‘At the University of Denver was are proud that 33% of our hock-ey team is comprised of players from the state of Colorado and therefore I am supportive of any opportunity that gives hockey players from our state a chance to develop and receive the expo-sure to the Junior A hockey coaches as well as college hockey programs.

Brad Buetow has played and coached at the highest level of NCAA Division I college competition and knows what it takes to play at this level. Some of Brad’s former players who are cur-rently playing at the University of Denver.”

Kevin Hartzell – GM/Head Coach Sioux Falls Stampede USHL“Brad Buetow, Director of JPS, was my college coach when I played at the University of Minnesota and I feel that with Brad’s contact JPS is one of the top exposure camps for juniors, prep, midget, and college scouts. We will enjoy coming out and feel it is very worthwhile. Coach Buetow, JPS Director, has coached in Division I College for 20 years, scouted and coached in the pros for several years and with his network he has helped my career immediately.”

Dean Blais – Head Coach University of Nebraska-Omaha CCHA“We are looking forward to scouting players out of the JPS showcase. The competition is excellent and there will be several scouts/coaches from all the junior A/B and college levels.”

Jon Bonnett – Assistant Coach Colorado College WCHA“I believe Coach Buetow is one of the hardest working youth coaches/recruiters in the country. Brad is well connected and vis-ible within the hockey community. Brad is motivated to develop and expose local and non-traditional hockey area players to Midget AAA, Juniors and NCAA Hockey. This camp is the first step.”

Pete Sauer – Head Coach/GM Aberdeen Wings“Excellent showcase! JPS exposure showcase really puts kids on the radar for future hockey opportunities. I will be attending it along with other NAHL coaches.”

••••

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Hockey Ambitions Training Center Opens in FriscoDFW’s first and only hockey training center opens in the Dallas Ft. Worth MetroplexFrisco, TX, November 30, 2011 – Hockey Ambitions (www.hockeyambitions.com) is DFW’s first and largest hockey training center. A distinctively positive, high energy and fast moving hockey training center, Hockey Ambitions is designed to train and develop all skill levels of hockey players. Although all types of hockey players benefit from Hockey Ambitions, it appeals especially to hockey players wanting to train and play in a challenging, exciting, energetic, fun and motivating environment.“While hockey has exploded in the area since the Dallas Stars moved here, youth hockey players haven’t had access to a high-level of specialized hockey training,” said Tom Rose, owner of the Hockey Ambitions. Tom continues: “We provide a high-level hockey training facility specializing in one-on-one training, team training, skills clinics, hockey school and coming soon, the famous skating treadmill and shooting lanes.” The year round hockey school facility includes a two-thirds scale rink. Kids growing up playing baseball, soccer would never imagine playing on a full size baseball diamond or soccer field. Imagine how diminished their skill development would be if they did. So why do kids growing up playing hockey play on full size NHL size rinks? Hockey Ambitions solves all those problems by providing a size appropriate rink with full ice markings. This way, kids gain a much higher level of skill development while at the same time learning about offsides, positioning, ice awareness, and team play. Hockey Ambitions will soon also provide a major piece of equipment – a skating treadmill. “It’s an expensive piece of equipment, but it’s a great way to improve basic skating skills,” Rose said.

Hockey Ambitions’ year-round hockey schools and hockey training center provides high-caliber training – including unique 1-on-1 coaching - that is designed to develop the highest skill levels of youth hockey players ages 6 to 18 by focusing on the mental aspects of the game. Hockey Ambitions is also at the cutting edge of video analysis. Tom Rose describes, “We will have cameras set up around the rink. So while we are working on drills or skill sessions, we can take those videos from our DVR system. We’ll take them into our conference room, walk player through what they are doing well, show them what they need to correct and really provide some positive, constructive feedback. This is great for the coaches, the parents and the players.” “One-on-one and small group coaching has tremendous advantages over team coaching because a personal coach can focus specific attention to the students’ individual needs,” Rose said. Hockey Ambitions Hockey Training Center boasts a fun, clean environment that is solely focused on player development. The hockey training center includes: Reception, Training (2/3 size Ice Rink, Skating Treadmill, Shooting Lanes and Dry land), Dressing Rooms with NHL Style Stalls, Bathrooms, Showers, and Parking. Motivational hockey videos play throughout the facility and their professional hockey coaches emphasize service, skill development, fun, motivation, friendliness, tangible results and customer satisfaction.Pond Hockey in Texas Just over a half a million kids play organized hockey in the United States, but according to

