California Rubber Magazine - January 2020

VOLUME 13

ISSUE 5

JANUARY 2020

PRESTIGIOUS QUEBEC PEE WEE TOURNAMENT ON TAP FOR JR. SHARKS

Girls hockey continues to grow and expand in the state of California, and with Laguna Hills native Annie Pankowski continuing to represent the U.S. in international competition, the sky is the limit

WALNUT CREEK’S KHODORENKO FINISHING STRONG AT MICHIGAN STATE NOW IN 20TH SEASON, CIF-METRO LEAGUE LEAVING MARK ON COURT JR. DUCKS GRAD RASHKOVSKY FINDING SUCCESS IN NCDC JUNIOR REALM

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3

FROM THE EDITOR Hockey folks are the most humble, genuine people on our planet

I

Matt Mackinder

n my 22-plus years in this business, I’ve certainly met my fair share of hockey people.

And what I have learned over that time is that all those folks associated with this great game, whether it’s as a player, coach, manager, administrator, you name it, you are all the most beautiful people I’ve ever come across.

I have always seen those involved with hockey as some of the most genuine people on Earth. I’ve never been able to figure out why, but I am certainly grateful.

Hockey people are also some of the most humble people I have met. They would rather pass credit on to someone else rather than hog the glory. Kind of like Wayne Gretzky, who would rather pass the

puck than score.

In fact, I saw a stat recently that said even if Gretzky never scored a goal, he’d still be the NHL’s all-time leading scorer. Unreal.

Keep doing what you’re doing, everyone. To dip into hockey lingo, you’re all “beauties.”

Former Los Angeles Jr. Kings forward Danny Minnehan has announced his commitment to attend and play his NCAA Division I hockey at Arizona State University following his junior career.

Minnehan, a Cypress native, has six goals for 12 points in nine games this season with the Atlantic Youth Hockey League’s North Jersey Avalanche 16U team.

A 2003 birth year, Minnehan was a member of the Jr. Kings’ state- and Pacific District-champion 14U AAA team that advanced to the USA Hockey National Championships in 2017-18.

Atta boy, Danny!

Top-notch NCAA Division I hockey came to Southern California and Las Vegas recently, as two nationally-ranked teams played in the SoCal Clash at Great Park Ice in Irvine and four more skated in the Fortress Invitational at T-Mobile Arena.

The Irvine event saw Harvard and Arizona State take the ice, with Harvard winning 4-1 on Dec. 28 and the two teams tying 4-4 the next night.

In Vegas Jan. 3-4 at the home of the Vegas Golden Knights, Providence came out on top by defeating Cornell 3-2 in a shootout as Golden Knights prospect Jack Dugan scored the deciding goal. Ohio State took third place with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Army West Point.

“I was lucky enough to be in attendance for those games in Vegas and will say that I was impressed by the entire event,” said USCHO.com columnist Jim Connelly. “I was also at both of those games (in Irvine) and was impressed for the appetite for college hockey in a state that hasn’t hosted a single NCAA game since the 1999 Frozen Four in Anaheim. Both games were sold out, with standing room tickets sold each day.”

It was certainly great hockey in front of great fans!

Laguna Niguel native Curran Allison won gold with the U.S. Men’s National Deaf Ice Hockey Team at the 2019 Deaflympics, as the Americans defeated Canada 7-3 in the championship game on Dec. 21 in Italy.

Teams from Finland, Kazakhstan and Russia also competed at the 2019 games.

“We had one goal for the Deaflympics, to win gold,” said Team USA general manager Richard Dumas. “I can’t say enough about our players and how quickly they came together as a team. It was a tremendous honor to represent the United States and to return home with a gold medal.”

Congrats, Curran!

Las Vegas native and defenseman Gunner Moore, skating his third season with the Atlanta Capitals of the North American 3 Hockey League, recently signed a North American Hockey League tender agreement with the Odessa Jackalopes.

Moore, who also played the 2015-16 season for St. John Bosco High School, was drafted by the Jackalopes in the 2019 NAHL Draft last summer and made his NAHL debut back in October with the Jackalopes, appearing in three games and recording an assist.

Way to go, Gunner!!

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

California Rubber Magazine is published by: Mackinder Media, LLC, P.O. Box 373 Goodrich, MI 48438, 10 times a year, once monthly September through May and once in the summer.

Postmaster: send address changes to: P.O. Box 373 Goodrich, MI 48438 Ph. (248) 890-3944 Email: matt@rubberhockey.com Subscription Rates: $49.95 USD * Single Copy: $3.95 USD Mail subscriptions to: P.O. Box 373 Goodrich, MI 48438 Subscriptions are non-refundable REPORT AN ERROR IMMEDIATELY California Rubber Magazine will not be responsible for more than one incorrect insertion Visit our Web site at: www.CARubberHockey.com Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/californiarubber Follow us on Twitter: @CARubberHockey

California Rubber Magazine is a production of:

Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Rippy

WHEELS FORWARD

Southwest High School’s Leilani Javier, among the CIF-Metro Conference’s top female players, gets a shot on goal in a recent South Bay League game against Mar Vista High School. More inline coverage this month on Pages 9 and 10. Photo/Phillip Brents

ON THE COVER Laguna Hills native and Anaheim Lady Ducks graduate Annie Pankowski has tasted international success playing for multiple U.S. National Women’s Teams over the past few years. Photo/IIHF

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Support. Feasibility. Access.

West Coast hockey boom being accentuated by the growth of the girls game, especially in California

By Matt Mackinder

A

s the game of hockey continues to grow, progress and improve on the West Coast, much of that growth has come in the realm of girls hockey.

With the explosion of the National Women’s Hockey League and more and more women’s college programs sprouting up across the country, there has never been a better time for girls to play hockey.

In California, a slew of programs across the state all boast girls hockey in one capacity or another.

All of those associations are stoked at the growth of the game in recent times and realize that slow growth is the right way to go.

“Thankfully, we continue to grow every year,” said Lions co-founder and board member Becki Winckler. “Last year, we sent our first alumni group off to play college hockey. We are creating a culture that is new for girls in the LA sports scene and that will take time, but we are making strides every year.”

“There are some obvious steps moving forward which I believe are already in place,” added Lady Ducks director Kathy McGarrigle. “Youth programs exist where, with learn-to-play programs, girls are joining in at record numbers. That leads to 8U girls teams that will be a direct push into the 10U, 12U and so forth as we move forward. Another key will be clubs that embrace the organic nature of growing the game.

Girls teams will be lower-level A before they are AA, then AAA teams.

“Clubs that push too fast to be awesome have typically crashed and burned, so if these newer programs keep their players and move from A to AA as they have, they tend to produce much longer-term success and retention of their core group of players.”

Alex Morrison, the girls hockey director with the San Diego Jr. Gulls, loves the direction the game is going.

“Girls hockey is a tremendously fast-growing sport in California, as we have seen growth over the past few years, especially at the younger age groups,” Morrison said. “A trend like this is great for the future, as the more participants we have, the more young girls are excited that their friends are doing it, and want to try themselves.

“We have more clubs in the state than ever before. The Lady Ducks formed 20 years ago, thanks to Kathy McGarrigle, and they have stayed strong for two decades. Now that we have other clubs in the state forming house and travel girls programs, there are girls opponents for them to play, and it is more approachable for many families. Thanks to our Jr. Gulls, the LA Lions, Tri Valley Lady Blue Devils, San Jose Jr. Sharks and a newly formed Ontario Jr. Reign team, we are able to provide this competition without having to board an airplane to do so.”

In the northern part of the state, Livermore-based Lady Blue Devils are making an impact in the girls hockey footprint.

“Girls hockey in California is definitely on the rise,” said Lady Blue Devils director Megan Brettingen. “Growing up in Minnesota, hockey was a normal sport played by girls and everyone knew about it. When I moved out to California, I’ll be honest, I 6

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

wasn’t sure how many girls teams were out here nor if they were competitive. Little did I know the girls side was booming down in Southern California and was picking up speed in the northern part.

“The girls love to compete with each other and it’s clear that every girl who puts on a pair of skates in this state knows how to play the game and has big dreams for themselves. They have so many females to look up to these days – Olympians, PWHPA players, NWHL players, collegiate players, players in their own organization, and even players in other organizations.

All the teams that I’ve watched or coached in the last two years, it’s clear they all love to compete and want to improve their game in any way possible.”

One of the aforementioned collegiate players – Laguna Hills native Annie Pankowski – was part of an NCAA Division I national championship team last season as a senior at the University of Wisconsin and was also a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award as the top women’s college player in the country. She was also the top draft pick in the 2019 NWHL Draft and continues to represent the United States in international competition.

Pankowski grew up in the Lady Ducks organization and said the positive trend of girls hockey in the state is beyond exciting.

“We need to continue to make the game more visible and show young girls the path to college and maybe the U.S. Women’s National Team,” Pankowski said.

“The women’s side of the game is about to take off in terms of visibility and I think that the more girls that get to watch the U.S. National Team play will inspire them to want to reach that stage. If we can get more events, such as the U.S.-Canada series in smaller markets and advertise them to the right crowds, not just hockey families, we might reach those girls who might not even know they want to play yet.”

Pankowski added that her success over the years can be attributed to so many individuals.

“I can’t thank the people who have helped me get to that next level enough,” said Pankowski. “Starting from Kathy McGarrigle and the coaches with the Lady Ducks, Larry Barron, Chris Martin and the team at Mettle Strength and Conditioning, Craig Johnson, Ryan Frost, and Scot Prohaska, to name a few, have been instrumental in pushing me to that next level. I am so grateful for this team that keeps me sharp when I come back to California.

“Even though California is not considered a hockey hotbed, there are some amazing people who love the sport and are very knowledgeable and talented that are coaching the next generation. As the scene of girls hockey grows in California, I would love to see more female coaches, but I know that will be a natural progression as the game grows.

“I aspire to be that person for these girls growing up in California to show them they can do it, too. I had the opportunity to coach a few girls over the summer and Continued on Page 20

UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Jr. Ducks grad Rashkovsky bringing Thunder for NCDC team

By Jim DenHollander/USPHL.com

A

fter carving his hockey teeth in the Golden State, Los Angeles native Nick Rashkovsky is honing his craft on the East Coast.

A member of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks AAA program until his Midget Major season, the 2000 birth year moved on to play his final two seasons of high school at Vermont Academy, a New England prep school.

Beginning in the fall of 2019, Rashkovsky made the big leap to junior hockey, moving two states to the right with the Maine-based Twin City Thunder of the National Collegiate Development Conference, the USPHL’s Tier II tuition-free junior division.

Making the transition to the junior level is generally tough and Rashkovsky said despite a nice start, it took a few games for him to get comfortable.

“Honestly, I had a good first game,” said Rashkovsky.

“I had two points in the first game, then I kind of caught myself in a little bit of a struggle, adapting to maybe the speed and not being able to have as much time as I did in prep school. The first 15 games, I had six points and then the last 14 games, I’ve had 11 points. Most of those are goals, so I’ve been able to really pick it up and adapt to this level of play.”

Rashkovsky plays as a top-six forward and contributes to the offense with the Thunder, playing in all offensive situations, including the team’s power play. He currently sits third overall in points on a team that appears to spread the scoring out well – there are just two

players with more than 20 points, but another eight with it’s something that I would never get to experience in California. I like being out east and it definitely helped me 10 or more.

The young left winger said he has settled in on a line being in prep school for two years.”

Of course, the move means being away from family with the same two teammates for the last two months or so now, including one that was a teammate at Vermont and childhood friends – not easy for a teenager – but Academy. His job generally has been to get himself to playing at a small school with a close-knit group of stuthe net and get ready to battle for the pucks at point dents helped.

“It was different for sure,” said Rashkovsky. “Playing blank scoring range.

The Thunder has occupied the No. 6 spot in the Jr. Ducks, it was over an hour drive to practice. There was so much traffic.”

NCDC for some time, but Weekend games were with little separation among tougher, said Rashkovsky. the middle-pack teams, the “We were on a plane like battle to stay there or climb every second weekend,” he higher is an intense one. Only said. “It was a lot.” the top eight of 13 teams will Rashkovsky is on pace qualify for the postseason.

“Our next five games with goals he set as a youngare against teams that are ster to go as far as he can ranked higher than us,” said with the sport of hockey, but Rashkovsky “Those are cruacademics play an important cial points. Between third role to the goal scorer as and tenth place, there’s only well. an eight- or nine-point gap, “Definitely, I’ve always and we’re right in the middle Los Angeles native Nick Rashkovsky is finding success this sea- wanted to play college hockof that. We’ve been fortunate son playing for the NCDC’s Twin City Thunder, located in Auburn, ey, and I’ve had a couple of to be in sixth place for some Maine. Photo/USPHL.com NCAA Division III options,” time but there’s always teams chasing. said Rashkovsky, who carries a GPA of about 3.9.

“I’m from the suburbs, but, it’s Los Angeles, like three “Hockey’s taken me this far and so far, I’ve been pretty million people. I like the smaller towns. Having the fan successful and the same organization, same coaches base is important and it’s just a cool experience because could take me even farther.”

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

CIF roller hockey celebrating 20th anniversary season Escondido facility caters to the needs of the seven nondistrict member schools.

Scripps Ranch High School returns as the defending Kiwanis Cup champions alongside runner-up Rancho Bernardo High School.

Scripps Ranch is the early season favorite to repeat as conference champions. The Falcons appear loaded with talent in defense of their title.

“We graduated only one player last year – Cody Sherman,” veteran Falcons head coach Greg Friedman explained. “We’ve added a senior defenseman who took last year off – Maverick Wampler. The Ivey brothers – Ben and Jack – are back and bigger and stronger than their freshman year.

“Ben will be one of the top forwards in the

enough to field a JV team.”

