The Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club would like to congratulate the following players for their leadership and success both on and off the ice. 

 

~ Class of 2022 ~

Kirsten Simms - Wisconsin

 

Kirsten Simms has committed to play Division 1 college hockey for the University of Wisconsin. This was Kirsten’s first season playing girls hockey as well as playing for the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club. Prior to switching to girls hockey, Kirsten played AAA hockey with the boys during her squirt and pee wee seasons. As a 2004 born player, Kirsten worked hard to earn a coveted spot as a center on the LC16U girls team. Throughout the season, the team worked hard and experienced a high level of success culminating in a state championship. Kirsten will always remember the many great friends and wonderful memories she made during the 17-18 season.  

Currently, Kirsten is an 8th grader attending Hillside Middle School in Northville. Kirsten looks forward to continuing to develop as a person and a player as she prepares to begin her high school education in the fall of 2018.  Kirsten would like to thank her many coaches who have worked countless hours training and developing her as a player and as a student athlete. She and her family are so grateful for these coaches and mentors who believe in her and continue to support her in her journey. In addition, Kirsten would like to thank her family, her teammates and friends for their constant support.  Kirsten is excited to become a Badger in the fall of 2022.

~ Class of 2021 ~

Luke Hughes - University of Michigan

 

The Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club would like to congratulate Luke Huges for making his college commitment of the University of Michigan.  Luke played forward this past season on the 14U (2003) team, and helped the team capture a Silver Stick Championship in Port Huron.   Luke will be looking ahead to join the collegiate ranks when he joins the Wolverines during the 2021-2022 season.   

When not playing or attending practice with the NCAA D1 Men’s Hockey Team, Luke will be studying in the field of Sports Management.  He noted, “(Yost) is one of the best arena’s in college hockey.  My brother Quinn plays there, and is a great school with an unreal hockey tradition.”  When asked about playing for the Little Caesars AAA organization he replied, “My coaches and teammates make me better in practice every day. It is an organization with excellent development. Playing (for Little Caesars) has helped me so much and I look forward to another great year and I am really excited about our team and our schedule.”  With the support of his two older brothers and his parents, Luke is the next family member in line to continue his family’s rich history of playing hockey among some of the sport’s most prestigious organizations across North America.   

Ben Schoen - University of Miami Ohio

 

Ben Schoen is currently a forward on the 14U Bantam Major Little Caesars AAA team.  He has recently committed to joining the University of Miami Ohio during the 2021-22' season. Looking ahead into the 2021-22 season, Ben will join his fellow RedHawks as they compete within the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) – an affiliation conference within the NCAA Division I. Ben noted that his personal achievements include, “Playing for the Detroit Red Wings in the Brick tournament was so fun. I will always remember playing in the mall in front of so many people”.

Ben looks forward to playing for Head Coach Rico Blasi, and looks ahead to playing in a fast-offensive minded type of playing system with the RedHawks who compete within the National Collegiate Hockey Confrence (NCHC) – an affiliation confrence within the NCAA DI.  When asked about this opportunity Ben expressed many thanks to the program and his family, “I will always be grateful to Coach Draper for believing in me, and (to) all of my teammates and coaches growing up. My Mom and Dad for driving me to practices and always encouraging me. I also want to thank God for giving me a lot of talent”.

 

Ethan Straky - Notre Dame

 

Ethan Straky has committed to play Division 1 college hockey for Notre Dame.  Currently playing defense on the 14U Bantam Major Little Caesars AAA (2003’s) team, Ethan is looking forward to playing at the next level when he becomes eligible in the 2021-22 season.   When asked why he chose Notre Dame Ethan noted, “Notre Dame checked off all the boxes for me.  It has a great hockey program, outstanding academics, beautiful campus, second to none hockey facility. Above all, I was impressed with the coaches and every person I met there.”

Ethan currently carries a 4.17 GPA and plans to study Business and Sports Management.  He continued, “I feel so fortunate that Patrik Stefan and Chris Zarb gave me the opportunity to play for Little Caesars 03’s. I have enjoyed their coaching, my incredible teammates and it has been an honor to practice and play in the new Little Caesars Arena and Belfor Training Center thanks to the vision of the Ilitch family”.  When asked about how he reached the level of committing to play at the collegiate level he concluded, “All of my family and friends have given me a tremendous amount of support as well as all my coaches and teammates. Out of everyone though, my Mom and Dad have been my biggest supporters. They have never pushed me into anything and have always wanted me to just have fun. They have also given up a lot of their time to drive me to and from practice and to tournaments so I cannot thank them enough”.