Herb Brooks, coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team, kids don’t know what they are missing. “We need to make it fun for the kids and let them learn to love the game the way we did it, on the pond.” Traditionally, pond hockey is coming home from school, slip the skates onto the sticks and throw the sticks over shoulders like hobos carrying their knapsacks, then trudge through the apple orchard behind the neighborhood to a pond in the middle of the woods. Lace ‘em up and play until it was too dark to see. It was more fun than practices and games. No try-outs,

no scoreboards, no whistles, no drills, no lines, no benches, no coaches, no refs – in fact, no adults at all – and no nets. Just a pair of boots at each end. Hockey Ambitions now brings “Pond Hockey” to Texas, just the way it used to be, almost. Instead of playing outside in below freezing temperatures on your local frozen pond, players get the same fun, non-structured games. But now you don’t need to bring your Thermos of hot chocolate; plus you can play in the middle of the summer. There are no refs, scorekeepers, or coaches, just fun time on the ice. Sessions are grouped together by skill and age, so you don’t have to worry about being run over by a highly skilled player. At the same time, the better players will have the opportunity to really use their skills. Hockey Ambitions has found a way to get out there and just have fun the way the hockey greats did growing up as a kid.Hockey Skating Treadmill Hockey Ambitions is one of only the few places in the country where hockey players will be able to take advantages of the hockey skating treadmill. When working with a specialist, players are able to work on improving parts of their game that they wouldn’t be able to work on otherwise,Some of the advantages are: Enhances Stride Length - Hockey is a game of power endurance, or the ability to repeatedly be explosive, and reach and maintain a top speed in a matter of steps. A full stride extension allows for decreased effort, with increased top speed, endurance and efficiency. This directly relates to the strength and stability of the core, hip, and knee joint.Improves Recovery Stride - As the leg returns from its previous extension, an efficient skater will place his/her recovery leg under their chest. This will ensure optimal stride length, and balance of the support leg which remains under the body while the opposite leg extends.Increases Knee Flexion - Increased knee flexion,

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or sitting down, allows for greater leg extension that ultimately contributes to increases in speed and power.Enhances Stability - With an increase in trunk stability, players will skate in a more upright position. This will increase their stride length and lower the athletes’ center of gravity, all increasing the stability on their skates. Thus, a hockey player will be able to move laterally with the puck quicker, and be less easily knocked off by the puck.Efficient Arm Swing - The quickest way from point A to B is a straight line. A more efficient arm swing, similar to that of a runner, consists of arms moving linearly in an up-and-down motion, rather than a side-to-side range.Improve Puck Control - While skating, the player can work on his puck control as well as working on taking shots mid-stride. Hockey Ambitions will provide each player training on the treadmill with a skilled instructor that is specifically trained on maximizing the advantages of the hockey treadmill. Hockey Ambitions Specializations Hockey Training and Skill Development – Hockey Ambitions provides exciting hockey training and phenomenal skill development results to hockey players daily. Hockey Ambitions provides camps, private hockey training, skills

classes, hockey specific speed & power dryland training & other skill development programs. Every holiday and during the summer, Hockey Ambitions puts on clinics for both players and goaltenders.Skills Classes – A minimu of one hour a week, four weeks a month and in small groups, Hockey Ambitions Skills Classes are a great way to supplement your team practices with additional ice time focused on skill development. Skills Classes will accelerate player hockey skills and help out-perform the competition. Skills Classes are available for Mite, Squirt, Peewee, Bantam, and Midget Players & Goalies. Each session focuses on the following skills: skating, shooting, passing and puck control.Team Training – If you are a coach and would like to see your team from a different perspective, Hockey Ambition’s Team Training allows coaches to see different strengths and weaknesses from their players. Hockey Ambitions Professional Coaches will run your team’s practice and provide feedback on your team.Strength and Conditioning - Strength and conditioning programs develop hockey players to be stronger, faster, and more efficient. The strength and conditioning staff works very closely with its members to provide individualized attention to each player’s specific needs and goals.