Teams got in three weeks of regular-season play he CIF-Metro Conference is celebrating its prior to the holiday break and there were a few surprises.

20th anniversary season in 2019-20 as the only The Westview Wolverines, last year’s third-place scholastic inline hockey league officially sanctioned by playoff team, defeated Rancho Bernardo 7-0 on Dec. the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

12 to roll into the new year with a 5-0 record.

Twenty years after the first puck dropped in late Bonita Vista posted a 9-8 upset win over the Nov. 2000 at a roller hockey rink in Chula Vista that defending Mesa League champion Eastlake Titans, last now houses a social security administration complex, year’s fourth-place playoff team, on Dec. 17 to skate student-athletes within the Sweetwater Union High into the holiday break with a 2-0 league record.

School District – and beyond – are still playing inline The conference’s 20th anniversary season appears hockey while representing their schools on the playing to be developing into a particularly competitive one, with court. four Sweetwater district teams sporting 4-1 records to Seventeen varsity teams return for the 2019end the opening month of play: Bonita Vista, Eastlake, 2020 season, including 10 schools from the founding Hilltop and Sweetwater high schools.

Sweetwater district.

Four teams owned winning It’s been a milestone journey records among the conference’s for veteran Bonita Vista High northern pod of teams: Scripps School coach Keith Quigley, Ranch and Westview were both who coached in the very first 5-0 while Rancho Bernardo and CIF-sanctioned game at the Poway were both 3-2. now-defunct Chula Vista League alignments remain the RollerSkateLand rink. same.

“I’m really glad this CIF roller Scripps Ranch, Westview, hockey league is still going on Rancho Bernardo, Poway, as we all currently participate in Escondido Charter, Cathedral the 20th anniversary season,” Catholic and Patrick Henry high explained Quigley, who has schools comprise the North coached the Barons since their County League. inception as a club team in 1998 The Mesa League includes prior to the formation of the Metro Bonita Vista, Eastlake, Hilltop, Conference.

Otay Ranch and Castle Park “This league has given lots of high schools while the South student-athletes many positive Bay League includes Chula Vista, experiences that they’ll take with Sweetwater, Mar Vista, Southwest them throughout their lives. Being The CIF-Metro Conference is celebrating its 20th anniversary season in 2019-20 with sportsmanship still at the and San Ysidro high schools. that the roller hockey league is co- top of its code of conduct. Photo/Phillip Brents Twelve teams, including the ed, it has brought about many unique experiences for conference and Jack or senior Cody Ayers could be three league champions, will be seeded into the Kiwanis the athletes. I’m proud to have been part of this league the top defenseman. They still play for the Jr. Ducks and Cup playoffs in February. for the last 20 years.” just keep getting better.”

“We’re looking at another exciting season,” While the landscape continues to change in regard Also returning are seniors Kyle Fraser, Aaron Westview coach Ron Smith said. “There’s lots of to the accessibility of playing venues, the conference Lowy, Ryan Mikami and goaltender Taylor Cady. parity in the league this year. Anyone can beat anyone continues to roll on.

Juniors include Joon Bae and Israel Yates. Friedman on a given night.”

With the closure of the Skate San Diego rink in El noted that Tori Fraser is one of the top 15-year-old Top scorers on the Wolverines through five games Cajon in Dec. 2019, conference games will continue to female goaltenders on the West Coast. included Andrew Chua (22 points), Tyler Lee (21 be played at the district-owned outdoor rink at Castle “We’re looking forward to a strong year with a points) and Kelso Cook (14 points).

Park High School and the Escondido Sports Center. veteran team,” Friedman said. “We did have five new Eastlake senior Braden Mayer led the league’s The Castle Park High School rink serves as the hub freshmen this year, but all are getting experience on southern contingent of teams in scoring with 24 goals for the 10 Sweetwater district teams while the twin rink junior varsity. This is the first time in 15 years we’ve had and 40 points.

By Phillip Brents

T

Scholastic inline hockey leagues face off across state

S

cholastic inline hockey has faced off across the state from the Bay Area to the Mexican border.

The Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic Hockey League reached the holiday break with 10 high school teams and four middle school teams participating in the current fall/winter league season.

Beckman I was undefeated in the high school division at the conclusion of the 2019 calendar year with a 6-0-00 record and 12 standings points.

Pacifica followed in the standings with a 5-1-0-0 record and 10 points. El Toro (4-1-1-0) was third in the standings with nine points, followed by Santiago (4-2-0-0) with eight points.

Huntington Beach (3-2-1-0) and Crossroads Christian (3-2-0-1) were tied for fifth place with seven points, followed by Beckman II with a 3-3-0-0 record

at .500.

Norco (2-4-0-0), Cypress-Villa Park (0-7-0-0) and Mater Dei (0-7-0-0) rounded out the high school division standings.

Sowers (4-1-0-0), Lakeside/Irvine (4-1-0-0), SV Roadrunners (2-3-0-0) and Talbert (0-4-0-1) comprised the middle school league, with Sowers and Lakeside/Irvine tied with eight standings points through five games for the league lead.

SD Inline Club hockey maintains a presence at the Escondido Sports Center under the auspices of the SD Inline Hockey League managed by NARCh president Daryn Goodwin.

The current winter season features four high school division teams, four middle school teams and

four youth teams.

Scripps/SD East was undefeated in the high school division after topping Westview and SD West by scores of 21-1 and 7-4, respectively.

Jacob Smith from Charter/SD North and Scripps’s Vince Keller paced the league in scoring with 11 points each through two games.

Playoff finals are scheduled for Feb. 26.

TVIHA The Temecula Valley Inline Hockey Association’s school league was slated to start Jan. 7. The 2020 season will once again include divisions for high school, middle school and elementary school teams.

The high school division includes the Great Oak Wolf Pack, Golden Bears White, Golden Bears and Vista Griffins.

- Phillip Brents CARubberHockey.com

9

Chino Hills’ Garcia getting first-year Antelopes rolling

By Phillip Brents

vide on-court leadership for GCU’s fledgling squad.

But playing hockey and building a hockey team from the ground up are two different things.

Garcia and GCU club co-founder Marvin Simmons, a Phoenix native, led the uphill battle of starting the club this season. The pair faced many obstacles that most new clubs encounter such as obtaining official recognition from the university, forming the club, collecting dues and performing all the forward planning needed to build a new team in the WCRHL.

Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, respectively, before recording a 10-1 win over ack Garcia’s route to playing hockey didn’t start the University of Arizona to net its first-ever victory in out in a traditional way. program history.

“I was exposed to hockey from a young age Seven players dressed for GCU in its opening through my dad watching L.A. Kings games but never weekend. wanted to play because I thought I would be going “We had to play shorthanded on players due to up against professional-sized players who would fight some having prior commitments but got those guys me and hurt me,” the Chino Hills native said. back during our win against U of A,” Garcia said.

When the younger Garcia found out he would be “It was a complete team effort to get our program’s playing against kids his own age and size, first-ever victory.” he quickly warmed up to the idea of playing Californians have had a big impact on hockey.

GCU’s inaugural WCRHL entry.

“That night on the way home from the Santa Clara’s Jeffrey Payne led the Kings game, we stopped at the local roller Antelopes to their first win with seven hockey rink in Corona and my dad signed points (three goals, four assists) to earn us both up for the upcoming fall in-house first star of the game honors while Garcia season at Corona Inline,” Garcia said. collected three goals and three assists to He drew heavily in building his hockey earn second star honors. skills from watching his favorite hockey idol Temecula’s Drew Murchison was tied on TV – Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh with Payne for the team scoring lead with Penguins. seven points through three games.

“Crosby had a huge impact on the type “The team was excited that we were of hockey player I wanted to become,” Garable to get a win so quickly and everyone cia said. “I began to focus my game on beis starting to buy into the team more,” Garing a pass-first player who could see and cia said. “The team has also been getting make a pass that 99 percent of players praise from people outside the university would never see or dare to make.” who play hockey and from staff as well.”

Fast forward 11 years and Garcia now The Antelopes hope to make up ground finds himself as co-founder and club presion division rivals Cal Poly San Luis Obisdent of Grand Canyon University’s start-up Chino Hills native Jack Garcia represented the Corona Bulldogs at last year’s NARCh West po, Northern Arizona University and Chico Coast Finals and is now serving as the club president at Grand Canyon University. roller hockey team.

State prior to the WCRHL regional champiThe Antelopes’ first foray into the Western ColThrough the many ups and downs, Garcia had to onship tournament March 7-8 at Corona Inline. legiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) got its gen- rely on pure will to keep things going. esis when the Arizona Coyotes unveiled the new Initial tryouts attracted interest from 15 students WCRHL notebook $150,000 DEK hockey rink on campus last March to on campus.

Both Division I teams (Arizona State University further the relationship between the university and the However, all the necessary steps were not com- and CSU Fullerton), all four Division II teams and the NHL team. The Coyotes paid for and installed the rink pleted in time for the Antelopes to make their season top four Division III and Division IV teams will qualify at their own cost. debut at either of the WCRHL’s opening two regu- for the conference tournament.

It didn’t take students long to make use of the rink, lar-season events.

The Division I final will be a best two-of-three seGarcia included, and for interest to develop to form GCU’s 2019-20 season debut was delayed until ries. All other divisions will feature a four-team round the university’s first roller hockey team.

Dec. 7-8 when it took part in an event at the Tuc- robin, then single elimination playoffs.

Garcia used his own playing experience while son Indoor Sports Center involving all four of the March 9 is NCRHA Selection Monday when all growing up in Southern California with the Corona WCRHL’s Arizona programs. bids will be announced for the 2020 national champiJr. Ducks and Corona Bulldogs programs to help proThe Antelopes absorbed 10-3 and 11-2 losses to onship tournament in Fort Myers. Fla.

J

Corona Bulldogs score gold at 2019 AAU Winternationals

By Phillip Brents

T

he 2019 AAU Winternationals took place Dec. 20-22 at The Rinks-Corona Inline with 48 participating teams in eight age groups.

Awards were presented in 15 sub-divisions.

Division champions included Bulldogs Blue (6U, 8U-AA), Bulldogs White (8U-A), Bulldogs Yellow (10U-A, 18U-A), Labeda Jets (10U-AA), Prospect Hockey (12U-A), AKS 08 (12U-AA), 07 Mighty Ducks (12U-AAA), Mission Renegades (14U-A), Konixx Warriors (14U-AA), Velocity (18U-AA), Rink Rat (Men’s-A), Raiders HC (Men’s-AA) and Pama Golden Knights (Pro).

Division runners-up included Bulldogs Grey (6U), HB Militia (8U-A, 10U-A), The Goonies (8U-AA), OC Marvel (10U-AA, 12U-A), Mission Renegades (12UAA), Labeda Jets (12U-AAA), Slurpees (14U-A), HB Militia Black (14U-AA), Outcasts (18U-A), Tom Wilson (18U-AA), Windward Bulldogs (Men’s-A), Westside Boyz (Men’s-AA) and Rink Rat (Pro).

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

The Bulldogs captured five division champion- deghian of HB Militia (10U-A), Julie Becerra of the ships while posting one second-place finish to cap a Jets (10U-AA), Marvel’s Robbie Bartosch and Cyrus very successful tournament showing.

Kottmeier (12U-A), Connor Ellis of the Renegades The Jets and Renegades each sent two teams (12U-AA), Keanu Gonzales of the Jets (12U-AAA), to the finals while the Militia finished with three sec- Kasen Masinberger of the Slurpees (14U-A), Kat ond-place finishes.

Reyes of the Warriors (14U-AA) Division high scorer and Darrion Deshong of the award-winners included ZanOutcasts (18U). der Resendez of The Goonies Resendez topped all divi(8U), Gage Waddington of sion high scorers with 18 points HB Militia (10U-A), Ethan while Burk topped all division high scorers with 15 goals.

Sung of the Jets (10U-AA), Reyes paced all top goaltenJayden Burk of Marvel (12Uder award-winners with a .975 A), Riley Schmitz of AKS save percentage while Becerra (12U-AA), Max Silver of the The Bulldogs White captured the 8U-A division Mighty Ducks (12U-AAA), Bra- championship at December’s AAU Winterna- posted a .900 save percentage.

The Golden Knights defeatdyn Voong of the Renegades tionals at The Rinks-Corona Inline.

(14U-A), Nick Woods of the Warriors (14U-AA) and ed Rink Rat 8-5 to win the Pro Division title.

Noe Santos of Velocity (18U).

Division top goaltender award-winners included Joe Bridges of The Goonies (8U), Chase Sa- Phillip Brents

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TOYOTA SPORTS PERFORMANCE CENTER

Jr. Kings continue to emphasize goaltender development

By Brian McDonough

W

ith Los Angeles Jr. Kings alumni continuing to dot the rosters of junior, college and professional teams across North America, goaltenders have been stealing a lot of the headlines lately.

Look no further than Dustin Wolf, who helped backstop the Jr. Kings’ 16U AAA team to a Pacific District championship and a berth to the USA Hockey National Championships in his final season with the club in 2016-17.

Since then, Wolf has evolved into one of the premier goaltenders in all of junior hockey with the Western Hockey League’s Everett Silvertips leading to his selection in last year’s NHL Draft by the Calgary Flames and a spot on this year’s U.S. National Junior Team that competed in the recent World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic (he backstopped the U.S. to a 6-3 win over Germany in the second game of the tournament).

Tommy Tartaglione, the Jr. Kings’ director of goaltending and goaltending coach for all of the program’s AAA teams, believes the club’s recent commitment to bolstering its goaltending core at all ages has made a telling difference.

“For a youth hockey program, the expanded resources we have when it comes to developing our goaltenders is second to none,” said Tartaglione, a former Jr. King who assumed his coaching role with the club in 2015 after playing junior and collegiately in Canada. “Whether it’s on the ice or watching video, there’s so much opportunity for our kids to learn and challenge themselves to

trajectory,” said Tartaglione. “I think we’re just scratching become better, both mentally and physically.”

