California Rubber Magazine - February 2018

VOLUME 11

ISSUE 6

FEBRUARY 2018

TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY ALREADY PREPARING FOR YEAR NO. 3 JR. KINGS CAPTURE FOUR CAHA TIER I STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS CAPISTRANO BEACH PRODUCT PLOTNIK MAKES NCAA D-I CHOICE SPRING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ON THE HORIZON IN SAN JOSE

Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles 2017-18

Tournament Series

TinseltownHockeyTournaments.com

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FROM THE EDITOR Don’t look now, but we’re coming up on the season’s home stretch

I

Matt Mackinder

t’s hard to believe, but the time of year is fast approaching when wins mean playing into the spring and losses mean going home and getting ready for next season.

We’ve already seen the start of the Tier I playoffs and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings swept the first four tournaments (see Page 12). More postseason action and drama is forthcoming.

Truth be told, when we watch these youth tournaments – all levels included – the passion these young boys and girls exude is just remarkable. The emotions, the pressure, it’s all there and it’s been a process since late summer getting to this point

of the season.

At the pro level, the three NHL teams and Vegas Golden Knights (Stanley Cup contenders if you ask me!) continue to thrill us each night. We also learned the NHL will come to the SAP Center next January with the announcement that the 2019 All-Star Game has been awarded to San Jose for the first time in 22 years. The last time San Jose hosted the event was when Owen Nolan scored a hat trick in his home rink with his third goal the “called shot” on Dominik Hasek.

Who doesn’t remember THAT? The state’s five AHL teams are also grinding it out to have the chance to hoist the Calder Cup in the coming months as well.

Needless to say, there is hockey everywhere. And we couldn’t be happier!

All season long, we’ve enjoyed the ride and we plan on that exciting journey continuing.

Best of luck to all the players, coaches, staff and fans the rest of the way!

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 Wilson

WINTER WONDERLAND

Here’s a cool story.

The Los Angeles Kings and YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles have partnered together to help introduce kids to the fundamentals of youth hockey through clinics and league play.

Beginning this month, the LA Kings Ball Hockey League will start with ball hockey being offered in a special eight-week session at 10 area YMCA branches. Practices will be held once a week with one game each Saturday and kids will be assigned to teams by age and skill level.

Per the Tier I policy set forth by the CAHA Board of Directors on Jan. 23, 2018, the following associations will be recognized as Tier I programs for the 2018-19 season.

• 11U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks • 12U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks • 13U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks • 14U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Golden State Elite, Jr. Sharks • 15U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks • 16U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Sharks • 18U – Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Reign, Jr. Sharks

The California Amateur Hockey Association announced recently that California will be sending a team of high school players to participate in the 2018 America’s Showcase national hockey tournament.

Players from the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League, Los Angeles Kings High School League and talents from the Northern California High School Hockey Leagues will combine to form Team California. The event will take place April 19-23 in St. Louis.

Selected to lead the team are coaches Jeff Noviello (JSerra), Dan Adams (Orange Lutheran) and Barry Sherer (Damien).

Go get ‘em, Team California!

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Team Rink Rat was crowned NARCH Winternationals Women’s Gold Division champions last month in Huntington Beach. More inline coverage on Pages 24-25. Photo/Allie Tuazon

ON THE COVER Players from the San Diego Ice Arena youth program take time out to gather recently at their home rink. Pictured front is Sophia Sidell (Pee Wee B) and back row, from left to right, are Luc Andreassi (Bantam A), Nash Wilford (Mite A), Christian Navarro (Pee Wee BB), Luca Savant (Squirt B) and Ian Abcarius (Central Cathedral Jets JV). Photo/Steve Sidell

– m a r g o r p r u o t u You’ve heard abo ! t u o b a l l a e r ’ e w t a now see wh

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Striking It Rich SDIA program on the rise thanks to a unique approach that always puts family first

“We have a lot of people in the community who are involved at the rink - they share their experience with their network of friends and end up bringing more and more people to our facility,” Sterling said.

Gary Andreassi has been coaching hockey in San Diego for decades and currently coaches the SDIA Oilers’ Squirt BB team. He has been with the organization more than 10 years and also assists with the in-house program, so he has a strong understanding of what makes SDIA such a special place.

“Craig has put together such a great program that’s

By Greg Ball

T

he afternoon of June 30 was about a memorable as they come for members of the tight-knit community that calls San Diego Ice Arena its second home.

Just 19 days after the Pittsburgh Penguins had wrapped up a 4-2 series victory over the Nashville Predators in the 2017 Stanley Cup Final, the most unique and most coveted trophy in sports made its first visit to the rink tucked away in a corner of the country that those from elsewhere still may not consider an area that breeds hockey players.

Chad Ruhwedel, a defenseman who played 30 games for Pittsburgh in his second season with the franchise last year, cut his hockey teeth with SDIA from 19952002. He went on to play in the United States Hockey League and NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell before signing with the Buffalo Sabres and later landing with the eventual Stanley Cup champions, but hasn’t forgotten where he came from and where the foundation for his hockey career started.

“It was cool to see some of my old teammates, coaches and rink staff that I grew up with,” Ruhwedel told a local TV station that day, as family, friends, former teammates and current SDIA players packed the rink to get a glimpse of the trophy. “The support that they’ve given me over the years has been amazing, and it was really cool to be able to bring (the Cup) here and share it with them.” family oriented, It was a banner day for SDIA, and in many and he really lets the ways a validation for all the efforts that hockcoaches do their own thing even as we’re all ey director Craig Sterling and his coaching on the same page as far as players developstaff put in day in and day out. While Ruhing from level to level,” Andreassi said. “I’ve wedel’s time with the program preceded been there since I was a kid when the rink him, Sterling knew when he landed in San first opened - my car only goes there.”

Diego that he was taking on a special opporHe said all the efforts that Sterling and tunity and that he’d have a chance to shape the coaches make to provide social opporthe lives of thousands of kids, whether they tunities between practices and games really went on to become Stanley Cup champions pays off when it comes to teams gelling and or simply used their time with SDIA to develreally getting to know each other. op into individuals of strong character who “It’s a huge part of being a team,” said along the way discovered a lifelong love for Andreassi, who has a son and a daughter hockey. playing in the program. “We bring the family “It’s not just about hockey, but it’s about members together, too, so they all feel like developing these players into good adults,” they’re involved.”

Sterling said. “There have been so many kids Another one of Sterling’s most trusted that I have seen over the years who are now long-time coaches is Brad Belland, who playing in college or have come back to play is the head coach of the high school varsity in our adult leagues. Some are playing with team and an assistant with the junior varsity their dads. It’s really cool to have that expesquad. The former San Diego Gulls center rience.” worked in the team’s front office for a few Sterling’s goal ever since he started in his years and then joined up with SDIA to help current position nine years ago has been to grow the game locally at the youth level. create a family atmosphere that keeps kids He has been with the organization since and their parents wanting to come to the rink he son started playing with the Oilers 10 and spend time there. From post-game baryears ago. beques in the expansive picnic area just out“I’ve been involved with youth hockey side the rink to team outings and other social The youth program at the San Diego Ice Arena this season is six teams strong at the A, here in San Diego since 1995, and Craig is a events, he and his fellow coaches have de- B and BB levels in SCAHA, in addition to two high school teams playing in the ADHSHL. very good friend of mine,” Belland explained.

Photo/Steve Sidell veloped a true community at their facility.

“I love what SDIA is doing as a program as “A lot of it has to do with the ‘wow’ factor,” Sterling said. “People walk in here far as making it an incredible atmosphere for hockey families. and are really impressed with how clean the facility is and all the things that we offer “A lot of the people playing hockey in San Diego are transplants from other parts around the rink. There are things for families to do here while their kids are practicing of the country and the world, so the people they meet at SDIA become like their secor playing games.” ond family.”

The Oilers this season are icing eight teams - at the Squirt B and BB, Pee Wee As far as Sterling sees it, his role at SDIA is all about welcoming people into the B and BB and Bantam A and B levels playing in SCAHA as well as varsity and junior rink, encouraging them to get involved and then ensuring that he and his staff are varsity squads playing in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League. That’s in doing all the right things to ensure that they feel like one big happy family. In a region addition to 20 adult men’s teams that call SDIA home, and three adult women’s teams, where it’s more common to own a surfboard than skates, that’s a big part of what has 12 teams playing in-house hockey and hundreds of kids figure skating. There are ap- made the Oilers such a smashing success. proximately 70 coaches involved, and the organization is bigger than it has even been.

“You hear a lot of people come here and say, ‘I didn’t know there was hockey in With just once sheet of ice, the rink is constantly in use, and Sterling has taken ex- San Diego,’ but once they come to our rink, we make them feel so welcome that they traordinary steps to ensure that every hour kids and their families spend there makes never leave,” Sterling said. “They want to be involved and keep coming to the rink. them feel like part of something bigger than just hockey.

“We’re so big on creating that family atmosphere.”

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

CGBHockey.com

OneHockey inviting Western clubs to help make history

By Kevin Conway

T

he numbers are staggering.

The logistics are astonishing.

But what actually might be most remarkable about the Guinness World Records-validated OneHockey Holiday Invite 2018 this December is what inspired the notion of hosting the largest hockey tournament the sport has ever seen.

“This idea came to me while I was sleeping – true story,” said OneHockey founder and COO Sebastien Fortier. “It was 2:48 in the morning in March of last year. I woke up with this idea, a clear, clear idea of what I wanted to do. So later, I contacted George Atkinson, Michigan Amateur Hockey Association (MAHA) president, and he loved the idea, which is why they are supporting us.”

Fortier’s concept is as simple as it is unnerving to orchestrate – organize the biggest hockey tournament the world has ever seen while giving the sport a boost in the state with the second largest membership in the nation. OneHockey selected the Great Lakes State as the site to attempt the world record-setting event as a way to support MAHA. Fortier said several thousand dollars in proceeds will be donated to the association.

“Michigan has been going through hard economic times over the past few years, and we are so glad to give back to the state’s youth,” said Fortier, amazed by the response youth hockey programs from across the globe have shown since receiving a OneHockey invitation to make hockey history.

The Records Management Team from Guinness World Records has officially recognized this extravaganza in its attempt to top the current tournament re-

cord, which was set at the 37th Annual Minor Hockey Week Tournament from Jan. 5-13, 2007, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. That tourney featured 664 teams, comprised of 10,992 players competing in 957 games on 42 sheets of ice. The OneHockey Holiday Invite 2018 is expected to shatter all those marks.

“This is so exciting – hockey people are eating this up,” Fortier said. “Rarely do we talk to someone who is not interested. And the only reason why it’s not full right now is not everybody has heard about it yet.”

The Ontario Jr. Reign, as well as other associations from Arizona and Colorado, are sending their entire programs to Michigan for the Christmas holiday vacation this year just to be part of this record-setting spectacular.

“We can take one or two more full programs from California, Arizona, Colorado or another Western state,” Fortier said. “But these teams need to contact us now or they’re going to miss the boat. We already have several teams from Arizona, Colorado and California committed to this event, so why wait? You will be part of history.”

Not including Michigan teams, which could number as many as four in each of the tourney’s 58 divisions, the Holiday Invite 2018 already has more than 450 teams ready to invade 58 sheets of ice from Grand Rapids to

Livonia. To boost both the number of entrants and talent level, Fortier is spending much of February scouting teams throughout Quebec, including those elite clubs attending the world-renowned Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.

“If you’ve ever played in a OneHockey tournament and liked what you saw, you’re going to see a lot more in the Guinness tournament,” said Fortier, who began OneHockey in 2003 as a spring/summer tournament series but has expanded the organization to more than 25 worldwide events year-round. “It’s going to really come down to a bunch of 12-team tournaments. Even though we’ll have 700-plus teams, we’re considering each division as its own tournament.”