 

~ Class of 2020 ~

 

Kienan Draper - University of Miami Ohio

(picture & bio coming soon)

 

Patrick Guzzo - Univesity of Michigan

 

Patrick Guzzo is a forward on the Little Caesars AAA 16U (Midget Minor) team.  Patrick has played for the Little Caesars AAA program for five years, and recently committed to play NCAA DI hockey at the University of Michigan.  Patrick is a current 4.0 GPA student who is ready to make the move from Marysville, Michigan to Ann Arbor when he expects to join the Wolverines in the 2020-21 season.  He is currently undecided with determining a course of study. 

Patrick would like to thank his family, coaches, and teammates. 

 

 

Carter Mazur - Michigan State University

 

Carter Mazur is a forward at the 2002 birth year who made some headlines this past week, announcing his official commitment to join the Michigan State Spartans in the upcoming 2020-21 season. When asked about the program Carter noted, “I am looking forward to continuing my development as a player at the next level, and furthering my education with a major in finance or marketing”. 

Playing within a newly renovated Munn Ice Arena will come with plenty of upside when he finally arrives at college, but until then he will settle into his new home within the same Little Caesars AAA program.  “I will continue to play under Coach Kris Draper at the 15U level this (2017-18) season.  The coaching staff has helped me get to this point in my development, and I’m excited to play within the new Little Caesars Arena”.   Carter would like to thank Coach Kris, Coach Paul, and Coach Craig. His prior coaches Scott King and Bob Luca. In addition to his family, friends, and trainers Mike and Cody.

 

 

 

Tiernan Shoudy - Michigan State University

 

Tiernan Shoudy has been a long time player with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club as a previous member of the 2002 age group that has played under head coach Kris Draper.  This summer Tiernan will make the jump to the 16U Midget Minor team under head coach Brian Rolston.   Tiernan has committed to attend Michigan State University playing at the NCAA DI level, and looks ahead to majoring in a pre-medical program.

 “I chose Michigan State because of the coaching staff they have, and the great history of the MSU hockey program, and have a great academic program.  I am looking forward to the great atmosphere in college, and also look forward to the pressure where you have to preform every single night because there will be many people there watching you.  I would like to give a major thank you to my coach for the past 5 years Kris Draper, and my current head coach Brian Rolston.  I would also like to thank some of my other coaches Paul Moretz, Craig Roehl, Bob King, and Scott Howe, and my skill instructors Matt Warren, Trevor Edwards, and Shayne Tomlinson. The Ilitch family has been awesome and always helped our team in every way they can.  I will never forget playing in the Brick and Quebec Pee Wee tournaments where we got to wear the Red Wing jerseys.  At Little Caesars we have always had the best coaches, like Coach Kris Draper, and played against the best teams around the country.  Coach Kris has taught us the importance of being mentally tough, how to eat right, how to stay in shape, how to prepare for big games and how to play under pressure”.

Antonio Stranges - Univesity of Michigan

 

Antonio is a forward on the Little Caesars AAA 16U (Midget Minor) team.  Antonio has played for the Little Caesars AAA program for over the past two years.  He recently committed to the NCAA DI at the University of Michigan, and expects to enter into the program in the 2020-21 season with a focus to study in Sports Management.  When asked about the Little Caesars AAA program Antonio noted, "The entire Little Caesars organization is awesome. The coaching is amazing under Coach Brian Rolston, and assistant coach Jason Lawmaster.  My teammates are great, and every age group is supportive of one another…. it’s like one big family. One of my first calls of congratulations happened within just a few hours after I committed to Michigan, and it came from Kris Draper!  I feel that the organization respects and cares about each and every one of their players”.

Antonio would like to thank first and foremost his family for everything they do on a day-to-day baisis to support him.  he would also like to thank his coaches and teammates, as well the many trainers that he has worked with. They have all made him a better person and a better player.

