Phoenix Jr. Coyotes Elite


Elite grads shooting for success in BCHL E


By Brett Fera


ven if he can’t explain it, Nick Pappas certainly


understands it. “I really can’t explain what (it) means,” Pappas said. “I know what (it) means, but I


don’t have the words to describe it.” That’s OK; Pappas’ play - and that of buddies


Ryan Francis andMichael Colantone - speaks for itself. Pappas, Francis and Colantone entered the


current season as teammates with the Victoria Grizzlies of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) - together again not only after being longtime teammates during their Arizona hockey upbringing at the Ice Den in Scottsdale, but as great friends, too. Mike De Angelis, head of the Jr. Coyotes’ trav-


el program, uses the trio as a clear example of local talent making it to a high level of junior hockey. To De Angelis, these alumni have followed the direc- tion and suggestions of the program’s coaches and leadership, which is a big part of why all three are now playing in a junior league widely known as one of the top suppliers of talent to NCAA Division I programs in the United States. For as long as he’s been involved with the


Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA), De Angelis has worked towards creating a top-down


program focusing on player development and placement in junior and college programs. The vision was a model that could allow Arizo-


na’s best hockey players to excel as youngsters and improve each year before earning the opportunity to go on to those higher levels out of state. In De Angelis’ eyes, Pappas,


Francis and Colantone embody that formula. For Pappas, coaching and


skill development has played an integral role in him jumping from Arizona’s youth scene to the bigger stage. “I’ve played for CAHA since


Day 1, and they made me the hockey player I am today,” he explained. “Playing for P.F. Chang’s and the Jr. Coyotes teams in the Tier I Elite League were critical in my develop- ment.” So, too, was the coaching of


De Angelis and Jr. Coyotes Elite 18U co-coaches Brendan Shaw and Dennis LeClair. “If you come to the rink every


Now playing high-level junior hockey, Nick Pappas credits the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes


program for much of his development. Photo/Dave Getz/A-ZPhoto.com


day and put hard work in, trust them and buy into their system, then they’ll make you the hockey player that you want to be,” Pappas added.


JrCoyotesElite.com Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association


Pee Wees show well at Super99 Series


By Shane Dale D


espite a 2-4 record and a defeat in their final contest, the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes’ Pee Wee 99


squad exceeded expectations by making it to the championship game of the Super99 Series tourna- ment held last month at the Ice Den. “For the time of year, I think they did well,” said team manager


Tony Gabriele. “They played well in half of the games and made it to the championship game, which was wonderful for us.” After defeating the Los Angeles Jr. Kings earlier in the tournament,


the Coyotes were beaten by LA, 8-1, in the title contest of the four- team, round-robin event. “I’d say in some games defense was our strength, in some goaltend-


ing was our strength and in some offense was our strength,” Gabriele said. “That was the problem: our inconsistency.” Gabriele and the Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) are


excited to be a part of SuperSeries for a number of reasons. “It allows the top Tier I teams in the country to be able to play six


competitive games in one week, instead of four games, for a very good price, as well as preset the schedules so you can plan your flights in advance,” he said, adding that the competitive nature of the series is preferred “rather than going to a tournament and getting possibly two weak games and two really good ones.” Gabriele credits CAHA’s director of travel hockey, Mike De Ange-


lis, for earning the Jr. Coyotes a place in the SuperSeries. “It’s such an asset because it allows us to play these great, competi- tive games at all levels,” he said.


CoyotesIce.com 10 magazine “Grit is a big word that I hear up there,” ex-


plained Pappas’ father, also named Nick, of the traits the trio brought with them from the Jr. Coy- otes Elite to the BCHL. “And these guys - all three of them - bring grit to the game. Being gritty and doing the dirty work down in the corners - it’s that preparation.” While Colantone was traded


late last month from Victoria to the Prince George Spruce Kings, the younger Pappas said he and Francis are indebted to their longtime friend and teammate for showing them the ropes. A year older, Colantone


played last season with Victoria and the three spent this year’s preseason camp on a line togeth- er. That all relates to the idea of a true “program” back home in Scottsdale, Pappas explains - one that continually produces talent each and every season. “The three of us practiced


together all summer leading up


to the camp. We had some of the best line chemistry and were very dominant,” he said. “Michael


- being a veteran up here and a leader on the team - showed us the ropes, made us feel comfortable, and helped the Arizona boys out a lot.”


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