One On One Hockey Training - 1-on-1 training is the fastest way to learn hockey skills. Players can have their very own personal coach working directly with them, instructing players one-on-one, guiding, molding, and putting a players learning curve on the fast track. With a complete focus on the player, there is clear improvement after each session.Hockey Ambitions Goalie Training – Hockey Ambitions not only specializes in training players, but also goalies. Our goalie training program can take goalies to the next level. Just as with their 1-on-1 player programs, Hockey Ambitions 1-on-1 goalie programs are for all goalies, from the beginner to the expert.Hockey Tots and Adult 101 – Hockey Ambitions also caters to those who are just starting out. Whether you are 3 or 93, Hockey Ambitions will help you get started playing the greatest sport on earth. ■

Hockey Ambitions Training Center214-436-5377www.hockeyambitions.com

On the CoverDecember 2011Now In Our Sixth Season!

On The Cover:Olivia Lin (Team Houston PW A)

Want to be our next cover shot? Send in your high resolution picture to [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 certificate to

YOU SHOOT. YOU SCORE… THE KEG!

Get Noticed . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Hockey Ambitions. . . . . . . . . 4From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . 8Crull Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . 9TX Tornado . . . . . . . . . . . . 10The Rickard Report . . . . . . . 19Behind 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.

Scott Tinkham, [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tink Ink PublicationsGraphic Artist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Sparrowgrove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected] Opportunities . . . . . [email protected]

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WIN A PRIZE!!Find Doright somewhere in the magazine.

Kim Tinkham (1957 - 2010)

Ice Times Magazine is dedicated to the memory of Kim Tinkham.

Kim lost her brave battle with breast cancer Tuesday, December 7, 2010. Kim was a hockey mom, wife, youth hockey enthusiast, and editor and publisher of Ice Times. She will be greatly missed.

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Brock Bartlett (Wolves PeeWee - Schneider).

#15 Noah Schembri -Alliance Bulldogs (LaMere 10U).

Texas Aces Goalie #35 Trey Peterson makes a save.

Follow the bouncing puck... Dallas Stars Selects Midget Minor AA - Aucoin.

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The Snow...by Scott TinkhamSeasons Greetings Hockey Families,“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home! “ ~Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers, 1836 It’s 7:45am December 5th in Wise County Texas as I write this and it’s snowing. I love snow and as in the quote above it brings me back to the wonderful delusions of my childhood. I was born and raised up north where it started snowing in October and we didn’t see the grass again until mid-April. So memories of Christmas, family, friends, and love I associate with the snow. That would be love found and love lost. Dec 7th 2010 was love lost. I want to thank our readers and our advertisers for allowing me to keep Kim’s labor of love, Ice Times Magazine going. In her book Life Lessons on Ice, Kim wrote: “When you find yourself sitting on the bench of your life, waiting for your shift and you realize that the ice isn’t perfect, don’t wait. You may find yourself like a lot of people that are older than you spending your whole life waiting for the perfect ‘sheet of ice” or circumstance or opportunity or situation. Just skate out on the ice and do what you are there to do. Play Hockey. Enjoy your life now before it melts away.” Last year, for the first time in my life, I didn’t celebrate Christmas. Now almost 12 months later the memories of the

22 Christmases with Kim are flooding my heart and my head and it feels really good.Take this advice from an old coach. This Christmas day if you are fortunate to have friends and family around you. Stop, step back into a corner of the room and take the scene in, look out over your kids, your parents, your spouse and your friends and just take it in. Burn it into your memory. I believe this is what Heaven on earth looks and feels like. Or in hockey terms, he winning goal in overtime. I miss you Kimmie…………it stopped snowing.

“This Christmas let’s add to our memories of past Christmases. Be sure to take in all the sights and sounds of Christmas but more importantly let’s all try our best to give the most precious gift to those we love. Let’s give the gift of our time, attention, smiles, hugs, kisses and laughter. Those are the gifts that cannot be bought and will not be forgotten. Merry Christmas.” Kim Ponder-Tinkham, Wise Words December 2008 Wise Family Magazine.

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Consistent high-level performance requires that nutrition be a daily priority.

