From First Strides to AAA: 15+ Players Who Started at PSM Icehouse
How do AAA hockey players get where they are? Those years of hard work and dedication have to start somewhere.
They were once toddlers taking their first wobbly stride during public skate. They were a five-year-old discovering hockey through Try Hockey for Free. They were a young player building confidence in Learn to Skate, learning balance in Hockey Fundamentals, or finding a love for the game in House League.
At PSM Icehouse, those first moments matter. They are the beginning of a pathway designed to help players grow through instruction, repetition, competition, mentorship, and — just as importantly — fun.
Today, more than 15 players who started in PSM Icehouse programs are competing at the AAA level, showing what’s possible when young athletes have access to strong skating programs and a supportive hockey community close to home.
Meet the players who built their foundation at PSM Icehouse
Jude Fyock
Finding community through hockey
Jude Fyock began skating with his dad during public skates at age two before participating in Try Hockey for Free, Hockey Fundamentals, power skating, and skills camps. He now competes with Indiana Elite 15O AAA.
For Jude’s family, the PSM Icehouse experience became about much more than skill development. After Jude’s father unexpectedly passed away during the 2021 season, the Force hockey community rallied around the family with meals, hotel support, hockey expenses, and encouragement. That support helped Jude and his brother continue playing and helped the family heal.
As Jude’s mom, Lindsay Gibson, put it, “Hockey isn’t just a sport. It’s a community. And sometimes, that community becomes the thing that matters most.”
Braxton Horacek
Building confidence one step at a time
Braxton Horacek’s journey began with Try Hockey for Free and continued through Learn to Skate, Hockey Fundamentals, House League, Select Hockey, and Force Travel Hockey. He now plays for Indiana Elite 15O AAA.
His family remembers how Learn to Skate and Hockey Fundamentals built Braxton’s confidence before he moved into league play. The progression gave him a strong base while allowing him to enjoy the sport and grow alongside supportive teammates, coaches, and hockey families.
Zayden Hodgman
Enjoying the journey
Zayden Hodgman started in Learn to Skate at age three and progressed to Indiana Elite 15O AAA. His family credits PSM Icehouse with providing a positive environment and high-level training opportunities close to home.
Some of Zayden’s favorite memories are not necessarily the biggest games or most competitive moments. They include the annual parents-versus-kids hockey games — reminders that fun and connection can remain central even as a player’s skills continue to develop.
Zayden’s advice to young players and their families is simple: “Make sure they are having fun, especially at a young age, and enjoy the journey.”
Bryson Bottorff
Skating first, competing with confidence
Bryson Bottorff started Learn to Skate at two and a half years old, supplemented his development with private skating lessons, and continued through Hockey 1/2, Hockey 3/4, House League, Force Travel Hockey, power skating, and camps. He now competes with Indiana Elite 11U AAA.
Bryson’s family intentionally emphasized skating early, believing it gave him the strongest possible foundation for hockey. Along the way, the sport has helped him develop respect, accountability, perseverance, teamwork, and work ethic — qualities that matter well beyond the rink.
“Focus on skating early, encourage your child to work hard, and let them have fun,” says his mom, Heather Easterday. “The years go by much faster than you expect, and the memories you make along the way are just as valuable as the wins and accomplishments.”
Harrison Hagan
From Try Hockey Free to AAA
Harrison Hagan began with Try Hockey for Free and Learn to Skate at age three before progressing through additional skating opportunities, including open skates and Stick & Puck sessions. He now plays with Indiana Elite 11U AAA.
Harrison first fell in love with hockey while watching Fort Wayne Komets games with his mom. At PSM Icehouse, those early experiences helped him build confidence, grit, and perseverance. His family is especially proud of his Play Like Bray Award, an accomplishment that reflects the character he has developed along the way.
Malakai Cato
Developing the player and the person
Malakai Cato progressed through Try Hockey for Free, Learn to Skate, Mini Mites, Mites, and Force Travel Hockey before reaching Indiana Elite 14U AAA.
Because Malakai comes from a hockey family, his parents wanted him to develop his own relationship with the sport rather than feel pressured by family history. Their favorite memories include his first strides, oversized equipment, and the gradual growth of his confidence.
They are proud of Malakai’s work ethic, humility, resilience, coachability, and respect for others — a reminder that a player’s development should always be measured by more than the level on the jersey.
Dominic Cato
Trusting the process
Dominic Cato followed each stage of the PSM Icehouse pathway, from Try Hockey for Free and Learn to Skate through Mini Mites, Mites, and Force Travel Hockey. He now competes with Indiana Elite 10U AAA.