 

 

(Picture & Bio Coming Soon)

Garrett Szydlowski - Western Michigan 

 

 

Amanda Thiele – Ohio State University

 

Amanda Thiele has committed to play Division 1 college hockey for Ohio State University. Currently a goalie on the girls 16U Little Caesars AAA team, this is Amanda's third season being a part of the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club. Prior to playing with Little Caesars, Amanda played on boys hockey teams at the AAA level. She is a sophomore at Milford High School and participates on the school’s varsity lacrosse team when she is away from the ice rink.

Amanda would like to thank her family, teammates, coaches and friends for helping her achieve this dream.  She looks forward to joining the Buckeyes in the 2020-21 season.

 

Jacob Truscott - University of Michigan

 

Jacob Truscott is currently a defensemen on the 14U Bantam Major Little Caesars AAA team.  He has recently committed to joining the University of Michigan during the 2020 season. Jacob noted that his personal achievements include, “being focused on becoming a better player and being a good leader. With the help of my teammates I have won multiple State titles, runner up in the Quebec tournament and a Silver Stick championship.”

Jacob acknowledged Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club in developing not only his abilities on the ice but off the ice, “it has been a great program that has helped me succeed and teach me many things throughout this process. Along with providing many great opportunities. I am looking forward to playing in my home state of Michigan and getting better through this journey. I am excited for the game itself and even the fans within this new atmosphere. I'll be proud wear the colors maize and blue!"

Jabob would like to thank his family for always supporting and teaching him to remain humble.  He continued thanking his teammates for being there and for helping him become better as a player and person.  “I would also like to thank my coaches for pushing to be the best and teaching me the skills it takes to be a good hockey player but best of all they have helped me become a better person and taught me to enjoy the game while always working hard.”

 

Landon MacDonald - Northern Michigan University (Link)

Holly Kubichek - Post University

Elle McKenna - Post University

Anastasia Sloan - Sacred Heart University

Ella Campbell - Curry College

Kayli Sassak - Grand Valley State University

Kara Jones - Lake Superior State University

Arina Juszcak - Indiana Institute of Technology

~ Class of 2019 ~

 

Madalyn Box - Morrisville State 

(picture & bio coming soon)

 

 

Anna Fairman - Robert Morris University 

 

Defenseman Anna Fairman who currently plays defense for the Little Caesars 16U girls team has recently committed to play Division I hockey at Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.  Anna is a sophomore at Troy High School, and she is looking forward to joining the Colonials in the Fall of 2019.

Anna previously played with the Chicago Mission and Chicago Young Americans before moving to Michigan and playing within the Little Caesars program the past two seasons.  Anna has played a large role in helping capture State Championship titles in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016.

Anna would like to thank everyone who has supported her in achieving her goal of playing Division I college hockey.  She is especially grateful for her family for being there and believing in her every day.

 

Natalie Ferenc - University of Vermont

 

Natalie Ferenc has committed to play Division 1 college hockey for the University of Vermont. Currently a goalie on the girls 16U Little Caesars AAA Team, this will be her second season being a part of the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club. Prior to playing girls hockey, Natalie grew up playing with the Orchard Lake United Hockey Association. Now a junior at West Bloomfield High School, she cannot wait to become a Catamount in the fall of 2019.

Natalie has attended USA Hockey National Player Development Camp in St. Cloud, Minnesota in the summers of 2016 and 2017 and has also attended the USA Hockey National Goalie Development Camp in Blaine, Minnesota during May of 2017. She would like to thank her family for everything they've done to help her achieve her dreams, her friends for their constant support and her coaches for helping her grow as a hockey player and person.

Courtney Hall - St. Cloud State University

 

Courtney Hall recently committed to play Division I Hockey at St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. She currently plays forward for the 16U Little Caesars team, and is a sophomore at Charyl Stockwell Preparatory Academy in Brighton.  She was attracted to the school’s historic hockey tradition, which she first experienced at USA National Player Development Camp - held last summer at the Herb Brooks National Hockey Center on the campus of SCSU.

This is her first year with the Little Caesars organization, and she is appreciative of all the opportunities afforded to her which has included being a student coach on her sister’s 12U Little Caesars team.  Courtney ended her regular season schedule within the High Performance Hockey League (HPHL) with registering the highest scoring average among all girls within the 16U division. 

