2017 Player Highlight

2017 Main Camp Schedule

The Schedule is as follows:

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Release from the General Manager

We are very pleased to report that our scouting and recruiting efforts have brought phenomenal results.   Our first annual prospect camp held in Calgary, Alberta was at capacity and we signed 8 players from it.  The caliber of players is excellent and leads the coaching staff and management to believe we will have a record-breaking season.  Our recruiting on both coasts of the US has brought us numerous additional players of an equally high caliber.  Coupling both of these with our returning players and European scouting efforts, this upcoming season looks to be our best ever and we are looking forward to starting it with a full roster.

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  The Arizona Hawks are conveniently located in the desert southwest of the United States and our players really love our winters.
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  Players are provided with a practice schedule of more than 8 hours weekly and 50 games a season in the WSHL Tier II Junior Hockey League.
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Hawks begin preparations for make or break season
Junior Hockey News

Published: Wednesday, 19 Jul 2017
By: Darrell Jackson

After ending last season with a 47-game winless streak, Arizona Hawks owner Greg Schursky knows his team has got to turn things around to improve their standing within the Western States Hockey League (WSHL).

The Hawks joined the league as an expansion team in 2009-10 and has struggled since. They have made the playoffs twice in their existence, 2012-13 and 2015-16, but were eliminated quickly in their first game both times to the Fresno Monsters.

WSHL teams consist of 16- to 20-year-old amateur players under the Junior A league and are working to advance to earn college scholarships or the next level of playing.

“We have had kids earn college scholarships as well as playing in the next level of professional level, such as East Coast and National Ice Hockey Leagues,” said team owner and general manager Greg Schursky. “Our kids are here trying to get to whatever next level they want and we try to support them in getting to that next step.”

Starting the 2017-18 season with their third coach in three years, Luke Hernandez returns after taking over early in the season last year. Hernandez took over a team that struggled on the ice, allowing 449 goals and scoring 62 in 52 games last season.

“The toughest part about last year was the kids would allow a goal or two and then they just kind of gave up at times,” Hernandez said. “I could see it in their eyes that when they allowed a goal or two, they stopped playing and it made it hard on the team mentally.”

Through nine seasons in the WSHL, the Hawks have compiled an 82-274-23 record with their lone winning season in 2011-12 (22-20-3).

Hernandez said the team struggled defensively but had strong goalies, but anytime a goalie faces an average of 54 shots a game, it wouldn’t matter who was in goal.

“Patrick Roy would struggle facing that many shots and our goalies played well, but struggled facing a lot of shots,” Hernandez said. “My goal this year is to improve our defense and try and cut down on the shots our goalies face.”

Hernandez, who was a goalie during his playing days played for the Junior Los Angeles Kings (under 18) and New Mexico Mustangs of the North American Hockey League, where he compiled a 3.9 goals allowed average, knows his team will have to improve defensively to take some of the pressure off his goalies.

“Absolutely, we have to be better on defense and that is one of the key areas I have been looking at during recruiting to bring in here,” Hernandez said. “I already have a good group of guys verbally committed to come in and we are excited to show our fans an improved product on the ice.”

Hernandez has focused on bringing in players who can help turn around a team that has won an average of 10 games a year, with a season best 22 wins (2010-11). He has traveled the country and Canada recruiting some of the best junior hockey players to bring into camp to help turn around the team. Schursky said that is a key difference between Hernandez and his predecessors.

“The previous coaches, the idea of recruiting was calling the other coaches in the league and asking them to send them the guys they cut,” Schursky said. “Then, you’re getting players that would be 24th through 30th on rosters and you can’t compete with those players most of the time.”

Schursky said Hernandez has been traveling the country and Canada and has already got commitments from a number of strong players.

“I am excited by the way (Hernandez) has taken the reins and really been recruiting some great kids to come in here,” Schursky said. “I have never been this excited for an upcoming season.”

Hernandez said while he is looking for strong hockey players, he also wants players that are focused on improving both on and off the ice that can help the franchise.

“I think it is easy to join a team that has been winning and, while there is nothing wrong with that, they can come in here and help turn around this team,” Hernandez said. “I think while on the ice is obviously important, I tell them they have to work hard on the ice, in the weight room and keep their grades up, if they want to get to the next level.”

Hernandez and Schursky said their goal is to have 24 to 30 players on the roster since they can have 21 active each game this year, and they are searching for guys eager to improve and play hard.

“We have been really searching and already have a bunch of guys verbally committed to come in here and I am excited for the kids (Hernandez) has gotten already,” Schursky said. “Plus, he is still working and searching for more guys and it is so great to have a coach that is working hard to improve the on-ice product.”

The Hawks start training camp Aug. 24 with the first practice Aug. 28 at AZ Ice in Peoria.

Our Roster is starting to fill.  If you are interested in joining this years Hawks program, please contact us at gm@arizonahawkshockey.com

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The Next Level

The Arizona Hawks have made it their mission to work with and move players to their next higher level of hockey. We are pleased to announce that each year numerous players have received either a pro or collegiate offer. Check out our amazing list of alumni.Do you want to house a player!If your’re interested in becoming a billet and hosting a player from outside the Phoenix Metro area for the 2016-2017 season, contact via email: billeting@arizonahawkshockey.com today. For more information on how a billet family is helpful to the players please click on the tab below.
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