California Rubber Magazine - April 2020

VOLUME 13

ISSUE 8

APRIL 2020

SLEW OF CALIFORNIA TALENTS MAKE NCAA COMMITMENTS BARNES, PETRIE, SMIGLIANI TOPS AMONG NCAA WOMEN KHODORENKO, SLAKER CHOSEN BEST NCAA MEN’S PLAYERS CALIFORNIA YOUTH STANDOUTS TAKEN IN FIRST WHL U.S. DRAFT

JRK ING SHOCK E Y.COM

LALIONSHOCKEY.COM

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FROM THE EDITOR Hockey will return at some point, but for now, safety is priority

I

t goes without saying that we are living in, quite frankly, some really crazy times.

We all know this. The coronavirus is on our minds, in our news feeds, on our radios, on our TVs, talked about daily – you name it.

This issue is encompassing our lives. People are working from home or told to stay home from their jobs. Kids are home from school and businesses are shut down – including hockey – and we all really don’t know what will happen from day to day.

That being said, we have to move forward. However we need to do it, we need to wake up every day with the mindset that we are going to own the day.

Let’s face it – that’s how the heroes in all of this Matt Mackinder operate. I’m talking about the doctors, the nurses, the health care workers, the public safety officers and first responders that have been putting their lives on the line every day to help others. You talk about going above and beyond, well, look no further than those individuals. How those folks do what they do without hesitation is truly beyond me.

We keep seeing motivational phrases like, “We’re all in this together” and “This, too, shall pass.” All that is true, and the more I see these sayings, the more they stick in my mind as being a reason to smile.

This will get better. This HAS to get better. We NEED this to get better.

Be safe, everyone. Please. Be safe.

In junior hockey circles, several California natives were in the news recently.

New Jersey 87s forward and Monterey Park native Dante Terramani has been named the Eastern Hockey League’s Rookie of the Year after the St. John Bosco, Ontario Jr. Reign and Los Angeles Jr. Kings graduate posted 25 goals and 55 points in 44 games this season.

Calabasas native and Anaheim Jr. Ducks grad Dylan Silverstein was one of two goaltenders chosen to play for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program’s Under-17 Team next season.

Dustin Wolf, a Tustin native and another Jr. Kings alum, was named WHL Western Conference Goaltender of the Year after going 34-10-2 with a 1.88 goals-against average, .935 save percentage and nine shutouts with the Everett Silvertips.

Another Jr. Kings grad, Escondido native and defenseman Pavel Bocharov, has signed with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades for the 2020-21 season.

The two-round WHL U.S. Prospects Draft on March 25 saw 19 California-born players and one from Nevada selected.

Players drafted in the first round included forward Shaun Rios (San Jose, Tri-City Americans), forward Alexios Georgaklis (San Diego, Edmonton Oil Kings), goalie Miles Roberts (Costa Mesa, Everett), defenseman Philippe Blais-Savoie (San Jose, Vancouver Giants), defenseman Austin Moline (Las Vegas, Swift Current Broncos), forward Hunter Anderson (Hermosa Beach, Calgary Hitmen), forward Alex Weiermair (Los Angeles, Portland Winterhawks), defenseman Zephyr Tangri (View Park-Windsor Hill, Prince George Cougars), defenseman Alexander Young (Rancho Cucamonga, Victoria Royals) and defenseman Ze’ev Buium (Laguna Niguel, Saskatoon).

Second-round picks included forward Brenden Fields (Ladera Ranch, Saskatoon), forward Joshua Halliday (Santa Clarita, Moose Jaw Warriors), forward Ty Henricks (Mission Viejo, Brandon Wheat Kings), defenseman Jason Zaccari (Santa Ana, Portland), goalie Calvin Vachon (Redondo Beach, Kamloops Blazers), forward Josh Erickson (Danville, Medicine Hat Tigers), defenseman Briggs Orr (San Jose, Calgary), goalie Owen Crudale (San Diego, Swift Current), forward Declan Stewart (Hawthorne, Prince Albert Raiders) and forward Ben Picard (Oakland, Tri-City).

Congrats to all!

Hermosa Beach native and Jr. Kings grad Tomas Sholl has been named the ECHL Goaltender of the Year, going 28-8-5 with a 2.14 GAA, a .924 save percentage and five shutouts with the Idaho Steelheads.

Godspeed to Colby Cave, the Bakersfield Condors (AHL) forward who passed away April 11. Cave was placed in a medically induced coma on April 7 following a brain bleed and emergency surgery to relieve pressure that a cyst was placing on his brain.

He was just 25.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

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

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

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Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Rippy

A NEW MIRACLE

Players from the Servite High School hockey team meet former U.S. Olympic hockey player Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 “Miracle On Ice” team that won the gold medal in Lake Placid, N.Y., at the school’s Excellence Awards on March 6. Eruzione was the event’s guest speaker. For more on Servite’s 2019-20 championship season, see Page 17.

ON THE COVER Jack Bowkus, who made his mark on the California youth hockey coaching scene with the California Wave and Los Angeles Jr. Kings, lost his courageous battle with cancer on March 28.

Photo/Jeff Berting Photography

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

CGBHockey.com UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Top USPHL Californians earn NCAA college commitments

By Joshua Boyd/USPHL.com

J

oe DiGiulio and his Hampton Roads Whalers teammates were looking for a third chance to win a USPHL Premier championship but instead, ran up against an opponent that not only kept them from this goal, but stopped the entire globe in the process.

The coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the USPHL National Championships, along with the cancellation or postponement of the playoffs for nearly every other pro and amateur hockey league that hadn’t already wrapped up their postseasons.

So DiGiulio shifted his goal to sealing up his college hockey future, deciding on NCAA Division III Neumann University.

The San Jose native wrapped up a three-year career with the Whalers, winning the 2018 and 2019 national championship. He scored 52 points in 131 regular-season games, and he added eight more points in 16 playoff games.

“Although this season ended without the opportunity to three-peat, the two national championships meant a lot,” said DiGiulio. “I had the best teammates on and off the ice.”

DiGiulio was one of many Californians playing in the USPHL to make their NCAA D-III commitments during (or prior to) the worldwide pause.

From the same USPHL Premier Southeast Division, the Charlotte Rush saw three NCAA commitments for Golden State natives. Two-year Rush goalie Luc Fox

(Valencia) made his commitment to Arcadia University in the winter, while two-year forward Philip Shemyakin (Chino Hills) committed to Lebanon Valley College.

The Rush joined the Whalers in qualifying for the USPHL Nationals and were hoping to dislodge their division rivals from the top of the pack.

San Jose native Joe DiGiulio captured two USPHL national championships with the Hampton Roads Whalers in 2018 and 2019. Photo/Joshua

Jered Stevenson played two seasons with the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings from 201820, with the Tracy product tallying 69 points over 75 games.

Boyd/USPHL.com

Photo/Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings

The Springfield Pics organization was one of only two to qualify both their USPHL Elite and USPHL Premier teams for the national championships.

From the Premier team, two Californians will continue to be teammates at the next level as Brandon Derdiger (Calabasas) and Matthew Gerst (Los Altos) are joining

four other Pics teammates in moving on to Framingham State University.

Derdiger registered 29 points in 80 career games with the Pics organization.

“Brandon is a hard-working forward who takes pride in all three zones,” said Framingham State head coach Mike Bailey. “He does all the little things that don’t always show up on the scoresheet but help a team win.

