FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Thursday, May 25, 2017
 
Scottsdale, Arizona - Recognizing the continued growth of the Ice Dens and specifically youth hockey (at the local, state and national level) during the past few seasons, combined with aggressive goals for both the business and CAHA, it became evident that our team must evolve with that growth to effectively meet the needs of the hockey and skating community.  After lengthy discussions, it was determined that resources be dedicated to each organization to ensure they continue to operate in the most efficient matter while continuing to achieve success.  
 
The Ice Den Scottsdale and Ice Den Chandler will remain under the direction of President Mike O'Hearn. From identifying the parcel of land upon which the Ice Den Scottsdale sits, to constructing the building, its programs, the staff and Ice Den community itself, O'Hearn's leadership has been instrumental in the advancement of hockey and skating in the state.
 
"Since opening Ice Den Scottsdale in 1998, we've embraced the opportunity to adapt to the needs of our community." O'Hearn explains. "Whether it meant building the third rink in Scottsdale to accommodate the demands for additional ice time, or redefining our business plan to include tenants like Mountainside Fitness, Divalicious and OSR Physical Therapy to complement our patrons and programs, we take pride in our ability to evolve our business while providing diversity for our customers." O'Hearn adds "With the addition of the Ice Den Chandler in 2014, the growth of the Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association has more than doubled, with approximately 80 teams competing at the house, AA and Elite levels. As we prepare to celebrate our 20th anniversary next summer, the logical step was to construct a dedicated CAHA team that will ensure continued growth and development."
 
After an extensive search and interview process, which included both local and national candidates, we would like to welcome
John Allen to the Coyotes Amateur Hockey Association.  John will serve as President of CAHA and will be responsible for oversight of the organization, its members, finances and operations.
 
John is a proven leader with a track record of success and brings significant sales, marketing and organizational management experience to our organization. In addition to his professional experience, John has a true passion for hockey and youth development, and has been around Arizona hockey most of his adult life; playing at ASU while in college, working for the NHL's Arizona Coyotes and most recently as a CAHA parent and coach. John understands the landscape and has a clear vision for CAHA, and most importantly, he has the passion and skills to lead our organization as it enters the next phase of its development.
 
"It's an honor to be afforded this opportunity", said Allen. "It brings together two things I am incredibly passionate about, the game of hockey and developing our community's youth. Over the past few years I've had the privilege of being involved in the organization co-coaching the 16U Jr. Coyotes squad; this year capturing a state championship and a berth at Nationals. I've watched this CAHA program develop into the best in Arizona, never having lost sight of its roots. There's been as much importance placed on the skating and developmental programs as there has on the Jr. Coyotes AA and Elite AAA levels. I look forward to working closely with our staff, strengthening key community relationships and better defining how our players develop their hockey and leadership competencies."
 
In his new role, working in conjunction with the CAHA board and program directors, John will be responsible for defining and executing upon the organization's strategic plan and developing and aligning the resources necessary to take CAHA to the next level. As the leader of the organization, he will be responsible for financial management, program evaluation and integrity, internal and external communications and donor and corporate partner relationships, as well as assuming a role as one of CAHA's representative to the state hockey association and the primary liaison between CAHA and Ice Den management. A big job, but we are confident John has the skills, dedication and personality to make a tremendous impact in the years ahead and enhance CAHA's already excellent reputation on a local and national level.
 
John will split his time between the two buildings working alongside our hockey directors to serve the CAHA community.