Other formidable alums include the brother duo of the surface in terms of their potential.”

Tomas and Mattias Sholl, both of whom have stayed Among Tartaglione’s successful initiatives since asnear the top of the goaltending charts, statistically, in suming his role with the club were launching a pilot program with the Jr. Kings’ 2003 birth year group, which intheir respective leagues the last couple of seasons.

The elder Tomas, who played his NCAA Division I cluded the presence of a goalie coach during practices, hockey at Bowling Green State University prior to begin- as well as introducing weekly goalie clinics.

“Goalies can really improve ning his pro career, has been a their technique and knowledge constant force in the ECHL as a of the position in private goalie member of the Idaho Steelheads lessons and camps, and in prac(he’s under contract with the tice we can really improve their American Hockey League’s Texas Stars, and was recalled by Texas knowledge of game situations,” on Jan. 15), while Mattias, the othsaid Tartaglione.

“Over these last five years, I er half of the Jr. Kings’ 16U AAA like to think we’ve changed the goaltending tandem in 2016-17, culture of goaltending in our has proven himself as one of the club thanks to the support of our North American Hockey League’s coaching staff which allows me best with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. to manipulate practice plans so A handful of other goalthey’re beneficial for our goalies, tenders who donned Jr. Kings sweaters are still enjoying suc- Dustin Wolf, a former Los Angeles Jr. King and mem- too. I truly believe we’ve really ber of this year’s U.S. World Junior Team, is one of cess, including Thatcher Dem- many goaltenders to have come through the pro- changed the way goalies and ko of the Vancouver Canucks; gram to experience success at higher levels of the coaches approach goalie develTrevin Kozlowski, a junior at game. Photo/IIHF opment in practice.”

Army West Point; Gavin Nieto, a senior at Brown UniAnd Tartaglione is confident the best is yet to come versity; and younger brother Garrett Nieto, a freshman for the current crop of masked men and women manning at Union College. the crease for the Jr. Kings.

“Seeing our former players have success at higher “No question we’ve had some amazing goalies come levels is obviously exciting, and we have a lot of talented through our program, and I’m sure we’ll be sending more goaltenders in our club right now who are on that same to the next level every year starting in 2020,” he said.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

On To Quebec City

Jr. Sharks’ Pee Wee AAA team heading to prestigious international tournament next month in Quebec their games. The players, and even some adults, have fun trading them and doing everything to get the most beautiful pin.

Playing mini-hockey in the corridors of the amphitheater is a must-see activity that has been going on for many years at the tournament.

Young people bring a little stick, a ball and that’s it. In addition, the song “Vive les PeeWee du Carnaval,” written by André De Chavigny, plays at the beginning of each game during the tournament.

“These kids here growing up in California don’t have snow outside every day or have the opportunities to go skate on ponds or

rink and see that many people watching them play. I know if I was a kid that young, it would he Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey be eye-opening and Tournament is the most prestigious minor hockey very exciting, so tournament in the world.

I’m really excited And the San Jose Jr. Sharks will have their 12U AAA to see how they team representing the organization at the event that react to it.” boasts 120 teams from across the globe and runs from Nolan added that Feb. 12-23. going back to Quebec Playing in the AA Elite division, the Jr. Sharks open will have sentimental against the Quebec Nordiques on Sunday, Feb. 16. meaning for Teams all have the chance to play their first game himself personally. at the Videotron Center. If they lose, they will continue The Nordiques the tournament in the “second chance” portion of the (now Colorado tournament, which takes place at the Pavillon de la Avalanche) selected Jeunesse.

Nolan first overall in “I’m looking forward to it,” said Jr. Sharks head the 1990 NHL Draft. He coach Owen Nolan. “Obviously, playing there for moved with the franchise five years (with the NHL’s Quebec Nordiques) and to Denver in 1995 and also having my son (Dylan) get the opportunity to go play played with the Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Phoenix there and experience Coyotes, Calgary Flames and Minnesota Wild as part everything, I’m really of his 1200-game NHL career. looking forward to it.”

“I’m really looking forward to going there,” On the ice, Nolan said Nolan. “I played my first five years in the NHL is chomping at the bit there and the fans were great to us, the city was to see how his team unbelievable and just to go back and see some of matches up against the old places, the restaurants, the scenery and the best Pee Wee whatnot, meet some of the fans that were there clubs in the world. back when I played there, I think it’s going to be an “ T h e overall great time.” games will Travel wise, the Jr. Sharks will fly out of San play out Francisco and land in Toronto, where they’ll fly into however Quebec and hop on busses once there. they’re Clearly, bonding time will be aplenty. going to “I think it can certainly be a turning point to this play out,” season,” Nolan said. “Whenever you get a group Nolan together, it doesn’t change from when you’re a kid s a i d . or when you’re playing in the pros. Sometimes, “We just that bonding time, hanging together on a plane, try and everyone is together, including the coaches, and it’s teach our quality time together and you create those bonds kids, give them the skills as friends and teammates and, hopefully, that all and tools to succeed Owen Nolan skated five seasons for the Quebec Nordiques and will take continues on the ice and you all play for each other.” and, hopefully, they execute t h e m his San Jose Jr. Sharks Pee Wee team back to the Canadian province next “We hope to make some noise in the playoffs. during the tournament. For me, it’s the whole month to play in a worldwide Pee Wee hockey tournament.

Our process is to make sure that our kids get better experience of living with a family, playing against different go sledding and whatnot, whereas some of us who grew each and every week, each and every month. As long teams that you haven’t seen before, experiencing the old up in Canada had the opportunity to do that,” said Nolan. as we see improvements and as long as we see kids city of Quebec and whatnot.

“We didn’t always go to the local rinks. We went to the going on an upward swing as hockey players, getting “It’s just going to be a total experience for the kids local ponds with shovels and in all of our hockey gear better as individuals and as teammates, then we know and I think we’re all, including the parents, really looking and went and skated on the ponds every day. Just to our program is on the right path.” forward to seeing the kids take this whole journey through be able to have that experience and to see how we did Knowing there are always rumors and talk of the the whole tournament.” that as kids growing up, I think these kids will enjoy that NHL going back to Quebec, Nolan would love to see Is Nolan taking a different approach to coaching quite a bit.” a team in town. once the tournament rolls around?

Nolan also said he doesn’t think the players will fully “It’s a passionate group,” Nolan said. “Our games “I don’t think so,” Nolan said. “We teach them certain grasp the prestige of the tournament until it’s right in were always sold out. They love their hockey. I don’t skills and certain systems throughout the year and to front of their faces. know if it’s going to happen in the future, but I’d love play a different style or try and learn a different system “I’m not sure they all understand how big of a to see a team go back there. They’d be over the moon going to a tournament would not benefit us whatsoever. tournament this is,” Nolan said. “I know they’re all for it, but I just don’t know if it’s in the cards right now.”

We teach these kids ways to succeed and, hopefully, excited to go and experience something different. I’m The Jr. Sharks’ 12U AAA team is made up of skaters they execute that when they are on the ice.” excited to go to this tournament. As a kid, I never had Otaro Inoue, Tanner Fast, Steven Wang, Dylan Off the ice, the tournament is loaded with activities the opportunity to go play in this tournament, but playing Nolan, Colten Fazio, Carrick Stevens, Samuel galore. there (in the NHL), you knew it was a big event and you Janik, Joshua Phillips, Isaiah Castro, Matthew Pin trading is a longstanding tradition of the knew the whole town was abuzz with all these young LoScalzo, Griffin Brown, Thomas Corneillie, tournament. Several teams have one made in their own kids coming in as potential future stars of the NHL. Jayden Balan and Andrei Nabokov and goaltenders image and give it as a gift to the opposing team during “I can’t wait to see their faces when they go into the Bennett Law and Nathaniel Madrigal.

By Matt Mackinder

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SJJrSharks.com CARubberHockey.com

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L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Medical student Russell: Strikers job ‘helps me unwind’ fect 10-0 record. There was still plenty of work ahead for them, though, as the West Ranch Wildcats were nipping at their heels with a 9-0 record, and the Burbank Cougars were right behind them at 8-3.

“We had a great team last year that made the playoffs and this year, I feel I was lucky to have the majority of those players return,” Russell explained. “That has led to

By Greg Ball

Maclean, Adam Rytz, Pierce Mayer, Ryan Campbell, Matthew Lennon, Tyler Stickney, Henry Grifs a third-year medical student pursuing a respirafin, Aidan Thornton, Jack Dawson and Jake Edtory therapy degree at L.A. Valley College, Kainoa wards. The team draws players mostly from Mira Costa, Russell is an extremely busy person these days, but that El Segundo, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes high hasn’t kept him from continuing the role he started in a schools. few years back as the junior varsity coach for the El SeChris Rhodes is the assistant coach. Russell said gundo Strikers in the L.A. Kings High School Hockey he and Rhodes play well off each other, and he feels League (LAKHSHL). he has a terrific group of players who are willing to The way Russell looks at it, his studies bring plenty do what it takes to achieve success on the ice and of stress into his life, and while coaching requires his improve every single day. time and commitment, being on the ice with his players “Chris has been great, especially with the goaltenis a welcome distraction. He has always loved hockey, ders,” Russell said. “There’s a very good balance beand to be able to share that passion with young playtween us, and we have a great group of players.” ers who are also excited about the game makes it all Russell said his coaching philosophy is relatively worthwhile. simple. He starts the season seeking to earn the re“It has been quite a wild ride, and I have put in a spect of his players and fellow coaches, and in turn ton of clinical hours in various hospitals, but I am looklearns to respect each individual player and find ways ing forward to earning my degree in May,” said Rusto motivate them and the team as a whole. sell, 29, who is now in his fourth season coaching the “I think everything begins with respect, and I believe Strikers. “Coaching actually provides a way for me to that if I let the kids know at the beginning of the seadetach from all the stress in my life. Getting out on son that I’m looking to earn their respect, they respond the ice really helps me unwind. While it does take up Kainoa Russell is in his fourth season coaching the El Segundo Strik- positively throughout the season,” Russell explained. some of my time, hockey has always been a part of my ers’ JV team in the L.A. Kings High School Hockey League.

“I’m a big believer that leadership starts at the top, but I life, and I wouldn’t want to not coach now that I’ve been a lot of continuity, and we’re on a good little roll right now. also want them to know that I can learn from them just as doing it for a few years. much as they can learn from me. If we can problem-solve I’m really proud of the boys.”

“It’s really a good thing to be busy.”

The Strikers’ junior varsity roster includes Larry together, it can lead to some great relationships, and the It hasn’t hurt that the Strikers are off to a stellar start Klingaman, Evan Davis, Stephen Jacoby, Matthew kids end up respecting one another a lot more. to the 2019-20 season. Through mid-January, the Strik- Keller, Brett Wilkinson, Nathan Howard, Lucas “It can lead to a lot of success over the course of the ers led the LAKHSHL junior varsity division with a per- Green, Cathal McKeown, Dominic Aluisi, Oliver season.”

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Seeing Clearly

TAHOE PREP ACADEMY

As a new year begins in earnest, Tahoe Prep Academy looking ahead with 20/20 vision

By Greg Ball

J

anuary is often a time to set new year’s resolutions for a lot of people - eat better, work out more consistently, get focused on achieving a new goal.

It’s a time of year for renewals and to get a fresh start on pursuing the things that mean the most to you.

It’s no different for hockey players and coaches, even if the new year falls squarely in the middle of their season.

At Tahoe Prep Academy, players, coaches and administrators are working hard to reach their goals in 2020 and beyond.

For them, everything they do is all about skill development and preparing players for their next steps, whether that’s junior hockey or college.

Spending nearly every day on the ice gives players plenty of opportunity to get better, and the unique academic environment at Tahoe, which mixes online learning and in-person classes at South Tahoe High School, provides the opportunity for Tahoe Prep’s student athletes to thrive despite the challenges of being away from the classroom to travel.

While all the players on the academy’s varsity and prep teams are thriving in their own rights, here’s a look at five players who are making significant strides as the calendar flips to 2020.

Gian Buerer When Tahoe Prep Academy’s first international student arrived in Lake Tahoe, he found it oddly familiar.

A native of Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland, Buerer said he was surprised how much Tahoe looked like his home country.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” Buerer said. “With all of the mountains and nature, it definitely reminded me of home.”

The 18-year-old goalie for the prep team said Tahoe Prep attracted him because he was looking for a place to play competitive hockey, graduate from high school, and pursue his dream of playing college hockey. The University of Notre Dame is his dream school.

Buerer started playing hockey at age 12, and said he skated out for one tournament before discovering that being in the net was more his style.

“I don’t give up easy,” Buerer said of his hockey strengths. “I can read the game, and I have good patience and speed. I’m working to improve my puck handling and post play since I’m a smaller guy.”

Buerer has posted save percentages of .859 in the prep team’s East Coast Elite League games and .875 in the North American Prospects Hockey League’s (NAPHL) Prep division.

“The East Coast players are really talented and good,” he said. “It’s fast, physical hockey. The Minnesota teams are hard, with very talented players, and they’re very big guys, too. You can feel that hockey is everything to them. But I feel we are competitive. Our team is hard working.”

Buerer had more adjustments than just hockey leagues in joining the Tahoe Prep roster.

“It’s a lot different from Switzerland,” he said. “The whole school system is different, and I’d never taken online classes. But it’s great, it’s a good school, and the classes are interesting. It was also new to me to be living with the team and being around the guys all the

time. The best part is all the road trips we take -- using planes to go to games is very exciting for me. I’ve learned a lot this year too, living with guys my own age.

“It’s about respect.”