He is a great teammate both on and off the ice whose hard work is respected by everyone alike.”

Gerst, a defenseman, scored seven points in his 78 games over two Pics seasons.

“Matt is a solid stay-at-home defenseman who takes pride in shutting down the opposing team’s top offensive players,” said Bailey. “He sees the entire ice well and makes great decisions with the puck. Matt’s great attitude and team-first approach will be a welcome addition for the Rams.”

From the always-strong Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings, Tracy native Jered Stevenson will be moving on to Lebanon Valley College, joining Shemyakin there in the fall.

“Jered had a great season this year as he led the team on and off the ice as a returner and an assistant captain,” said Riverkings assistant coach Devin Roeder. “Jered led on the ice with his play as he was an offensive threat, leading the team in goals and points per game. Off the ice, Jered was leading as he helped in the community and in the weight room, spending a lot of time doing extra workouts with teammates.”

USPHL.com CARubberHockey.com

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A Legend Remembered Jack Bowkus proved monumental helping shape California’s youth hockey landscape into what it is today “Once a kid spent some time with him, coaches at the higher levels knew what they were getting,” said Pitcher. “They were taught the game of hockey and not asking themselves, ‘What has this kid been doing the last 4-5 years?’ They believed and trusted in him. His word was golden.”

By Brian McDonough

I

f you’re debating the Mount Rushmore of California youth hockey coaches, you’d be hard-pressed not to include Jack Bowkus on that distinguished shrine of four.

A trailblazer who never surrendered his blue-collar approach towards his craft, Bowkus was revered as a respected and trusted leader and mentor thanks to his hard GOLDEN BOYS work and brutal honesty that helped launch the careers of so many young players and Bowkus began to establish his coaching legacy back in 1995 when he moved out coaching counterparts and, along the way, bring the state’s hockey scene to unprece- to Southern California along with Pitcher and Jeff Turcotte. dented national prominence.

At the time, he and Turcotte - boyhood friends from Lansing, Mich. - were in the bar Bowkus, who this past season led the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ 14U AAA team to Cal- business together in Florida. Pitcher, meanwhile, was playing minor pro hockey in the ifornia Amateur Hockey Association area. and Pacific District titles and a berth Turcotte accepted a job to become to the USA Hockey National Chamthe hockey director with the Westminpionships, passed away the night of ster Wave (now the California Wave) March 28 after a two-plus-year battle with Pitcher alongside him. Bowkus with cancer. He was 53. followed to the West Coast soon after, In addition to his decorated coachalso joining the Wave as a coach. ing resume that spanned well over two “We kind of had the best jobs in the decades, Bowkus was a dedicated world,” said Pitcher. “You got to go to father to his 22-year-old son, Austin, work with your best friends.” along with being a loving son, brother Over the next few years, the three and friend to so many in the hockey architected the Wave into a tried-andcommunity and beyond. true national powerhouse - something “True friends - and coaches - are California hockey had never seen behard to find, but you got the best of fore - and along the way groomed a both with Jack,” said Helen Alex, number of players for high-level junior the Jr. Kings’ director of finance and hockey, the NCAA and even the NHL. one of Bowkus’ closest confidants In addition to Blum, who also played who managed over a dozen of his two seasons with the Wave under Turteams throughout his career with the cotte, the program proved instrumental Jr. Kings. “He was one of a kind. So helping shape the paths of NHL draft real, so genuine, and that’s why he picks Cameron Cepek, Colin Long, was loved and respected by so many Jack Bowkus, who passed away last month after a courageous battle with cancer, blazed a trail as a tough, T.J. Miller, Rhett Rakhshani and people. He’ll be impossible to forget.” honest and loyal coach and mentor who helped elevate California youth hockey’s relevance - and prominence Mitch Wahl, among others, along - to unprecedented levels. Photo/Jeff Berting Photography Few knew Bowkus better than with current Predators forward RocShawn Pitcher, currently a Jr. Kings coach whose lastco Grimaldi. Along with Rakhshani, another Bowkus puing friendship with his colleague extended over 25 years. pil with the Wave, Shane Harper, also reached the NHL. Bowkus’ integrity, says Pitcher, was non-negotiable.

The band broke up when Bowkus accepted a coach“Just a good man,” he said. “And as a friend, he always ing job with the United States Hockey League’s Indiana had your back and you couldn’t ask for anything more.

Ice in 2005. At the same time, Turcotte and Pitcher moved “An exceptional coach. He found his niche, what he on to take coaching jobs with the emerging LA Hockey was good at. He found it working with kids and making Club program, which played out of Lakewood and Westkids better - not only on the ice but off the ice, too, with minster. good morals and strong values.

Bowkus returned to Southern California after a year in “And as good of a coach as he was, he was even a Indy, this time accepting the hockey director role with the better dad and a great friend. Just a good human being.”

Jr. Kings thanks to Alex, who at the time was on the Jr. His former players echo those sentiments, among Kings’ board of directors and offered a strong recommenthem Jonathan Blum, whom Bowkus coached for six dation to then-Jr. Kings president Rosemary Voulelikas years with the California Wave. When he was selected to hire the gifted coach.

23rd overall by the Nashville Predators in the 2007 NHL “You find diamonds in the rough in players, well we Draft, the defenseman became the state’s first-ever bornfound ours in coaches with Jack,” said Alex. “He made our and-bred player taken in the first round - a watermark moclub what it is now. He always had the best players come ment for California hockey. tryout for us, play for us, everything.”

“Growing up playing so much hockey, he was almost a Bowkus, Pitcher and Turcotte reunited when LA Hocksecond father to me,” Blum said of his former coach. “He ey Club and the Jr. Kings merged in 2012. taught me everything - from a hockey standpoint and off “We’ve always been buddies and have done a lot tothe ice, how to be a better person. In every aspect, he was gether,” said Turcotte. “We kind of counted on each other a huge influence on me. I put a lot of trust in him.” whenever stuff went bad or our teams didn’t play well to A San Jose Sharks draft pick in 2018, Jake McGrew kind of boost each other up, or when our teams were doplayed two seasons for Bowkus during his pivotal 16U ing well to pat each other on the back, so it’s always been Last year, Jack Bowkus served as an inspirational ambassador AAA seasons when recruitment to the higher levels was at the Tour de Pier, a stationary cycling fundraiser held annual- a special friendship.” of paramount importance.

The bond between the three, on and off the ice, says ly in Manhattan Beach which raises money and awareness for “He made me the hockey player I am just with the little cancer charities.

Pitcher, was nearly inseparable. things he did and how he pushed me to be the best player and hardest worker I could “We were all away from our families, so we had each other as family,” he said. “We be,” said McGrew, a forward who this past season played an injury-shortened campaign talked to each other on a daily basis. For 25 years, we probably saw each other 5-6 days with the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Spokane Chiefs. “He helped me a ton.” a week. It was pretty special.”

And when it came to assessing talent, few would argue there were any more honest and dependable than Bowkus.

Continued on Page 12 6

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

California Rubber NCAA Men’s Players of the Year Patrick Khodorenko, Michigan State & Jake Slaker, Michigan sparkling 2.20 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage.

Gavin Nieto, Brown – The senior from Yorba Linda had his best season yet, amassing a 2.42 GAA and a .914 save percentage. He had seven of the Bears’ eight wins, and two of those were shutouts.

By Chris Bayee

I

t’s not essential to have the Big 10 Network if you like keeping track of top hockey talent from California, but during the 2019-20 season, it sure helped.