For customer convenience, each division will play at one dedicated ice facility for the entire tournament, avoiding having to trek across the state for each game. Prospective teams are encouraged to view the Holiday Invite 2018 YouTube video at www.OneHockey.com to get a clearer understanding on how OneHockey will earn its place in the Guinness World Records book.

“We expect to turn away hundreds, if not thousands of teams,” Fortier said. “I know we’ll have to decline a spot to so many teams, so I urge teams and programs not to wait. Make your commitment now.”

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

NXT Level Hockey training making a major impact in SoCal

By Matt Mackinder

T

hese days, hockey training tends to run 365 days a year – and NXT Level Hockey is part of that trend.

Run out of THE RINKS-Yorba Linda by former junior, college and pro players Mike Bickley and Brady Horn, NXT Level Hockey is now in its eighth year of operation.

NXT Level Hockey started in 2010 when Bickley retired from playing professional hockey. He’s been instructing power skating and skill development in the Pacific Region for over 10 years with kids from as young as five on up to junior, college and professional players.

Horn had been playing hockey since he was eight years old but didn’t get into ice hockey until he was 12, so he was a bit of a late bloomer. He said he spent a lot of time on the ice training by himself growing up.

“I was looking to give back to the game that has given me so much,” said Bickley. “I originally started off doing power skating and individual skill training at THE RINKS-Yorba Linda and THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE.” “Mike approached me to coach in 2014 when I had got done playing and just moved back home, but I just wasn’t ready to jump right back in quite yet,” added Horn. “I think I needed some time away from the game to figure out what I wanted to do. I also wanted to make sure I did it for the right reasons. Mike asked me a few more times and I decided to help coach some teams and assist him on some summer camps. Soon after, I started focusing on just

helping kids with shooting.” to home. Mike and I both played the game at a high Catering to “every kid, every age” with the de- level and we know what it takes for youth hockey sire to learn the game and improve their individual players to play at the next level whether it be juniors, skills, NXT Level Hockey has year-round shooting college or professional.” programs, power skating programs and camps/miniHorn noted that he and Bickley are on the same camps throughout the summer that are geared to- page when it comes to the philosophy of hockey inwards shooting and skating. struction.

“We own our own shooting facility and it features “The two main points that Mike and I always seem a state-of-the-art hockey to hammer home to the kids training system called Rapwe are teaching or coaching idshot and two synthetic ice is to always work hard and shooting lanes,” Horn said. have fun,” Horn said. “One “We are the only facility in doesn’t work without the oththe entire state of California er, but obviously with hockey that has a RapidShot. Our instruction, building a strong program is lucky enough to understanding of what we have a shooting facility, an are teaching and why we are NHL-sized sheet of ice and a teaching skill development is strength and conditioning faimportant in order to improve cility (Mettle Strength) under their individual skill set and one roof. “ to contribute to their teams’ Bickley utilizes the ice to success. run the power skating pro“We also believe that gram and is highly regarded along with having fun and by many in Southern Califorworking hard, every hockey nia. player needs to have a conBoth Horn and Bickley sistent work ethic in order to grew up in Southern Califor- Mike Bickley (left) and Brady Horn both grew up in Southern be successful on and off the nia and had the opportunity California and now run and operate the NXT Level Hockey ice. We try and integrate life training facility out of THE RINKS-Yorba Linda. to play all over North Amerlessons and develop characica. teristics into our students that will help them later in “Some of the programs we played for had some life. Some of the best results come from connecting amazing facilities,” said Horn. “We saw a great op- with our students on a personal, mental and hockey portunity to provide that same experience a bit closer level.”

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ONEHOCKEY

California events unveil secret behind OneHockey success

By Kevin Conway

Y

ou only get one chance to make a memorable first impression, and OneHockey California’s debut last Thanksgiving weekend certainly passed the test.

During the first holiday extravaganza in its home state for the world’s No. 1 hockey tournament organizer, 34 West Coast teams descended on the L.A. Kings IceTown rinks in Riverside for their introduction to the acclaimed OneHockey Experience, forever changing those players’ and coaches’ expectations of what a youth hockey tournament should deliver on and off the ice.

“Nobody around here has ever seen anything like us before,” said Sebastien Fortier, the Laguna Hills resident who founded OneHockey in 2003. “They loved the tournament, and there’s going to be more to come. We’re going to hold tournaments in California pretty much every holiday weekend.”

The next one took place this month back in Riverside for the OneHockey California-Presidents Day Weekend tourney, which ran Feb. 16-19. This festival-like spectacle was a five-game-guaranteed event that featured competition for the Pee Wee through Midget/high school age groups at the B, A and AA levels.

“We impressed tons people during Thanksgiving weekend with nearly 40 teams for a first-time tournament,” said Fortier. “And we impressed a whole bunch more Presidents Day weekend. We are definitely impressing them at the IceTown rinks in Carlsbad and Riverside and soon, around more arenas around California.”

The Icetown rinks in both communities are year-round facilities owned and operated by the NHL franchise that of-

fer everything from youth and adult hockey to figure skating, be/9NtZfsyj21c) that recaps the 2017 event for a brief initiasled hockey and broomball. Players from Southern California tion to what the OneHockey Experience is all about. as well as the Southwest corner of the country are certainly “If they watch this video, they’ll say, ‘Whoa, this is crazy! familiar with the Riverside and Carlsbad twin-sheet locations. We have to play in this!’” he insists.

But these same players could soon be shut out from these A OneHockey event is anything but your everyday tourevents in their own backyards due to the popularity of the nament at your neighborhood rink. The experience starts recently that added stops on the OneHockey calendar. by transforming each venue into a OneHockey Arena with “It’s going to become more difficult for Southern Cali- hundreds of feet of banners, posters and flags. That’s folfornia, Arizona and even Colorado teams to play in our lowed with the amusing mascot and festive music streamtournaments here because we ing throughout each rink as expect soon that more than 50 well as a mini-expo of vendors percent of the teams playing in and red carpet social media these new events will be from interviews taking place in the outside this area,” said Fortier, lobby. And, of course, there’s whose group organizes and the trademark championship celebrations complete with hosts more than 25 tournathe OneHockey Cup raising ments year-round around the and non-alcoholic champagne world, including a once-in-ashowers. lifetime opportunity to play in Besides providing the most Moscow this August thanks to a partnership with legendary The Ontario Jr. Reign celebrates a Pee Wee A division entertaining events the indusRussian goaltender Vladislav championship during this past Thanksgiving week- try has to offer, OneHockey will also be making history in Tretiak. “Teams from across end’s OneHockey tournament in Riverside. the U.S. and Canada follow OneHockey wherever we go, December as Fortier’s group embarks on setting a Guinand we’re already receiving a lot of interest in our Califor- ness World Record for hosting the largest tournament ever. OneHockey is partnering with the Michigan Amateur nia tournaments for next season.”

Later in 2018, OneHockey will return to the IceTown Hockey Association to put on the largest tourney the sport locations for Memorial Day and Fourth of July tourneys as has ever seen during the Holiday Invite 2018 across the well as the second Thanksgiving weekend extravaganza. Great Lakes State. California and Southwest U.S. youth Fortier urges the West Coast youth hockey community to hockey programs interested in being part of a world-record take a moment to view the YouTube video (https://youtu. hockey festival can register at www.OneHockey.com.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Royal Recognition program highlights academic accolades

By Greg Ball

E

ver since the L.A. Kings High School Hockey League started, it has placed a heavy emphasis on academic achievement, calling attention to students who excel not only on the ice, but also in the classroom.

That’s why the Royal Recognition program means so much to league administrators, coaches and players.

The program recognizes players who compile a gradepoint average of 3.8 or higher each semester, and this fall, players from across the league were honored with a sticker on their helmets and special recognition.

“When I took over this position, I made it a priority to focus on academics,” said Emma Tani, the Kings’ coordinator of league and rinks in the hockey development division. “Sometimes we get caught up on things, like on-ice performance and statistics, but I think it’s important that we also recognize those who excel in the classroom.”

Those recognized for the fall semester included: Newbury Park Panthers players Ben Grooms, Roman Murray and Ashton Goerner; Burbank Cougars players Anton Wagner, Jake Kovinsky, Eli Dayen, Garabed Simitian, Felix Goldwasser and Devon Dunn; Valencia Vikings players Alex Chon and Brandon Iles; East County Outlaws players Joseph DeMartino, Nick Polydoros, Ethan Kim and Dylan Freed; Kern County Knights players Chaz Catallo; Branden Bernotas, Nikolas Friedenberg, Cade Moxham, Tyler Smith and Enrique Galvin; West Ranch Wildcats players Alex Duforest, Noah Du-

forest, Dylan Litwak, Josh Xie, Jack McNamara, Dominick Husted and Logan Resendez; South Bay Stingrays players Ethan Gauvreau, Alex Cruz and Brendan Campbell; Santa Barbara Royals players Shea Rousseau, Andrew Salentine, Alyssa Dixon, Jonathan Weakliem, Henry Bleasdale and Dylan Lawrence; and Bishop Union Broncos player Michael Boothe.

The Knights’ Catallo and the Royals’ Rousseau logged the two highest GPAs - they each registered a 4.5. Both said that they were honored to be recognized and appreciate the emphasis that the Kings league places on academics.

Catallo, a junior defenseman who attends Frontier High School in Bakersfield, grew up playing hockey and joined the Knights during his sophomore year. He said he is self-motivated to achieve in the classroom.

“My parents really helped me when I was younger, but when I got to high school, I became a lot more independent and took on that responsibility myself,” Catallo said. “Growing up, you start to think about where you want to be when you grow up. I love hockey and I want to play in college, and if I can get the grades I want, I can go to the college I want and still play. I have worked

LAKLeague.com

really hard.”

Catallo hopes to attend UCLA or San Diego State and play club hockey while majoring in biology, with the goal of becoming a pediatric neurologist. He’s currently taking engineering, advanced placement English and U.S. history as well as honors classes in math analysis, physics and Spanish 3.

“I think it’s great that the Kings league’s priorities are with academics,” Catallo said.

Rousseau is a junior at San Marcos High School in Santa Barbara and plays left wing for the Royals. He said he’s always been focused on academic achievement and challenging himself in the classroom.

“I’ve learned how to study well and use my time wisely,” said Rousseau, who is currently taking advanced placement biology, Spanish 103 and precalculus. His school features longer class periods and fewer subjects each semester than other schools. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it.”

Rousseau wants to study science at UC Berkeley, UCLA or UC Santa Cruz. He said that he appreciates how the Kings league supports its players and what they’re doing as students, not just as athletes.

“You really want to focus on academics as much as possible,” he said. “If you’re not going to go to college to play a sport, it makes sense to focus on your schoolwork so you can have success in college and later in life.”

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TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER

Jr. Kings skate to four Tier I state championships

By Brian McDonough

T

he Los Angeles Jr. Kings had high expectations heading into the first wave of this year’s California Amateur Hockey Association Tier I State Championships, and they didn’t disappoint.

In sweeping fashion, the organization’s 18U AAA, 16U AAA, 15U AAA and Bantam AAA Major teams all celebrated titles in their respective divisions at the event, which was contested the first weekend of February at THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE. With the victories, the four clubs punched their tickets to the Pacific District Championships, which will be showcased from March 8-11 at Solar4America Ice at San Jose, to play for the right to compete in April’s USA Hockey Youth Nationals.

“Regardless the age group, winning a state championship at any level is no easy task, so to win four in one weekend certainly speaks volumes to the hard work and dedication each and every one of our players, coaches and families have put forth over the course of the season,” said Jr. Kings general manager of hockey operations Nick Vachon. “As an club, we couldn’t be more proud and can’t wait to see how these teams compete at districts and, hopefully, nationals.”

