Desert Youth Hockey Association


Collins’ experience a valued commodity


By Shane Dale T


odd Collins hopes the development he oversees with his 10U team will translate into the same next-level opportuni-


ties that some of the players on his current 18U squad have earned. Collins, who’s coached at the Desert Youth Hockey Association for five years,


has already seen his oldest son move on to bigger and better things following his travel hockey days. Dusty Collins was the first Arizona-born player to be drafted by an NHL team


(the Tampa Bay Lightning), and is now a strength coach for Northern Michigan University’s hockey squad. Coaching is definitely in the family’s blood. Todd and his wife,Pamm, who


moved from Minnesota 30 years ago, also run the longest-running summer hockey program in the Southwestern United States (TNW-Hockey.com). “It’s fun; it’s a passion of mine,” Collins said. “Hockey’s definitely a big part of


our family’s life since moving to Arizona.” Four members of Collins’ 18U team have signed tenders with North American


Hockey League (Tier II Junior A) squads for next season. A tender is a contract, of sorts, players sign announcing their intentions to play for that particular team. ForwardTommy Kaddatz signed with the Alaska Avalanche, while for-


wardHenry “Swede”Hardarson signed with the Wichita Falls (Tex.) Wildcats. ForwardHector Majul and defenseman John Carkeek inked with the Texas Tornado. Collins is doing everything he can with his 10U squad to make sure those play-


ers have those same opportunities in a few years. “That’s what it’s all about for me as a coach: to see all these young men fulfill


their dreams and aspirations,” he said. “I went through it as a parent, so I know the feeling.”


DYHA.org


AWAY FROM THE RUBBER: AHSHA’s four-official system is the right call


M


ost people who’ve crossed paths with me in the lo-


cal hockey circles know I work for the Phoenix Coyotes as their strength and conditioning co- ordinator, and many have also shared the ice with me during pickup games throughout the Valley because I love to put on the gear and get my exercise in on the ice. Another way I’m involved


with the game - and have been for over 15 years - is as an on-ice official. Although my occupation prevents me from wearing the stripes on a regular basis, I do manage to officiate 5-10 games a month at various levels. Over the years, it’s been a


wonderful experience for me to meet and work with some great people, as well as gain a unique perspective on the game. This year, the Arizona High


School Hockey Association (AH- SHA) adopted the use of a four- man officiating system to work


12


all of its games. Although college club and junior hockey has the option to go that route, the AHSHA is the first organi- zation to make it mandatory. The four-man


system is similar to the one used in the NHL, which utilizes two refer- ees (rather than one) and two linesmen. It was created with the intent of having more officials on the ice to see more of the game and, if needed, assess penalties that otherwise would’ve been difficult for only one official to detect. I’ve worked several high


to have an addi- tional set of eyes on the ice to help manage the game. The most


Bahn


notable difference is that one of the two referees is rarely out of posi- tion for the close, important calls. One referee is al- ways ahead of the play and on the goal line ready


to make a critical call, while the other is always behind the action, keeping a watchful eye on skaters trailing the play who might opt to take liberties, think- ing that the front official is busy watching the play at the net. Oftentimes when there’s a


school games this season and, although learning the subtle dif- ferences of the new dynamic took a little time, it quickly became clear to me how effective it is


tight scramble near the goal- mouth, one official can watch for a possible goal, and the other can watch the players battling in front of the net.


Another tremendous ben-


efit of the four-man system is that it allows younger officials to strengthen their skills. It’s difficult to find opportunities for lesser-experienced zebras to work under the watchful eyes of veterans, and this helps generate more chances for them to learn and develop. Although having two referees


in place ought to imply that no penalty should go unnoticed, we all know certain situations arise when even two officials will miss key calls. Such instances happen at


every level, including the NHL. However, they occur far less fre- quently, so the implementation of the four-man system should be deemed a success. I applaud the AHSHA for


making the commitment to both the officials and the betterment of the game, and I hope other high-level associations follow suit.


Mike Bahn is the Phoenix Coyotes’ strength and conditioning coordinator. magazine


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