Lincoln Disterhaupt (Los Alamos Mites 8U hockey team) takes a shot on New Mexico Mustangs goaltender during competition game – LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo

Luke Mietz (Los Alamos Mites 8U hockey team) takes a shot on New Mexico Mustangs goaltender while Lincoln Disterhaupt looks for rebound – LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo

SPORTS News:

The Los Alamos Hockey Association (LAHA) officially launched its 2025 youth hockey season on Sunday with a dynamic and highly successful Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Featuring teams from across northern New Mexico, the event showcased the remarkable skill, energy, and perseverance of two local youth teams: the LAHA Atoms (6U) and LAHA Mites (8U).

This year’s jamboree was made possible only through extraordinary effort. Significant mechanical issues at the rink delayed ice readiness until the day before the event, compressing practice time and complicating logistical planning. Thanks to coordinated work from LAHA volunteers, families, and coaches—along with Los Alamos County Ice Rink management and staff—the rink opened just in time to welcome teams from Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and Taos for a full day of youth hockey.

Mites (8U) Dominate Opening Matchup and Go Undefeated

The LAHA Mites (8U) inaugurated the day’s competition with a commanding performance against the SFHA Capitals of Santa Fe. From the opening puck drop, Los Alamos displayed strong individual skills and cohesive team play, spending extended periods set up in the offensive zone. The Capitals struggled to clear the puck under relentless pressure, and Los Alamos capitalized—scoring five goals within the first ten minutes.

The momentum never slowed. The Mites continued to synchronize shifts, control puck possession, and generate scoring opportunities, ultimately securing a decisive victory with 15 total goals.

Building on that early success, the Mites went on to face the New Mexico Mustangs, a combined Scorpions/Ice Tigers squad, and the NMICE Ice Wolves. Los Alamos maintained unwavering focus and discipline, finishing the jamboree with an impeccable 4–0 record.

Standout performances included:

Korbin Parton – Tournament points leader
Wyatt Smith – Team leader in time on ice (TOI) and anchor of the defensive unit
Gurmukh Khalsa – Team leader in saves, delivering dominant goaltending throughout the event

Head Coach Joe Artnak praised both the team’s competitiveness and the community effort behind the event:

“I am impressed by how well all our players and teams performed and competed in this first competition, especially given the extremely minimal practice time we had to prepare. Our ability to host and compete was thanks to the tremendous efforts of LAHA members, volunteers, parents, and coaches, as well as the Los Alamos County Ice Rink management and staff. Brendan and Vera were instrumental in preparing and maintaining the facilities for a successful first day of practice as well as hosting of a season-opening hockey jamboree event the next day. Everyone’s efforts are greatly appreciated.

Despite significant mechanical issues that delayed ice readiness until the day before the jamboree—and amplified logistical obstacles—we successfully held the LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree on its original set date.

I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about the players’ performance and their potential for growth this season. I am also extremely impressed and encouraged by the growth and play demonstrated by the New Mexico Mustangs (all-girls hockey program) and the great job Coach Russ is doing. I would encourage any girls currently in a co-ed house program to consider participating in this program as well.”

Atoms (6U) Shine in First Games of the Season

The LAHA Atoms (6U) team took the ice for their first game of the season—having practiced for the first time only 24 hours earlier—and immediately rose to the challenge.

Opening against the New Mexico Scorpions, the Atoms steadily increased their level of play throughout the game. Improved skating, puck-handling, and shift coordination quickly became evident as Los Alamos gained confidence and momentum. Several strong offensive pushes resulted in goals, and the team held its lead to claim their first win.

In their final matchup, the Atoms faced the Santa Fe Capitals and again demonstrated remarkable growth and teamwork. Significant contributions from Cayden Gong, Carter Disterhaupt, Gideon Kestell, and Asher Johnson helped Los Alamos “put the biscuit in the basket” multiple times late in the game, securing another victory. The Atoms concluded the jamboree with an impressive 2–0 record.

Head Coach Cory Johnson emphasized the resilience and enthusiasm of the young players:

“We were a bit worried about having a jamboree without much practice time, after the compressor fire delayed opening the rink. The kids did great though! The attendance and endurance of our little ones was surprising. There was a frenzy to get on the ice before every session. It’s going to be a great season!”

A Strong Start and a Season Full of Promise

Despite unexpected hurdles leading up to the event, the 2025 LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree succeeded in delivering a day of spirited competition, community pride, and outstanding youth athleticism.

Both the Atoms and Mites teams demonstrated not only skill and determination but also significantpotential as the new season begins.

With renewed momentum and early victories behind them, Los Alamos youth hockey enters the winter with confidence, enthusiasm, and an eager community cheering them on.

Korbin Parton (Los Alamos Mites 8U hockey team) weaves through a New Mexico Mustangs defender while Gurmukh Khalsa supports from behind – LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo

Eddie Artnak (Los Alamos Mites 8U hockey team) moves puck through center ice around New Mexico Mustangs defender – LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo

Eli Artnak (Los Alamos Atoms 6U hockey team) lines up a shot in competition game against the Santa Fe Capitals – LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo

Wyatt Smith (Los Alamos Mites 8U hockey team) battles for puck with New Mexico Mustangs player – LAHA Season-Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo

Eli Artnak and Cayden Gong (Los Alamos Atoms 6U hockey team) battle along the boards in a friendly competition putting same team players up against each other to increase playing time – LAHA Season- Opening Hockey Jamboree at the Los Alamos County Ice Rink. Courtesy photo