Alex Boyko A senior from Rocklin, Boyko in his third year with Tahoe Prep.

He said he put in the time over the summer in the gym and on the ice to be ready for his move up to the prep team.

school, so my friends are here, and playing my senior year on the prep team was a big motivator.”

All the work has paid off, and he has two goals to date in the team’s NAPHL games this season.

“I’ve learned that there is not much you can do by yourself on the ice,” Boyko said. “You have to pass and rely on your team, and you really have very little time with the puck. You have to move it.”

As the team enters the 2020 part of the season, Boyko said he is focusing on the details and working to get in the best shape he can for May camps and showcases.

“My goal is to make an NAHL team right now,” Boyko said. “You always shoot for the top, and if you put in the work, hopefully, you land someplace that you’re happy with.”

Colby Arioto After attending a summer camp with Tahoe Prep, Arioto started turning his eyes toward being at the academy full time.

The 16-year-old junior from Fresno played with the Fresno Jr. Monsters last season, and Gian Buerer spending five days a week on the ice in Tahoe sounded very attractive.

“I was interested in the amount of practice I would be getting at the academy,” Arioto said. “I would say that overall I’m a better player now than when I came. I have also learned how much effort you Alex Boyko need to put in if you want to play in college, and that you probably need to put in more than you already think you’re putting in.”

Arioto said the move has provided other lessons beyond the ice.

“The dorms come with posiColby Arioto tives and negatives,” he admitted. “Living with other people can get annoying, but I’ve also learned a lot more about handling things on my own. I have also had to adjust to the cold.

Tahoe is a lot colder than Fresno.”

The Tahoe Prep varsity team is leading the San Jose Garrett Reagan Sharks High School Division I Varsity league with 15 points, and for Arioto, a highlight was his goal against Pioneer High School.

“I like how the coaches work on your individual skills “I came and moves,” he said. “They are coordinated in the pracback with the tices and are really nice.” approach that this was going Colton Bertagna to be another A 17-year-old senior from Chico, Bertagna switched Colton Bertagna year of devel- from roller hockey to ice hockey in Aug. 2018. opment along the road to my goal of college hockey,” Boyko said. “I’ve pretty much been living here all of high Continued on Page 24

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

Gibsons continue to expand impact on SoCal hockey

By Anaheim Ducks Staff

I

t started with a conversation a few years ago when John and Alexa Gibson, looking to get involved in the local community, wanted to find a way to use hockey as a means of giving back.

Last year, they teamed up with San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey, hosting two suite nights for the team as well as a clinic on the ice at Honda Center. The Gibsons loved it. So much, in fact, they wanted to expand their impact this year.

In addition to their involvement with sled hockey, the Gibsons this season have been working with inclusive/adaptive hockey programs like warrior, blind/deaf and special needs to help raise awareness for these programs. It’s all part of giving back, something Gibson made a commitment to when he became the Ducks’ Hockey Is For Everyone ambassador.

“This is going to be my home for a long time,” Gibson said. “We want to make sure we can give back and help out any way we can. It’s just a little thing, but we hope we can make a little bit of a difference.”

The Anaheim Ducks goalie got started right away when he made time to visit Hockey Is For Everyone participants after one of the first days of training camp at Great Park Ice. The afternoon featured on-ice sessions for

blind hockey, sled hockey and special needs hockey. He caught up with the San Diego Ducks Sled Hockey team during its practice and stayed on as a guest coach for the hour-long special needs hockey clinic. From the players on the ice to the parents and families in the stands, Gibson’s presence alone meant so much.

“For those athletes, it’s really special for them to see someone at the highest level take time and be a part of their program,” said THE RINKS director of marketing Jesse Chatfield.

“Not just from a ‘Let me stop by and sign an

autograph,’ but to get on the ice, provide pointers and relate to those athletes. It’s super impactful. They all came off saying how great of a day it was, just feeling a little more of a personal connection to a Ducks superstar they look up to.”

While John was on the ice, Alexa was taking the time to meet some of the parents whose kids were out on the ice.

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“We’re so happy to see these kids and adults so happy,” she said. “I was talking to some of the parents, and it even goes as far as the parents themselves. This isn’t only affecting their kids by making their lives a little happier and giving them more of a purpose. They feel like ‘I can do this, too.’ It’s probably the best feeling in the whole world to be here with all these families. It’s amazing.

“We’re hoping to spread the word and educate people on all disabled hockey, whether you’re blind, deaf, special needs, paralyzed. Whatever it is, there are sports out there you can do and be competitive. We’re hoping us being involved with this will help get it going.”

John Gibson reemphasized the importance of showing that hockey really is for everyone.

“We’re trying to spread the news to other people that hockey is a game you can try,” he said. “We’ll help any way we can, whether it’s bringing about awareness or helping with ice time. Make sure they have ice and all the equipment they need. We’re excited to be out here and having fun with everyone. It’s cool to come out here and spend some time with people of all ages. You get little kids and older men and women. It’s an awesome experience to spend some time with them. Pretty soon, I’ll be in a sled trying it out.”

“We love kids, we love hockey and we love helping,” Alexa added. “We’ve wanted to do something to give back and help as many people as we can. Having this here, working with the Ducks, it’s like the perfect fit.”

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Jr. Ducks teams taste success at recent NHL Youth Cup tournament

By Chris Bayee

T

he NHL Youth Cup agrees with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks.

All five Jr. Ducks teams finished with winning records at the West weekend on Jan. 2-5, and the 2010 and 2005 birth years won their respective divisions.

The NHL Youth Cup provides NHL-affiliated AAA youth hockey clubs an opportunity to play a weekend series of games against each other for birth years from 2005 through 2010.

The 2010 team, coached by Sandy Gasseau, went 6-0 at Great Park Ice, defeating Dallas 6-2 in the final. The Jr. Ducks Squirt A3 team, playing out of Lakewood Ice, outscored its opponents by a 47-18 margin.

Stellan Gasseau led the tournament with 19 points, including seven goals.

Ryan Cleveland added 17 points (tournament-best nine goals) and Noah Rodriguez had 16 points (seven goals).

The 2005 team, coached by T.J. Miller, went 4-1 in Colorado. The 14U AAA team capped its weekend by defeating Nashville 3-2 in a shootout at the University of Denver.

Joshua Armbruster and Francois Devilliers scored shootout goals after Mason Miller and Jake Hultenius tallied in regulation. Miles Roberts, who had a 2.25 goals-against average for the tournament, made 18 saves in the finale.

The 2006 team went 4-2 at Great Park Ice, defeating Colorado 3-2 in the semifinals. Coached by Darryl Tiveron, the 13U AAA team was led by Aidan Yi with nine points and Tyler Kedzo with eight.

Also at Great Park Ice, the 2008 team, coached by Eugene Kabanets, went 4-2 and defeated Colorado 9-2 in the semifinals. Brendan Russell (six goals) and Zane Torre (seven goals) each had 12 points.

And the 2009 team went 3-1-1 in Colorado and defeated Arizona 4-3 in the third-place game. Tanner Penn scored the game-winning goal on a power play during the third period.

JrDucks.com

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HOCKEYSHOT

HockeyShot Tip of the Month: Advanced Pass & Shot Drills

By HockeyShot Bench Boss Coach Jeremy

Y

ou can find a lot of hockey passing tips and shooting advice on HockeyShot.com, though the only way to really get good at them is to practice in an environment where you can concentrate.

You want to practice receiving the pass with your back to the net so you get some practice taking a pass, moving and shooting.

If you find yourself without a friend or teammate to practice with, HockeyShot’s Passers & Passing Kits are good tools for rebounding the puck back to yourself so you can keep your practice going, without damaging walls, garage doors or your mom’s rose bushes!

Drill #3 – The Pass, Receive and Move to the Power Backhand Shot This drill involves taking the pass with your back to the goal net on your forehand. You quickly push the puck away from your body and flip the blade of your stick over the puck. Finally, you make a quick flick of your wrist with a backhander, hopefully over the goalie’s blocker and into the net for a goal.

Drill #1 - The Pass, Receive and Shoot Forehand Shot Drill Just like it sounds, this drill involves passing the puck to your partner, receiving a pass back, a quick stickhandling move while spinning around 180 degrees before taking a shot from the backhand on net.

Drill #2 - The Pass, Receive and Shoot Forehand Shot Drill This drill seems to be pretty much the same. Imagine you want to out-maneuver a defensive player. When you get the return pass, you will want to either sweep the puck with your stick as you pivot the 180 degrees, or you keep the puck still while you skate around the puck to the other side to face the net. Then you take your shot.

Drill #4 – The Pass, Receive and Through the Legs Spin and Shoot Drill For this drill, pass to your buddy, or the recommended HockeyShot Passer. When you receive the puck back, tap it between your skates, and then pivot around so you catch the puck from yourself, and then make a snap shot into the right corner of the net. You might want to practice this drill many times before you put it into use in a game.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Drill #5 – The Pass, Full-Spin and Receive Before Shooting Drill This drill can be done with either a forehand or backhand shot. First pass and receive the puck after you spin around towards the net. Then shoot the puck while the goalie’s jaw is still resting on his chest from your graceful techniques.

Drill #6 – The Pass between Legs, Receive from Between Legs and Shoot Drill Here’s another cool drill you can have some fun with. Pass the puck to your partner or recommended HockeyShot Passer. Have the puck come back between your legs, and then take a forehand or backhand shot, depending on what you feel like doing.

Practicing all these drills will be a lot of fun and will greatly improve your passing and shooting skills. Have fun, work hard, and you’ll find you’re racking up more goals and impressing the fans with your fancy stick work. The two products I personally recommend for these drills are the 4-Way Elite Passer and Crowd Goes Wild Shooting Tarp.

Enjoy this article? Then be sure to visit HockeyShot. com for the latest tips and tricks! Remember these are great tools to help any player step up their game and are the most-used products by hockey players around the world.

NEVADA REPORT

Las Vegas’ Gartzke fine-tuning game with USPHL’s Blaze

By Matt Mackinder

C

hoosing to play in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) the past two seasons has done wonders for Ty Gartzke.

A 2000-born defenseman from Las Vegas, Gartzke is emerging as a top player for the Decatur Blaze, an organization based in Decatur, Ill., that is now in its fifth season in the USPHL. Gartzke said that as the calendar flipped to 2020, he’s expecting big things for the Blaze and for himself down the stretch.

“I think that we have a lot of skillful individual players this season,” said Gartzke, originally from Chicago.

“When we all put it together, we have the ability to make a great hockey team and thus far, we’ve shown it. Personally, I believe that using the knowledge that I gained from last year with the Blaze and years prior, that this could be a strong season for me.”

Entering January, Gartzke, who turned 20 on Jan. 4, has posted two goals and five assists for seven points through 29 games for Decatur.

Blaze coach and general manager Zac Pearson, a former NCAA Division I hockey player at Ferris State University, said he can envision Gartzke one day suiting up in college.

“Ty is a stay-at-home defenseman who is quiet within the locker room,” Pearson said. “He’s a defensive defenseman who has a great stick that has

helped him get more ice time on the penalty kill. Ty relies on his hockey smarts to help him in games. Ty is very smart and will be looking for schools that will focus on his education.”

During the 2018-19 season, Gartzke registered a goal and four assists for five points in 43 points with the Blaze.

“I went to a few different junior showcases and Coach Pearson saw me at one of them where afterwards, he contacted me with some informa-

tion offering me a place to play,” remembered Gartzke.

“After some research, I decided Decatur would be a good fit for me.

This year, part of what brought me back was the atmosphere that the Blaze brings. It is a fun, yet serious,

place to learn and develop as well as the games draw in a large number of fans that cheer and encourage you to be your best.”

Even as a youngster, Gartzke knew hockey was always the sport for him.

“After trying multiple other sports, I went to a professional hockey game and I decided it looked like fun,” said Gartzke. “So my grandfather took me skating and even at the age of five, it clicked for me right away. Then not long after that, I went to some youth hockey skates where I had a ton of fun.”

Moving to Las Vegas when he was still in high school, Gartzke played for the Nevada Storm (now Vegas Jr. Golden Knights) association during his youth hockey days.

Moving forward, Gartzke is excited at the opportunities that lie ahead for not only himself, but for the Blaze with the USPHL playoffs fast approaching.

“If we keep on our current path that we’re building for ourselves, we should end up in second place for the regular season (in the USPHL Premier Midwest East Division),” Gartzke said. “Going to Nationals would be a great way for the team to end the season “My short-term goals for hockey are to continue to try and develop as a person and a hockey player, as well as to build up some stats in the USPHL. Long term, though, I’d like to end up in a good college with an anthropology/archeology program that, hopefully, has somewhere for me to play hockey.”

Khodorenko’s improvement continuing at Michigan State

By Chris Bayee

R

how to play with the defenseman as a center is super important, being able to interchange positions in the ‘D’ zone and neutral zone has been really good for me.”

Another huge influence on Khodorenko is his father Alex, who worked with him as often as they could find ice time in Northern California.

“We would do one-on-one skills sessions – you

ounding out his game bodes well for Patrick Khodorenko now and in the future.

The Walnut Creek native, who’s always been on speaking terms with opponents’ nets, is not only centering Michigan State University’s top line, but he’s also taken on more 200-foot responsibility.

“What we like about him is he keeps getting better year after year,” Spartans coach Danton Cole said. “It’s not like some guys who get to 19 or 20 and that’s what they are. He keeps adding parts to his game. Last year offensively was really good for him (37 points, 18 goals).

“This year we’ve added more responsibility.

His line gets a lot of the top lines on the other team. His faceoffs have gotten better. He takes the puck to the net more. He keeps adding components to his game, and that’s an encouraging thing to see that he doesn’t accept it’s good enough.”

Cole knows this better than anyone. He coached Khodorenko at the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2014-16, and Cole was hired as MSU’s coach in 2017. His influence has been huge.