The Barry Dreger-coached 18U AAA team forged a 4-1 record at states, including a 3-1 triumph over the Anaheim Jr. Ducks in the championship game.

The 18s opened the weekend with a 1-0 loss to the Ontario Jr. Reign before rattling off wins over the California Titans (4-3 in overtime), Jr. Reign (2-0) and Jr. Ducks (6-4)

each picked up a win. before its rematch with Anaheim.

The Bantam Major team finished with a perfect 5-0 reForwards Malcolm Bohan and Vlad Fadeev led the Jr. Kings offensively at states, and goaltender Mattias cord at states, including a 10-2 victory over the Jr. Ducks Sholl backstopped the team to three of its victories, in- in the finale.

The Jeff Turcotte-led squad opened with 8-1 and 7-0 cluding the finale.

Led by Jack Bowkus, the 16U AAA club finished states wins over the Jr. Gulls and Jr. Ducks, respectively, before with a 3-1 mark, culminating in a 2-0 triumph over the Jr. besting the Jr. Gulls (6-0) and Jr. Ducks (4-1) again leading up to its title-game victory over Anaheim.

Ducks in the championship game.

Forward Paul Minnehan struck for 18 points (eight The 16s blanked the San Diego Jr. Gulls 7-0 to open the tournament before winning its first of three games goals) over the weekend to lead the Jr. Kings’ scoring attack, and goaltender Alex Bonplayed against Anaheim, 3-2 in a rouhi backstopped the club to four shootout. In Game 2 against the Jr. Ducks, Anaheim bested the Jr. of its five victories.

Kings 3-0 before their winner-takeLuc Robitaille, the Los Angeles Kings’ president and a Jr. Kings all rematch. board member, was quick to comDefenseman Gabe Shipper mend the program on its accomput home three goals over the plishment. weekend, and forwards Matt Ra“(These) achievements give us mos (two goals, assist) and Nic great pride, and congratulations are Gonzalez (goal, two assists) also picked up three points. In goal for Four Los Angeles Jr. Kings teams, including their in order to each one of (our players) 16U AAA squad, celebrated titles during the first L.A., netminder Andy Violette weekend of this year’s CAHA Tier I State Champi- as well as to (our) coaches and parearned all three victories. onships, which were played from Feb. 2-4 at THE ents,” said the Hall of Famer. “(Our players’) personal growth both (on In the 15 bracket, the Jr. Kings, RINKS-Lakewood ICE. Photo/Scott Eckstein led by head coach Jaro Modry, swept their best-of-three the ice) and as young people is our goal each season, and series against the Jr. Ducks with back-to-back 4-1 victories. (their) performance this year has made our entire organizaForward Thomas Stift led the Jr. Kings’ offensive tion proud.” charge with four goals (including a hat trick in Game 2) The Jr. Kings will shoot to run the table at Tier I states and two assists over the weekend, followed by defense- when their 13U, 12U and 11U teams tangle with the Jr. man Lucas Constantine (three assists). Between the Ducks and Jr. Sharks from March 2-4 at THE RINKS-Anapipes, goaltenders Kenna Berti and Michael Sochan heim ICE and THE RINKS-Westminster ICE.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

Bay Area Jr. Seals readying to expand spring program

By Matt Mackinder

S

pring hockey is fast approaching in the Bay Area and that means the return of the Bay Area Jr. Seals.

New this spring, however, is an expanded Jr. Seals spring program that will see many more area youth hockey players get the opportunity to suit up and keep enjoying the game of hockey.

The Jr. Seals have been a spring program in the Bay Area for the past six years and has primarily been for the Jr. Sharks’ Squirt, Pee Wee and Bantam teams.

This year, the program will include 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 birth years, 14U A and AA teams and 16U AA teams. There won’t be tryouts, just registration, which will be available later this month on the Jr. Sharks website.

Once registration is complete, practices and skates will be held at Solar4America Ice at San Jose and players will be assigned to teams. Most of the teams will play in a springtime tournament as well.

San Jose Jr. Sharks development coordinator Mike Janda heads up the Jr. Seals and said the addition of more teams was a combination of demand from current Jr. Sharks families and a sign that hockey is growing at a rapid in the Bay Area.

“We’ve seen a huge need for spring hockey in the past few years and we want to give our players the opportunity to keep playing hockey, if that’s what they want to do,” said Janda. “I won’t know for a couple weeks, but I would expect us to have three 2009 teams, three 2008 teams, three 2007 teams and three 2006 teams, which is huge. You’re talking four birth year teams within a four-year gap. We’ll still have our AAA

teams, which will be by invite only, but this program is meant to give everyone a place to play.”

Janda added that the Jr. Sharks as a whole have a philosophy that goes along with the Jr. Seals and what it means to the Bay Area.

“Naturally, we should be using the spring and summer months to play other sports and work

we’re going to try this out this year and then reevaluate what we do next year.

“It’s a change that needs to happen and there is a huge need for kids that want to play in the spring. Our kids were leaving to go play for other clubs and we want to keep our kids here and give them a place to skate.”

The Jr. Seals’ coaches will mostly be individuals already coaching with the Jr. Sharks and the assignments won’t be set until the Jr. Sharks assign the 201819 coaching staff. Ideally, a coach that coaches a Jr. Seals team in the spring will have that same level Jr. Sharks team next fall. “(Jr. Sharks director) Curtis Brown and myself will be out to some practices, which will all be skill-based practices, where the players are working on getting better and improving,” said Janda. “There won’t be an emphasis on winning necessarily, but more so on developing individual skills and preparing everyone for next year’s tryouts in May.” Janda added that the NHL has played a big role in The Bay Area Jr. Seals spring program is expanding this season to the Bay Area boom in hockey. include 2006, ’07, ’08 and ’09 birth years, in addition to 14U A, 14U “I think the success of hockey and the NHL in AA and 16U AA teams. general has drawn kids to want to play hockey,” Janda on our athleticism, but when your customers have been said. “I think the excitement of hockey and not standing asking for something for several years, and we’re not around picking grass in the outfield is what draws kids supplying it, that’s wrong,” Janda said. “We decided to to want to play hockey. It’s exciting, it’s moving, and I give our customers what they’ve been asking for and think that gets kids hooked.”

SJJrSharks.com

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PICTURE PERFECT Willie O’Ree celebrated the 60th anniversary of his breaking of hockey’s color barrier when he dropped the ceremonial puck for the San Diego Gulls’ inaugural Diversity Night on Jan. 20. O’Ree, pictured between the Gulls’ Jaycob Megna and John McCarthy of the San Jose Barracuda, is a San Diego County resident who is now 82.Photo/San Diego Gulls

The San Jose Jr. Sharks won the Bantam AAA division crown at the RoughRiders MLK Challenge, held Jan. 12-15 at The Sport Stable in Superior, Colo.

The Tri-Valley Blue Devils’ high school Division 3 team took home its division championship with an overtime win at the Chicago CrossRoads Big Bear tournament on Jan. 15.

The Anaheim Lady Ducks captured the 14U AA division title at the 15th annual MLK Girls/Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, hosted by the San Jose Jr. Sharks and held Jan. 12-15 at Solar4America Ice in San Jose.

The San Jose Jr. Sharks captured the Bantam A division and championship banner at the Arizona Cactus Cup, held Jan. 12-15 at rinks across Phoenix.

The San Jose Jr. Sharks captured the Bantam AA division and championship banner at the Arizona Cactus Cup, held Jan. 12-15 at rinks across Phoenix.

Four former Anaheim Lady Ducks standouts met on NCAA Division III ice last month as Elmira College topped Trinity College 5-0. Pictured, from left to right, are Tristen Tolan (Elmira), Kai Karpman (Trinity), Bella Hanson (Elmira) and Devyn Gilman (Elmira).

The Anaheim Lady Ducks captured the 17U AA division title at the 15th annual MLK Girls/Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, hosted by the San Jose Jr. Sharks and held Jan. 12-15 at Solar4America Ice in San Jose.

The LA Lions’ 10U team captured the 10U A division championship at the 15th annual MLK Girls/Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, hosted by the San Jose Jr. Sharks and held Jan. 12-15 at Solar4America Ice in San Jose.

The Tri-Valley Lady Blue Devils won the 10U B division championship at the 15th annual MLK Girls/Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament, hosted by the San Jose Jr. Sharks and held Jan. 12-15 at Solar4America Ice in San Jose.

Submit your favorite hockey photos to pictureperfect@rubberhockey.com!

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY

As Year 3 on tap, THA attracting players from across U.S.

By Greg Ball

I

t may only be February, but while the focus of the student-athletes at Tahoe Hockey Academy is solely on academics and their teams’ performance on the ice, administrators are already deep into their planning for next year.

After nearly two full academic years and hockey seasons, THA has established itself as a known quantity among high school-aged hockey players and their parents. Families know that the academy has delivered on its promise to provide a top-notch educational environment and to give young hockey players the tools to improve their skills and prepare for the next level.

In turn, that has made generating interest in attending the academy significantly easier than it was two years ago or even after the academy’s first year. Open enrollment started in early February, and already Tahoe has had three new players commit – one from Alaska, one from Texas and another from New Jersey. The academy has even hosted a player from New Zealand who is interested in attending.

“It’s been a crazy road that we’ve been on as the buzz has built around us,” said Tahoe prep team coach Mike Lewis. “To think that people are coming to us from everywhere from Alaska to New Zealand is maybe not something we would have expected would happen so quickly. It has been great.”

Tahoe has iced a high school team and a prep team the last two seasons, and if interest continues on its cur-

rent path, the academy may add a junior varsity squad next year in conjunction with the local high school.

THA has put itself in position to be an attractive place to play and develop hockey skills by building brand new dormitories, adding a fully renovated, college-style locker room to their rink, signing an affiliation agreement with the USPHL’s Potomac Patriots and pursuing entry next season into the new and highly competitive NAHL Prep league.

“During that first year, the hardest thing was just getting your name out there, because nobody had ever heard of us,” Lewis said. “We were trying to sell people on the idea of what we were trying to do. Now, we have had the exposure of playing outside of California and the success we have had. Where it used to be us knocking on peoples’ doors, now they’re knocking on our doors saying ‘I’ve heard about you guys and everything you’re doing. I’d like to see if you can help my son.’ It makes the conversations a lot easier when people already know who we are.”

Lewis and varsity coach Leo Fenn, along with the rest of the academy’s coaches and administrators, will find themselves on the road plenty in upcoming months, continuing to spread the word about Tahoe Hockey

Academy and educating those who may already be interested.

At the end of March, they will have a presence at a showcase in Burbank, featuring many of the top teams from East Coast prep schools. Run by Peter Torsson, the director of hockey with the California Golden Bears, it’s an event that Tahoe Hockey Academy expressed in attending last year. Torsson suggested they take a year to prove themselves, and because they’ve done that so well, he welcomed them with open arms this year.

They’ll also travel to Colorado for the CCM Hockey Showcase in May, as well as the Global Las Vegas Hockey Camp and Clinic in Las Vegas in June.

“Having the academic and athletic arms synced together and having it where kids aren’t traveling hours each day to practices is huge,” Lewis said. “When we talk to parents, they understand that our kids are like-minded in their pursuit of hockey development and strong academics. It really resonates with a lot of parents because so many of them are interested not only in their kids becoming the best hockey players they can be, but focusing on their schoolwork and preparing themselves for higher education.”

TahoeHockeyAcademy.com

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17-18 season.

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

THE RINKS, Ducks proof that game of hockey for everyone

By THE RINKS Staff

I

ntroduced last year, the NHL and NHL Players’ Association jointly hosted the first-ever Hockey is For Everyone Month in February.

A part of the You Can Play program, the initiative reaffirms the official policy of the sport is one of the inclusion on the ice, in the locker rooms and in the stands.