It can make or break any athlete. Performance nutrition is not just about eating pasta and drinking Gatorade. It is about eating to optimize energy availability, to maintain a healthy body composition, and to accelerate recovery and healing. A true edge is gained by eating for health and performance - not just on game-day, but every day. Many athletes eat the same foods day in and day out and the same amounts of food regardless of how much activity is in their day. Ideally, the metabolic mix should be adjusted with exercise duration and intensity. Here are some general rules of thumb. On heavy training days you will want to multiply your body weight x 17.5 to find caloric need, so a 150lbs athlete x 17.5= 2625 calories. Now these numbers are based on an hour workout included in your day, many times our hockey players find themselves exerting for multiple hours at a time meaning they will need to consume much more (Ex. I had to consume 9000 calories a day in order to MAINTAIN body weight while playing Juniors and College Hockey). For athletes

who are looking to gain weight you may want to add 500 calories a day to your diet or continue increase until desired weight gain is achieved, the reverse is true for those trying to lose weight, decrease calories by 500. As Hockey player’s quality Carbohydrates and Protein will be very important in respect to energy levels and muscular recovery. Hockey is a very explosive sport and work rations ten to last for 30-60 seconds (hopefully), this time frame of energy needs falls into the category of carbohydrates. Inadequate levels of stored carbohydrates (glycogen) can lead to early fatigue. Consumption of Protein before and after games is valuable to help decrease muscle break down and speed up the recovery process as well as decreasing soreness. An athlete should also consume 3-5 servings of vegetables per day. Vegetables contain many of the necessary vitamins and minerals for proper muscle and brain function. They also help defend against oxidant stress and will help decrease cancer. Some great sources of protein are Chicken, steak, fish, nuts, peanut butter, milk, and eggs. Some great sources of carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, brown rice, whole grains, oatmeal

Sports NutritionBy Luke Beltrand

and granola. In all cases athletes should look to find a more natural source for all of their meals. It is ideal to substitute most processed food in exchange for natural food items. Of course there is so much more to be said about sports nutrition so please contact us at Crull fitness for more information, Merry Christmas! ■

Luke Beltrand is a Former Collegiate Hockey player and Current Manager of Crull Fitness Valley Ranch. Luke is Certified as a Certified Fitness Specialist through the Cooper’s Institute and Sports Performance Coach through USA Weightlifting. Luke is the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for over 40 local Hockey Teams..

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Texas Tornado developing hockey players at young ageby Corey Hersch

There has undoubtedly been a boom in youth hockey in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area over the last over the 10-15 years. This explosion will

be on full display in late December, when the North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) hosts the Dallas Showcase. Scheduled for Decmeber 28-January 1, the event will be played at the Dr Pepper StarCenters in both McKinney and Farmers Branch, in addition to Dr Pepper Arena in Frisco, home of the North American Hockey League’s Texas Tornado. The PHL is comprised of five regular-season events leading up to the Championship Tournament Series in which the top teams at each level (18U, 16U, and 14U) compete for a league championship. That championship tournament will be held February 17-20 in Troy, Mich., a sanctioned Tier I USA Hockey event in which all 42 PHL teams will compete. With the Tornado hosting the NAHL’s Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament this year, the PHL will hold its 18U all-star event at Dr Pepper Arena, as well. The PHL is now in its third season, and is made up of Midget Major (Under 18), Midget Minor (Under 16) and Bantam Major (Under 14) teams from 20 programs that compete at the Tier I AAA level. All 42 PHL teams will take part in the showcase tournament, including the three NAPHL teams from the Tornado. Each team will play five games at the showcase, giving young players the optimal chance to get noticed by junior hockey scouts. The NAHL will be well-represented in Frisco and McKinney, with each Junior A team being required to send at least one scout to the event. The Tornado formed an 18U three years ago and began its development

program. Last season, they added a 16U team, a squad which nearly won the USA Hockey National Championship. They made it to the championship game, but fell 2-1 to the Summit Plastics of Michigan. This season, the Tornado started its 14U team, giving them teams in all three levels of PHL hockey. The Tornado 18U’s are looking to bounce back from injuries to top players Sam Stone and Johnathan Appell, but have a roster which features Michael Taylor (who has played two games as a member of the Tornado’s NAHL team this season) in addition to leading point-scorers Matt Levene and Hayden Ray. Current NAHL Tornado forward Skyler Spiller was a member of the 18U team last season. The 16U team is looking to build on the success of its inaugural year and is getting big contributions from Connor Bebb, who leads all 16U scorers with nine goals in nine games this season. The 14U’s are going through some growing pains in their first season. Though they’ve yet to win a game, they are working hard to hone their hockey skills, effort which the league surely takes pride in. According to the league’s website, the PHL “is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program, and is designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget and Bantam participants through the NAHL’s high-profile recruiting events which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts.” The league also serves as a pipeline to the NAHL for young hockey players. Last season, 61 former PHL players were either drafted or signed tenders with NAHL teams. ■

Joshua Langford (DSEHC 2001).Tommy Bittner - Alliance Bulldogs Squirt (Rose) Fall Roundup vs Jr. Mavs.