Michigan State senior forward Patrick Khodorenko has always been an “I knew what he was going to bring to the offensive spark plug, but has been rounding out his defensive game with the table and what he was going to demand of his Spartans. Photo/Michigan State Athletics guys,” said Khodorenko, a senior. “He’s detail-orient- could call him my skills coach,” Patrick said. “We ed and defensive-minded. He lets the forwards be learned a lot from Konstantin (Lodnia). We’d have creative, but he demands a lot of them defensively. group sessions in Anaheim and learn a lot from him, “My defensive game has improved the most. then bring that back to NorCal.” Learning how to play against top guys, penalty killing, Khodorenko played for several clubs in California, just staying between my guy and the net. Learning including the Oakland Bears, San Jose Jr. Sharks,

Anaheim Wildcats, Santa Clara Blackhawks and LA Selects.

He’s on a track to continue playing after he graduates with an economics degree this spring.

“For Patty to play to play in the NHL, (defense is) going to be an important component,” said Cole. “He’s a guy who’s 6-foot, 6-1, 200 pounds and he’s real strong.

He’ll have a chance to play in the big time if he can find himself a role and get his foot in the door.

“The offensive part isn’t going to go away.

He can pass and he shoots and skates real well.

They’re looking for guys who are responsible defensively, and that will give you a chance to stick around and show what you can do offensively.

“He just turned 21 a couple months ago as a senior. There’s a lot of freshmen in college hockey who are 21. On-ice, he’s always been a very mature player, but off-ice, his leadership has grown.

“We always talk about guys finding their voice in the room and he’s more comfortable in the spotlight now. That’s a big part of it because when you move on to the next level, you want to have that confidence.”

Khodorenko, who has attended an NHL development camp with the Columbus Blue Jackets, is pointing toward the pros, but first things first.

The Spartans are in the thick of the Big Ten race, and Khodorenko badly wants to play in the NCAA Tournament.

“I came here because I saw an opportunity to help rebuild a proud program,” he said. “Every year, it’s been a struggle, but it’s paying off this year. The team is looking better and doing well in the Big Ten. Hopefully we can keep it up.”

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Growing the Girls Game California continues to be a top developer of girls hockey talent, with rising registration numbers proof Continued from Page 6 get to know them. It’s really awesome for me to get to hear from those girls who say they want to be just like me. It makes me feel like I have forged a path for them to reach the pinnacle of the sport.”

Ben Frank, the president of the Jr. Reign, feels the growth of girls hockey in California has not even scratched the surface.

“There is so much potential for the girls game to grow,” Frank said. “I know leaders of the girls programs have been pushing to get four-plus teams at some of the lower levels like 8U, and it will be amazing to see the day when there can be enough teams at each age group to have girls local league divisions that can play meaningful weekly game schedules against each other. I think we are getting closer.

“I see a lot more girls now at the entry levels and learn-to-play programs, which is great to see that barrier coming down culturally and perception. Now, we need to make sure that every rink and program has a clear path to keep these girls in the sport having a great experience and knowing that there is something more for them and that they have an exciting and important and unique pathway for them as a female hockey player here in California.”

Moving forward, the common theme among those spearheading girls hockey efforts is continuing to knock down barriers and obstacles.

“The girls game needs support from the top all the way down to supporting each other,” said Winckler. “We have a great working relationship with some of the other smaller California clubs and others in the Pacific District.

We bounce ideas off each other and share our struggles. Mostly, we ask each other questions.

“We also need support from the boys programs as well. We need them to understand there is a need for girls hockey. In an ideal world, every boys club would have a sister club, but that’s not realistic for smaller clubs. We get that, but those smaller clubs should be encouraging their girls to play tournaments on girls teams to experience the camaraderie and confidence that can come from playing with girls as young as 8U. Then, ideally, it’s a smooth transition if and when the time comes for her to play only girls. It may even keep a girl playing the sport longer.

“We have about 100 girls currently in our program and most of them would not be playing travel hockey had the LA Lions not started. That’s amazing. We have also managed to keep some older girls playing longer than expected, and that speaks to our club culture.”

Morrison noted that misconceptions regarding girls hockey is another challenge many programs face.

“One of the biggest challenges we face is the spread of misinformation about the need to play boys hockey in order to improve their skills and/or be recruited by colleges – this is the opposite of reality,” said Morrison. “A vast majority of NCAA Division I and Division III women’s hockey recruits come directly from girls hockey programs. There are quotes from college coaches talking about the preference of taking a play20

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

er that has come from a girls program over a checking boys program, mainly because they already know the female game, and don’t have to relearn it.

“The other main challenge that we face is that there aren’t enough teams to play in a consistent league type setup. Down in San Diego, our tier level team is having to travel by plane to four tournaments this season in order to prepare themselves to

compete at the Pacific District tournament up in Seattle this February.

Trips to Rochester N.Y., Chicago, Boulder and San Jose make the cost of playing something that unfortunately prices some players out.”

“For some hockey parents, they think that ‘boys means better’ when, in fact, girls get far more key playing minutes and puck touches for them to actually be better in the girls game,” added McGarrigle. “It’s just a myth that needs to find a breaking point out here in the West as it did 10 or more years ago in the Midwest and East Coast.”

McGarrigle noted seeing the yearly numbers grow in California has been wonderful to witness firsthand.

“California really started to organize girls teams in about 1995 with two tournament-only style teams in the south and the northern part of California,” explained McGarrigle. “When we started in 1999, our plan was to be a long-term, season-long player development program from the youngest to the high school-age team.

The Sharks were already starting up, too, so in those 20 years, female hockey in our state has seen tremendous growth. California has passed all other states in the Pacific District in registration numbers, including Alaska, as of 2016.

“Things are looking bright in this part of the world.

The growth is way ahead of pace with the USA Hockey’s female growth. While the rest of the country is growing the girls game at 4-5 percent a year, California has been outpacing that at almost 20 percent a year for several years now.”

For the Lady Blue Devils, location can be looked at as an issue, but Brettingen wants to erase that thought.

“I believe the girls game can continue to grow by all of the organizations supporting each other and helping in different ways,” said Brettingen. “Up in Northern California, there are only two full girls organizations – us and the Jr Sharks girls. I have seen some effort this year put in by 2-3 surrounding organizations to get a girls program going, but there hasn’t been a lot of support.

Each organization, in Northern and Southern California, should be trying to support and help other programs grow and encourage them to get a girls program going. Most of the clubs that already have a girls organization have some sort of backing or sponsorship by a professional team of some sort.

“Our organization has found success in creating a ‘Girls Give Hockey A Try’ for free four-week program with current players helping me coach on the ice. We found that if we have entry-level programs that are co-ed, it deters a young female from fully trying the program because they compare themselves to the boys on the ice. Where with a girls-only program and female leaders running it, girls have been more inclined to participate and continue with the sport. If other programs can adopt some sort of program similar, I think it will help the growth of the girls game out in California a lot.”

Still, at the end of the day, these associations are proving that hard work pays off and continued growth is inevitable.

“We are doing this because we believe in our product,” Winckler said. “We need families to buy in while we create a culture. We will all reap the rewards, but it’s all going to take time. Investments take time. Making something from nothing takes time.”

Jr. Gulls photos/Chris Wolfe, Steve Sidell, Alex Morrison; Lady Ducks photos/Woo Park

Smigliani, Salem cop monthly NCAA D-I, NAHL junior honors

By Matt Mackinder

T

he month of December saw a pair of California products win monthly awards as La Jolla native Sammy Smigliani was named the ECAC Hockey Rookie of the Month and Santa Monica product Luc Salem was tabbed the NAHL Defenseman of the Month.

A freshman forward at Colgate University, Smigliani paced the league’s rookies in scoring during the month, recording four points in just two games.

She notched the lone Colgate goal on Dec. 6 against Quinnipiac before scoring twice more and adding an assist the following day against Princeton. Smigliani now ranks fifth in ECAC Hockey in rookie scoring with 14 points on seven goals and seven assists.

During her youth hockey career, Smigliani played for the San Diego Jr. Gulls, California Wave and Anaheim Lady Ducks.

Salem, a defenseman with the Topeka Pilots, had a big month of December, helping his team to a 6-1-1 record during the month.

The California Titans (NAPHL) grad recorded nine points in eight games during the month on three goals and six assists. He also had a plus-6 rating.

“Luc has been a steady performer for us all season,” Pilots head coach Simon Watson said. “He was a big reason for our success in December by making big plays in key situations. His mobility and poise under pressure have been exceptional as of late. We are happy to see Luc be recognized for his recent performance. He will continue to be counted on to play big minutes for us down the stretch.”

Salem recorded at least a point in six of the nine games and had four multi-point games.

“Growing up in California, you were used to playing just teams in your area, but playing in the NAPHL opened up a whole new level of competition and it really opened my eyes to the level of exposure and what types of other teams and programs were out there. It really gave me a glimpse of what juniors and the NAHL was going to be like.”

In his youth hockey days, Salem also played for the San Diego Jr. Gulls and Anaheim Jr. Ducks.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM

Off-ice goaltending training: What you need to know O

ff-ice training plays a vital role in the development of hockey players.

USA Hockey follows the Long-Term Athletic Development principles as the basis of their program.

These principles assist in creating a more consistent training Chris Phillips regimen for athletes.

Today’s training programs should not be based on how hard the program is, but on the goals for the athlete and how well that athlete is progressing.

When training for a sport, the program should be devised with the following in mind: Is the program age-specific? Is the program based on meeting the demands of the sport which the athlete plays? Are proper techniques being used? Does the program include fundamental movements that progress to more complex ones? Does the program address injury prevention exercises that relate to the sport?

Now that we covered some of the basics, here’s where it gets tricky. Should a goalie train like a skater? They both play the same game, so can we train them the same off the ice? Let’s look at the move-

ments each player will go through during a game.

A forward predominantly skates forward, weaving and turning as they skate up the ice. A defenseman will skate backward more than the forwards during a game. Both will utilize a crossover step while turning as well. There is one main component that is similar with skaters – they mainly skate north and south in a linear pattern.

Now let’s look at how a goalie moves. Their movement is more lateral in fashion, moving from post to post, not to mention dropping into a butterfly and getting back up on their skates quickly. It’s pretty obvious that the demands on a goalie are pretty different than a skater during a game. So if the demands are different, shouldn’t the training program be different? That’s not to say that there will not be a lot of crossover in the training program, but that there are certain aspects that need to be addressed.

This isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Many teams train together, and it can be difficult for the strength coach to modify the program for the goalies, but it should be noted and modified as much as possible.

Since we have deciphered that the demands on a goalie are different than a skater and that their programs should also be different, what should be the focus of the program? The program needs keep in mind the age and level of the athlete. Exercises that are good for one goalie may be too complex for an-

other. Our recommendation is to always begin simple, then as the athlete masters the exercise, make it more difficult. Adding resistance, placing the athlete on an unstable surface or making the movement more complex are all good examples of how to make the training more difficult.

Basic principles that should be included in a goalie dryland program include agility exercises that focus on lateral movement, plyometric exercises that focus on lateral movement, single leg and hip strengthening exercises, core stability, shoulder strengthening and stability exercises, and hand-eye coordination.

There is an unlimited amount of exercises that can be used with goalies that will improve performance on the ice. Key exercises that can be implemented into your goalie training program include lateral lunges, lateral bounds, resisted shuffles, mini band exercises for hip strength, rear foot elevated split squats, medicine ball Russian twists, dumbbell forward, diagonal and lateral shoulder raises, dumbbell rows, and alternate ball toss with partner In conclusion, the way you train off the ice directly affects the way you perform on the ice. Take a step-by-step approach with long-term athletic development in mind. Have goals in mind with proper technique and progression as the basis of your program to maximize performance and limit injuries.

Chris Phillips is a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with over 20 years’ experience in professional sports who operates Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Orange County. Contact Chris via email at chris@competeperformance.com and visit www.competesportsperformance.com.

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2019-20 CALIFORNIA/ CALIFORNIA/NEVADA NEVADA ALUMNI Email all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY Sena Acolatse (Hayward) - Straubing Tigers (Germany) Taylor Aronson (Placentia) - Cologne Sharks (Germany) Lizzie Aveson (West Covina) - Adelaide Rush (Australia) Chase Balisy (Fullerton) - Straubing Tigers (Germany) Beau Bennett (Gardena) – Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) Henry Berger (Claremont) - Mentor Ice Breakers (FPHL) Jonathon Blum (Long Beach) - Farjestads BK Karlstad (Sweden) Arthur Brey (Yorba Linda) – Birmingham Bulls (SPHL) Stefan Brucato (Riverside) - Knoxville Ice Bears (SPHL) Matthew Caito (Coto de Caza) - KooKoo Kouvola (Finland) Mitch Callahan (Whittier) - Augsburg Panthers (Germany) Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) - San Jose Barracuda (AHL) Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Manitoba Moose (AHL) Pheonix Copley – Hershey Bears (AHL) + Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) - Rapid City Rush (ECHL) Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Rockford IceHogs (AHL) Chase De Leo (La Mirada) - Anaheim Ducks (NHL) Thatcher Demko (San Diego) – Vancouver Canucks (NHL) Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) - Langnau Tigers (Switzerland) Mitch Eliot (Orange County) - Utica Comets (AHL) Adam Erne – Detroit Red Wings (NHL) * Matthew Ford (West Hills) - Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Paul Fregeau (Sylmar) - Peoria Rivermen (SPHL) Kyle Gonzalez (Chino Hills) - Danbury Hat Tricks (FPHL) Matt Graham (Rancho Cucamonga) - Port Huron Prowlers (FPHL) Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor) – Nashville Predators (NHL) Shane Harper (Valencia) - Orebro HK (Sweden) Josh Harris (Torrance) - Birmingham Bulls (SPHL) Robby Jackson (Alameda) - Tulsa Oilers (ECHL) Cory Kane (Irvine) - Kunlun Red Star (Russia) Leila Kilduff (San Jose) - Metropolitan Riveters (NWHL) Miles Koules (Los Angeles) - Bakersfield Condors (AHL) Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) - Magnitogorsk Metallurg (Russia) Alex Krushelnyski (Los Angeles) - Indy Fuel (ECHL) Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) - Frolunda HC (Sweden) Rachel Llanes (San Jose) - KRS Vanke Rays Shenzhen (Russia) Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach) - Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Colin Long (Santa Ana) - Lustenau EHC (Italy) Evan Mackintosh (San Jose) - Delaware Thunder (FPHL) Merrick Madsen (Acton) - Rapid City Rush (ECHL) Alec Martinez (Santa Clara) – Los Angeles Kings (NHL) Stefan Matteau – Cleveland Monsters (AHL) !