“Our clubs, our players and our fans are committed to welcoming everyone to hockey,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “While the NHL family strives for diversity and inclusiveness all year long, February is Hockey Is For Everyone month, which will highlight, on a daily basis, the many ways our sport brings greater attention, heightened awareness and broader opportunities.”

This year, all 31 teams will celebrate with unique programming, partnerships, ceremonies and community activations.

In keeping with the campaign, THE RINKS will have special programming during the month to highlight the initiative and continue the year-long promotions of inclusion across all development hockey programs.

On Feb. 24, THE RINKS’ Top Flight program will take center stage at THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE when over 50 new participants, all with special needs, take to the ice for their very first time at a Top Flight on ICE. The free event will introduce these special participants to the sport of ice hockey with a special Try Hockey For Free session, group Learn to Skate, and public skating to enjoy with family and friends.

For individuals, who are not too comfortable on the viduals who either thought their hockey careers were over ice, every Friday during the month THE RINKS-Hunting- or would never start. We are looking forward to her repreton Beach Inline will host the street hockey edition of the senting us and our country during the upcoming season.”

For the public, THE RINKS has led the league with Top Flight program, currently in its 15th season. This program gives individuals with special needs the chance to affordable and accessible avenues to hockey with two play street hockey in a safe environment with family and development beginner programs. The first is the Anaheim friends. Participants of all ages and skill levels receive Ducks Learn to Play Hockey program, powered by Ryan advice from expert coaches to help develop their hockey Getzlaf and Corey Perry, which provides affordable ways for both youth and adults to skills and then put those skills to get started playing hockey. The the test in a game. program offers first-time hockey Additionally, THE RINKS-Poway ICE is home to the newly-inplayers a chance to get on the troduced San Diego Ducks Sled rink, play hockey, and borrow a Hockey Program. One of the fastfull set of hockey equipment for est growing sled hockey teams free. in the country, the program hosts For those already comfortyouth and adult teams, many of able skating, but new to hockey, which are disabled veterans.

THE RINKS offer, in conjunction Aaron Loy was selected for with the NHL’s Learn to Play iniU.S. Men’s Development Sled tiative, the Little Ducks Hockey Hockey Team, while Sarah BetInitiation program – a six-week, Bettencourt, founder of the San Diego Ducks sled low-cost program that provides tencourt, founder of the San Sarah team, was selected for the U.S. Women’s Sled Hockey Diego Ducks sled team, was team and will be in PyeongChang for the 2018 Paralympics participants with their own set of free hockey equipment to keep. selected for the U.S. Women’s Games next month. Photo/THE RINKS Although Hockey is for Everyone month is celebrated Sled Hockey team and will be in PyeongChang for the in February, THE RINKS is committed to making hockey 2018 Paralympics Games next month.

“We are excited for Sarah’s selection to the U.S. programs accessible for everyone every month of the year Women’s Sled Hockey team,” said THE RINKS market- and strives to offer a variety of different programs for boys ing director Jesse Chatfield. “Her love for the game on and girls of all ages and skill levels, and different outlets to and off the ice has made a huge difference for many indi- enjoy the sport.

AnaheimDucks.com

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Lady Ducks continue to build organization from ground up

By Chris Bayee

T

rips to Pacific District and USA Hockey Youth Nationals tournaments are nothing new for the Anaheim Lady Ducks.

After all, four of their teams (14U AA and AAA, 16U AA and AAA) are headed to districts in early March in San Jose, and their 19U AAA team is qualified for Nationals.

While that’s exciting, very little of that would be possible without the program’s growth at its youngest levels. This season, the Lady Ducks have a 6U program with eight girls playing and two full 8U teams with 10 girls each.

“That is really the foundation of how programs gain the depth and excellence at the older levels,” Lady Ducks program director Kathy McGarrigle said. “For almost 10 years, we’ve had this 8U foundation. It’s very satisfying to see girls advance all the way to college. It speaks to the overall process of the pyramid.”

When the program began in 1999, the Lady Ducks had 19U and 15U teams as that was the need in Southern California at the time. Before you knew it, a 12U level was added.

“If you build it, they will come,” McGarrigle said. “When Annie (Pankowski) was a Squirt and because of her and her sister Alison and others, we extended it to 10U. “Two years later, ‘Barnesy’ (Cayla Barnes) was playing 6U Mites with the Jr. Ducks and we looked at her age group and said, ‘Let’s try 8U.’” Pankowski has represented USA Hockey at every level since her late teens, and Barnes made the U.S. Olympic team that competed in South Korea this month.

Now, the Lady Ducks have more than a dozen teams with multiple squads at 8U, 10U, 12U, 14U and 16U. “It starts with getting girls together, making friends and building that rapport with others,” McGarrigle said. “To be able to accomplish that in California is very inspiring.”

JrDucks.com

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

NEVADA REPORT CPJHL finds success at Vegas’ Golden Knights’ success helping Western States Shootout event with player contract extensions

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

E

T

very year just prior to Christmas, the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) stages its annual Western States Shootout showcase event in Las Vegas.

Each WSHL team is present and in 2016 and 2017, All-Star teams from the Canadian Premier Junior Hockey League (CPJHL) joined the fray.

This season, two teams of CPJHL players traveled to Las Vegas and experienced feedback from college and higher-level junior team scouts. One of the CPJHL squads also defeated the established Superior RoughRiders team at City National Arena.

“It’s nice to see our top players doing so well,” CPJHL president Stephane Laveault said. “A big compliment to the CPJHL was to hear scouts tell us that our league was underrated, and that they would love to come to our CPJHL Showcases. This just proves that the league is moving in the right direction. We are only in Year 2 – and there is a lot more to come.”

Essa Stallions coach-GM Sylvain Cloutier was also impressed with the league’s showing at the event, where games were also played at the SoBe Ice Arena.

“I think it comes down to the coaches to sell the players to the recruiters, but the players also need to do their part,” said Cloutier. “I think as a group, we all need to work together to help the players from the CPJHL move forward. The showcase was a great experience for the players and the coaching staff. A lot of scouts spoke to the players and that was a really nice compliment to the league and the level of players playing in the CPJHL.” Grey Highlands Hawks GM Cory Lafonte made the trip with the CPJHL as well.

“With two teams, this allowed for the staff to be part of more games and to have a better understanding on different teams, different scouts and what the scouts are looking for,” said Lafonte. “The biggest part of the recruitment process is something that we try to instill in players every day – work ethic, work ethic, work ethic.”

he most eye-opening story out of the NHL this season has clearly been the success of the Vegas Golden Knights.

Expansion teams aren’t supposed to be at or near the top of the league in terms of wins and losses, but the Golden Knights chose to dispose of that memo.

And while most of the Vegas veterans are in the last year of previous contracts, three players recently inked contract extensions – forward Jonathan Marchessault (six years, $30 million) and defensemen Deryk Engelland (one year, $1.5 million) and Jon Merrill (two years, $2.75 million).

Marchessault has ranked in the top 25 in the NHL in scoring much of the year.

“I’m real happy,” Marchessault told vegasgoldenknights.com. “More than anything, I’m happy to be here with my teammates and the organization. They’ve done amazing things for us ever since we came here. We just feel part of a big family and we love this city. Everybody wants to stay here, I’m pretty sure.”

Engelland is a longtime Las Vegas resident and is looking forward to the rest of the 2017-18 season and beyond.

“I’m super excited,” he told vegasgoldenknights.com. “For me to be able to play another year here at home, that’s a dream come true. We’ve got a great group and that goes a long way, right from the top down. I’m excited to be here, to be a part of this team for another year with the guys. When (Vegas GM) George McPhee first wanted to discuss an extension, I was excited. That’s your goal going into the season, especially on a UFA year, to get something done sooner rather than later. I’m getting a little older now and to be able to stay here at home and play another year, that’s your whole goal going into the season and I couldn’t be more happy.”

Merrill has tallied two points (goal, assist) to go with eight penalty minutes in 14 games this season for the Golden Knights. His lone goal was the game-winner against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Dec. 14.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Taking the time to prepare to compete can lead to success A

Chris Phillips

s we head into playoff season, it is important to remember that proper preparation on a daily basis is a major factor to your success.

Preparing for a game doesn’t start when you step on the ice. Preparation is really a daily process of repeating certain things that make you the player you are.

Preparation starts with how you eat and sleep at home or on the road. I try to ingrain in all of the players we work with that preparation begins when you walk in the

door of the rink.

In working with professional hockey players at the highest level, I must say the there is no one process that works for everyone. No matter the process, it must be repeated in the same fashion every time. This process may be altered throughout your career in order to meet the changing demands, but should remain stable.

Preparing mentally may include visualizing yourself on the ice and seeing different situations that may occur and how you will react. Preparing physically gets the body ready to compete as soon as you step on the ice. Physical preparation could include a dynamic warm up, jog, bike, stretch or foam rolling, and should finish right before putting your gear on. During both on- and off-ice warmups, you should include exercises and drills that require high intensity so that your body is prepared to go at full speed when the puck drops.

There are many keys to preparation that will evolve over time, so start today and get ready for competition.

Chris Phillips is a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with over 17 years’ experience in professional hockey. He is the owner of Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Lake Forest.

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Jr. Gulls grad Plotnik makes NCAA Division I commitment covered.

“Melfort has offered me the best three years of my life. I really can’t describe how many opportunities it’s led me, and how many experiences I never would have gotten playing somewhere else.

It’s an awesome, tight-knit community and I love how great the community support is here. I’ll never be able to express how much Melfort means to me

an inkling that college hockey could be a reality.

“If I’m being completely honest, I have always onfidence has always been a major compobeen pretty confident in my ability to play at a nent of Evan Plotnik’s mental makeup as a higher level,” said Plotnik. “The thing that I believe hockey player. made it tough for my mental aspect, I was always That, combined with a solid skill set and attenwondering why I wasn’t getting committed as tion to detail, has landed the Capistrano Beach young as some other guys out there. The best adnative a commitment with NCAA Division I Amerivice for anyone going through this I received from can International College (Atlantic Hockey), a a coach of the Colorado Rampage, Riese school located in Springfield, Mass.

Niehaus. He told me to ‘just play.’ And I have Plotnik is among the Saskatchewan Junior found that is the best advice anyone could’ve Hockey League’s (SJHL) top goaltenders this ever given me. Just go out and have fun beseason with the Melfort Mustangs. cause if you’re good enough, you really will “I had a very hot start this year and from be found.” there, I had been communicating with a few When he reflects on his hockey past, PlotD-I teams, and AIC worked themselves into nik smiles. the mix,” Plotnik said. “I was most excited “I sort of shuffled team to team growabout what the coaches said and had to ofing up, but so many of my coaches served fer, so I went with them. as role models,” said Plotnik. “I believe the “Next season, I hope to help the team out older I got, the more the coaching meant to as much as I can. I think it’s going to be a big me, especially as it got me prepared for juadjustment from playing Xbox all day to getnior hockey. The big names that really got my ting into the classroom and studying.” head in the right spot and helped my mental Plotnik has his eyes on a Business Manapproach were Mike Perkins at JSerra, as agement or Marketing major. well as Phil Bateman and Clark Oliver with After playing for the San Diego Jr. Gulls’ the Jr. Gulls.

18U AAA team in 2014-15, Plotnik found his “It’s funny, but I transferred schools in the way to the SJHL for the 2015-16 campaign. between kindergarten and first grade and one “I ended up in the SJHL after I got cut from Capistrano Beach native Evan Plotnik has been a force in the SJHL this season and of my friends at my new school got me into the BCHL,” explained Plotnik. “My coach (in is off to play Division I college hockey this coming fall at American International hockey, and he quit about a month later. I first Melfort) Trevor Blevins called me up after College. Photo/Ryan Booth Photography/Melfort Mustangs started playing house hockey at the Aliso Viethat and said that if I wanted to come out, the spot in words and I wish I could give back to the com- jo Ice Palace and the minor hockey program there was mine. I believe the league is very underrated munity as much as they’ve given to me.” was phenomenal. I loved being around the rink, esand there is a lot of great talent that goes undisAnd in looking at his future, Plotnik always had pecially with the great people that were there.”