Five of the players on California Rubber Magazine’s annual All-California NCAA Men’s Team played in the league, including co-players of the year Patrick Khodorenko of Michigan State and Jake Slaker of Michigan.

The seniors were alternate captains and their team’s leading scorers on opposite sides of one of college sports’ most bitter rivalries.

Khodorenko, who signed with the New York Rangers, cracked the 30-point plateau Michigan State senior and Walfor the third year in a row and finishes his nut Creek native Patrick Khodocareer with 120 points in 142 games. The renko posted 16 goals among Walnut Creek native centered Michigan 33 points this season before State’s top line, played on every special signing a free-agent deal with the NHL’s New York Rangers. teams unit and had 16 goals among 33 Photo/Matthew Mitchell points to help the program to its most wins in six seasons.

Slaker, an alternate captain the past three seasons, had his best offensive season, leading Michigan in goals (14), assists (17), points (31). The San Diego product also led the team with 13 powerplay points and three game-winning goals.

He wraps up his Wolverines career with 104 points over 143 games.

The duo headlines another strong crop of NCAA Division I players from the Golden State.

GOALTENDERS Trevin Kozlowski, Army West Point – The junior from Los Angeles helped the Black Knights contend for Atlantic Hockey’s title while posting a 17-11-3 record, a

San Diego product Jake Slaker wore an ‘A’ the past three seasons for Michigan and should sign a professional contract during the offseason after finishing his senior year in 2019-20.

Photo/University of Michigan Athletics

DEFENSEMEN Ryan Johnson, Minnesota – The freshman from Irvine, a Buffalo Sabres draft pick, played in all 37 Gophers games, had eight assists and 57 blocks.

Nate Kallen, Ferris State – The durable senior (145 games in four seasons) from San Diego had 16 points while captaining the Bulldogs. Signed with Maine (ECHL) after the season.

Rourke Russell, Miami – The junior from Long Beach set career highs in points (13) and assists (12). He also had 52 blocks.

Jack St. Ivany, Yale – A Philadelphia Flyers pick, the sophomore from Manhattan Beach upped his points (16), assists (15) and games (32) totals this year.

Tyler Rockwell, Michigan Tech – The junior from San Jose plays a solid, two-way game every night (38 games, nine points, is a plus player, 45 blocks).

Cam York, Michigan – Another Flyers pick, he was a finalist for the Big 10 Freshman of the Year. Not only was he the Wolverines’ highest-scoring defenseman and freshman (16 points in 30 games), but he was second with a plus-9 and third with 54 blocks.

FORWARDS Elijiah Barriga, AIC – The sophomore from West Covina scored a career-high 19

points, including 11 goals, and won an unreal 59 percent of his 352 faceoffs.

Lawton Courtnall, Western Michigan – The senior from Westlake Village took on a bigger role and responded with a career-high 10 points. He played 138 career games.

Vincent de Mey, Northern Michigan – The Los Angeles native blew up as a sophomore, burying 15 goals among his 28 points. His six power-play goals matched his freshman point total.

Andre Ghantous, Northern Michigan – He had the most points (22) of any freshman from California, and he scored 11 goals.

Cole Guttman, Denver – The sophomore from Los Angeles led NCAA D-I with six game-winning goals. Eight of his 14 goals came on the power play, his 28 points were a career best, and he won a team-high 55 percent of his draws.

Jake Hamacher, RIT – The junior from Corona had 26 points on just 56 shots on goal. His 17 assists were second on the Tigers.

Niko Hildenbrand, Massachusetts – The two-year captain from Vacaville is durable (136 career games) and strong defensively (plus-14). He scored in double figures for the third time in four seasons.

Tyson McLellan, Denver – The two-year alternate captain from San Jose hit double figures in points for the third time in his four seasons and won 52 percent of his faceoffs.

Brannon McManus, Minnesota – The junior from Newport Beach had career highs in points (27), assists (18) and games (37) for the resurgent Gophers. His plus10 led the team.

Nick Rivera, Minnesota State – The Mavericks’ twotime captain again hit double figures in goals and was a career-best plus-14. The senior from Pacific Palisades finished his career having played an incredible 151 games.

Ethan Somoza, Bemidji State – The Simi Valley native emerged during his junior season with career highs in points (18), goals (six) and assists (12) for the up-andcoming Beavers.

California Rubber NCAA Women’s Players of the Year Cayla Barnes/Boston College, Dominique Petrie/Harvard, Sammy Smigliani/Colgate

W

hat do you value? Offense? Defense? Both?

California Rubber Magazine’s NCAA Women’s Players of the Year address all of that and more. That three players turned in such dominant performances that it was nearly impossible to distinguish between them speaks to the growth and depth of the girls game in California.

Here’s why Boston College defenseman Cayla Barnes, Harvard forward Dominique Petrie and Colgate forward Sammy Smigliani are sharing the honor.

Barnes, a sophomore from Eastvale, helped the Eagles to a 17-win season on a couple of levels. First, she supplied offense – her 23 points were fourth on BC and sixth among Hockey East defensemen. More importantly, the All-Hockey East Second Team pick is a shutdown defender – her 103 blocked shots led the league by 21.

A sophomore from Hermosa Beach, Petrie put up 35 points and a Crimson-best 23 assists in only 28 games.

She was a Second Team All-ECAC selection and finished 11th in the league in scoring despite having just three of her 12 goals come on the power play.

Smigliani took the ECAC by storm as a freshman.

She scored a team-high 33 points, including 14 goals, was a plus player and won more than 55 percent of her 372 faceoffs. It’s no wonder she was a Third Team All-

ECAC pick and an All-Rookie Team selection.

Meet the rest of the team GOALTENDER Frankie Sanchez, Sacred Heart – The sophomore from Lake Elsinore, who grew up playing inline hockey, went 19-11-0 with a 2.64 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage.

Cayla Barnes

Dominique Petrie

Sammy Smigliani

DEFENSEMEN Tanner Gates, Colgate – The sophomore from Oceanside erupted for 21 points, including seven goals.

Her point total was the highest among Raiders ‘D’ and fourth overall on the team.

Gabby Monaco, St. Anselm – The junior from La

Verne helped the Hawks to the NEWHA title game, playing in every game and recording nine points.

Claire Peterson, Connecticut – The freshman from San Jose played in every game, was well into plus territory, and added seven points as the Huskies reached the Hockey East title game.

FORWARDS Brooke Bryant, Minnesota State – The sophomore from Linden was solid in the circle, blocked shots and chipped in eight points.

Nicole Dunbar, New Hampshire – The senior from Coto de Caza hit double figures in points for the fourth season in a row and helped the Wildcats to the Hockey East semifinals. Highly durable, she played in 141 of a possible 144 games during her career.

Lily Humphrey, Vermont – The freshman from Huntington Beach had seven goals among her 14 points on only 45 shots. She also was a plus player.

Keely Moy, Harvard – The junior from San Diego was fifth on the Crimson with 22 points and nine goals. She also netted two game-winners.

- Chris Bayee CARubberHockey.com

7

SAN DIEGO JR. GULLS

Jr. Gulls conclude ’19-20 season, look ahead to ’20-21

By Matt Mackinder

T

he San Diego Jr. Gulls organization saw its 2019-20 season end prematurely, with many memories yet to be made that will now have to be the answer to the question, “What if?”

That said, the club experienced several outstanding highlights during the season, including the 10U A team skating to an undefeated SCAHA season and priming itself for a run at a state championship.