Stephen Gibson (Pikes Peak Miners U18 AAA - Vanover).Exhausted parents and not-so-exhausted players

after Wolves PW A Parent-Player game.

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Texas Tornado 14U goalie Matias Hermanson focuses on playat NAPHL Blaine Showcase.

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OKC PW Major Alex Smith loads up in the Fall Roundup Finals.

Sean Lawrence (DSEHC Tier 1 18U) - pure concentration!

Kyle Mills (Texas Aces PW A).Nathaniel Teplitskiy, skating up the boards, looking

for the pass Allen Americans Midget Minor - Deshevvy

214-478-8980 [email protected]

Luxury Homes • Certified Staging

Travel Hockey Mom for over 5 years in NTXHL to son, Franklin.

Call or email to get your free copy—

Top Tips for Selling or Buying Your Home in Today’s Market

Helping hockey families with their next move.

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888-878-8465 Keep your kids out of hot water – put them on ice!13

Ethan McDonald (DJHA PW A).

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Dallas Stars Selects Midget Minor AA team in their “Awesome Suits”headed to Pittsburgh, PA for the Veterans Cup Tournament.

The Dallas Stars Elite 2000’s won the Colorado 2K AAA SuperSeries in Denver, winning 3-0 in the final over Littleton, CO. The 2000’s went 5-1 in the tournament also defeating Pikes Peak, Boulder, and Phoenix to take the Championship.

Brenden CainBrenden Plays for the Dallas Oilers and is the Jesuit Varsity goalie as well.

Texas Aces #71 Will Gongos.

Tanner Vendal - Birdville Hockey Club JVG.

Jake Duranczyk (Alliance U18 AAA - Kostopoulo).

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Andrew Westbrook (Alliance U16 AAA - Fry). Caden Halverson (McKinney Lightning PeeWee - Mauer).

USA Hockey and the NHL would like to in-vite you to register to host a Try Hockey for Free Clinic on Saturday, February 18, 2012, as a part of the 5th Annual Hockey Weekend Across America. It is our hope to have 200 associations/rinks host a Try Hockey for Free clinic for kids ages 4 to 9 on this date. This is a nationwide initiative to celebrate the game at all levels and in-troduce young kids to youth hockey for the very first time. Host sites are required to provide: one hour of ice, several vol-unteers (on-ice help, check-in, marketing, and help getting participants dressed), and equipment (helmet, skates & gloves) for all participants. In support of this event, USA Hockey will provide each host site with 40 jerseys, 40 goodie bags, customizable art-work, USA Hockey event sanctioning, on-line registration and management tools and one-on-one support to assist in making the event a successful one.In addition, if you register to host a Try Hockey for Free Clinic prior to Thursday, December 15, 2011, you will be entered to win 24 sets of OneGoal gear!For more information on hosting a Try Hockey For Free Clinic, please contact your Program Services Director.

2011/2012 Planned EventsJan 28 .......................TAHA Winter Meeting (Dallas)

Feb 10-12 ................................States Tier I & Tier II

(TAHA Host in Dallas)

Feb 17-19 .. USA Hockey Weekend Across America

Mar 1-4 .....................................Districts Tier I (CO)

Mar 2-4 ........................Districts Girls/Women (AZ?)