Courtney would like to thank her parents, brother, and sister for helping her to reach her goals. She would also like to thank the former and current coaches along with teammates for continually challenging, supporting, and inspiring her.

 

Morgan Leib - Utica College

(Picture & bio coming soon)

 

Kelly McCullough - Lake Forest

(Picture & bio coming soon)

 

 

Cameron Morrissey - Univesity of Vermont

 

Cam Morrissey of Dayton, Ohio committed to University of Vermont. Cam is currently playing her second year with Little Caesars, where she plays defense for the U16 team. She is a sophomore in high school and will begin her first season with the Catamounts in 2019.

Cam played with the Columbus Bluejackets Tier I Girls team previously, and with the Dayton Stealth AA boys team before that. This past summer she attended USA Hockey national player development camp in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Cam would like to thank her teammates, coaches, and family for their endless support. 

Evan Orr - Michigan Tech

 

Evan Orr is defenseman on the Little Caesars AAA 16U (Midget Minor) team.  Evan has played seven seasons with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club and grew up in Macomb, Michigan.  So when choosing a program, he knew the hockey landscape throughout our state very well and agreed that committing to Michigan Tech would be the best decision to further his playing and academic passions.

Evan will be joining the Michigan Tech Huskies who compete in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) conference – a historic Division I team within the NCAA.  Evan expects to join the program in the 2019-20’ season, and is planning on majoring in Business for his undergraduate.

Evan would like to thank his parents, family, and coaches for supporting him and helping to get him where he is today.  

 

 

Elissa Taylor - Long Island University

(Picture & bio coming soon)

 

 

~ Class of 2018 ~

 Natalia Asimakis – Plattsburgh State University 

 

Forward Natalia Asimakis has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for six-time National Championship team, Plattsburgh State University of New York. She has been playing for Little Caesars since she was nine years old and has served as both a captain and an assistant captain. Some of her closest friends are Little Caesars hockey players who have all been an integral part of her hockey career. Together, they have won three State Championships.

When asked about her achievement Natalia mentioned, "I am very excited to be headed to Plattsburgh to further my studies and play hockey. I started skating at two and playing hockey at 6. When I first joined Caesars on the 10U team, I had no idea I would go on to play for the 12U, 14U, 16U and 19U Caesars teams. This has been like a family to me and I’m really going to miss wearing orange and blue. Thank you to my parents, grandparents, friends, teammates and coaches for their support and encouragement. In particular, I want to thank Coach Paul Goleniak who has always believed in me.”

Jenny Heath – Elmira College

 

Jenny Heath of Pinckney, Michigan has committed to play NCAA Division III college hockey at Elmira College, in upstate New York.  Jenny is currently a senior at Pinckney High School and a defenseman and assistant captain for Little Caesar’s U19 AAA team. 

Jenny is a strong physical player who earned a varsity letter playing boys’ varsity hockey for Pinckney High School during her freshman and sophomore years.  She was later selected to attended USA Hockey’s National Player Development Camp in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 2015 and 2016 while also participating in the USA Hockey National Tournament over the past two seasons respectfully.  Jenny chose Elmira College for the competitive hockey and as one of the few programs that support hockey players going into the field of nursing.  Jenny is excited about joining the Soaring Eagles in the fall of 2018.

Taylor Whitney - Plattsburgh State Unviersity

 

Taylor Whitney is currently a forward and selected the team captain on the 19U Girls Little Caesars AAA team. She has been playing hockey for 12 years and this is her sixth season with the Little Caesars organization. Taylor has recently committed to play and further her education at Plattsburgh State University (NCAA Division lll). Taylor will be joining the four time defending National Champions in the fall of the 2018-19 season. 

Taylor has won four State Championships, and the past three consecutively with Little Caesars in the years 2014-2016. She was also selected for the USA Hockey National Player Development Camp in St. Cloud, Minnesota  in 2016.  

Taylor would like to recognize the opportunities the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club has given her, "I wouldn't have wanted to spend six years anywhere else. Under the incredible coaching staff of Coach Paul Goleniak, I've grown so much as a player and person. It's been the absolute time of my life and I'm super thankful to have been a part of the LC family." Taylor gives a big thanks to all her family, coaches, and teammates for all their endless support throughout the years.

