Our mission is simple, we want more competitive hockey for youth players in Colorado. We believe players are capable. We believe in fostering the passion young players have for the game and letting their creativity flourish. Young Kings Colorado is the premier hockey development program in Colorado - the program is focused on developing youth athletes and providing further opportunities for players in Colorado to grow their game and compete against the most talented players at their birth year. Open to both male and female players, Young Kings Colorado provides exclusive access to the Blue Paint Network, one of North America's fastest growing youth hockey communities. YKCO players will connect with elite talent across the United States and Canada while showcasing their abilities at top-tier events and tournaments.
Founded in 2022 by Rick and Maddy Acorn, former NCAA hockey players, this comprehensive initiative is designed to offer players an experience Colorado has never seen before. We challenge you to think outside the norm - Colorado hockey has been the same for the past 65 years. We are here to change that. We are proud to offer the only Tier 1 Hockey in the state of Colorado for 2018-2016 born players. Our players are among the top percentile in their birth year and represent Colorado in the Blue Paint Network and Western Selects Prospects. We aim to prepare players for the next level of hockey.
Over the next two seasons we hope to expand our program to serve 2013-2019 birth years. Our dedication to growing the sport of hockey in Colorado runs deep. The Acorn's have established themselves across North America and created a network of players and partnerships to bring youth players in Colorado better opportunities to excel. We believe that Colorado will be the powerhouse of the West.
2025-26 leadership team
2025 HSL SHOWCASEs
hockey super league inaugural season
Young Kings Colorado make history as the first American Franchise ever accepted in the prestigious Hockey Super League! "We are proud to welcome YKCO... Their commitment to independent hockey and player development aligns perfectly with the HSL's mission... We're excited to see their impact within the league as they bring their expertise and passion to our community" Tyler Wowk, HSL Commissioner said. This is the TSN turning point for youth hockey in Colorado.
SPRING 2026 EVENTS
SPRING HOCKEY
We are excited to announce our Spring Hockey Development Program! An intense 10 Week Season designed to maximize your players development lead by the expertise of Coaches Rick Acorn, Kyle Ostrow, Austin Handley and Maddy Acorn! You will not believe the growth in your player by the end of the season - our emphasis on skating, hockey IQ and attention to detail allows us to maximize ice time with your players. A continuation of our model during the 2025-26 season we are excited to offer both a 2016 Team and a 2017/18 Team this Spring! This is the most exciting time to join the Young Kings family!
NEW THIS SPRING You asked, we listened! We received overwhelming feedback that you wanted MORE - more tournaments, more experiences! We are excited to introduce our Elite INVITE Tournament Series. Our spring season for rostered players will include TWO Tournaments (CCM Denver Dash and The Clash Series). We have also accepted invitations to the prestigious HHOF Series and Coast 2 Coast International Cup which will be invite only (add on) tournaments for interested players via invitation. Please note these are elite spring events and rosters will be built accordingly. Our goal is to be able to help as many athletes as possible improve this spring and provide options for all families! TRYOUT DATES FEBRUARY 7TH @ 5:30-7:15PM
We are proud to announce that four Young Kings Colorado 2016 Major players have been selected from the Regional Tryout to attend the 2016 Western Selects Brick Tryout. Congratulations to players Alex Del Vecchio, Reid Rodell, Decker Acorn and Reed Loughman!
INTERESTED IN SPONSORING THE YOUNG KINGS THIS SEASON?
KEEp up with the kings
YKCO 2017s finish 4-1-1 in December League Games.
YKCO 2016 Major players attend Regional Western Selects Tryout.
Young Kings Colorado 2016 Major finish 3-1 at Vegas Showcase.
YKCO 2016 Major defeat Young Kings Hockey in an 8-7 thriller.
YKCO 2017s compete at the iconic West Ed Mall.
Young Kings Colorado 2017 compete in the 2025 HSL Pacific Duel Showcase.
Young Kings Colorado 2016 Major compete in the 2025 HSL Challenge Cup Showcase.
Young Kings Colorado 2016 WIN the CCM Denver Dash Tournament. Spring Hockey 2025.
Young Kings Colorado 2016 AAA attend Klevr Network's Gretzky Invitational Tournament in Palm Beach, FL.
Young Kings Colorado attend Gretzky Hockey School at the Gretzky Invitational Tournament.
Young Kings Colorado compete in the 9280 Pond Hockey Tournament in Keystone, CO. CHAMPIONS - 8U Advanced Division.
Young Kings Colorado establish partnership with Elev802 Denver!
Young Kings Colorado have 11 players represent at Western Selects 2016s Prospects Camp.
Young Kings Colorado 2016 AAA place 2nd at the Buffalo Memorial Invitational Tournament in Buffalo, NY.
Young Kings Colorado attend Nashville Predators game during the Hockey Tonk Tournament in Nashville, TN.
Young Kings Colorado 2016 play at the St. Louis Blues NHL practice facility at the HCofSTL Showcase.
Young Kings Colorado Past Championships!
WHere it all started
In February 2022, Rick Acorn was invited to play at the Inaugural "Chiclets Cup" Tournament in Las Vegas where he played on a team with Kris Versteeg, Nasher and Pavel Barber. Kris told us about the app he was developing at the time (Klevr.ai) and extended us the invitation to join the Blue Paint Network allowing us the opportunity to propel hockey in Colorado. We are so fortunate to be a part of the most exciting movement in youth hockey!