By Matt Mackinder

C

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2017-18 CALIFORNIA/NEVADA ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Chase Balisy (Fullerton) – Florida Panthers Beau Bennett (Gardena) – St. Louis Blues Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Winnipeg Jets Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor) – Colorado Avalanche Nic Kerdiles (Irvine) – Anaheim Ducks Alec Martinez (Santa Clara) – Los Angeles Kings Stefan Matteau – Vegas Golden Knights !

Kevan Miller (Los Angeles) – Boston Bruins Matt Nieto (Long Beach) – Colorado Avalanche Gustav Olofsson – Minnesota Wild !

Brooks Orpik (San Francisco) – Washington Capitals Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – Buffalo Sabres Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild * AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Sena Acolatse (Hayward) – Providence Bruins Mitch Callahan (Whittier) – Bakersfield Condors Pheonix Copley – Hershey Bears + Chase De Leo (La Mirada) – Manitoba Moose Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Rockford IceHogs Thatcher Demko (San Diego) – Utica Comets Adam Erne – Syracuse Crunch * Matthew Ford (West Hills) – Grand Rapids Griffins Miles Koules (Los Angeles) – Cleveland Monsters Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Marlies Tyler Moy (San Diego) – Milwaukee Admirals Austin Ortega (Escondido) – San Diego Gulls Brett Sterling (Los Angeles) – Chicago Wolves Scooter Vaughan (Placentia) – Chicago Wolves ECHL Kyle Bigos (Upland) – Quad City Mallards Dennis Brown (Cypress) – Tulsa Oilers Matt Caito (Coto de Caza) – Rapid City Rush Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) – Fort Wayne Komets Chase Golightly (Temecula) – Reading Royals Garrett Haar (Huntington Beach) – Utah Grizzlies Dennis Kravchenko (San Clemente) – Fort Wayne Komets Matt Leitner (Los Alamitos) – Manchester Monarchs Brandon Marino (Riverside) – Brampton Beast Darren Nowick (Long Beach) – Kansas City Mavericks Sean O’Rourke (Alta Loma) – Kalamazoo Wings Zach Pochiro – Allen Americans % Scott Savage (San Clemente) – Jacksonville IceMen Eric Shand (San Dimas) - Atlanta Gladiators Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Adirondack Thunder SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE David Gandara (Canyon Lake) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Daniel Gentzler (Hermosa Beach) – Macon Mayhem Brendan Jensen (El Granada) – Evansville Thunderbolts Taylor Love (Mission Viejo) – Fayetteville Marksmen Mitchell Mueller (Bakersfield) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Jeff Sanders (San Jose) – Macon Mayhem Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) – Mississippi RiverKings John Siemer (Baldwin Park) – Macon Mayhem Matt Zenzola (San Diego) – Fayetteville Marksmen FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Justin Apcar-Blaszak (Valley Village) – Carolina Thunderbirds Daniel Chang (Woodland Hills) – Carolina Thunderbirds Josh Colten (Los Angeles) – Port Huron Prowlers Matt Graham (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Branden Parkhouse (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Sean Reynolds (Covina) – Danville Dashers EUROPE Taylor Aronson (Placentia) – Germany Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Russia Anthony Caruso (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Sweden Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) – Switzerland Emerson Etem (Long Beach) – Switzerland Shane Harper (Valencia) – Russia Josh Harris (Torrance) – Sweden Ryan Hollweg (Downey) – Czech Republic Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) – Russia Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) – Sweden Colin Long (Santa Ana) – Italy Kyle MacKinnon (Walnut) – Germany Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) – Sweden Brian Salcido (Hermosa Beach) – Sweden Liam Stewart (Hermosa Beach) – United Kingdom C.J. Stretch (Irvine) – Germany Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) – Austria Casey Wellman (Brentwood) – Russia Matt White (Whittier) - Germany

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaliya Johnson – Boston Pride $ Kourtney Kunichika (Fullerton) – Buffalo Beauts Elena Orlando (Chico) – Connecticut Whale CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Elizabeth Aveson (West Covina) – Boston Blades Chelsea Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Boston Blades Rachel Llanes (San Jose) – Kunlun Red Star COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ATLANTIC HOCKEY Chris Buchanan (San Jose) – Bentley University Jake Hamacher (Corona) – Rochester Institute of Technology Trevin Kozlowski (Valecia) – U.S. Military Academy Trevor Maruya (Westchester) – U.S. Military Academy Jared Pike – American International College % Blake Weyrick (Los Angeles) – Canisius College BIG TEN Will Johnson (Santa Barbara) – University of Wisconsin Patrick Khodorenko (Walnut Creek) – Michigan State University Brannon McManus (Newport Beach) – University of Minnesota Andrew Oglevie (Fullerton) – University of Notre Dame Dakota Raabe (Capistrano Beach) – University of Michigan Jake Slaker (San Diego) – University of Michigan ECAC Max Becker (Orange) – Princeton University Arthur Brey (Yorba Linda) – St. Lawrence University Brett Gervais (Corona) – Clarkson University Alec McCrea (El Cajon) – Cornell University Alec Mehr (Los Angeles) – Brown University Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Brown University HOCKEY EAST Niko Hildenbrand (Vacaville) – University of Massachusetts Michael McNicholas (Manhattan Beach) – University of New Hampshire Matt O’Donnell (Fountain Valley) – University of Vermont Nikolas Olsson (Escondido) – Boston University Ryan Ruck (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Eetu Selanne (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Nolan Stevens – Northeastern University % Ryan Tait (Santa Clarita) – Providence College Josh Wilkins – Providence College % NCHC Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) – University of Denver Lawton Courtnall (Westlake Village) – Western Michigan University Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) – University of Denver Grant Gallo (San Diego) – University of Nebraska-Omaha Jack Gates (Oceanside) – Colorado College Robby Jackson (Alameda) – St. Cloud State University Ben Lown (Newport Coast) – Miami University Tyson McLellan (San Jose) – University of Denver Patrick Newell (Thousand Oaks) – St. Cloud State University Ryan Orgel (El Segundo) – University of Denver Rourke Russell (Long Beach) – Miami University Ryan Siroky (Manhattan Beach) – Miami University Brian Williams (San Diego) – Colorado College WCHA Niko DellaMaggiore (Gilroy) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Brendan Harris – Bemidji State University + Nate Kallen (San Diego) – Ferris State University Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach) – Northern Michigan University Nicholas Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Minnesota State University Tyler Rockwell (San Jose) – Michigan Tech University Ethan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Bemidji State University Filip Starzynski – Northern Michigan University % Justin Woods – University of Alaska-Fairbanks + NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN CHA Hannah England (Simi Valley) – Penn State University Lillian Marchant (Tustin) – Lindenwood University Baylee Trani (Huntington Beach) – Rochester Institute of Technology ECAC Katherine Beaumier – Clarkson University $ Bailey Bennett (Gardena) – Colgate University Hana DeClerck (Menlo Park) – Brown University Keiko DeClerck (San Jose) – Princeton University Kara Drexler (Manhattan Beach) – Yale University Kendra Farole (Irvine) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lydia Grauer – St. Lawrence University $ Christina Kao (Huntington Beach) – Yale University Keely Moy (San Diego) – Harvard University Kayla Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – St. Lawrence University Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – St. Lawrence University Tia Stoddard (La Mesa) – Clarkson University

HOCKEY EAST Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) – Boston College Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) – University of New Hampshire WCHA Tatum Coats (Lakewood) – St. Cloud State University Leila Kilduff (San Jose) – Minnesota State University Annie Pankowski (Laguna Hills) – University of Wisconsin Aubrey Pritchett (Orange) – St. Cloud State University D-I INDEPENDENT Anna Estes (Whittier) – Post University Gabby Monaco (La Verne) – St. Anselm College Kalena Mueller (San Ramon) – Post University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN CCC David Anderson (Stevenson Ranch) – Nichols College Matt Audet (Campbell) – Western New England University Paul Boutoussov (Dana Point) – Salve Regina University Adam Canepa (Santa Cruz) – University of New England Cody Foster (Saugus) – Becker College Garrett Geane (Fullerton) – Wentworth Institute of Technology Carter Horwitz (Tustin) – Endicott College Evan Nyhus (Dove Canyon) – Nichols College Haroutiun Sarkisian (Encino) – Nichols College Evan Schmidbauer (San Diego) – Salve Regina University Joseph Thielen (Huntington Beach) – Curry College MASCAC Connor Cooley (Simi Valley) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Khalil East (Los Angeles) – Worcester State University Drake Longaker (San Jose) – Plymouth State University Cameron Mack (Long Beach) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Connor McPherson (Lancaster) – Fitchburg State University Kyle Orgel (El Segundo) – Plymouth State University Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills) – Worcester State University Nicholas Short (Los Angeles) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Cody Slocum (Temecula) – Worcester State University MIAC Peter Barral (Berkeley) – Bethel University Don Carter (Antioch) – Hamline University Noah Griffith (Bakersfield) – Concordia University Chandler Madry (Bakersfield) – Augsburg College Dallas Marvin (Newbury Park) – Bethel University Nick Nast (Oxnard) – St. Mary’s University Kyle Rimbach (Encinitas) – St. Olaf College Cole Souto (Yorba Linda) – St. John’s University Alex Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University Christian Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University J.T. Walters (Escondido) – Gustavus Adolphus College NCHA Rock Boynton (Lomita) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Lonnie Clary (Riverside) – Marian University Zach Feldman (San Diego) – Lake Forest College Kyle Gonzalez (Chino Hills) – Northland College Curran Klein (Palm Desert) – Finlandia University David Marabella (Clovis) – Milwaukee School of Engineering James Mathias (Ontario) – Marian University Connor Melton (Chico) – Northland College Danny O’Donnell (Ventura) – Aurora University Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) – Aurora University Chris Timm (Dublin) – Trine University Nick Trefry (Upland) – Northland College Quinton Wunder (Simi Valley) – Lake Forest College NEHC Coby Downs (Montclair) – Norwich University Conor Ferrera (Trabuco Canyon) – University of Southern Maine Ben Greiner (Newport Beach) – Hobart College Keenan Haase (Mission Viejo) – New England College David MacGregor (Azusa) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Ryan Ng (Manhattan Beach) – Castleton State University Bryce Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – New England College Adam Papayoanou (Valencia) – University of Southern Maine Will Platt (San Francisco) – New England College Mark Shroyer (Fresno) – Castleton State University Corey Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Castleton State University NESCAC Nick Balboa (San Francisco) – Tufts University Ryan Glantz (Tarzana) – Connecticut College Chad Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Tufts University Evan Johnson (Huntington Beach) – Williams College Sean Lawrence (Granite Bay) – Colby College Marcus Mollica (Dove Canyon) – Williams College Sean Ross (San Diego) – Wesleyan University Oliver Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Tufts University Theo Tydingco (Newark) – Wesleyan University NORTHEAST-10 Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce University