Mar 5-7? .......Texas Cup Gold HS Champs (Dallas)

Mar 16-18 ............................. TAC Boys/Girls (TBD)

Mar 21-25 .................. Nationals High School (SLC)

Mar 23-25 ...... Texas Cup Silver HS Champs (TBD)

Mar 28-Apr 1............. Nationals Tier II Girls (Dallas)

Mar 28-Apr 1...................Nationals Tier 1 & II Youth

(sites vary)

Mar 30-Apr 1.....Nationals Women A/B/C (site TBD)

Apr 6-10 ..................Nationals Tier I Girls (site TBD)

Apr 13-15 ...........National Disabled Hockey Festival

(Dallas)

Apr 13-17 .......Americas HS Showcase (Pittsburgh)

Apr 27-29 ...........State Adult Tournament (site TBD)

May 2-6.........................................RMD PDC (SLC)

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5702 Alpha Rd.Dallas, Texas 75240

972.385.5416For more informationwww.SportsplexVV.com

The unique partnership between the Sportsplex, Ice Training Center, and Dallas Oilers, will enable us to develop athletes unlike any other program.

Fundraising for College and a CauseTaylor Lipsett started playing hockey in 2002. He was 15 years old,

suffering from osteogenis imperfect (brittle bone disease) and in a wheelchair. Now, nearly 10 years later, the 24-year-old has a gold medal from the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver and is a spokesman for the Dallas/Fort Worth Sled Hockey Association.“I got started after running into Lonnie Hannah’s mother-in-law at a grocery store,” says Lipsett, referring to his fellow Paralympian and teammate. “She gave me his contact information, and a week later I went to try it out and was absolutely hooked.” The thing is, he adds, “It was the first time she’d ever been in that grocery store… and the last. She doesn’t live anywhere close to the grocery store… it’s like it was meant to be.” The Mesquite native knows recognition. He ranked among the Who’s Who Among American Students in high school and college, and at Southern Methodist University, he was an SMU Distinguished Scholar and named a National Collegiate Scholar. But, he says, his most notable honors have come in the field of athletics. A Dale Hansen Scholar Athlete in high school, Lipsett was with the 2006 Winter Paralympic Sled Hockey team that captured a bronze medal in Torino and last year, scored the final goal in a 2-0 shutout against Japan in Vancouver. “Winning gold in Vancouver was amazing,” he says. “I know it’s cliché, but you just can’t put it into words. To have the opportunity to represent your country, your state, your hometown and your family is truly a remarkable experience… And to win Gold like we did, five straight shutouts, is something that can ever be out done!” Taylor will be front and center this New Year’s Eve when the Dallas/Fort Worth Sled Team takes on the Frisco Varsity in what John Bullis, president of the Frisco Ice Hockey Association hopes will be the first of many yearly fund-raising exhibitions. “The sled hockey organization peaked my interest after reading the very first email from Taylor,” says Bullis. “I didn’t really know anything about what was going on in that world. After talking and meeting Taylor, I was hooked.”

Bullis, who recently met other members of the team by chance during a flight home from Minneapolis tourney adds, “I have quickly become passionate about this group and look forward to promoting and helping this fine organization to grow.” The fundraiser, which will benefit both the Dallas/Fort Worth Sled Hockey Team and the Frisco Ice Hockey Association’s Senior College Scholarship fund, will be held December 31 at 2pm at the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Frisco. For sponsorship opportunities and advance tickets, contact Bubba Fangman at [email protected]. ■

2010 Paralympian Taylor Lipsett practices with teammates at the Farmers Branch Dr. Pepper Star Center Sunday, Nov. 13, 201, in preparation for upcoming events. The Dallas/Fort Worth Sled Hockey Team will face off against the Frisco Varsity Dec. 31, 2001, in a New Year’s Eve fundraiser to benefit both clubs. Photo by Jo Steck

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Thomas Aldworth (From Dallas) Playing for the U-16 Boston JR. Bruins

Thomas Brown scores for St Marks high school in his MLX skates.

Bryden Johnson, #11 of the OKC Oil Kings Squirt.

Ronnie Jewell #9, DSS 16U AA coach Blaine Aucoin.


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Coach Blaine AucoinDSS Euless 16UAA

Preston Gottwald (Wolves Squirt B). Ryan Nicks (Aces Squirt B) at face-off!

Hunter Pinto - Austin Road Runners (mite level).Eli Gould (Team Houston PW A).

