The Jr. Sun Devils, a cornerstone of youth hockey development in Arizona, have welcomed a seasoned leader to their ranks. Marc Fritsche steps into the role of Executive Director of Program Operations, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a fervent passion for nurturing young talent within the sport.

Marc Fritsche, From Parma, Ohio. He has been immersed in youth hockey for several years. After playing youth and Junior hockey, Marc played hockey in Switzerland before jumping into youth hockey with both feet in the 2000-01 season with the Cleveland Barons where he was for 15 seasons. Marc's longtime commitment to youth hockey and the growth and development of not only players but programs has been a constant. He has also held positions all around hockey, working for Legacy Global sports as a tournament/team portfolio manager and player advisor, while working numerous camps and clinics such as Turcotte Stickhandling, under the late Real Turcotte.

In his transition into the Arizona Hockey world, Marc continued his impactful work with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes youth hockey program as the Hockey Director, Achieving remarkable success both Locally and Nationally. Throughout his tenure , Marc has held pivotal positions within the hockey landscape of Arizona, He served as the President of Arizona High School Hockey, Served on the Arizona Amateur Hockey Association Board as a voting director being the Co-chair of the Player Development committee. Marc has also served on the Tier One Elite hockey league board of governors, Showcasing his dedication to fostering the sport's growth across all levels. Marc's player centered approach and innovative strategies have established him as a leader in youth hockey expansion, not only in Arizona but nationwide. His coaching acumen not only spans 20 plus years in youth hockey but to USA Hockey camps, where he has been a fixture at various USA hockey district and national camps. Currently Marc also serves as the Assistant General manager of the Omaha Lancers in the USHL further establishing his extensive hockey portfolio. His wealth of experience and steadfast commitment to player development, Marc Fritsche stands ready to make substantial contributions to the DYHA Jr. Sun Devils Elite Hockey Program. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Marc Fritsche into the fold of our DYHA family as the Executive Director of Program Operations. His unwavering commitment to youth hockey in Arizona is unmatched, and we eagerly anticipate Marc's continued exceptional contributions to our hockey community."

- Nick Naumenko, Director of Hockey, Jr. Sun Devils Elite

The Desert Yout Hockey Association proudly announces the 2023-2024 Season Tryouts.  The Jr. Sun Devils Elite Hockey program is looking to field 13 teams operating at Mountain America Community Iceplex (MACI) and Mullet Arenas with 3 Tier II teams (18U, 16U, and 14U), 9 AZYHL teams, and an 8U Select team.  

Please visit the TRYOUT page for additional information and to complete your tryout registration with the Jr.  Sun Devils Elite Hockey Program.

The cost of tryouts for the 2023-24 season will be $99. The tryout registration fee includes two (2) guaranteed tryout sessions and a tryout jersey. In addition, there will be an INVITE-ONLY skate for most age groups but not all.

For those looking to register for the Tier II and AZYHL tryouts, your 2nd tryout registration fee will be discounted to $50. A jersey is not included in the 2nd registration. Please send your request to marketing@dyha.org for a 2nd tryout registration discount coupon. 

All players registering for tryouts will require a  2023-24 USA Hockey confirmation number. Please obtain a 2023-24 USA Hockey confirmation number by visiting USA Hockey Member Registration.

For any questions, please get in touch with the Hockey Director, Nick Naumenko (nick.dyha.org or (480) 433-4385).