Frankie McClendon (Oakland) - Carolina Thunderbirds (FPHL) Alec McCrea (El Cajon) - Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Brett Menton (Monrovia) - Delaware Thunder (FPHL) Kevan Miller (Santa Clarita) – Boston Bruins (NHL) Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL) Parker Moskal (San Diego) – Columbus River Dragons (FPHL) Tyler Moy (La Jolla) - Lausanne HC (Switzerland) Patrick Newell (Thousand Oaks) – Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) Bryce Nielsen (Laguna Hills) - Knoxville Ice Bears (SPHL) Matt Nieto (Long Beach) – Colorado Avalanche (NHL) Darren Nowick (Long Beach) - Vasterviks IK (Sweden) Andrew Oglevie (Fullerton) - Rochester Americans (AHL) Gustav Olofsson – Laval Rocket (AHL) !

Elena Orlando (San Jose) - Connecticut Whale (NWHL) Austin Ortega (Escondido) - Berlin Polar Bears (Germany) Zach Pochiro – Esbjerg EfB Ishockey (Denmark) % Kyle Quick (Los Angeles) - Battle Creek Rumble Bees (FPHL) Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) - Frolunda HC (Sweden) Sean Reynolds (Covina) - Elmira Enforcers (FPHL) Jason Robertson (Arcadia) - Texas Stars (AHL) Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators (NHL) Kerby Rychel (Torrance) - Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (Russia) Scott Savage (San Clemente) - Maine Mariners (ECHL) Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (SPHL) Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Texas Stars (AHL) Nolan Stevens – San Antonio Rampage (AHL) % CJ Stretch (Irvine) - Budapest MAC (Slovakia) Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – New Jersey Devils (NHL) Keoni Texeira (Fontana) - Indy Fuel (ECHL) Michael Thomas (Long Beach) – Battle Creek Rumble Bees (FPHL) Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) - Fayetteville Marksmen (SPHL) Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) - Crimmitschau ETC (Germany) 22

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Jacob Walters (San Diego) - Elmira Enforcers (FPHL) Evan Weinger (El Segundo) – San Jose Barracuda (AHL) Casey Wellman (Brentwood) - Rapperswil-Jona Lakers (Switzerland) Matt White (Whittier) - Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (Russia) Brooke White-Lancette (Berkeley) - Minnesota Whitecaps (NWHL) Josh Wilkins – Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) % Alyssa Wohlfeiler (Saugus) - Boston Pride (NWHL) Justin Woods – Kansas City Mavericks (ECHL) + Kailer Yamamoto – Edmonton Oilers (NHL) % Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild (NHL) *

Keely Moy (San Diego) – Harvard (ECAC) Kalena Mueller (San Ramon) - Post (NEWHA) Claire Peterson (San Jose) - Connecticut (Hockey East) Dominique Petrie (Hermosa Beach) - Harvard (ECAC) Frankie Sanchez (Lake Elsinore) - Sacred Heart (NEWHA) Sammy Smigliani (La Jolla) - Colgate (ECAC) Tia Stoddard (La Mesa) - Clarkson (ECAC) Elissa Taylor (Pasadena) - LIU (NEWHA) Baylee Trani (Huntington Beach) - RIT (CHA) Ellie Zweber (Santa Barbara) - Cornell (ECAC)

COLLEGE HOCKEY

NCAA DIVISION II – MEN Khalil East (Los Angeles) - Assumption (Northeast-10) Niko Grollman (Laguna Niguel) - Post (Northeast-10) Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) - Franklin Pierce (Northeast-10)

NCAA DIVISION I – MEN Elijiah Barriga (West Covina) - AIC (Atlantic Hockey) Nathan Burke – Minnesota (Big Ten) % Joey Cassetti (Pleasanton) - Merrimack (Hockey East) Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) - Denver (NCHC) Lawton Courtnall (Westlake Village) - Western Michigan (NCHC) Vincent de Mey (Los Angeles) - Northern Michigan (WCHA) Slava Demin (Cypress) - Denver (NCHC) Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) - Denver (NCHC) PJ Fletcher (Dana Point) - Quinnipiac (ECAC) Jack Gates (Oceanside) - Colorado College (NCHC) Andre Ghantous (Glendale) - Northern Michigan (WCHA) Cole Guttman (Northridge) - Denver (NCHC) Jake Hamacher (Corona) - RIT (Atlantic Hockey) Brendan Harris – Bemidji State University (WCHA) + Drew Helleson - Boston College (Hockey East) % Rory Herrman (Poway) - RPI (ECAC) Niko Hildenbrand (Vacaville) - Massachusetts (Hockey East) Ryan Johnson (Irvine) - Minnesota (Big Ten) Nate Kallen (San Diego) - Ferris State (WCHA) Patrick Khodorenko (Walnut Creek) - Michigan State (Big Ten) Trevin Kozlowski (Valencia) - Army (Atlantic Hockey) Jackson LaCombe - Minnesota (Big Ten) % Ben Lown (Newport Coast) - Miami (NCHC) Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) - Denver (NCHC) Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – New Hampshire (Hockey East) Tyson McLellan (San Jose) - Denver (NCHC) Shane McMahan (Irvine) – Minnesota State (WCHA) Brannon McManus (Newport Beach) - Minnesota (Big Ten) Alec Mehr (Los Angeles) - Brown (ECAC) Erik Middendorf – Colorado College (NCHC) % Jacob Modry (El Segundo) - Merrimack (Hockey East) Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) - Union (ECAC) Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda) - Brown (ECAC) Matt O’Donnell (Fountain Valley) - Vermont (Hockey East) Jared Pike – AIC (Atlantic Hockey) % Dakota Raabe (Capistrano Beach) - Michigan (Big Ten) Nick Rivera (Pacific Palisades) - Minnesota State (WCHA) Tyler Rockwell (San Jose) - Michigan Tech (WCHA) Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco Canyon) - Minnesota Duluth (NCHC) Ryan Ruck (Coto de Caza) - Colorado College (NCHC) Rourke Russell (Long Beach) - Miami (NCHC) Chad Sasaki (Cypress) - Colorado College (NCHC) Jake Slaker (San Diego) - Michigan (Big Ten) Ethan Somoza (Simi Valley) - Bemidji State (WCHA) Jack St. Ivany (Manhattan Beach) - Yale (ECAC) Matt Vernon (San Jose) – Colorado College (NCHC) Brian Williams (San Diego) - Colorado College (NCHC) Cam York (Anaheim Hills) - Michigan (Big Ten) NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) - Boston College (Hockey East) Katherine Beaumier - Clarkson (ECAC) $ Bailey Bennett (Gardena) - Holy Cross (Hockey East) Brooke Bryant (Linden) - Minnesota State (WCHA) Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) - New Hampshire (Hockey East) Anna Estes (Whittier) - Post (NEWHA) Kendra Farole (Irvine) - RPI (ECAC) Tanner Gates (Oceanside) - Colgate (ECAC) Kiersten Goode (La Habra) - Yale (ECAC) Katherine Hughes (La Canada) - Harvard (ECAC) Lily Humphrey (Huntington Beach) - Vermont (Hockey East) Bella Kang (Los Gatos) - Cornell (ECAC) Vivian Lu (Studio City) - Brown (ECAC) Lillian Marchant (Tustin) - Lindenwood (CHA) Leah Marino (South Lake Tahoe) - Robert Morris (CHA) Gabby Monaco (La Verne) - St. Anselm (NEWHA)

NCAA DIVISION III – MEN Sam Anzai (Los Angeles) - UW-River Falls (WIAC) Aaron Aragon (Whittier) - University of New England (CCC) Quinton Baker (Santa Monica) - New England College (NEHC) Andrew Behshid (Los Angeles) - Lake Forest (NCHA) Max Blitz (Chino Hills) - Fredonia (SUNYAC) Guillaume Bose (San Jose) - Wentworth (CCC) Paul Boutoussov (Dana Point) - Salve Regina (CCC) Rock Boynton (Lomita) - MSOE (NCHA) Adam Canepa (Santa Cruz) - UW-River Falls (WIAC) Don Carter Jr. (Antioch) - Hamline (MIAC) Connor Chilton (Oak Park) - Aurora (NCHA) Jared Christy (Tustin) - University of New England (CCC) Carter Dahl (Fresno) - St. Mary’s (MIAC) Tanner Dalton (Bakersfield) - MSOE (NCHA) Dakota Delbridge (Tracy) - Concordia, Wis. (NCHA) Chase Dibari (Ladera Ranch) - Bethel (MIAC) Sean Dickson (Millbrae) - Utica (UCHC) Tyler Dill (South Lake Tahoe) - Utica (UCHC) Dante DiNapoli (Moss Beach) - Framingham State (MASCAC) Justin Dixson (Sunnyvale) - University of New England (CCC) Coby Downs (Montclair) - Norwich (NEHC) Zach Feldman (San Diego) - Lake Forest (NCHA) Tyler Forest (Simi Valley) - Becker (CCC) Cody Foster (Saugus) - Becker (CCC) Andrew Frojelin (San Jose) - Nazareth (UCHC) John Garrity (Dublin) - Suffolk (NEHC) Doc Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) - Brockport (SUNYAC) Alec Grollman (Laguna Niguel) - Bryn Athyn (Independent) Keenan Haase (Mission Viejo) - New England College (NEHC) Brian Hodges (Yorba Linda) - Stevenson (UCHC) Evan Johnson (Huntington Beach) - Williams (NESCAC) Carson Kelley (Portola Valley) - Geneseo (SUNYAC) Wiggle Kerbrat (Laguna Niguel) - Wesleyan (NESCAC) Nick Klishko (San Diego) - Gustavus (MIAC) Jasper Korican-Barlay (Oakland) - Fredonia (SUNYAC) Austin Koss (Huntington Beach) - Augsburg (MIAC) Gregg Lee (Aliso Viejo) - Fredonia (SUNYAC) Tyler Levine (Laguna Beach) - Wesleyan (NESCAC) Sean Lincoln (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Brockport (SUNYAC) Drake Longaker (San Jose) - Plymouth State (MASCAC) William Ma (Anaheim) - Canton (Independent) Cameron Mack (Long Beach) - UMass Dartmouth (MASCAC) David Marabella (Clovis) - MSOE (NCHA) Aaron Murray (Chino) - Stevenson (UCHC) Nick Nast (Oxnard) - St. Mary’s (MIAC) Ryan Ng (Manhattan Beach) - Castleton (NEHC) Evan Nyhus (Dove Canyon) - Nichols (CCC) Danny O’Donnell (Ventura) - Aurora (NCHA) Kyle Orgel (El Segundo) - Plymouth State (MASCAC) Ryan Orgel (El Segundo) - UW-Stevens Point (WIAC) Adam Papayoanou (Valencia) - Southern Maine (NEHC) Ismael Ralsten (Huntington Beach) - Bryn Athyn (Independent) Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills) - Worcester State (MASCAC) Kyle Rimbach (Encinitas) - St. Olaf (MIAC) Brendan Schulte (Fullerton) - Plattsburgh (SUNYAC) Nick Schultze (San Diego) - Tufts (NESCAC) Eetu Selanne (Coto de Caza) - Curry (CCC) Nicholas Short (Los Angeles) - UMass Dartmouth (MASCAC) Mark Shroyer (Fresno) - Castleton (NEHC) Jack Sitzman (Redondo Beach) - Anna Maria (Independent) Cole Souto (Yorba Linda) - St. John’s (MIAC) Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) - Aurora (NCHA)