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The Rickard Reportby Karen Rickard

And just like that it’s December. Before I jump head first into the latest topic on

my mind I want to take second to brag a bit about the Alliance Girls Hockey program. Just recently the NCAA had its early signing period for men’s & women’s ice hockey and for the first time ever a girl who grew up playing hockey in Texas received a Division I athletic scholarship to Penn State University. Hannah Hoenshell didn’t go to prep school and shell out $40-$50K a year to make it happen. She just worked and fine-tuned her skills to get noticed by the big time schools. It is work and dedication like hers that says it is possible to get a Division I scholarship by playing girls hockey in Texas. She did it all on her own with many hours of stick handling, shooting, and being a good student of the game. Some people might say she is lucky (they are right – she has no idea about the experience that is about to unfold for her), but luck is what happens when preparation and opportunity collide. But where does a person’s drive l ike this come from? How does a player get to this level? What kind of work ethic do they have? What are they eating? Do they play other sports? From personal experience it’s all of these elements rolled into one. Becoming an elite level hockey player doesn’t just happen overnight. There’s something called the 10,000 hour rule of work on the little things that eventually separate elite players from the rest of the pack. Elite level players are a very special group of people. There is something innate in their character that separates them from the average hockey player. In a sense they are hard wired differently and quite simply they have an overwhelming desire to be the best. They want to be the strongest, the fastest, the smartest, the quickest, and the toughest. They love hockey so much and it’s such a big part of their lives that they are willing to sacrifice just about

anything to reach their goals. They will not settle for being an average hockey player and gladly miss out on Home Coming or a social outing with friends because they know that if they want to be the best they need to stay focused and keep their eye on the ball. These athletes don’t just “bring it” for practices and games though. Part of becoming an elite level hockey player is the work you do off the ice and during the off season. They push themselves to lift a little more, do one more pull up, be a little quicker in agility drills, beat every other teammate in foot races, be the last one sitting in wall sits, or bike until they can no longer feel their legs and then keep going for 30 more seconds. Everything is a competition. They compete with themselves to be a better athlete because they know and understand the connection between the hard work in dry

land and their on ice performance. Part of why these athletes stay hungry in season is because they take time in the off season to get away from the rink. This is so important and can sometimes be a hard concept to grasp. If kids are constantly at the rink year round they can

get sucked into just going through the motions, which is not good for their development and may form bad habits. I always encourage kids and parents to get away from the rink in the summer because it accomplishes two things: it gives them a healthy mental break and by playing other sports it lets them develop other motor and coordination skills. After a few months off the ice they come back hungrier, are better all around athletes and have a strong desire to be the best at the sport they love most. The toughest part in all of this is how do we – as coaches – go about instilling these habits in our young players? It’s fair to say that not all kids will actually adopt these practices, but there will be a handful of kids on your team who are hardwired to perform this way. They

might just not know it yet so every time you see them pushing themselves, or win a race, or win a battle, or be tougher in front of the net, you need to tell them. It will make those kids feel good about what they just did. Sooner or later they will start to crave those positive experiences. After all, kids play specific sports because they love the success they achieve while doing it. Little things like, winning foot races, battling along the boards or making an awesome pass, should make kids feel good about their contribution to the practice or game. When kids are enjoying those successes and learning – that’s the fun part and that’s what makes them want more from the sport they love. Bottom line – if you are good to the game, then the game will be good to you.Best in Hockey, Karen Rickard ■

Becoming an Elite Level Hockey Player

Coach Karen is currently the Head Coach of the Alliance Bulldogs 12U & 14U Girls Teams. She grew up in Bowmanville, ON Canada, currently resides in Dallas, TX and played Division I Women’s College Hockey at the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

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BEHIND THE BENCHBy 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.

For a lot of us, December is a special time of the year. When else can you mix equal parts of

spirituality with capitalism and not feel guilty? The last month of the year also has a tendency to fling me into one of those reflective moods. Not the pouty, teenage agnst kind. More like the, “Yikes, where the _ _ _ _ did that year go?!” kind. December also is the half way point of the high school hockey season, and that starts me to ruminatin’ about the seniors. Every year I know it’s coming, but I still wrap myself in a bubble-sheet of denial. I refuse to admit these amazing student athletes will embark on their life’s journey, leaving me on the platform by myself in a cloud of steam as that crotchety conductor yells, “Allll aboard! All aboard - except YOU coach!” Jeez, now I am starting to get all pouty and angstly. So it is with profound pride and a heavy heart that I start saying adiós:Alex: While this is your first year, I have quickly come to admire your work ethic and your willingness to learn. Your love for this game shows every time you step on the ice. I am grateful you came to play with us. Hard work always pays off.Anthony: I routinely thank the deity of my choice I decided to coach that summer league team. You are an amazingly skilled player and have helped keep this team stay competitive year in and out. While you strive for perfection (and hate it when you fall short), you also understand it’s a journey. Stay the course.Ardis: I have known/coached you since mini-mites and am proud of the man you have become. You only know one speed and that is all out. Keep doing that