~ Class of 2017 ~

Odisoula Argyris - Trine Univesity 

 

Odisoula Argyris, Michigan has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at Trine University, starting in the fall of 2017. Odisoula is a senior at Woodhaven High School, finishing out her varsity track season after the 2016-17 girl’s hockey season is finished.

"Ever since I was 3 years old, I always wanted to play hockey after watching my brothers play their first season.  After giving up figure skating, dancing, and playing the piano, I committed to playing AAA girls hockey at 8 years old. The only other sport that I continued was track & field, becoming the 10th fastest 800m runner in all of Downriver, and one of the leaders of the distance squad up to date”. Odisoula played for a couple of different teams throughout the years before playing with the Little Caesars 19U team as she stated, “Little Caesars has been a pleasure, especially all of the friends I have made on the way out. I would like to thank my parents and all of the coaches that helped me develop as a hardworking player, and all of the life lessons that couldn't be learned without playing sports".

Emily Curlett - Robert Morris University

 

 

Emily Curlett, a junior in high school, has committed to play Division I hockey at Robert Morris University in Moon Twp, Pennsylvania. She is very excited for her future at RMU as an incoming freshman for the fall of 2017-18 season. 

Emily seized two state championships as well as both a silver and bronze medal at nationals in previous years.  She is currently in her first year with the Little Caesars organization and is very thankful for improvement she has seen while with the team. 

Emily would like to thank all friends, coaches, and teammates that have supported her throughout her journey to achieving her goal of Division I college hockey. Most of all, she is very thankful for her family for everything they have done to make her dream possible.

. 

 

Kayla Goleniak - Plattsburgh State University

 

Kayla Goleniak of Canton, Michigan has committed to play NCAA Division III college hockey at Plattsburgh State University. Kayla is currently a senior at Salem High School, and is excited about joining the Cardinals and joining a three-time NCAA National Championship team in the fall of 2017.

Kayla started playing hockey with boys in 2004 after her dad put her in her first pair of skates at the age of 3. She is now in her 8th year of playing girls hockey with Little Caesars. Kayla has spent all of her years playing girls hockey with the Little Caesars AAA Club and is grateful for the wonderful coaching and teammates she has been with through the years. Notable accomplishments are when she competed in the State Tournament with a second place finish in 2013 followed by three consecutive first place championship finishes in 2014, 2015, and 2016.

Kayla would like to thank her friends, family, teammates, and coaches for helping her through the years. She is incredibly grateful for all the support in helping her get to where she is today! 

 . 

Dustin Manz - Lake Superior State University

Midget Minor forward Dustin Manz committed to play Division I college hockey at Lake Superior State on June 27. Manz, a 15-year-old from Gaylord who also has lived in Sault Ste. Marie, is heading into his sophomore year of high school and aims to play for the Lakers in 2019.

“I feel like he’s a high end player and I feel like it’s a great fit for both parties,” said Manz’s coach, Rob Krohl. “He’s a type of player a school like Lake State has to get.”

Manz played in 25 games for the Midget Minors in 2014-15, scoring five goals and adding seven assists. He also participated in the 2014 USA Hockey Boys Select 15 Player Development Camp.

Coach Khrol said he likes Manz's toughness when out on the ice. "He's physcially and mentally tough," Khrol said. "He's a bulldog out on the ice. He'll do whatever you tell him to do and he takes pride in it. He's a guy who wants to be out there when the game is on the line.

"He'll be able to have friends and family go up there and see him play. I love him as a player and he comes from a great family."

Grace Markey - Quinnipiac University

 

Grace Markey has committed to play Division I hockey at Quinnipiac University, Hamden Connecticut, of the East Coast Academic Conference (ECAC). She is  a sophomore in high school and looks forward to playing for the Bobcats beginning in 2017.  Grace was selected to participate in the USA Hockey National Player Development Camp in St. Cloud, MN in 2014 and 2013.

 

She is a forward that has played her last two seasons with our Little Caesars organization. Grace began travel hockey playing at the Squirt A level, where she captured the State Championship title with her team the following year.

 

Grace is grateful for all of the excellent support of Coaches, Players, Friends and Family.

