Tier 1 Program History
The P.F. Chang's Youth Hockey organization was formed to provide the very best in hockey development, sportsmanship, integrity, coaching and exposure for the elite hockey player playing in the State of Arizona. By balancing on-ice and off-ice instruction with an emphasis on family, education, discipline and work ethic, it was our goal to provide each youth hockey player with the opportunity of a lifetime.
While the PF Chang’s organization was formed in 2006, the dream of developing a Tier I program in Arizona has its roots in many years of planning and preparation. The organization was formed through the efforts of USA Hockey Volunteer Coach of the Year, 13 year National Hockey League Defenseman and NHL coach Jim Johnson. Jim brought together elite players to compete at a highly competitive level across the country. Johnson also believed that by forming such an organization, talented Arizona hockey players need not leave the state of Arizona to experience the highest level of competitive hockey in North America.
A key moment in the history of PF Chang’s Hockey came when Rick Federico, President of the P.F. Chang’s restaurant company, agreed to provide seed money to help Johnson realize the dream of creating the Tier I organization in Arizona. It was through Mr. Federico’s and Jim Johnson’s efforts and support that we are here today. Their generosity will be appreciated by so many young athletes in the years to come.
Present Day- Phoenix Jr. Coyotes
In May of 2010, the PF Chang's Tier 1 Hockey Program Board of Directors announced that it's Tier 1 teams will change their name to the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes Midget Elite Program beginning the 2010-2011 season. Jim Johnson, Director of the Program, has announced that Mike DeAngelis would take over the Program Director duties at that time. Jim says, "When the program was developed four years ago we envisioned a Master Plan that encompassed multiple phases. Phase 1 was to develop an elite level Tier 1 program that could successfully compete throughout the country at the highest level. We have experienced great success in our first four years and look forward to continuing down that path. We are very proud of the ground work that we have laid and equally as proud of our players as they continue to make their mark each season and are placed in high level junior and college programs. We envision many positive things for the future of the Program and the elite level athlete as our Tier 1 teams will continue to participate in the prestigious Tier 1 Elite League now as the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes."
The Jr. Coyotes Midget Elite Program has continued to build on the P.F. Chang’s Hockey tradition by developing and placing the State’s top Midget players into top leagues across North America.
Check out where some of those former players currently are play: (Alumni)
