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From Mites to Midgets, AHU standout Couch looking to finish Knights’ career on high note Jack Couch has been the ultimate epitome of what the Arizona Hockey Union is all about, both on and off the ice. The Chandler native is also the truest definition of what loyalty means, starting with AHU as an 8U Mite player and prepping for his final youth hockey season in 2025-26 with the Union’s 18U AA squad. Truth be told, staying at AHU for the entire duration of youth hockey is rare, but Couch said he was hooked from the beginning. “After learning to skate and ultimately play hockey at the Gilbert rink, playing out of there became a normal thing to me, especially after playing on house-league teams there,” said Couch, who will serve as captain for the 18U team. “When we found out about the AHU travel program based out of Gilbert as well, I pushed to make it onto that team as it seemed like the next big step to take while currently playing at Gilbert. After playing at AHU for a few years, it became very comfortable for me, and I really enjoyed everything the program provided for me as a player. “The thought of leaving AHU
Jack Couch has been an AHU mainstay and will captain the Knights’ 18U AA team this season. Photo provided
never even crossed my mind to be honest because I was always happy there and used to playing in the Knights community. This is why I have always remained loyal to AHU all these years.” Couch added that it wasn’t hard to find his passion for the game of hockey once he hit the ice for the first
time. “My dad has always been a big hockey fan since I was young, so hockey was on TV in the house very frequently and our family always enjoyed watching it,” remembered Couch. “One day, my dad asked me if I wanted to try playing hockey myself by attending a ‘Learn to Skate’
program at then-Polar Ice Gilbert. I was excited to try it out, especially after watching the pros play on TV and going to (Arizona) Coyotes games.” Ryan Vert will be behind the bench of the 18U team this year, his third year coaching Couch, and he can’t wait to see what he will accomplish, even though it may be bittersweet as the months start to roll on. “He will be wearing the ‘C’ for us this year because of his dedication to his teammates, the game of hockey, coaches and to AHU,” Vert said. “Jack has been skating with AHU his whole career and has always shown dedication and commitment to this club with his work ethic, on and off the ice. He has never once talked about or tried out at another organization and to me that speaks volumes about his character and his commitment to his teammates and to AHU. He always will help the club with volunteering at events, whether it’s tournaments or events outside of hockey. His family has always been supportive of his hockey commitments and to AHU and his family is Continued on Page 3
AUGUST 2025