Grace Middleton - University of New Hampshire

 

 

Grace Middleton, a forward, is in her first season with the Little Caesars organization.  She has committed to play Division I college hockey for the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH. Grace is a junior at Dow High School in Midland, Michigan and a 2017 graduate.

Her accomplishments include winning states in 2012 and 2013 as well as taking 2nd and 3rd place at Nationals in 2012 and 2015, respectively. She has been selected to attend USA Hockey National Player Development Camp in St. Cloud, Minnesota in 2013 and 2015. Grace is very excited to become a Wildcat and is thankful to all who have helped her along the way including coaches, teammates, and family. 

~ Class of 2016  ~

Luke Morgan - Lake Superior State University

 

Luke Morgan has committed to play D1 college hockey at Lake Superior State University, in Sault Ste Marie MI.  Luke hopes to start play at LSSU for the 2016/17 season.

Luke's largest accomplishment is his continued ability to play and excel at the highest levels of hockey, while still maintaining a 4.0 GPA or higher throughout his high school career. Other notable accomplishments include winning a D1 State Championship with Brighton Hight School 2013, a Tier 1 State Finalist with Little Caesars Midget Minors 2014 and a Tier I State Championship with the Little Caesars Midget Major team in 2015. 

Known best for his commitment to academics, training, and his dedication to the continued daily improvement in his hockey game. Luke would like to thank his coaches, trainers and teammates in helping him to continue to reach his goals in pursuing the highest levels of hockey.

 

Hana DeClerck - Brown University

 

 

Hana DeClerck has committed to play DI hockey at Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island in the ECAC league. Hana is a graduating senior at Cranbrook Kingswood in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.  Hana has traveled from San Jose, California and has played one season with the Little Caesars 19U team.

 

She is grateful for all the support from her family, coaches, and teammates and is excited to pursue her career at the highest collegiate level.

Alexa Pfeiffer - Suny Potsdam

 

 

Alexa Pfeiffer has committed to play Division lll hockey in upstate New York for SUNY Potsdam.  She will join the Bears this upcoming fall season of 2016/17 as a goalie for the Bears, and will be majoring in Graphic Design. 

 This was Alexa's second year in women's hockey, previously she played boys hockey. Alexa believes that she has learned a lot about herself and her abilities playing both men's and women's hockey. She has become a better person, and hockey player through having the experiences from both ends of the spectrum. 

Alexa would like to thank her parents Don and Christine Pfeiffer for supporting her crazy passion of being a goalie. Alexa would also like to thank Coach Tom Byrne for giving her a shot at women's hockey, and Coach John Poolton for allowing her to play another year of women's hockey as a senior. It has always been her dream to play at the collegiate level and now she is able to live her dream. 

Katie Shannahan - Boston University

 

Katie Shannahan has committed to play D1 college hockey at Boston University starting in the 2016-2017 season.  She has been accepted into the College of Engineering's Biomedical Engineering program.  

 Katie has been playing hockey for 12 years across the country.  Katie first learned to skate at the Air Force Academy Fieldhouse.  She began playing hockey in Manassas, VA at the Prince William Hockey Association in their Mite rec league.  She continued to play hockey on travel teams wherever her father was stationed which included Omaha and Colorado Springs.  Katie recently finished her second season with the Little Caesars U19 team serving as an Assistant Captain.  She has been a standout defenseman for the U19 team coached by John Poolton.  Katie is extremely grateful for all the support of her coaches, teammates, billet families, friends, and most of all, her family.  

Karina Villalobos - Suny Potsdam

 

 

Karina Villalobos has committed to play Division lll hockey in upstate New York for SUNY Potsdam.  She will join the Bears this upcoming fall season of 2016/17.  Much like her last season with Little Caesars 19U, Karina will be playing both forward and defense at Potsdam.  She will be studying exercise science with the end goal of becoming a physical therapist.

 Karina is an assistant captain for the Little Caesars 19U team and couldn't be any more grateful for it.  Karina is very familiar with both ends of the ice as she consistently played both forward and defense her last two seasons of youth hockey.  She believes it has helped her become a better leader for her team, and an all-around better hockey player being capable of playing at both ends of the ice. 