In addition, the 12U AA team participated in the annual Quebec International Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in February and the 14U AA team played a mid-season tournament in Yellowknife, the capital, only city, and largest community in Canada’s Northwest Territories. The 12U AA2 team played in a tournament in Regina, Sask., in -40-degree weather, probably the first San Diego hockey team ever to play in Regina.

On the girls side, the Jr. Gulls iced six teams this season, ranging from 8U to 19U. “Since the girls program came into existence four seasons ago, the Jr. Gulls have experienced growth each season, and have developed into one of the top programs on the West Coast,” said Jr. Gulls girls program director Alex Morrison.

One of the surreal storylines for the girls was just a few months ago when the entire group sold hundreds of tickets to the United States-Canada women’s game in February at Honda Center. The Jr. Gulls were chosen to be represented on the ice during the national anthem

and several players stood next to players from the U.S. been taking every precaution to ensure hockey can come back for the 2020-21 season.

Women’s National Team.

“It is important to the Jr Gulls leadership to be availOn the ice, Jr. Gulls girls teams brought some hardware back to Ice-Plex Escondido as the 8U team won able to answer any questions or concerns that parents or silver at the San Diego Girls Christmas Invitational, the players have,” said Jr. Gulls hockey director Craig Car12U team took first at the Lady Ducks Fall Classic and lyle. “The line of communication is always open and the second at the Chicago Girls Winter Classic, the 14U safely of our membership is a top priority. We fully support squad claimed silver at the Lady Ducks Fall Classic and our home rink, Ice-Plex Escondido, for temporarily closing the 19U team finished first at the San Diego Girls Christ- to make sure we are all safe during these uncertain times. mas Invitational and Boulder Breakout and second at the To stay connected to our Jr Gulls families, we engage with USA Hockey Pacific District Tournament. The 19U team membership via our social media platforms on Facebook also wrapped the season ranked in the top 25 nationally, and Instagram and sending out info on dryland drills specific to hockey.” according to MYHockeyRankCarlyle, who is also offerings.com. ing remote coaching, said as A trio of Jr. Gulls coaches the summer months approach, also made news as Blake things should start to get back Bolden played with the Profesto normal. sional Women’s Hockey Play“The Jr. Gulls have a strong ers Association in numerous membership of families that events, was hired by the LA have rallied together, and it Kings as a professional scout and was featured by the NHL Players from San Diego Jr. Gulls girls teams join the U.S. was tough for a lot of playoffin multiple publications. Jamie Women’s National Team for the starting lineup prior to the bound teams to deal with their season ending early, but they Huntley was selected as a ref- U.S.-Canada game in February at Honda Center. eree for the IIHF Women’s World Championship that was all remained positive,” said Carlyle. “Hockey is a huge to take place in France in April, and Morrison was named part of their lives and the Jr. Gulls want to provide the head coach of the U.S. Jr. Women’s National Inline Hock- highest level of coaching to help our players achieve ey Team that was scheduled to compete at the World their goals. There is a lot to look forward to with Memorial Day tournaments, tryouts and, boom, the season will Inline Hockey Championship tournament this summer.

Since all seasons ended last month, the Jr. Gulls have start up again.”

JrGullsHockey.com

WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE EVERYONE ON THE ICE AGAIN!!

Until then,

STAY HEALTHY and don’t get any charging penalties!!

6 feet of social distancing!!

GSEHOCKEY.COM 8

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

HOCKEY STRONG

Teams script exciting ending to 2019-20 WCRHL season

By Phillip Brents

T

he Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League’s (WCRHL) conference championship tournament March 7-8 at The Rinks-Corona Inline proved to be an exciting conclusion to the 2019-20 season.

WCRHL director Brennan Edwards said the 13 participating teams approached the annual event with “great anticipation.”

Teams definitely made a statement for late season parity.

Three of the four divisional championship games were decided by one goal, including one in overtime.

Arizona State University defeated CSU Fullerton in a best-of-three series by scores of 5-3 and 6-1 to repeat as Division I champions and edged intrastate rival University of Arizona 3-2 in overtime to repeat as Division IV (development team) champions.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo repeated as the Division II champion with a tight 4-3 win over Chico State while Cal Poly Pomona emerged victorious in the Division III tier following a wild 8-7 win over San Jose State.

“In Divisions I, II and III there were no easy games,” Edwards said. “The competition was very even, so it was anyone’s game. In the championship game between Cal Poly and Chico State, you could really see how badly both teams wanted it.”

Final conflict After winning last year’s Division II national championship, Fullerton moved up to the Division I tier this season.

The Titans had gained steam during the second semester with six wins in 11 games aided by top scorers Dylan Kammer (29 goals, 48 points), James Maloney

(19 goals, 38 points) and Troy Yano (17 goals, 37 points) while playing in front of highly decorated goaltender Ron Best, the Most Valuable Goaltender at the 2019 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships.

Kammer gave Fullerton a 3-2 lead after scoring just 48 seconds into the third period but the Sun Devils closed out the Game 1 victory on the strength of three unanswered goals, including an empty-net goal with 13 seconds to play with ASU nursing a 4-3 lead.

Logan Corrigan led ASU with a hat trick while Blake

The Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Mustangs were pressed to the limit but managed to repeat as Division II champions at last month’s Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League conference championship tournament. Photo/WCRHL

Tallas had two goals. Kammer finished the game with two goals and one assist.

There was no dramatic ending to Game 2 as the Sun Devils raced to an early 3-0 lead and slammed the door

shut on Fullerton with three third period goals.

Corrigan earned the Division I Most Valuable Player award by netting four goals in the two games while ASU goaltender Aaron Gittings stopped 15 of 16 shots (.938 save percentage) to post the Game 2 win.

Kammer led the Titans with three goals and one assist in the series while Best made 32 saves in the two games.

“The Division I games between Arizona State and CSU Fullerton were great,” Edwards assessed. “The players play at such a high level.”

Back to back Three teams participated in the Division II playoffs, with a double round-robin (four games) determining the division champion.

Cal Poly, the top team in the regular-season standings, finished 3-1 while Chico State finished 2-2 and Northern Arizona University finished 1-3.

The final round-robin game pitted Cal Poly and Chico State and served as the championship game.

Power-play goals by Joe Blakewell, Nathan Katzaroff and Matt Akins set the pace for Cal Poly, though Chico State made it close with goals in the third period by Christopher Fisher and William Robinson.

Blakewell earned the Division II MVP award with one goal and three assists in the championship game while goaltender Nic Leacox stopped 14 of 17 shots to pick up the victory.

“We are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish over the last couple of seasons, and we hope to come back even stronger next season,” Blakewell said.

“Winning a national championship has been a goal of our club for a long time, so we would love to compete for that title next season.”

Cal Poly Pomona writes own version of March Madness

By Phillip Brents

C

deficit to win 10-9 in overtime against a San Jose State team that had qualified as the final playoff team in the division.

The Spartans scored six unanswered goals in the round-robin matchup to lead 8-4 early in the third period before the Broncos scored four unanswered goals, including one with just 10 seconds remaining in regulation, to send the game into overtime.

al Poly Pomona posted a near-perfect 14-1 regular-season record last year but was unable to close out the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) playoffs with a Division III championship.

The Broncos turned in the best regular-season record in the division this season (11-4-0-1) but nearly had the tables turned on them again in the championship playoffs.