Dominic’s parents believe each program prepared him for the next while still allowing him to enjoy the game. Their advice to families is to avoid comparing children or rushing development. Instead, they encourage parents to celebrate friendships, confidence, and small victories.
“Trust the process and enjoy every stage,” they say — a message that captures the spirit of the Icehouse pathway.
Koen Demorest
Carrying the Icehouse community forward
Koen Demorest started Learn to Skate at three and a half years old and continued through Hockey 1/2, Hockey 3/4, power skating, skills sessions, and camps. He now plays for Chicago Mission AAA.
Koen participated in nearly every skills session, camp, and power skating class available to him. Along the way, he earned the camp nickname “Korndog,” which has stayed with him ever since.
His PSM Icehouse mentors played an important role in his development, especially Coach and League Director Preston Ray. Even after moving on, Koen continues to return to PSM Icehouse to volunteer at camps and work with younger players — a full-circle example of how the Icehouse community continues beyond a player’s earliest years.
Drystan Thomas
Where structured development began
Drystan Thomas had been skating since he was a toddler, but Hockey 1/2 at PSM Icehouse marked the beginning of his structured hockey development. He now competes with Little Caesars AAA.
Drystan grew up around professional hockey and developed a love for the game at an early age. At PSM Icehouse, he found a place to build his skills, form lasting friendships, and develop the determination and mindset that continue to shape his game.
His family’s advice to new hockey parents is to have fun and make memories. The youth hockey years move quickly, and the relationships formed along the way can become one of the sport’s most lasting rewards.
Hollister Wallace
A foundation built on skating
Hollister Wallace first stepped onto the ice through a free Learn to Skate program offered to Parkview Health employees. He later participated in Hockey Fundamentals, power skating, skills classes, Try Hockey for Free, Mini Mites, and Force Travel Hockey.
Hollister’s skating director encouraged his family to consider hockey after seeing his enthusiasm and natural ability. PSM Icehouse Coach Ryan Potts became his first hockey coach and an important mentor, while former Komets player PC Drouin also influenced his development.
Hollister was selected to the Chicago Blackhawks Brick Team, joined the inaugural Indiana Elite team, and is now an Omaha Lancers USHL draft pick attending The Winchendon School for prep hockey. His story illustrates how a strong skating foundation can open doors to opportunities beyond youth AAA hockey.
“In hockey, you will only go as far as you deserve. There’s no agent, coach, or back alley handshake that will get your kid farther in hockey than his work ethic deserves.” – Hollister’s Dad, Greg Wallace’s
The pathway continues
Here’s just a snapshot of additional athletes whose early Icehouse experiences have helped them advance through hockey’s competitive levels:
- Noah Drouin began with Try Hockey for Free and signed with Youngstown in the USHL for the 2026–27 season after being drafted in the USHL.
- Carter Schoegler began with Try Hockey for Free and was drafted in the USHL for 2026–27.
- Rylan Kuhn started in Hockey 1/2 and signed with the Spacemen for the 2026–27 season.
- Evan Kolar progressed to Indiana Elite 15O for the 2025–26 season.
- Hunter Hinsenkamp progressed to Indiana Elite 14U.
- Tanner Hinsenkamp progressed to Indiana Elite 12U.
- Bentley Baumert progressed to Indiana Elite 10U.
What the Icehouse pathway makes possible
The success of these players is not of-size-fits-all, not the result of just one class, one coach, or one season. At PSM Icehouse, that pathway can include:
- Learn to Skate for young beginners building confidence on the ice
- Try Hockey for Free opportunities that make it easy to experience the sport
- Hockey 1/2 and 3/4 and Hockey Fundamentals programs for early skill development
- Hockey League Prep, Fundamental and Youth Instructional League programs to prepare for league play
- PSM Force House League for age-appropriate competition
- PSM Force Travel Hockey for players ready to pursue a more competitive experience
- Power skating, skills sessions, Stick & Puck, private lessons, and camps for continued improvement
These programs give players a chance to develop at their own pace while building the technical skills, confidence, and love for hockey that can carry them forward.
Every great hockey story starts with a first step
The road to AAA simply begins with curiosity and a dream. It begins when a child steps onto the ice, discovers they can move, and realizes they want to come back.
For 15 players currently competing at the AAA level, that first step started at PSM Icehouse. For others, the Icehouse pathway has led to USHL opportunities, prep hockey, advanced travel hockey, lifelong friendships, and a deeper love for the game.
The next Icehouse success story may be just beginning.
If your child is ready to take that first step, PSM Icehouse makes it easy to get started. Enroll in Learn to Skate or sign up for Try Hockey for Free and discover where the ice can take them!