SUNYAC Max Blitz (Chino Hills) – Fredonia State University Mike Freeman (Rancho Cucamonga) – Fredonia State University Paul Fregeau (Los Angeles) – Cortland State University Doc Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) – Brockport State University Carson Kelley (Portola Valley) – Geneseo State University Jasper Korican-Barlay (Oakland) – Fredonia State University Sean Lincoln (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Brockport State University Luke Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Fredonia State University Zac Sikich (Oak Park) – Brockport State University Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) – Potsdam State University UCHC Cory Anderson (Bakersfield) – Manhattanville College Andrew Frojelin (San Jose) – Manhattanville College Brian Hodges (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University Manuel Mancha (Rosemead) – Chatham University Aaron Murray (Chino) – Stevenson University T.J. Sneath (Chino) – Lebanon Valley College Felix Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Lebanon Valley College Jordan Watt (Riverside) – Stevenson University Chase Wilson (Riverside) – Lebanon Valley College Colin Woods (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University WIAC Nicholas Klishko (San Diego) – University of Wisconsin-Superior D-III INDEPENDENT Devin Day (Fontana) – Post University Alec Grollman (Laguna Niguel) – Bryn Athyn College Kyle Matsumoto (Walnut) – Canton State University NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN COLONIAL HOCKEY Madison Maloney (Clovis) – Becker College Cameron Payne (Rancho Cucamonga) – Becker College Ally Stout (Stockton) – Canton State University Anastasia Thompson (Riverside) – Becker College Jensen Wurm (Arvada) – Nichols College MIAC Valerie Brown (San Martin) – St. Thomas University Jessica Jones (El Cajon) – St. Mary’s University NCHA Jacqueline Audet (Campbell) – Lake Forest College Rachael Goodrow (Rancho Santa Margarita) – St. Norbert College Abby Kolek (San Marcos) – Finlandia University Julieana Tarantino (San Diego) – Lake Forest College NEHC Alexandra Anderson (San Anselmo) – Salve Regina University Taylor Chisholm (Discovery Bay) – Salve Regina University Maria Coleman (Garden Grove) – Salve Regina University Mackenzie Kennedy (Brea) – Plymouth State University Brooke Maggy (Alhambra) – Plymouth State University Maisie Tatum-Borich (Newport Beach) – New England College Tara Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – New England College NESCAC Colleen Castro (Redwood City) – Wesleyan University Kai-Lilly Karpman (Playa del Rey) – Trinity College Candace Lu (Studio City) – Williams College Alicia Nickolenko (Encinitas) – Wesleyan University Sarah Takahashi (Pleasanton) – Wesleyan University Emily Williams (Fallbrook) – Hamilton College NEWHL Emily Burke (San Jose) – Potsdam State University Bri Carroll – Buffalo State University $ Eva Kristof (Pleasanton) – Cortland State University Justine Silva (El Monte) – Buffalo State University Laura Thacker (San Jose) – Oswego State University Samantha White (Oceanside) – Potsdam State University Olivia Wilburn (Stockton) – Cortland State University UCHC Mary Deyell (Glendale) – King’s College Devyn Gilman (Yorba Linda) – Elmira College Bella Hanson – Elmira College $ Victoria Lahey (Redwood City) – Lebanon Valley College Kristi Peters (Newport Beach) – Manhattanville College Savannah Sommers (Corona) – Stevenson University Amy Templeman (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Lebanon Valley College Tristen Tolan – Elmira College $ CANADIAN UNIVERSITY Keanu Yamamoto – McGill University % JUNIOR HOCKEY ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Sam Anzai (Los Angeles) – Drayton Valley Thunder Michael Boutoussov (Anaheim) – Drayton Valley Thunder John Elliott (Lakewood) – Drayton Valley Thunder

Landon Pavlisin (Orange) – Camrose Kodiaks Lucas Yovetich (Los Angeles) – Fort McMurray Oil Barons BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Brandon Bergado (San Jose) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Daniel Chladek (Anaheim) – Wenatchee Wild Jared Christy (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Slava Demin (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Zak Galambos (Walnut Creek) – Wenatchee Wild Andre Ghantous (Glendale) – Trail Smoke Eaters Noah Kim (Fullerton) – Wenatchee Wild Gregg Lee (Aliso Viejo) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jack Lippis (Mission Viejo) – Wenatchee Wild Jacob Modry (El Segundo) – Wenatchee Wild Luc Salem (Los Angeles) – Prince George Spruce Kings Chad Sasaki (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Paul Selleck (Laguna Hills) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles) – Wenatchee Wild Julian Timba (Oceanside) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Jared Turcotte (Moorpark) – Chilliwack Chiefs Jackson Wozniak (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild CENTRAL CANADA HOCKEY LEAGUE Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) – Pembroke Lumber Kings EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Hayden Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Tanner Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Dakota Delbridge (Tracy) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Ethan Gill (Santa Clarita) – New England Wolves John Grealish (Bakersfield) – Boston Jr. Rangers Nicholas Harris (Glendale) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Shawn Horner (Santa Clara) – New Hampshire Avalanche Eric Phillips (Orange County) - Walpole Express Bryan Verna (Lake Forest) – New England Wolves Eric Wright (San Diego) – Walpole Express GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Christopher Maghakian (Santa Clarita) – Northumberland Stars Spencer Taylor (Venice) – Tillsonburg Hurricanes Jarrett Townsend (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Northumberland Stars KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Trevor Dilauro (Huntington Beach) – Spokane Braves Campbell Jackson (Hermosa Beach) – Spokane Braves NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Jake Acton (Livermore) – Corpus Christi IceRays Nathan Burke - Aberdeen Wings % Connor Chilton (Simi Valley) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Jayson Dimizio (Goleta) – Corpus Christi IceRays Josh Fricks (Laguna Niguel) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) – Bismarck Bobcats Austin Koss (Huntington Beach) – Minot Minotauros Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Janesville Jets Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco) – Springfield Jr. Blues Evan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Odessa Jackalopes Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside) – Corpus Christi IceRays Matthew Wiesner (Newport Beach) – Northeast Generals Conor Yawney (Anaheim) – Corpus Christi IceRays Dante Zapata (Huntington Beach) – Austin Bruins NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Ian Acuna (Glendora) – Peoria Mustangs Riley Anderson (Bishop) – Helena Bighorns Griffin Briquelet (Huntington Beach) – Oswego Stampede Matthew Brown (Woodland Hills) – Maine Wild Nick Castro (Redondo Beach) – Granite City Lumberjacks Brandon Chapin (Santa Clara) – Atlanta Capitals Ryan Cortez (Norco) – Long Beach Sharks Trent Cowden (Simi Valley) – Great Falls Americans Luc Cross (Anaheim) – Helena Bighorns Dylan Davenport – EvaLansing Wolves % Mason Evans (Danville) – Point Mallard Ducks Michael Fary (Anaheim) – Great Falls Americans Jacob Fisher (Danville) – Northeast Generals Ryan Gridley (Santa Monica) – Binghamton Jr. Senators Tyler Hawk (Palos Verdes) – North Iowa Bulls A.J. Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Hayden Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Kellen Ireland (Turlock) – Texas Brahmas Christian Kazoleas (Irvine) – Louisiana Drillers Morgan Kelly (San Jose) – Northeast Generals Ben Kottmeier (San Mateo) – Helena Bighorns Malik Lamotte Stokes (Anaheim) – Oswego Stampede Jett Larson (Rancho Mirage) – North Iowa Bulls Michael Lempiainen (Corona) – New England Stars Carson Murison (Half Moon Bay) – Texas Brahmas Luc Meier (Laguna Beach) – Long Beach Sharks Hunter Norris (Mission Viejo) – New England Stars Tristen Poliseno (Valencia) – Alexandria Blizzard Ty Proffitt – Yellowstone Quake + Jack Radley (San Diego) – Peoria Mustangs Luke Richesin (Clovis) – Great Falls Americans Owen Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Granite City Lumberjacks Jacob Takashima (Torrance) – Willmar WarHawks ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) – Ottawa 67’s Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim) – Erie Otters

Jason Robertson (Los Angeles) – Kingston Frontenacs Nick Robertson (Los Angeles) – Peterborough Petes QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Matthew Boucher (Los Angeles) – Quebec Remparts SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Rob Ivy (Bermuda Dunes) – Fort Frances Lakers SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ryan Gil (Huntington Beach) – Battlefords North Stars Evan Plotnik (Capistrano Beach) – Melfort Mustangs Maxim Sidelnik (Los Angeles) – Estevan Bruins Connor Smith (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Battlefords North Stars Egan Wolford (San Jose) – La Ronge Ice Wolves UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Vincent de Mey (Brentwood) – Muskegon Lumberjacks Cole Guttman (Los Angeles) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Rory Herrman (Poway) – Green Bay Gamblers Jack St. Ivany (Manhattan Beach) – Sioux Falls Stampede Cam York (Anaheim Hills) – U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Alex Allen (Morgan Hill) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Aaron Aragon (Whittier) – Northern Cyclones (NCDC) Lucas Bachofner (Los Angeles) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Jackson Baughman (Windsor) – Eugene Generals (Elite) Nash Berkowitz (San Jose) – Eugene Generals (Elite) Ethan Bock (Upland) – Boston Jr. Bruins (Premier) Guillaume Bose (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Bradley Budman (Foothill Ranch) – South Shore Kings (NCDC) Anthony Capraro (Hacienda Heights) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Nikolai Cherednichenko (Berkeley) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Takato Cox (Redondo Beach) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC) Evan Cronkhite (Aliso Viejo) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Ryan Danner (San Jose) – Ironwood Fighting Yoopers (Premier) Sean Dickson (Millbrae) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Tyler Dill (South Lake Tahoe) – Charlotte Rush (Premier) Dante DiNapoli (Moss Beach) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Dylan Dix (Scotts Valley) – Northern Cyclones (NCDC) Justin Dixson (Sunnyvale) – Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC) Thomas Dyreng (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Dillon Foster (Saugus) – Eugene Generals (Elite) Luc Fox (Valencia) – Richmond Generals (Elite) Donovan Garcia (San Jose) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) John Garrity (Dublin) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Dylan Gluck (San Juan Capistrano) – Tampa Bay Juniors (Premier) Joshua Harburn (San Ramon) – Boston Jr. Bruins (Elite) Jonathan Holguin (Fresno) – Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (Elite) Blake Howard (Coto de Caza) – New Jersey Rockets (NCDC) Adam Husley (Bakersfield) – Atlanta Knights (Premier) Wiggle Kerbrat (Laguna Niguel) – Rochester Monarchs (NCDC) Mason Kohn (San Diego) – Boston Jr. Bruins (Premier) Georg Landro (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) Justin Lebouef (Canyon Country) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Jason Lee (Thousand Oaks) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Tyler Levine (Laguna Beach) – Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC) Wyatt Light (Manhattan Beach) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Mike Lopez (Bakersfield) – Atlanta Knights (Elite) Collin Markoski (Corona) – New York Aviators (Premier) Luis Mendoza (Newark) – Daytona Racers (Premier) Josh Morrison (San Diego) – Minnesota Moose (Premier) Nick Nakagawa (Los Angeles) – Daytona Racers (Premier) Matthew Newberger (Lake Tahoe) – Palm Beach Hawks (Premier) Ryan Newman (Bakersfield) – Charlotte Rush (Elite) Daniel Nikiforov (Roseville) – Minnesota Blue Ox (Premier) Geno Norraik (Northridge) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Robert Norwalk (Fremont) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Nicholas Peterson (Stockton) – Palm Beach Hawks (Elite) Nick Privitera (Sun Valley) – Steele County Blades (Premier) Brandon Putman (Redondo Beach) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Dylan Robello (San Jose) – Florida Eels (Premier) Brendan Schulte (Fullerton) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Jordan Shepherd (Bakersfield) – Connecticut Nighthawks (Premier) Ryan Sheridan (Mission Viejo) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jack Sitzman (Redondo Beach) – Jersey Hitmen (NCDC) Jered Stevenson (Tracy) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Mischa Subotin (San Jose) – Syracuse Stars (Premier) Taylor Urch (Anaheim) – Richmond Generals (Premier) Tristian Waechter (Fairfield) – Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Jack Walsh (Oceanside) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Jack Walters – New York Aviators (Premier) !