Pomona won two games in dramatic comeback fashion against a re-energized San Jose State University team, including one in overtime, to finally secure the division title that had eluded the club last year.

“Our boys never quit, even when down in both games,” Pomona coach John Paerels said. “We just kept coming back.”

The Division III championship game had to be the wildest of the WCRHL’s championship weekend March 7-8 in Corona with four lead changes as Pomona rallied to outlast San Jose State 8-7 after trailing 4-1 midway through the second period.

Pomona goaltender Jake Oberschlep made a diving save on a breakaway with 45 seconds left in Cal Poly Pomona finally notched that elusive championship game regulation to preserve the championship game vic- victory to reign as the 2019-20 Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League’s Division III champions. Photo/WCRHL tory.

Pomona’s Bryan Bagnoli was named Division III Derick Rosas finally ended the whacky game on MVP after collecting four goals and two assists in the what Paerels called a “lucky bounce off an SJSU stick” championship game, including the game-winning goal at the 11:44 mark of overtime. with 51 seconds to play to snap a 7-7 deadlock.

Rosas earned First Star of the Game with three William Lade-Miller tacked on three goals and goals and three assists while San Jose State’s Ryan one assist for the Broncos in the final.

Lothman received Second Star recognition with five The final was a replay from the teams’ round-robin goals and one assist. matchup in which the Broncos rebounded from an 8-4 “The championship game was just as crazy,” Paer-

els said. “San Jose State played a great game against us both times and we were very lucky to win with several shots off goalposts for them.”

Pomona finished pool play 3-0 and defeated UCLA 10-2 in the semifinals as Bagnoli bagged seven points (four goals, three assists) and Rosas added a hat trick.

Pomona scored 48 goals in its five tournament games, including 18 in the two amazing comeback wins against San Jose State.

Bagnoli paced the team in overall tournament scoring with 23 points (15 goals, eight assists).

Lothman led the Spartans in pool scoring with 14 points (nine goals, five assists) while adding six points (five goals, one assist) in two playoff games.

He racked up four points (three goals, one assist) in the championship game setback.

San Jose State (6-9-0-1 in 16 regular-season games) proved to be kryptonite for the University of Arizona, the division’s regular-season runner-up team, after the Spartans defeated them twice in the tournament, 6-3 in the round robin and 5-2 in the semifinals.

“Division III was extraordinary, with San Jose State making a great playoff run all the way to the championship game, and Cal Poly Pomona scoring 10 goals in each of their first four games and then eight goals in the championship game against San Jose State, a real back-and-forth battle,” WCRHL director Brennan Edwards said.

Joseph Maurer, UCLA’s leading scorer in the regular season with 64 points (40 goals, 24 assists) in 16 games, led the Bruins at the conference tournament with 14 points (12 goals, two assists) in four games.

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Bulldogs take large bite out of NARCh NorCal regionals

By Phillip Brents

N

ARCh held its annual Northern California regional tournament March 7-8 at San Jose’s Silver Creek Sportsplex with 43 teams spread across seven divisions.

Teams vied for awards in 13 subdivisions.

The event was the first regional qualifying tournament of the 2020 NARCh season and wasn’t solely restricted to teams from Northern California.

The Corona-based Bulldogs brought their entire program up from Southern California, with the exception of their 6U team, to do battle with Bay Area teams during the two-day event.

Bulldogs age group coach Ben Barrett said the program “took over Silver Creek and parts of San Jose over the course of the weekend.”

“It seemed like every game had a Bulldogs team,” Barrett said. “It was awesome to see that the program as a whole did amazing, representing the name exactly how we hoped they would, with class, integrity and respect.

“I believe we have the best program in the country and that showed with the commitment of everyone to go up that weekend. We all stayed at the same hotel and one night had over 50 people at dinner – it was awesome. Those weekends are what travel hockey is about – the bonding, the new environment, and the fun times around the fire pit. We continue to grow as a program and really hope to get going again and see what the rest of the season brings for us.”

The Bulldogs came back home laden with hardware as teams won championships in four subdivisions.

The 8U White team won the 8U Silver division while

the 8U Blue team doubled by winning the 8U Gold Division and the 10U Silver Division (while playing up an age level).

The 10U Blue team won the 10U Gold Division.

The Bulldogs definitely left an impression on their Bay Area foes. The Bulldogs Blue team piled up a 37-4 goal differential in sweeping its four games in the 8U Gold bracket while the Bulldogs Blue 10U team finished 5-0 with a 33-5 goal differential.

The Southern California-based OC Marvel program

The Bulldogs 8U White team captured the 8U Silver Division title at the NARCh Northern California regional tournament, which was held March 7-8 in San Jose.

also made the trek north, recording a second-place finish in the 10U Gold final to the Bulldogs Blue in an all-SoCal matchup.

Northern California-based programs did exceptionally well, too.

Konixx Nitrous was represented in five division finals, scoring two championships (14U Gold and Junior/ Men’s Silver) while posting three runner-up finishes (12U Gold, 16U Gold and 18U).

Mission Mayhem produced four finalists, winning two championships (12U Gold and 16U Gold) and settling for second place in two others (14U Gold and 14U Silver). Mission Mayhem 05 took second in 14U Gold while Mission Mayhem 07 finished second in 14U Silver.

Mission Mayhem’s 16U Gold championship team finished 5-0 with a 39-9 goal differential.

The Silicon Valley Quakes had three finalists, winning the Junior/Men’s Gold division while recording runner-up finishes in 10U Silver and 16U Silver.

The Quakes finished a perfect 5-0 to capture the Junior/Men’s Gold title.

NCR Konixx Elite scored division championships in both 16U Silver and 18U. NCR shut out Nitrous 6-0 in the 18U Gold final after dropping a 4-2 round-robin decision.

The finals showcased teams from 12 programs – 10 from the NorCal region.

Warrior Revolution (12U Silver) and NorCal Rink Rat (14U Silver) also won division championships at the NARCh regional while runner-up teams also included Pure Octane (8U Gold and 12U Silver), San Jose Venom (8U Silver), San Francisco Storm (Jr/Men’s Silver) and West Coast Cottonmouths (Jr/Men’s Gold).

“I still consider NorCal a small market that works hard to stay on the map in roller,” Nitrous program director Rick Madrigal said. “We don’t have the pool of kids like some other areas, so our youth rec and high school programs are crucial to help grow the sport and develop players who hopefully can transition into travel.”

Playoff intrigue highlights ADISL’s fall/winter season

By Phillip Brents

T

he Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic Hockey League (ADISL) held its championship playoffs Feb. 28 and March 1 at The Rinks-Irvine Inline, with division championships awarded in two divisions.

Ten teams participated in the ADISL’s fall/winter season. Beckman Team 1 completed an undefeated 14-0 season to earn distinction as the Division I champion.

The remaining nine teams competed in playoffs to award two additional championships.

Huntington Beach defeated Beckman Team 2 by a score of 5-2 to lay claim to the Division II Tier 1 title while Norco defeated Crossroads Christian by a score of 2-1 to win the Division II Tier 2 championship.

By the numbers The Beckman program draws student-athletes from Beckman, Foothill and Tustin high schools.

The varsity squad is no stranger to winning ADISL championships, having won six of the last seven Division 1 titles while the Beckman 2 team has won multiple lower division titles in that same span.

This season’s powerhouse Beckman Team 1, under the guidance of coach Peter Tasigeorgos, featured a balanced lineup that possessed the ability to wear down opponents with seemingly any combination of skaters in front of goaltender Danny Tasigeorgos.