Alex Stoley (Manteca) - Concordia, Minn. (MIAC) Felix Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) - Lebanon Valley (UCHC) Joseph Thielen (Huntington Beach) - Curry (CCC) Taylor Urch (Anaheim) - Lawrence (NCHA) Nick Wardstrom (Discovery Bay) - Suffolk (NEHC) Chad Watt (Riverside) - Stevenson (UCHC) Matt Wiesner (Newport Beach) - Babson (NEHC) Egan Wolford (San Jose) - Fitchburg State (MASCAC) Colin Woods (Yorba Linda) - Stevenson (UCHC) Eric Wright (Poway) - Suffolk (NEHC) Dante Zapata (Huntington Beach) - Utica (UCHC) NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN Lexie Anderson (San Francisco) - Salve Regina (Colonial Hockey) Michelle Behshid (Saugus) - Bowdoin (NESCAC) Ivy Boric (Newport Beach) - Plattsburgh (NEWHL) Emily Burke (San Jose) - Potsdam (NEWHL) Colleen Castro (Redwood City) - Wesleyan (NESCAC) Angelina Cruzal (Campbell) - Buffalo State (NEWHL) Mary Deyell (Glendale) - King’s (UCHC) Katarina Diehr (Fullerton) - Johnson and Wales (NEHC) Sierra Donahue (San Jose) - Suffolk (NEHC) Isabella Fiedler (Redondo Beach) - Stevenson (UCHC) Marissa Gebauer (Mission Viejo) - Lake Forest (NCHA) Devyn Gilman (Yorba Linda) - Elmira (UCHC) Savannah Gutierrez (Huntington Beach) - Utica (UCHC) Erika Hansen (Vacaville) - Anna Maria (Independent) Bella Hanson – Elmira (UCHC) $ Jessica Jones (El Cajon) - St. Mary’s (MIAC) Kai-Lilly Karpman (Playa del Rey) - Trinity (NESCAC) Abby Kolek (San Marcos) - Finlandia (NCHA) Victoria Lahey (Fairfield) - Lebanon Valley (UCHC) Ashley Marchant (Orange County) - Chatham (UCHC) Hannah Marmorstein (Los Olivos) - St. Olaf (MIAC) Danielle Marquez (Long Beach) - Bowdoin (NESCAC) Maura McKeown (San Leandro) - Oswego (NEWHL) Kennedy Miedema (San Jose) - St. Catherine (MIAC) Madelyn Morgan (Riverside) - Becker (Colonial Hockey) Tate Murphy (Jamul) - Lebanon Valley (UCHC) Lilla Nease (Lake Forest) - Plattsburgh (NEWHL) Alicia Nickolenko (Encinitas) - Wesleyan (NESCAC) Cameron Payne (Rancho Cucamonga) - Becker (Colonial Hockey) Alethea Perez (Los Angeles) - Stevenson (UCHC) Cortney Reyes (Chino Hills) - New England College (NEHC) Lindsay Reyes (Chino Hills) - Cortland (NEWHL) Samantha Rodriguez (Corona) - Anna Maria (Independent) Cierra San Roman (Orange) - Colby (NESCAC) Kiley Searles (San Jose) - Suffolk (NEHC) Iman Shepard (San Marino) - Lake Forest (NCHA) Ally Stout (Stockton) - Cortland (NEWHL) Sarah Takahashi (Pleasanton) - Wesleyan (NESCAC) Julieana Tarantino (San Diego) - Lake Forest (NCHA) Morgan Tefft (Redwood City) - Norwich (NEHC) Amy Templeman (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Lebanon Valley (UCHC) Alexandria Tillemans (Bishop) - Endicott (Colonial Hockey) Tristen Tolan – Elmira (UCHC) $ Jordyn Tomaszewki (Daly City) - Aurora (NCHA) Marisa Trevino (San Jose) - Aurora (NCHA) Tara Turcotte (Huntington Beach) - New England College (NEHC) Kiara Vazquez (La Quinta) - Middlebury (NESCAC) Samantha White (Oceanside) - Potsdam (NEWHL) Olivia Wilburn (Stockton) - Cortland (NEWHL) CANADIAN UNIVERSITY Takato Cox (Redondo Beach) – Simon Fraser (BCIHL) Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles) – British Columbia (USports) Keanu Yamamoto – McGill (USports) %

JUNIOR HOCKEY Nicholas Abernathy (Etiwanda) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Brian Adams (San Ramon) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Joey Allegrini (Valencia) - Atlanta Capitals (NA3HL) Noah Altman (Los Angeles) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Armen Arabyan (Los Angeles) - Skipjacks Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Alan Austria-Garcia (Redwood City) - Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Premier) Thomas Avila (Escalon) - Steele County Blades (USPHL Premier) Matthew Ayres (Calabasas) - Connecticut Jr. Rangers (USPHL Premier) Everett Bailey (Rialto) - Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier) William Baird (Ontario) - San Diego Sabers (WSHL)

Tristan Baker (Fresno) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Nareg Balian (Tustin) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Joseph Barnabee (Long Beach) - Potomac Patriots (USPHL Premier) Danny Barry (Sunnyvale) - Texas Brahmas (NA3HL) Cam Beltran (Nuevo) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Premier) Matthew Berezowski (Irvine) - Chippewa Steel (NAHL) Logan Berggren (Cypress) - Creston Valley Thunder Cats (KIJHL) Leon Biller (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Grady Birk (San Diego) - La Ronge Ice Wolves (SJHL) Tyler Blanchard (San Jose) - Texas Brahmas (NA3HL) Michael Boutoussov (Dana Point) - South Shore Kings (USPHL NCDC) Parker Brakebill (Yorba Linda) - Wisconsin Lumberjacks (SIJHL) Barak Braslavski (San Jose) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) Griffin Briquelet (Huntington Beach) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Brendan Brisson (Manhattan Beach) - Chicago Steel (USHL) Jacob Brockman (El Segundo) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Rhett Bruckner - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) % Ben Buium (Laguna Niguel) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Hunter Campbell - Everett Silvertips (WHL) % Chris Cantillo (Los Angeles) - Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) Anthony Capraro (Hacienda Heights) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Premier) Kenneth Cavers (San Jose) - Connecticut Jr. Rangers (USPHL Premier) Kameron Chan (Valencia) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Elite) Henry Chavez (San Jose) - Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) Daniel Chladek (Anaheim) - Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL) Nicholas Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Jared Coday (Irvine) - St. Louis Jr. Blues (NA3HL) Nolan Conrad (Corona) - Thief River Falls Norskies (SIJHL) Halen Cookston (Santa Clarita) - Philadelphia Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Jack Cooper (Camino Vista) - Texas Brahmas (NA3HL) Caleb Cordas (Newport Beach) - Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL NCDC) Jacob Cordas (Newport Beach) - Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Clayton Cosentino (San Carlos) - Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) Evan Cronkhite (Aliso Viejo) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Premier) Riley Cryan (Escondido) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Jesse Cusick (La Puente) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Noah Dahlen (Lake Forest) - Pueblo Bulls (WSHL) Drew DeCarlo (Huntington Beach) - Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) Lucas Demsar (South Lake Tahoe) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Brandon Derdiger (Los Angeles) - Springfield Pics (USPHL Premier) Quinn Deshler (Torrance) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Dylan Desilva (Boulder Creek) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite) Joe DiGiulio (San Diego) - Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Premier) Wil Dillard (Bishop) - Gillette Wild (NA3HL) Kaigen Douglass (Mountain View) - Connecticut Chiefs (EHL) Devon Dunn (Los Angeles) - Gillette Wild (NA3HL) Ryan Elleraas (San Diego) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Elite) Blake Emerson (Manhattan Beach) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Quinn Emerson (Manhattan Beach) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Arturo Escamilla (Rancho Cucamonga) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Isaac Espinosa (Lincoln) - Valley Jr. Warriors (EHL) Noah Etter (Sunnyvale) - Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) Mason Evans (Danville) - Texas RoadRunners (NA3HL) Bryan Fetz (Vacaville) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Bryson Fletcher (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) Luc Fox (Valencia) - Charlotte Rush (USPHL Premier) Alexander Fraboulet (Anaheim) - PAL Jr. Islanders (USPHL Premier) James Gagan (Mission Viejo) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Premier) Hunter Garant (Valencia) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Dalton Garcia (San Jose) - Wisconsin Lumberjacks (SIJHL) Matthew Gerst (Los Altos) - Springfield Pics (USPHL Premier) Shane Gilbert (Huntington Beach) - Ogden Mustangs (WSHL) Jackson Glassford – Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL) !

Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (USPHL NCDC) Hayden Goldstein (Los Angeles) - Walpole Express (EHL) Michael Gomez (Visalia) - Valley Jr. Warriors (EHL) Bryan Gowin (Valencia) - Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (USPHL Premier) Alec Grace (Laguna Hills) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Premier) Ryan Green (Huntington Beach) - Wisconsin Lumberjacks (SIJHL) Ben Greenlee (Temecula) - Boston Jr. Rangers (EHL) Josh Groll (San Diego) - Lincoln Stars (USHL) Alex Gunnoe (Modesto) - New York Apple Core (EHL) Dylan Gutierrez (Santa Ana) - New Jersey 87s (EHL) Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) - Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) Keigo Hachisuka (San Diego) - Vernon Vipers (BCHL) Mason Hackel (Morgan Hill) - Railers Jr. Hockey Club (EHL) Dylan Hadfield (Westminster) - Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL) Jacob Hahn (Lake Forest) - Potomac Patriots (USPHL Premier) Hunter Hansen (Vacaville) - Minnesota Blue Ox (USPHL Premier) Jackson Hansen (Vacaville) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite) Joseph Harguindeguy (La Habra) - Minot Minotauros (NAHL) Luke Heimann (Ventura) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL NCDC) Dylan Hernandez-Ramirez (Costa Mesa) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite)

Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Daniel Hong (Valencia) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Aidan Hreschuk (Long Beach) - U.S. Under-17 Team (USHL) Colton Huard – Chicago Steel (USHL) % # Peyton Hughes (Northridge) - L/A Nordiques (NA3HL) Jacob Iida (Yorba Linda) - New Hampshire Avalanche (EHL) Peter Jacobs (Carlsbad) - Austin Bruins (NAHL) Parker James (Westminster) - Dryden GM Ice Dogs (SIJHL) Austin Kane (Milpitas) - Twin City Thunder (USPHL Premier) Sean Kanervisto (San Diego) - North Okanagan Knights (KIJHL) Samuel Kapusta (Irvine) - San Diego Sabers (WSHL) Zakary Karpa (Newport Beach) - U.S. Under-18 Team (USHL) Huston Karpman (Manhattan Beach) - Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) Grant Kawamoto (San Jose) - Jersey Hitmen (USPHL Premier) Tanner Kelly (La Jolla) - Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) Connor Kemp (Placentia) - New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) Nicholas Kent (Ladera Ranch) - Vernon Vipers (BCHL) Noah Kim (Fullerton) - Okotoks Oilers (AJHL) Tyler Kitchen (Bakersfield) - Pueblo Bulls (WSHL) John Klus (Santee) - New Ulm Steel (NA3HL) Simon Krbashyan (Fresno) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Jared Labadie (Huntington Beach) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Premier) Jordan Labbe (Pasadena) - Jersey Hitmen (USPHL Premier) Ethan Lahmon (Yorba Linda) - Amarillo Bulls (NAHL) Nicholas Lanza (Santa Clarita) - Charlestown Colonials (USPHL Elite) Erik Larsson (San Jose) - Boston Bandits (USPHL NCDC) Justin Lebouef (Canyon Country) - New Hampshire Avalanche (EHL) Tyler Leibl (Del Mar) - Waywayseecappo Wolverines (MJHL) Michael Lempiainen (Corona) - New England Stars (NA3HL) Cobi Lennex (Valencia) – Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim) - Niagara IceDogs (OHL) Gabel Longshore (Davis) - New York Apple Core (EHL) Jesse Lycan (San Diego) - Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) Peter Lychnikoff (Los Angeles) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL NCDC) Chris Maghakian (Santa Clarita) - West Sound Warriors (WSHL) Jake Maley (San Ramon) - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (EHL) Daylon Mannon (Fresno) - La Ronge Ice Wolves (SJHL) Colton Marcy (Carlsbad) - Butte Cobras (NA3HL) Tate Martishius (Valencia) - San Diego Sabers (WSHL) Liam Massie (Claremont) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Cameron Maycock (Claremont) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Adam Mazurowski (Modesto) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite) Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Adam McGill (Rancho Santa Margarita) - South Shore Kings (USPHL Premier) Derek McGrew (Orange) - Southern Oregon Spartans (WSHL) Jake McGrew (Orange) - Spokane Chiefs (WHL) Mason McIntosh (Los Angeles) - Thief River Falls Norskies (SIJHL) Isaiah McKinney (Menlo Park) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL Premier) Hunter McKown (San Jose) - U.S. Under-18 Team (USHL) Tyler McNeil (Santa Clarita) – Buffalo Jr. Sabres (OJHL) Aidan McPhee (Brea) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Ryan Meaney (Santa Clarita) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Aidan Metcalfe (Rancho Palos Verdes) - Shreveport Mudbugs (NAHL) Ulysses Mikhailov - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) !