 Karina would like to thank all of her former/current coaches and teammates.  She would especially like to thank particular members of the Little Caesars coaching staff such as, Coach John Poolton, Coach John O’Leary, Coach Kristy Reinhardt, and Coach Kalli Bates.  Lastly, she would like to thank her family for believing and supporting her every step of the way as she believes her family is the reason for her success.  The goal of playing college hockey has finally become a reality.

~ Class of 2015 ~

Lucy Dembeck - Colby College

 

Lucy Dembeck will be playing hockey for Colby College in Waterville, Maine making her part of the NESCAC division (D3).  Lucy cannot wait to be a "Mule" next year and represent her college by playing the sport she loves. 
 
Lucy is an assistant captain for the Little Caesars 19U team and is thankful for every moment of it.  This was Lucy’s first year playing AAA through the whole season.  Before making the jump to AAA she played for her high school team.  She was thankful to make her switch to AAA and was proud to see how much she has improved. 
 
Lucy would love to thank all of her Little Caesars coaches that helped her reach her goal of playing college hockey. She cannot wait for next year, and wishes the incoming Little Caesars 19U players the best of luck in their next season!

Savannah Hainley - Franklin Pierce University

 

Savannah “Bear” Hainley has committed to Franklin Pierce University, Rindge New Hampshire of the ECAC East and who competes for the ECAC D1/D2 Open Championship annually.  She will join the Ravens as a defenseman for the 2015/16 season.  The Ravens have secured the #1 seed in the 2014/15 Open Championship and are currently 19-5-1.

 

Savannah is an associate captain of her 19U team and has proudly played for Detroit Little Caesars for the past two years having worked diligently to earn her spot and excel in their nationally recognized program.  Being a Grand Rapids native she began her career with the Grand Rapids Girl Scouts program, and continued to grop up with various teams within the Grand Rapids area before joining the Little Caesars 16U (state finalist) team.

 

Savannah is grateful for all of the commitment and dedication her coaches have provided in helping her become a successful defenseman and the great teammates she has had.

Claire Lachner - Quinnipiac University 

 

Claire Lachner has signed a National Letter of Intent to play hockey for Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT of the ECAC starting in the 2015-16 season.  She has spent 7 years as a goalie in the Little Caesars organization starting at the 12U level.  Claire has attended the USA Hockey National Player Development Camp three times in 2010, 2011 and 2012.  During her years with Little Caesars she has been in net for her team in 5 State Championship games, winning two state championships, attending the USA Hockey National Championships 3 times, and winning one National Bronze medal.

 

Claire has been accepted into the entry-level Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program at Quinnipiac University.  Claire feels blessed with all the life-long friends she has made through youth hockey.  The coaching and exposure she received with the Little Caesars organization has made her dream of playing Division 1 college hockey come true.  She thanks her family for their years of support.

Kaylah Menchaca - Suny Canton

 

Kaylah Menchaca has committed to SUNY Canton in Canton, New York to play Division III hockey. Kaylah will be studying Exercise Science and Kinesiology. 

Kaylah has been playing hockey for 13 years and has won a State Championship in addition to placing 3rd in Nationals in the 2011/2012 season. She has also attended the USA Women's Multi-District Camp. This is her first year with the Little Caesars Program.

She would like to thank her family for all their support throughout her hockey career and her coaches and teammates for pushing her to be a better hockey player and make playing college hockey a reality.

Christina Pattengale - Concordia University Wisconsin

Christina Pattengale has committed to Concordia University Wisconsin in Mequon, Wisconsin of the NCHA (D3).  Christina is joining the Falcons as a goaltender in the 2015- 2016 season, and is planning on pursuing either Pharmacy or Physical Therapy. 

 

Christina started her hockey career in the Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association (KOHA) near her hometown of Portage, MI.  She played travel hockey through KOHA until her Sophomore year of high school.  As a Sophomore, she made her Portage Central boy’s high school team, as the first girl in the program’s history.  She then moved to the East side to play for the Little Caesars U19 team as a Senior.

Christina attended the USA Women's Multi-district National Goaltending Camp in Kent State, OH in 2011, 2013, and 2014.  Christina would like to thank her family, coaches and teammates for the experience and opportunity to play for Little Caesars; and now Concordia.