Brayden Fleming and the younger Tasigeorgos helped buttress the team’s senior-laden core along with junior Jackson Dei Rossi, the lone returner from the success-driven group.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Elimination game The Division II Tier 1 playoffs featured the five teams following Beckman Team 1 in the regular-season standings.

Teams were reseeded for the Division II playoffs.

El Toro, the second-place finisher in the regular-season standings with a 9-2-1-2 record, received the No. 1 seed for the Division II Tier 1 playoffs while Santiago, the third-place finisher in the standings with a 9-5 record, received the No. 2 seed.

Lakeside/Irvine captured the Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic Hockey League’s Junior High Division championship to cap the league’s playoffs for the fall/winter season. Photo/ADISL

Huntington Beach, the fourth-place finisher in the regular-season standings with an 8-5-1 record, received the No. 3 seed while Pacifica, the fifth-place finisher in the standings with an 8-5-0-1 record, received the No. 4 seed.

Beckman Team 2, which finished in sixth place in the regular-season standings with an 8-6 record, received the No. 5 seed.

Beckman Team 2 proved to be the bracket buster

after defeating Pacifica 5-2 in a preliminary playoff game and then upsetting top-seeded El Toro 4-3 in the semifinals to advance to the championship game.

That would not be the only upset in postseason play as third-seeded Huntington Beach defeated second-seeded Santiago 9-3 in the semifinals.

The championship final paired the fourth-place and sixth-place regular-season finishers in a display of postseason parity.

Beckman Team 2’s playoff scoring leaders included Jimmy Mastrosimone and Brendan Bosca.

The bottom four teams in the regular-season standings met in a two-round playoff to determine the Division II Tier 2 champion.

Crossroads Christian, the seventh-place regular season finisher with a 5-8-0-1 record, defeated Mater Dei, which finished at the bottom of the standings with a 0-14 record, by a score of 8-0 to advance to the Tier 2 final.

Norco, which finished eighth deep in the standings with a 5-9 record, eliminated Cypress-Villa Park, the ninth-place finisher with a 3-11 regular-season record, by a score of 9-3 to also advance.

The SV Roadrunners defeated Lakeside/Irvine to win the ADISL’s Junior High School championship after both teams finished with 7-3 regular-season records.

Four teams participated in the Junior High Division, including Sowers and Talbert.

Southern exposure The Temecula Valley Inline Hockey Association held its fourth annual Senior Night on March 3. The ceremony honored seven boys who were playing their final regular-season high school hockey game along with longtime scorekeeper Jordyn Betsch.

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Bowkus’ legacy lives on as a California coaching pioneer Continued from Page 6 “For me, it’s the friendship, the camaraderie and also the respect,” Turcotte said of Bowkus. “Coaching with him and against him, it was pretty special.”

TOUGH LOVE

him just chewing me out to the point where I was almost crying. I had a week to get stronger and make sure I never played like that again and, like I said, if I didn’t improve in a week, he was going to kick me off the team.”

“The truth always hurts,” Alex added. “But hearing it from a coach like Jack, the underlying message was always, ‘Hey, this is what I think of you right this very second, but I know you have potential and you can do this,’ What I used to tell the boys is, ‘When Jack stops yelling at you, that’s when he’s lost faith in you.’”

years at El Segundo’s Toyota Sports Performance Center.

The showcase, designed for Bantam and Midget players of all skill levels from across the West Coast, attracts dozens of professional, college and junior scouts - again, thanks to Bowkus’ vast scouting reach - and has helped place countless players at the higher levels.

“That’s why he started it,” Alex said of the camp, which, in addition to Austin, is operated by Bowkus’ father, Ray, and brother, John (Bowkus is also survived by his mother, Margaret, and brother Jared and sister JoAnn). “Mainly for the kids who got overlooked, for the kids who couldn’t afford to fly away to a camp that cost them room and board and everything else.

“All the years I knew him, he was always making sure a kid got what they wanted if they worked hard enough for it, and most importantly got what they needed.”

With all the right intentions, Bowkus wasn’t one to mince words. He had an unwavering conviction of what he expected from his players - and parents - on and off the ice. And, more often than not, his straight-shooting, no-nonUNDERDOG MENTALITY sense approach got results.

For as much as Bowkus did for his players on the ice, McGrew, who won a Pacific District championship under Bowkus in 2015-16 on a talent-laden Jr. Kings 16U AAA behind the scenes he worked just as meticulously off it. team that also included future NHL draft picks Cole Gut- While continually keeping a steady pulse on his already-extman, Jack St. Ivany and Dustin Wolf, knows firsthand tensive coaching and scouting network and establishing new contacts along the way, he always made time to pick the level of commitment Bowkus demanded.

SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE “If he wasn’t pushing you, then he really didn’t When news broke of Bowkus’ care, so I took it as, ‘Yeah, this might hurt my ego passing the morning of March 29, the or hurt my feelings, but he’s doing it because he outpouring of admiration and respect wants to get the best out of me and be the best for the coaching giant shared on social player I can be,’ said McGrew. media was instantaneous and over“I think the way he coached and pushed, I whelming. turned them into positives like, ‘Hey, if he’s getCurrent and former players, coachting after me, that means he believes in me and is es, administrators and beyond at all levgiving me the time of day, which is a good thing.’” els worldwide extended their appreciaBlum, who’s spent time in the NHL both with tion of Bowkus’ lasting friendship and Nashville and the Minnesoinfluence, posting photos, stories and ta Wild and this past seawell wishes remembering a true legend son played professionally in blessed with a kind heart, sharp wit and Sweden, remembers a few a keen understanding of the game. instances when Bowkus put “It just shows you how impactful he his budding prodigy to the was and how he developed those relatest. tionships and those players,” said Mc“He was always harder Grew. “They think of him as the biggest on me, that’s for sure,” said role model and biggest influence of their Blum, who enjoyed a fruitful youth career, and I think that speaks to junior career with the WHL’s how good of a person he was and how Vancouver Giants before good of a development coach he was turning pro. “But now I know and realize why, because he saw some promise Jack Bowkus, pictured with his son, Austin, right, and Rocco Grimaldi, coached the Nashville Pred- getting guys ready for the next step. I in me and didn’t want me to waste my opportu- ators forward during their time together with the California Wave. The two remained close, with think that’s why guys respected the living hell out of him.” nity, so he pushed me every day and for that I’m Bowkus training Grimaldi regularly in the offseason. up the phone to ensure those at the higher levels had his “He coached a lot of kids, and a lot of good kids playvery thankful. ing professional hockey right now,” Blum added. “Everyone “You’d hate him one day, love him the next. That was players on their radar.

“He made so many connections and provided so many knew who Jack was. He was a California pioneer. A legend.” kind of his personality and he definitely had a different apJust days after his death, the Jr. Kings put a GoFundproach. He wanted to push guys to be their best and get options for players to have chance, and if he really believed every ounce of hard work and energy out of them because in you he was going to do his best to help you reach your Me in play in an effort to assist with Austin’s educational goal, and that’s something I think people take for granted,” and professional goals. The initial $25,000 benchmark was he wanted the best for everyone.” reached - and then some - within 48 hours (still open, the A member of the 2018 U.S. Olympic Team, Blum recalls said Blum.