Cameron Miller (Anaheim) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Eric Moran (Artesia) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Sam Morton (Benicia) – Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) John Mulvihill (San Juan Capistrano) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL NCDC) Ty Murchison (Corona) - U.S. Under-17 Team (USHL) Carson Murison (Half Moon Bay) - Bradford Bulls (GMHL) Kiel Nance (Bakersfield) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Cameron Neaylon (Newark) - Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) Tyler Nelson (Pleasanton) - Espanola Express (NOJHL) Ryan Newman (Bakersfield) - Charlotte Rush (USPHL Premier) Sean Nichols (Fontana) - Connecticut Chiefs (EHL) Jackson Niedermayer (Newport Beach) – Penticton Vees (BCHL) Harley Nyhuis (Rancho Mirage) - Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) Liam Okanski (Villa Park) - Twin City Thunder (USPHL Premier) Michael Onda (Saugus) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Luke Ormsby - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) % Jerrett Overland - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) # Jonathan Panisa (Irvine) - Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) Sahil Panwar (Cerritos) - London Knights (OHL) Preston Park (Rancho Palos Verdes) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL NCDC) Cole Parker (San Diego) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Landon Pavlisin (Orange) - Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL) Dylan Peterson (Roseville) - U.S. Under-18 Team (USHL) Zachary Pires (Orange) - Ogden Mustangs (WSHL) Jake Pisarcik (Oak Park) - Atlanta Capitals (NA3HL) Dakota Pitts (Rancho Cucamonga) - Railers Jr. Hockey Club (EHL) Adam Plager (Cypress) - Mid Cities Jr. Stars (NA3HL) Stewart Pond (San Diego) - Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL) Jayden Price (Dove Canyon) - Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL)

Nicholas Privitera (Sun Valley) - Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL) Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) - New Jersey Titans (NAHL) Ethan Racz (Carlsbad) – Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) Seamus Radley (San Diego) - St. Louis Jr. Blues (NA3HL) Quentin Rahimi (Tracy) - Walpole Express (EHL Premier) Tristan Rand (Valencia) - New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) Alexander Randall (San Diego) - Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier) Nick Rashkovsky (Los Angeles) - Twin City Thunder (USPHL NCDC) Kurt Reger (Los Gatos) - Utica Jr. Comets (USPHL Premier) Alex Reyes (Anaheim Hills) - Vermont Lumberjacks (EHL Premier) Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) - Jersey Hitmen (USPHL NCDC) Luke Richesin (Clovis) - Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) Mitchell Rickert (Santa Rosa) - Connecticut Chiefs (EHL) Nick Robertson (Arcadia) - Peterborough Petes (OHL) Hunter Rogers (Simi Valley) - Philadelphia Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Kanyn Rogers (Luumsden) - Pueblo Bulls (WSHL) Cole Rorick (Anaheim) - San Diego Sabers (WSHL) Kaleb Ross (Visalia) - Pueblo Bulls (WSHL) Bryce Runyan (Riverside) - Texas Brahmas (NA3HL) Emmett Rupert (Santa Barbara) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Luc Salem (Santa Monica) - Topeka Pilots (NAHL) Miles Salzgeber (Sherman Oaks) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) James Sandberg (Thousand Oaks) - Jersey Hitmen (USPHL Elite) Hunter Sansbury (Lomita) - Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) Henri Schreifels (Agoura Hills) - Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) Isaac Schuster (Westminster) - Westshore Wolves (VIJHL) Harrison Scott (San Jose) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Leevi Selanne (Coto de Caza) - Texas Brahmas (NA3HL) Jackson Seltenreich (San Jose) - Cold Lake Hornets (WSHL) Sohrab Shamloo (San Jose) - Rochester Monarchs (USPHL NCDC) Ian Shane (Manhattan Beach) - Chicago Steel (USHL) Tyler Shea (Stevenson Ranch) - Austin Bruins (NAHL) Phillip Shemyakin (Mission Viejo) - Charlotte Rush (USPHL Premier) Cody Sherman (San Diego) - Tri-City Storm (USHL) Tyler Shetland (Laguna Hills) - Wisconsin Lumberjacks (SIJHL) Mattias Sholl (Hermosa Beach) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs (NAHL) Liam Smiley (San Diego) - Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Elite) Connor Smith (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Neepawa Natives (MJHL) Cooper Smyl (Fairfield) - Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) James Spaargaren (San Diego) - Rochester Monarchs (USPHL NCDC) James Stefan (Laguna Beach) - Portland Winterhawks (WHL) Riley Stern (Simi Valley) - Atlanta Capitals (NA3HL) Jered Stevenson (Stockton) - Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (USPHL Premier) Chad Storey (South Lake Tahoe) - Steamboat Wranglers (WSHL) Jake Sumner (Alta Loma) - Willmar WarHawks (NA3HL) Logan Sutton (Huntington Beach) - Utica Jr. Comets (USPHL Premier) Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside) - Dubuque Fighting Saints (USHL) Dante Terramani (Monterey Park) - New Jersey 87s (EHL) Todd Thompson, Jr. (San Jose) - Dallas Snipers (WSHL) Nicholas Tivy (Ventura) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Nick Torres (Long Beach) - Great Falls Americans (NA3HL) Tanner Turcotte (Huntington Beach) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Drake Usher (Upland) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Brent Valentine (Newport Beach) - East Coast Wizards (EHL) Justin Vickers (Murrieta) - New Jersey 87s (EHL) Greg Viehmeyer (Del Mar) - Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (USPHL Elite) David Vieten (Calabasas) - West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) Drew Vieten (Calabasas) - West Kelowna Warriors (BCHL) Alex Villa (Anaheim) - Kerry Park Islanders (VIJHL) Hunter Voyles (Aliso Viejo) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite) Jack Walsh (Oceanside) - Connecticut Jr. Rangers (USPHL Premier) Tristan Warr (Valencia) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) - Prince Albert Raiders (WHL) Jakob Wepman (Studio City) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL NCDC) Dustin Wolf (Tustin) - Everett Silvertips (WHL) Coalson Wolford (San Jose) - Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) Ethan Wolthers (Valencia) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Wyatt Wong (Glendale) - Rockets Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Jackson Wozniak (Cypress) - Grand Prairie Storm (AJHL) Kurt Yano (Orange) - Lansing Wolves (USPHL Premier) Lucas Yovetich (Los Angeles) - London Nationals (GOJHL) Alan Yu (Baldwin Park) - Cochrane Crunch (NOJHL)

PREP SCHOOL Max Abramson (Pacific Palisades) – Bishop’s College School Carter Anastasia (Sierra Madre) - Tahoe Prep Academy Colby Arioto (Fresno) - Tahoe Prep Academy Colton Bertagna (Chico) - Tahoe Prep Academy Blake Bishop (Temecula) - Tahoe Prep Academy Ian Bowman (Palm Desert) - Tahoe Prep Academy Alexander Boyko (Rocklin) – Tahoe Prep Academy Bobby Doukov (Seal Beach) - Tahoe Prep Academy Tyler Dunkel (Burbank) - Tahoe Prep Academy

Cameron Dunnigan (Bakersfield) – Tahoe Prep Academy Nikko Escobar (Ventura) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ezra Gale (Pomona) – Hoosac School Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton School Jacob Halliday (Valencia) – St. Paul’s Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Grant Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Leo Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Tristan Lam (Arcadia) – Bishop’s College School Noah Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Drew Mazza (Mission Viejo) - Tahoe Prep Academy Seth McKenna (Moorpark) – Tilton School Zach Mojarro (Bishop) – The Gunnery Brian Morse (Fresno) – The Gunnery Josh Niedermayer (Newport Beach) – Okanagan Hockey Academy Jacob Nordorf (Gardena) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ellis O’Dowd (Santa Barbara) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ben Palmersheim (Palm Springs) - Tahoe Prep Academy Luke Peterson (Moorpark) – The Gunnery Quinn Proctor (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Academy Garrett Reagan (San Jose) - Tahoe Prep Academy Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Northern Alberta X-Treme Prep Kai Schumann (Sacramento) - Tahoe Prep Academy Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Prep Academy Dylan Silverstein (Calabasas) – Dexter Southfield Steven Soos (Pasadena) – The Winchendon School Simon Thue (San Jose) – Millbrook School Weston Turner (Granite Bay) - The Groton School Bradley Wang (Arcadia) – Choate Rosemary Hall

NEVADA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY Michael McNicholas (Reno) - Maine Mariners (ECHL) Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas) – Esbjerg EfB Ishockey (Denmark) Joey Raats (Las Vegas) - Briancon (France) Bryce Reddick (Las Vegas) - Cardiff Devils (United Kingdom) Gage Quinney (Las Vegas) - Chicago Wolves (AHL) Joe Sullivan (Las Vegas) - Indy Fuel (ECHL) Derek Sutliffe (Las Vegas) - Evansville Thunderbolts (SPHL) Cory Ward (Las Vegas) - Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) - Minnesota Wild (NHL)

COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN Dominic Garcia (Las Vegas) - Arizona State (Independent) Brendan Harris (Henderson) - Bemidji State (WCHA) Graham McPhee (Las Vegas) - Boston College (Hockey East) NCAA DIVISION II – MEN Vito Carlo (Las Vegas) – Franklin Pierce (Northeast-10) NCAA DIVISION III – MEN Gage Roberts (Las Vegas) – Nazareth (UCHC)

JUNIOR HOCKEY Erik Atchison (Las Vegas) - Spokane Chiefs (WHL) Steven Avalone (Las Vegas) - Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) Hunter Barto (Las Vegas) - Minnesota Moose (USPHL Premier) Rhett Bruckner (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Caleb Day (Las Vegas) - Cold Lake Hornets (WSHL) Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) - Texas RoadRunners (NA3HL) Luke Fundator (Las Vegas) - Sheridan Hawks (NA3HL) Ty Gartzke (Las Vegas) - Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier) Bryce Gould (Las Vegas) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL Premier) Aidan McNabb (Las Vegas) - Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (USPHL Premier) Hunter Meyer (Las Vegas) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Elite) Gunner Moore (Las Vegas) - Atlanta Capitals (NA3HL) Jackson Oleson (Stateline) - Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL) Jerrett Overland (Las Vegas) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Cody Printzen (Las Vegas) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Danny Ramos (Las Vegas) - Gillette Wild (NA3HL) Caesar Redoble (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Anthony Rodriguez (Henderson) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Cameron Sylvester (Las Vegas) - Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Elite) Blade Taylor (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Joe Terrana (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Gabe Testa (Las Vegas) - South Muskoka Shield (GMHL) Matthew Valdez (Las Vegas) - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (EHL) % former Los Angeles Jr. King + former California Titan * former LA Select

! former San Jose Jr. Shark # former Anaheim Jr. Duck $ former Anaheim Lady Duck

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TAHOE PREP ACADEMY

Tahoe Prep players building success, on and off the ice Continued from Page 15 The forward started his junior year at the Canadian International Hockey Academy in Ontario, Canada, and then transferred to Tahoe in Jan. 2019. The reason he returned to Tahoe for his senior year was because he saw how much he could develop there.

“I love being on the ice every day,” Bertagna said. “I go to the gym and play hockey, and I love it. Ice hockey has really taught me to be more physical in my play.”

Bertagna said the opportunities being offered to him in roller hockey may find him going back to the sport next year.

“I will probably end up at Lindenwood or Bethel University with a Division I roller hockey team,” he said, adding that he has spring visits planned to both schools.

Being a senior on the varsity team, Bertagna said he is trying to step up and set a good example. He has also found success in the San Jose Sharks High School Hockey League, with two goals and an assist.

“I’m not as consistent as I would like to be on the ice yet, but my shot is doing well,” Bertagna said. “I’m

just really enjoying this year. It’s definitely the lifestyle I like to live – being on the ice every day and in the gym.”

Garrett Reagan When Reagan told his parents he wanted to go to a hockey prep school, they brought up Tahoe Prep. The 14-year-old freshman from San Jose was a defenseman with the San Jose Jr. Sharks last year and was interested in doing more to advance his skills.

“I wanted to play junior hockey, and prep school seemed the best path,” Reagan said.

A major positive for Reagan and his family was Tahoe Prep’s proximity to home. He said his parents get to attend many of his varsity games and when they play in San Jose, he gets to spend some time at home. The academy’s training schedule has helped the freshman take significant strides in his hockey development.

“I get sore more often, but my shots have gotten harder, and I like the speed to the games,” Reagan

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said. “I think I’m good in the defensive zone, but I need to work on the offensive zone and recognizing plays.”

Reagan said the Tahoe Prep coaching staff offers a good range of training focuses, which can only make him better as he progresses through his high school career.

“Chris Collins is more focused on speed and skills, while Mike Lewis runs a lot more flow drills, and Leo Fenn handles mostly team-based drills - it’s a nice combination,” Reagan said.

Photo/Ed Fritz

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

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TYSON MCLELLAN

Position: Forward, University of Denver (NCHC, NCAA Division I) Hometown: San Jose California Youth Team: San Jose Jr. Sharks California Rubber: What are some of your favorite hockey memories in California?

Tyson McLellan: Going to Silver Sticks was always a big deal. It’s a huge tournament in the Detroit area. The guys got really excited about that. Our games against the Jr. Kings and the Selects were fun. There were good rivalries and good players on both sides who are still playing today. It was a time when California was becoming more of a hockey force.

CR: What’s your favorite memory since leaving California?

TM: Definitely when Denver won the NCAA Tournament my freshman year.

That was the coolest experience I’ve ever had in hockey. To win something so big with such a good group of guys and coaches was amazing.

CR: Are you particular about any of your gear?

TM: Yeah, I’m pretty particular. I have some superstitions. My stick has to be taped after every period. The blade can’t touch the ground until I go on the ice. I put it upside down before every period so it won’t touch. There’s nothing else crazy. I try to wear skates as long as I can. When I get dressed, everything goes right to left. Right skate, left skate, right shin pad, left shin pad, everything.

CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

TM: Pavel Datsyuk. I wish I could say I could play like him growing up.

CR: Do you have a favorite meal when you visit California?

TM: Now that I’m going back to Manhattan Beach, I’ve got to find some restaurants. I definitely like sushi. We had a really good spot in San Jose, so I’ve got to find a new place.

CR: You had the advantage of growing up around NHL teams (Tyson’s father Todd is a longtime NHL coach). Are there any memories that stand out to you from that time?

TM: When I was younger, my dad was an assistant coach in Detroit. We went to Pittsburgh for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2008 when the Red Wings won. That was the biggest memory. It was really cool to see a team accomplish that up close. I got to see something not everyone does.

CR: Then it was on to San Jose.

TM: Yes, the Sharks hired my dad right after that. So I played with the Jr. Sharks from my last year of Pee Wee through Midgets.

CR: You’re one of the better players in NCAA hockey at winning faceoffs. What do you do to improve that skill?

TM: A lot of practice. Being around a lot of NHL players, I saw how hard they worked at it. Grabbing guys after practice, taking those extra 10-15 faceoffs every day goes a long way. I watch a lot of video, too. It evolves like anything else in the sport. You find new ways to get better.

CR: Do you have a favorite road trip?

TM: As a kid, it was fun just being able to go anywhere to a tournament and miss school. Now (NCHC rival) Miami of Ohio is probably the best place we go. That’s a fun atmosphere.

CR: What are some essentials for you for road trips?

TM: I definitely bring my computer for Netflix. I’m pretty easy-going as long as I have something to watch. I don’t have to bring too many things.

Photo/Shannon Valerio/Denver Athletics

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

CR: The game has changed so much in the past 10-15 years. What do you see in the future?

TM: I think it’s going to get faster and faster. Smaller players are getting a lot more opportunities, which is cool to see. Maybe 20 years ago, some guys in the NHL now would have never gotten that opportunity.

- Compiled by Chris Bayee