Nick Wardstrom (Discovery Bay) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Chad Watt (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Blake Bargar (Torrance) – Seattle Thunderbirds Hunter Campbell – Calgary Hitmen % Jake McGrew (Orange) – Spokane Chiefs Carl Stankowski – Seattle Thunderbirds # Keoni Texeira (Fontana) – Portland Winterhawks Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) – Vancouver Giants Evan Weinger (El Segundo) – Brandon Wheat Kings Dustin Wolf (Tustin) – Everett Silvertips Kailer Yamamoto – Spokane Chiefs % WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Aguirre (West Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Tristan Ayoubi (Orange) – Long Beach Bombers

Leon Biller (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Domenic Bosetti (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Ryan Brown (South Lake Tahoe) – Seattle Totems Rhett Bruckner (Huntington Beach) – Phoenix Knights Christian Bundschuh (Newport Coast) – Utah Outliers Declan Curtis (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Carter Dahl (Fresno) – Colorado Jr. Eagles Lucas Demsar (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Icemen Quinn Deshler (Hawthorne) – Ontario Avalanche Conner Duffy (Orange County) – Ontario Avalanche Easton Easterson (Canyon Country) – Tahoe Icemen Ryan Favilla (Garden Grove) – Ontario Avalanche Sage Fleming (Costa Mesa) – Ogden Mustangs Nicholas Gary (Palo Alto) – West Sound Warriors Daniel Goodwin (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Ben Greenlee (San Jose) – San Diego Sabers David Grindstaff (Sacramento) – San Diego Sabers Nickolai Gruzdev (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Joseph Hebert (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Samuel Hernandez (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Jason Hickman (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Keshawn Hopkins-Scott (San Diego) – Phoenix Knights Taylor Jolly (Saugus) – Cheyenne Stampede Max Kamper (Aliso Viejo) – El Paso Rhinos Cody Key (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Thomas King (Ontario) – Ontario Avalanche Gabel Longshore (Davis) – Tahoe Icemen William Ma (Orange County) – Ontario Avalanche Jacob Mabaquaio (San Diego) – Bellingham Blazers Kyler Mackay (Corona) – San Diego Sabers Jeremy Malm (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Daylon Mannon (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Tate Martishius (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Parker Moskal (San Diego) – Long Beach Bombers Cole Parker (San Diego) – San Diego Sabers Michael Perez (Fresno) – West Sound Warriors Joseph Piroli (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Bailey Prouty (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Brett Ruiz (Ontario) – Ontario Avalanche Dylan San Agustin (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Kane Toriumi (Westlake Village) – Utah Outliers Tanner Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – Tahoe Icemen Jeremy Van Dyke (Corona) – Ontario Avalanche

Lukas Uhler (Upland) – New Hampton School Brent Valentine (Newport Beach) – Choate Rosemary Hall Ryan Wilson (San Diego) – Milton Academy Eric Yagubyan (Burbank) – Tilton School Billy Zegras (San Diego) – The Berkshire School

PREP SCHOOL Alan Austria-Garcia (Redwood City) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Brandon Bedient (Stevenson Ranch) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Grady Birk (Carlsbad) – Shawnigan Lake School Jordan Bonner (Huntington Beach) – Albany Academy Noah Dahlen (Orange) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Liam Dauphinee (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jared Day (Orange) – Brooks School Zachary Dill (Tahoe) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Corey Eaton (San Marcos) – Tilton School Tanner Ensign (Tustin) – Holderness School Riley Fenn (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Ryan Fischer (Anaheim Hills) – South Kent Dennis L. Y. Franklin (Oakland) – The Taft School Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton School Shane Gilbert (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – Groton School Niko Grollman (Mission Viejo) – The Gunnery Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Nathan Katzaroff (Anaheim) – Milton Academy Nicholas Kent (Ladera Ranch) – Delta Hockey Academy Noah Kim (Fullerton) – Cushing Academy Indigo Kinzey (Pacifica) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Matt Kors (Los Angeles) – Shawnigan Lake School Alexander Krause (Calabasas) – Loomis Chaffee Jordan Labbe (Pasadena) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Erik Larsson (Los Altos) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Nicholas Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Noah Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Tae Lee (Irvine) – The Governor’s Academy Koby Leeman (Napa) - Culver Academy Tyler Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Roan Linvill (Berkeley) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Mathias Long (Marina del Rey) – Lake Forest Academy Jesse Lycan (San Diego) – Berkshire School Brandon McDonald (Los Angeles) – Vermont Academy Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Tilton School Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Cushing Academy Adam McGill (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Keely Moy (San Diego) – Kent School Matthew Odom (Elk Grove) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Zach Pires (Villa Park) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Steven Plante (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy John Pratt (Laguna Niguel) – Berkshire School Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) – Loomis Chaffee Alexander Rogers (Anaheim) – Williston Northampton Brett Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Hunter Sansbury (Lomita) – The Gunnery Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Blake Selden (Santa Clara) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jordan Skahill (San Dimas) – South Kent Daniel Thomas (Irvine) – Hotchkiss School Daniel Ton-That (Laguna Hills) – Tilton School Jackson Tuszynski (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy

NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

NEVADA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) – Minnesota Wild AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Gage Quinney (Las Vegas) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins ECHL Chris Francis (Las Vegas) – Quad City Mallards Ross McMullan (Las Vegas) – Wheeling Nailers Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas) – Allen Americans Cory Ward (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs EUROPE Bryce Reddick (Las Vegas) - United Kingdom SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Derek Sutliffe (Las Vegas) – Mississippi RiverKings CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Megan Myers (Las Vegas) – Boston Blades COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ECAC Joe Sullivan (Las Vegas) – St. Lawrence University WCHA Brendan Harris (Henderson) – Bemidji State University D-I INDEPENDENT Dominic Garcia (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University Joey Raats (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University

CHA Sarah Robello (Las Vegas) – Mercyhurst University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN CCC Alec Mono (Las Vegas) – Curry College NESCAC Brenden Russ (Las Vegas) – Connecticut College UCHC Eric Williams (Henderson) – Chatham University D-III INDEPENDENT Tanner Todd (Henderson) – Bryn Athyn College JUNIOR HOCKEY EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Gage Roberts (Las Vegas) – Valley Jr. Warriors NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Allegrini (Las Vegas) – Kenai River Brown Bears Seth Bergeron (Las Vegas) – Philadelphia Rebels NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Vito Carlo (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Dylan Davenport – Lansing Wolves @ Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) – College Station Spirit Josh Kirk (Henderson) – Missoula Jr.. Bruins Gunner Moore (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Cameron Zucker (Las Vegas) – Lansing Wolves QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney (Las Vegas) – Saint John Sea Dogs UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Michael Cichy (Las Vegas) – Wisconsin Muskies (Premier) Hayden Knight (Las Vegas) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Spencer Poscente (Las Vegas) – Wisconsin Muskies (Premier) WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Jake McKenna (Las Vegas) – Valencia Flyers Jackson Oleson (Stateline) – Tahoe Icemen Gabriel Testa (Las Vegas) – Fresno Monsters

% former LA Jr.. King + former California Titan * former LA Select ! former San Jose Jr. Shark

# former Anaheim Jr. Duck $ former Anaheim Lady Duck @ former Nevada Storm

CARubberHockey.com

23

Readying For Regionals WCRHL divisional races tightening up as regular season heads to an exciting finish – the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs and UC Santa Barbara Gauchos – renewed their annual Coastal Clash rivalry series Jan. 26 at UC Santa Barbara.

The competition venue remained the same for a regular season event Jan. 27-28. Meanwhile, the recently renovated Dry Ice facility in Oakland hosted a three-team event on Jan. 27.

Cal Poly SLO continued its ascent up the WCRHL Division I standings after compiling a 3-0 showing at the UC Santa Barbara event while tacking on two more wins at the Feb. 3 regular-season event at the North

By Phillip Brents

On a roll

San Jose State regained possession of first place anuary was a busy month for teams in the Western in the Division II standings – a two-point margin over Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) with five the runner-up Arizona and a four-point margin over regular-season events scheduled during the first month third place NAU – heading into the final regular-season of 2018. event in Huntington Beach (Feb. 17-18).

The WCRHL faced off its second semester Jan. The Spartans won all three of their games at the Dry 20-21 at the Barney Family Sports Complex in Queen Ice event – 7-0 and 11-5 wins over Cal Berkeley and a Creek, Ariz. All three Arizona-based programs, plus five 7-0 win over Sonoma State. programs from California, participated in the two-day Christian Sy (six goals, 10 assists), Jacob Hickey event that featured play in Division I, Division II and (four goals, 12 assists), Khoa Nguyen (six goals, seven Division III tiers. assists) and Trever Rivera (four goals, The event served to scramble the six assists) led the offensive onslaught for Division II standings a bit as Northern San Jose State, while goaltender Peter Arizona University went 4-0 to temporarily Simonsen posted a perfect 1.000 save move into second place in the division percentage with a pair of shutout wins. standings. The Lumberjacks topped UC The WCRHL will hold its regional Irvine 9-1 and defeated both Long Beach championship tournament March 3-4 at State (5-2) and UC San Diego (5-1) to The Rinks-Corona Inline. Championships put some distance between themselves will be determined in Division I, Division II and those teams in the playoff race. and Division III tiers.

NAU’s biggest prize was a 5-4 The top four teams in final Division I win over the University of Arizona, its standings, plus the top six teams in both intra-state rival and defending regional Division II and Division III regular-season champion. standings, will qualify for postseason The Wildcats, however, had a good competition. tournament showing as well with a Teams will first play a round robin 4-2 mark that included three wins over before entering single-elimination bracket Division II opponents -- Cal Poly Pomona play.

(6-2), UC-Irvine (13-0) and UC San Diego Champions receive an automatic bid (8-3) -- and a 10-3 victory against the to the 2018 National Collegiate Roller University of Denver in an inter-regional Hockey Association (NCRHA) national matchup. championship tournament, scheduled for Arizona’s lone losses during the April 11-15 in Fargo, N.D. weekend were to NAU and 3-1 to Cal Additional bids will be handed out on Poly San Luis Obispo (Division I) in a Long Beach State University will be among the teams looking to qualify for the WCRHL regional Selection Monday, March 5, to round out championship playoffs March 3-4 in Corona. Photo/Nick Boyarsky non-divisional contest. the NCRHA playing field.

Cal Poly SLO came out of the weekend with its Valley Hockey and Sports Center in Hamilton City.

The WCRHL’s two Junior College Division teams own prize – a 5-4 overtime win over Division I-leading The flurry of wins raised Cal Poly SLO’s record to – West Valley College and Saddleback College – will Arizona State University – to provide some potential 11-5-0-3 and allowed the Mustangs to match ASU’s be seeded directly into the Fargo nationals based on drama for next month’s regional championship playoffs. division-leading 25 standings points (though the Sun overall records against one another. Saddleback has a ASU has just three losses this season – two of them Devils have played four fewer games).

2-0 edge on West Valley this season. to the Mustangs.

Defending Division I regional champion UC Santa “For the JC Division at nationals, we hope to have Matt Atkins netted the overtime winner against the Barbara, which posted a strong 6-2 showing in its last four or five teams, including our two,” WCRHL director Sun Devils at the Queen Creek event. two tourney outings, is right behind the division co- Brennan Edwards said. “I believe we have the top The scene shifted the following weekend to leaders with a 10-2-0-3 record and 23 standings points. two in the country, knowing that West Valley is last California.

Santa Barbara’s Kevin Mooney tops all Division I year’s champion and Saddleback is a great team as The WCRHL’s two Central Coast-based programs scorers with 30 goals and 59 points. well.”

J

Coastal Clash features WCRHL rivals Mustangs, Gauchos

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he Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) now includes two stand-alone rivalry matchups in its regular-season schedule – the Desert Duel between the league’s three Arizona-based programs and the Coastal Clash between the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs.

The Desert Duel took place Dec. 2 in Queen Creek, Ariz., and featured competition in all three tiers between Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.