“I don’t think I’d be in my situation if it wasn’t for Jack. fund had raised north of $40,000 as of mid-April). a weekend in San Jose when Bowkus caught 5-6 players “I went over to see him right after Christmas and he - Blum among them - out of their hotel rooms after curfew Being such a young age, developing me as a person, every was telling me stories of how Sidney Crosby was reachthe night before playing for a state championship, which the day pushing me to my limits.”

And as many elite-level players Bowkus came across ing out to him, texting him how he was doing and all that Wave ultimately won.

“There was an outdoor track across the street from our - he worked for the Dallas Stars as a skills development kind of stuff,” McGrew recalled. “To me, that just speaks hotel and, after that game, he made us stay in our full gear - coach for over a decade and trained dozens of pro, college to how good of a guy he was and how much guys at that no skates - and run around it with our trophies for an hour,” and junior players during the off-season at El Segundo’s level respected him and that just trickles down. It was really Toyota Sports Performance Center - he always had a soft heartwarming to see all the support.” said Blum. “He didn’t care.”

Jeff Bain, one of Bowkus’ former players with the Jr. In remembrance and thanks to his former coach, Beau spot for cultivating an underdog he believed in, helping Bennett, who played his Midget seasons under Bowkus them without fanfare with whatever resources he had at his Kings, also created a “BOWKUS MADE ME” Facebook page, which shares plenty of inspirational and comical anwith the Jr. Kings, shared on his Instagram soon after disposal.

After all, Bowkus himself scratched and clawed his ecdotes and memories of a demanding but fair coach who Bowkus’ passing a threat from the coach to kick the highly-skilled forward off his 18U AAA team unless he improved way to a successful career in the WHL with the Saskatoon helped shape their futures as responsible young men, both Blades before playing minor pro in the U.S. and a few sea- personally and professionally. his work ethic.

“You’d think he’s just touched Southern CaliforA few years later, Bennett became a first-round pick of sons in Germany.

“Everyone wanted to do lessons with Jack and there nia hockey, but it goes well beyond that, like all over the the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and is still toiling in the pro ranks under contract with the Arizona was a lot of times kids couldn’t afford it, but he believed in world,” Pitcher added. “He got to know and work with a lot that player,” said Alex. “He put confidence in players who of people and was well-respected by everybody.”

Coyotes.

In the end, it was Bowkus’ genuine, selfless spirit that “Jack did that to me, too,” said Blum. “It was Pee Wee, never had any and, if he saw potential in them, there’s no resonates loudest. maybe Bantam. I didn’t have a good game. We maybe won, way he wasn’t going to give them a chance.”

That planted the seed for Bowkus’ highly-regarded Cali Said Pitcher, “Anyone would love to have him as a best 5-2 or something, but I had a turnover or two and he wasn’t happy, and he came in the locker room and I still remember Prospects Camp, which has operated annually for 10-plus friend.”

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

Sharky Spring

Jr. Sharks fare well at states, districts, then see standouts selected in WHL U.S. Prospects Draft Defenseman Philippe Blais-Savoie, another San Jose native, was then chosen seventh overall by the Vancouver Giants. This past season, Blais-Savoie posted 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists).

“Philippe Blais-Savoie is an offensive-minded defenseman that plays like a fourth forward,” said Vancouver general manager Barclay Parneta. “He can make plays happen off the rush.”

play that offensive game as a defenseman, carry the puck up the ice when I can and make the right play.” efore the COVID-19 outbreak prematurely ended In the second round, the Calgary Hitmen drafted 2019-20 hockey seasons across the country, the San El Dorado Hills blueliner Briggs Orr 34th overall. Orr Jose Jr. Sharks found success, both on and off the ice. recorded five goals and nine assists for 14 points in 54 On the ice last month, the Jr. Sharks’ 18U AAA team games in 2019-20. captured the CAHA state championship and then went “Briggs is a feisty defender that takes command of on to Tacoma, Wash., to win the Pacific District title, while his own end of the rink but can chip in offensively,” said the Jr. Sharks’ 19U AA girls team, coached by Danielle Hitmen director of player personnel Dallas Thompson.

Kozlowski, won a state championship to boot.

The Americans went back to the Jr. Sharks in the In Tacoma, the Jr. Sharks skated to three wins in second round, taking forward Ben Picard, an Oakland the round robin, defeating the Wenatchee Wilderness, native, with the 43rd overall pick. In 2019-20, Picard Portland Jr. Winterhawks and Team Alaska. San Jose registered 10 goals and seven assists for 17 points. toppled Alaska 6-1 in the championship final, giving up “Ben is a power forward with tremendous and great their only goal with seven seconds left in the game. skating ability,” Tory said.

Owen Bohn, who saw time in the British Columbia Along with the four players that skated for the Jr. Hockey League this season with the Wenatchee Wild, Sharks during the 2019-20 season, former Jr. Sharks powered the offense with two goals and two assists, forward Duncan Shin went in the second round (38th followed by Cade Herrera with two goals and an assist. overall) to the Giants.

Jake Meure chipped in with four assists and Niko Shin played with the Shattuck-St. Mary’s 14U team Jovanovic, who later signed with the Alberta Junior this past season and potted 25 goals along with 40 Hockey League’s (AJHL) Spruce Grove Saints for the assists for 65 points in 58 games for the Sabres.

2020-21 season, and Ryan Kopelman each tallied a “Duncan Shin has elite talent,” said Giants scouting goal and an assist. Antonio Tarantino was solid between director Daryl Anning. “His hockey IQ is exceptional. the pipes, turning aside 23 saves on 24 shots.

He’s a skilled player that plays a strong 200-foot game.

Joining the 18U AAA team, coached by Evan Alexius, He doesn’t back down from physicality and has put up at Pacific Districts were the 16U AAA, 15O AAA and 14U some excellent numbers over the past few seasons.”

AAA teams.

Any players not selected in the 2020 WHL U.S. Then on March 25, several Jr. Sharks players from Prospects Draft will remain eligible to be selected in the their 14U AAA team (2005 birth year) were selected in 2020 WHL Bantam Draft, which will be held on April 22, the inaugural two-round Western Hockey League (WHL) or listed by a WHL team at any time thereafter.

U.S. Prospects Draft.

Prior to the draft, Jovanovic signed a letter of intent with Each WHL team was given two picks and were the Saints to start his junior hockey career next season. only permitted to select players from in Alaska, Arizona, Spruce Grove finished the 2019-20 season with a 43California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, 13-2 record, good for second in the AJHL North Division.

Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Spruce Grove is one of the most solidified programs in Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, the AJHL with a tradition of advancing players. This year, Washington and Wyoming. the Saints boasted eight NCAA Division I commitments.

“We are both proud of and happy for the players who The North Vancouver, B.C., native finished the season were recognized during the Western Hockey League third in team and 20th in Tier 1 Elite Hockey League Draft,” said Jr. Sharks director Curtis Brown. “It is great scoring with 11 goals and six assists for 17 points in 23 to see players from Northern California be able to find contests. opportunities for success close to where they grew up Spruce Grove head coach Bram Stephen is excited and wear the hometown teal throughout their development Philippe Blais-Savoie and Shaun Rios, two standouts on the San Jose to get Jovanovic into the lineup next season.

Jr. Sharks’ 14U AAA team during the 2019-20 season, were both seprocess.”

“Niko plays an intelligent game and is a handful for lected in the first round of the recent WHL U.S. Prospects Draft.