forever. Keep being respectful of everyone. Keep being a thoughtful human. Keep being you.Cole: No one has mixed having fun and playing/practicing hard better then you. I always look forward to walking into the room knowing I’ll get a big, “Heya Coach!” You know when to take things serious, but you also know this is a game. Understanding what matters is critical. Keep focused on that and opportunities will come looking for you. Garrett: You’ve experienced your fair share of adversity on this team. I have admired how you’ve handled it; you’ve shown a maturity people twice your age rarely attain. You saw a gap last year and volunteered to fill it. That is the very definition of a team player. Continue to do that and you’ll conquer the world...at least your part of it Greg: Every now and then someone comes along and quietly knocks your socks off by combining grit, skill, and a keen desire to help others succeed. You don’t always outwardly display it, but I’ve watched you grow into this role that you come by very naturally. Find ways to help those around you excel and you’ll find yourself at the top of the heap.Jackson: I am very proud of what you’ve done to chart a new direction for yourself. You are an inspiration and deserve all that will come your way. I will miss your constant yammering, believe it or not, because I know your heart has always been in the right place. You’ve seen what is possible, don’t settle for anything less.To you all: I look forward to the day when you begin to turn the world on its head, making it a better place. We need it, so hurry up! ■

Denton County Spartans Josh Mehr (Alliance Bantam AA ‘97) checking a much larger opponent.

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Jacob Semler (Tulsa Flames Squirt B) heads for the net.

McKinney Lightning Win SilverThe McKinney Lightning Bantam A team came from two goals down

with five minutes to play to win the Silver Division of the Dallas Stars Selects Fall Roundup Tournament on November 27, 2011. Although missing a couple of players, the Bantam A team won its first two tournament games in convincing fashion, beat the Texas Aces 5 to 1 and the Grapevine Wolves 10 to 0. The team knew it had to earn at least a point in its final preliminary game to advance to the championship game, which it would have to do even more shorthanded after two key players got sick after the second game. In the final preliminary round game, the team took a 2 to 0 lead after two goals by Cole Turner, but watched the Dallas Oilers tie it up before the end of the second period. Things looked bleak when the Oilers took a one goal lead with 5 1/2 minutes left to play. A regulation loss would have put the Lightning in third place. Despite being exhausted, the team continued to fight. The effort was rewarded when Garrett Jackson tied the game up with 1:52 left to play. The team then held on to secure a point in a shootout loss and advance to the championship game. On Sunday, the team took on an undefeated Dallas Stars Selects team, while still missing four players. The Stars struck first, but Azan Dorsett tied it up in the second period. The early minutes of the third period saw the Stars take what looked to be an insurmountable 3 to 1 lead. The Lightning were outshooting the Stars 2 to 1 but were still trailing by 2 with four minutes to play. Just as the Lightning fans began to have doubts, Azan Dorsett netted his second goal to make it a one goal game with 3:45 left to play. With one minute to play, Brent McIntyre--the Lightning goalie who

had played a fabulous game--was pulled in favor of an additional skater. The Stars had several chances to get a game clinching empty net goal, but missed. The Lightning were down to their final chance with 19 seconds left with a faceoff in the Stars’ zone following an icing call. With some strong battles, David Kendall tied the game up with 7 seconds left to send it to overtime. No team scored in OT, ensuring that the game would be decided with a shootout. The Lightning’s first shooter missed and the Stars’ shooter was turned aside by the Lightning goalie. Azan Dorsett then stepped up and had no problem scoring after a nifty move. McIntyre then made two more saves for the Lightning to secure the championship trophy and banner for the McKinney Lightning. ■

Hunter Adams (Jr Brahmas PeeWee A) with a save.

Texas Aces #16 Cameron Williams.Texas Tornado 14U Daniel Patrick at NAPHL Blaine Showcase.

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Ice Times Magazine December 2011