The Coastal Clash, the older of the two events, is played the Friday before the annual WCRHL regularseason event at UC Santa Barbara’s on-campus rink to help face off the second semester.

“It works great for rival schools or those that are geographically isolated from the bulk of the teams,” WCRHL director Brennan Edwards said in regard to 24

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

the pair of rivalry series.

Edwards noted the Coastal Clash started as exhibition games between the schools at Earl Warren Showgrounds in Santa Barbara before being incorporated into the WCRHL regular-season schedule when UCSB opened

its on-campus rink.

“The naming of the event was a contest – the same with Desert Duel,” Edwards said.

This year’s Coastal Clash took place Jan. 26 at UC Santa Barbara Rec II Center and featured three games between the schools’ respective Division I and Division

III teams.

Cal Poly defeated UC Santa Barbara 7-6 in a Division I overtime shootout, while the teams split their Division III matchups – Cal Poly Gold winning 10-5 and the Gauchos posting a 5-3 comeback win over Cal Poly Green in the finale.

Joe Blakewell netted the winner in the Division I contest and Santa Barbara’s Kevin Mooney led all scorers in the game with three goals and two assists.

Jake Mandel led Cal Poly Gold with four goals in the Division III matchup, while Santa Barbara’s Alex Paquet scored four times in the win over Cal Poly Green.

Cal Poly Gold tops Division III teams with a 15-1-0-0 record and 30 standings points.

- Phillip Brents

Winternationals face off 2018 NARCh season

Huntington Beach Inline event draws very impressive array of youth, adult talent alike

By Phillip Brents

T

he North American Roller Hockey Championship Series (NARCh) kicked off its 2018 season with its annual Winternationals event Jan. 12-15 at The RinksHuntington Beach Inline.

An impressive entry list of 140 teams competed for awards in 27 sub-divisions.

The Winternationals event traditionally serves as a proving ground for new teams, as well as athletes already competing at an elite level.

“The event is the start of the roller season, so it was good to get off on the right foot,” explained Trevor Riffey, a native of Alta Loma, who plays for Northern Arizona University in the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL).

“It’s definitely an event we all look forward to.”

Big men on campus

College; Matt Swanson from West Valley College; Kevin Mooney from UCSB; and goaltender Marky Hager (University of Missouri-St. Louis).

The Outcasts defeated the Revision Revolution in the final. Christian Acosta (West Valley) and Christopher Fisher (Chico State) represented the WCRHL on the Revo roster.

Acosta went on to win a gold medal with the Revision Revolution 99 in the Midget Platinum (18U) Division, while West Valley teammate Joe Kubani won a gold medal with NCR Konixx Elite in the Men’s Gold Division.

Fisher also won a silver medal in the Midget

18U Midget Division and Konixx Outcasts in the 21U Junior Division.

Gold tier age-group champions included the Bauer Renegades (8U Atom), Bulldogs Blue (10U Mite), Revision Revolution 05 (12U Squirt), High Rollers Black (14U Pee Wee), Konixx SV Quakes (16U Bantam), Raiders Yellow (18U Midget) and Rink Rat Groove (21U Junior).

Silver tier champions included OC Marvel (8U Atom and 10U Mite), HB Militia Gray (12U Squirt), Mission Mayhem (14U Pee Wee) and Skittles 02 (16U Bantam).

The adult divisions provided no shortage of competition with 50 teams battling for supremacy on the floor in seven divisions, including the elite NARCh Pro division.

The Pama Labeda Golden Knights won titles in the Women’s Platinum, Men’s Platinum and 40 & Over divisions. The NCR Konixx Elite captured Men’s Gold and the West Covina High Rollers won Men’s Silver.

Other adult division champions included the Rebels (Men’s Bronze) and the South Coast Savage (30 & Over).

The OC Marvels won the stand-alone NARCh Cub (6U) Division.

Riffey, a member of the U.S. junior men’s national team that competed at the 2013 FIRS World Inline Hockey Championships in Anaheim, helped the Pama Labeda Golden Knights capture the Men’s Platinum title at January’s NARCh Winternationals.

He was among a sizable number of current and former WCRHL players who helped their club teams find success at last month’s Top individuals showcase event.

Jackson Schaefer of the Bauer Konixx Pure won the coveted NARCh Pro Renegades (Atom Division) led all division Division championship braced by UC Santa high scorers with 21 points, while Andrew Barbara standout Kevin Mooney and a host Lau of the South Coast Savage (30 & Over of WCRHL alumni that included older brother The Bulldogs 6U team celebrates winning its division at December’s Amateur Athletic Union Division) ranked next with 15 points.

Kyle Mooney (UCSB), Ryan Newens (Cal Winter Nationals event at THE RINKS-Corona Inline. Photo/NARCh Luke Benavente of Rink Rat Groove Poly San Luis Obispo), Kyle Aldrich (West Valley Gold Division alongside Chad Payne (West Valley). (Midget Division) and Amber Willis of the Pama College), Paul Linder (UCSB), Tommy Tuohy Chico State’s Will Robinson, Caleb Hermle and Labeda Golden Knights (Women’s Division) each (UCSB) and Kevin Dwyer (Lindenwood University).

Zach Claunch, along with Cal Berkeley’s Ryan posted perfect 1.000 save percentages to lead their Tuohy scored the first goal in Konixx Pure’s Daubenmire, all captured a silver medal in the Men’s respective divisions. championship game victory over RV Flex, while Mike Platinum Division.

Team USA fixture Travis Noe of the Golden Knights Rivera, who played for Team USA at the 2017 FIRS finished as the division high scorer in NARCh Pro with World Roller Games in China, notched the game- Honor roll 12 points (four goals, eight assists), while the Golden winning goal.

Teams competed in Platinum, Gold and Silver tiers Knights tandem of Paul Musico and Rob Sudduth The NARCh Pro title carried a $5,000 prize. at this year’s NARCh Winternationals. shared the division’s top goaltender award with a .920 The Konixx Outcasts captured the Junior Platinum Platinum tier age-group champions included the save percentage.

Division (21U) championship with a roster chock-full Pama Cyclones 07 in the 10U Mite Division, Bend The Golden Knights finished third in the division. of WCRHL talent: Cy Jewel, Aryeh Richter and Bullets in the 12U Squirt Division, High Roller OC in A pair of regional qualifying tournaments are up next Ian Bast, all from Arizona State University; Mason the 14U Pee Wee Division, Revision Revolution 01 in on the NARCh schedule – March 9-11 in San Jose and Pilkington and Jackson Faught from Saddleback the 16U Bantam Division, Revision Revolution 99 in the March 23-25 in Huntington Beach.

Cougars experiencing growing pains, joys of first year

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he first-year San Ysidro High School roller hockey team has understandably undergone a season defined by growing pains.

The team sported an 0-20 record heading into the final week of regular-season play in the 17-team San Diego Section CIF-Metro Conference. The Cougars will likely not qualify for the upcoming Kiwanis Cup playoffs but the baby steps the team has taken along the way has meant a great deal to team members and veteran head coach Adrian Rodriguez.

“We’re learning, everyone continues to improve,” Rodriguez said after a recent game.

A squad filled completely with beginners, the Cougars started with zero experience and that includes perhaps the most important element in hockey: how to skate.

“It was something different, something new, and I thought it would be exciting to join,” explained

assistant captain Alex Navarro, who had the honor experienced than we were at the beginning of the of scoring the first goal in team history. “The most season,” noted Curtis, also a track and field standout. challenging thing was learning to “We have a lot more control. skate in one week.”

We’re not falling down as much.

“This is my first team sport, We’ve all gotten better. We still learning to communicate with my make mistakes, but now, we teammates has been the biggest know how to correct them.” thing I’ve had to learn,” added “We all didn’t know what team captain Jake Curtis, who to expect playing hockey,” scored the second goal in team admitted Navarro, who previously history. “It’s really interesting. The competed on the school’s swim team has become more than just and water polo teams. “Now that a team – it’s a family.” we do, we all have fallen in love San Ysidro High School coach Adrian Rodriguez Enthusiasm, as well as roster poses between team captains Jake Curtis (left) with the sport. We want to see numbers, remain high as the and Alex Navarro. Photo/Phillip Brents more people come out to support team’s inaugural season winds us so the team can grow.” down.

“It’s a lot more fun knowing that we’re more - Phillip Brents CARubberHockey.com

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TAYLOR CRUNK

Position: Forward, Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) Hometown: San Jacinto Last Amateur Teams: Victoria Royals, Vancouver Giants (Western Hockey League) Youth Teams: Inland Valley Wild, LA Hockey Club, San Diego Jr. Gulls, California Titans California Rubber: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up?

Taylor Crunk: Winning that national championship my last year of Pee Wees with the LA Selects (in 2008), especially because we beat (Detroit) Honeybaked in the final. That’s the biggest championship I’ve won in my career. Look at all the guys on that ’95 team who are still doing things.

CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving California?

TC: I think my four seasons in Victoria as a whole. I got there when I was 16, and moving away from home and getting set up with a billet family, there was a culture change. The transformation I went through from then until the time I was 20, it was a world of difference. I was truly blessed to experience that. I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I hope to go back some day.

CR: Who have been the biggest influences on you on and off the ice?

TC: My mom and dad (Lachelle and Steve). The sacrifices they made for me, making those hour-and-a-half, two-hour drives to get me to practice and games, which got where I’m at now.

CR: What advice would you give young hockey players?

TC: No matter where you are in the lineup or however many points you have, keep working until you get where you want to be. My goal is to make it as far as I can. Right now, I’m in the ECHL and I feel extremely blessed to be here. I’m not going to stop working until I get there.

CR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play?

TC: I played a lot of basketball growing up. I love playing in the street or in the gym. I got away from it for a few years. We’ve got a few guys here who like to play, so we’ll shoot some hoops.

CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about?

TC: I’m not too particular at all. I just put gear on right to left. When I tape my knob, I leave that knob job on until the stick breaks.

CR: What is your travel like in the ECHL? TC: There is quite a bit of travel, but nothing too bad. Those three games in three nights can get a little tricky. For example, earlier this season, we had a home game and then we had a six-hour ride to Quad Cities, then we bussed back to Toledo for a Sunday game. It can get a little hectic. You’ve got to make sure you take care of the body and be a professional about it.

CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant?

TC: I love poke places – that’s my new go-to. I’ve always loved my Mexican food, too. I’ve been in Canada and now in the Midwest, so when I go home, I go straight to a Mexican joint.

CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

TC: I was always a big Ziggy Palffy fan growing up. When I got my first hat trick in roller hockey, my dad said he’d get me a Ziggy Palffy jersey. I found it this summer. The Kings were my favorite team.

CR: What is the most challenging aspect of playing pro hockey?

TC: At times it can be a little frustrating when you have that many guys getting called up or sent down. It’s expected at this level. It’s a business. No matter how you’re playing, you’ve always got to be prepared for it. Keep digging. It’s out of your control. The only thing you can control is your work ethic.

- Compiled by Chris Bayee Photo/Ken Wiegmann

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND LABOR DAY WEEKEND

September 1 - 4, 2017

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND November 23 - 26, 2017

PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND February 16-19, 2018

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A&B . Bantam AA, A, B . Pee Wee AA, A, BB, B . Squirt A, BB, B Mite . ol Scho High AA/A 16U et Midg AA/A 18U Midget

May 25 -28, 2018

Midget Open 2004 Elite & AAA . 2005 Elite & AAA 2006 Elite & AAA . 2007 Elite & AAA 2008 Elite & AAA . 2009 Elite & AAA Mite Open (2010/11 Birth Years - Half Ice)

Application Deadline: April 20, 2018

For more information, contact tournament director Brian McDonough at (612) 220-4402 or brian@jrkingshockey.com

Registration for our final tournament of the 2017-18 season is now open!

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