New coach Tomalak bringing energy to Fighting Elk for ’25-26 USPHL season, building for ’26-27

The Colorado Fighting Elk haven’t had the season they wanted this season in the USPHL.

Newly hired head coach Jake Tomalak wants to change the team’s fortunes in Craig for the final two months of 2025-26 with an eye on planning ahead for the 2026-27 campaign at the Moffat County Ice Arena.

“Taking over this team so far has been nothing short of magical,” Tomalak said. “When I got hired, I took over a deflated team. I’ve watched the current players battle adversity, day in and day out. I got four practices with them before we set our sails on a road trip. I’ve see firsthand why they call this team the Fighting Elk. Our road trip to Seattle and Bremerton consisted of 12 players and two goalies each game. They were gassed, they were tired, but they never quit on me, not once. Their newfound identity really showed itself.

“We’ve completely changed the culture on this team. They found their spark. The next two months are going to be a grind. We’re going to focus on development and continue building momentum.”

And with the players committed to the Fighting Elk for the current season, Tomalak feels his offerings of a player development plan, a coach that cares about development, high-tempo 1:0 to 1:1 work-to-rest ratio practices, daily off-ice workouts, team video sessions, 1-on-1 or small group film sessions, team bonding events, the ability to use the ice virtually when you want, small town backing, a fresh start with a program focused on growth, accountability, responsibility and expansion, a no-nonsense coach who priorities building you not only as a player but a young adult, matching team gear and private ice will sustain the program for seasons to come.

“On the recruiting side, I’m working 24 hours a day trying to prove how we’re changing our culture and how next year, we will be a team to compete,” Tomalak said. “I’m actively searching for players who want to finish the season and help us step foot in the right direction. At the same time, we’re laying down the groundwork for next season, searching for players who want to be a part of this rebuild. We can take this team and make next year a great season and compete with the best. We just need to find the talent.

“This is an amazing group of kids. Our best hockey is yet to come.”

Photo/@elizabethgshoots