Arizona inline teams show well at NARCh Finals

Despite local teams not winning any gold medals at the 2010 NARCh Finals, it was still one of the most successful years in recent memory for Arizona.

Several different teams, programs and players left their mark at event, which was held in San Jose.

It was a banner year for Arizona teams playing in the Platinum divisions - the highest skill level in each age group.

Tour Outcasts '97 completed the highest finish ever for a local team playing Platinum at NARCh Finals.

Samuelsson advances at Junior Evaluation Camp

Twenty-eight of the original 42 players attending the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp, including Scottsdale's Phil Samuelsson, will remain to face Finland and Sweden in a series of international games in Lake Placid this week.

The players are auditioning for a spot on the U.S. National Junior Team that will take part in the 2011 International Ice Hockey Federation World Junior Championship, Dec. 26, 2010-Jan. 5, 2011, in Buffalo, N.Y.

"We're excited to see these players perform against top international competition this week," said Keith Allain, head coach of the 2011 U.S. National Junior Team.

Samuelsson readies for Junior Evaluation Camp

Forty-four of the top U.S. players under the age of 20, including 29 first- or second-round NHL draft selections, will descend on Lake Placid, N.Y., beginning this Friday (July 30) for the 2010 USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.

Included among the invites is defenseman Phil Samuelsson, from Scottsdale. The P.F. Chang's graduate - now the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes - will begin his sophomore season at Boston College (Hockey East) this fall. Samuelsson was selected in the second round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Getting cut can be a great motivator

Now that tryouts have come and gone, there are many happy faces on young kids who were selected to play on a team. Unfortunately, there are far too many sad ones from those who didn’t earn a roster spot.

If you’re one of the players still searching for a home, here are a few suggestions to consider:

1. Don't give up! Not making a team is merely the opinion of one coach. There are plenty of coaches out there who have differing viewpoints on what they consider to be a good hockey player.