With the second overall pick in the draft, the Tridefenders with his ability to use his speed to drive City Americans selected San Jose native and forward pucks north quickly,” Stephen said. “Due to his thirst Shaun Rios. In 54 games this season, Rios tallied 72 for offense, he closes on defenders at a rapid pace, points (43 goals, 29 assists). is tenacious on pucks, and uses his long reach and “Shaun is an elite player who possesses exceptional good stick to create plays and scoring opportunities. speed and change of pace,” said Tri-City general Niko will make an impact in our lineup’s pace of play manager Bob Tory. “He is highly skilled with a nose for and add to the offense. He is a late bloomer and we the net and has a tremendous work ethic with a strong are really excited to have him on our team and see his physical presence. Shaun is a clutch performer that growth as a Saint.” plays his best when the game is on the line. He plays at “Ultimately, the Saints sat at the top of my list a high tempo and is a game changer.” because of the organization’s values,” added “I was very excited to see that Tri-City had picked Jovanovic. “Honesty, integrity, and above all, the me at No. 2,” Rios added. “I am proud to be picked great communication I’ve been able to develop so high and I am thankful that Tri-City sees me as an between (Spruce Grove GM) Rob Sklaruk and elite player. I’ve heard many good things about Tri-City The San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 18U AAA team celebrates a USA Hockey Pacific Coach Bram are the key factors that landed me and met a couple good people that are a part of the District championship after downing Alaska 6-1 last month in Tacoma, Wash. here. organization.

“I’m very excited,” added Blais-Savoie. “I’d been “Between the commitment to player development “Playing in the WHL is a big step and is for sure a talking to them the past couple weeks and this is a great that the Saints provide and the special presence they challenge. From what I know, it’s a great league and it opportunity they’ve given me. Really thankful that they like hold in the Spruce Grove community, there was no would be great to play in the WHL.” my game. I try and model my game after Erik Karlsson, turning down the opportunity to become a Saint.”

By Matt Mackinder

B

SJJrSharks.com CARubberHockey.com

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Home Sweet Home California-born players spending season in Europe return to home state early after COVID-19 outbreak

By Chris Bayee

T

he closure of North American hockey leagues in rapid succession as the coronavirus/COVID-19 spread this spring captured the attention of hockey fans everywhere.

But what about the nearly two dozen players from California and Nevada who play pro hockey in Europe?

Many of them have young families and faced an added layer of challenges when their seasons ended.

The navigation of these premature returns home due to the spread of COVID-19 led to some interesting stories.

What follows are some of those.

Timing is everything Shane Harper was wrapping up a second productive season in the Swedish Hockey League, but his mind was elsewhere in mid-March.

That’s because his wife Megan was back home in upstate New York a few weeks away from her March 29 due date to deliver the couple’s first child. She’d joined Harper in Sweden for the first months of his season before returning home for the duration of her pregnancy.

Harper’s Orebro HK team had just completed its season when word arrived the SHL would first delay – then cancel – its postseason on March 15, making it one of the last league’s to shut down.

With a pending ban on travel from Europe about to be enacted in the United States, Harper, a 31-year-old from Valencia, wasted no time getting back.

“It was scary,” the longtime California Wave player said. “I flew back within 24 hours. I got out of there fast to be with my wife. Most of my teammates left the following Tuesday (March 17).”

The timing for Harper, who played 14 games for the Florida Panthers during the 2016-17 season and nearly 400 games in the American Hockey League before going to Europe in 2017, could not have been better.

Megan went into a lengthy labor and gave birth to daughter Haven on March 21. Haven subsequently required a heart procedure and spent 10 days in the hospital. Haven and Megan are doing well now and are back at home, Harper reported in mid-April.

“I don’t think I would have made it back if it wasn’t for the coronavirus,” he said. “If our season hadn’t ended when it did, I don’t know what would have happened.”

from Italy, and we heard what was going on there.”

The German league DEL-2 cancelled its season on March 10, giving the Wahls a bit more of a cushion for returning.

But there was one catch.

“Brixton needed a passport,” Wahl said.

That was secured, and the family was able to fly back to Southern California on March 18.

“The first few days of travel (after the Trump Administration announced restrictions on foreign nationals traveling to the U.S.) sounded like they were madness,” said Wahl, 30. “Our travel was great.”

That’s saying something given the itinerary included a stop in Amsterdam before the 11-hour flight to Los Angeles – with a not-even seven-weekold baby.

“Our flight was pretty much empty,” he said.

“Fortunately, the baby slept for much of it. We were able to sit in a row with a wall in front of us so we could hook his basinet to that.

“Think about it. Twelve bags, a newborn and having to fly across the world. We’re very, very thankful everything worked out.”

do it.”

Lasch’s Frolunda HC team was in the situation as Harper’s team, gearing up to commence a play-in round to earn a spot in the SHL’s quarterfinal round.

Not that the playoffs appeared likely to happen.

“It was a weird way to end things,” said the 33-yearold Lasch. “We played our last game at home in an

Valencia native Shane Harper has played pro hockey the past two seasons in Sweden for Orebro HK, recording 15 goals and 29 points in 50 games during the 2019-20 season.

Photo/Bildbyrån

empty arena. It was so quiet, it felt like a pickup game. Before that, we were talking about how it was potentially the last game in Frolunda.

“It was just a weird atmosphere. I’ve never experienced that in 10 years of pro hockey.”

While Lasch said the complication for his family pales in comparison to that of his West Coast brethren, including Frolunda teammate and fellow Wave alum Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach), there still was one.

Lasch’s wife Jasmin is from Finland and always returns home to see family after his season is completed. That was no different this time, but the question remains. When will she be able to rejoin him in California amid all the uncertainty?

“We have to figure out that game plan,” he said.

“She doesn’t have a green card so at most she can stay 90 days. Because the season ended so early, she went home. We’re not sure when she’ll be able to fly back to the States.”

Unlikely journey Still, Lasch is taking it all in stride.

On the other side of that coin was Mitch Wahl “We’re apart at the beginning of every offseason,” and his wife Kelly, who had to navigate a return he said. “Some people think it’s odd, but it works for Mitch and Kelly Wahl, with their newborn son Brixton, were in Germany us and helps us spend time with our families. from Germany with their newborn son Brixton.

Brixton was born on Feb. 5, near the end of a when the coronavirus crisis began and had quite the journey home to “It will work out, but I’m looking forward to seeing the Los Angeles area once Wahl’s season with Crimmitschau ETC was season that saw the Wahls start off in Slovakia be- wiped out last month. her again. That’s for sure.” fore landing in the tiny town of Crimmitschau, GerOther players, such as Rakhshani and fellow many. That came on the heels of two years in Austria, Absence makes the heart grow fonder Swedish leaguer Jonathon Blum (Long Beach), 31, including a championship season with Klagenfurter AC In between again being one of the SHL’s top scor- decided to have their wives and young children fly back in 2019. ers and capturing the third Champions League title to United States in early March.

“Our main priority was finding a good birthing situ- of his illustrious career in Europe, Lake Forest native “They had no problem getting back, and everything ation,” Wahl said. “We had just that. The health care in Ryan Lasch was keeping an eye on the news. was relatively smooth,” said Blum, a veteran of 110 Germany was great.”

“We thought this might blow over, but then you NHL games with the Nashville Predators and MinneThat helped ease the Wahls’ minds as news of the hear Switzerland was postponing games, then other sota Wild and one of the SHL’s top-scoring defensevirus’ proliferation across Europe spread. leagues started canceling games, and then seasons,” man for Farjestad. “We thought it was for the best not “It was starting to get a bit crazy,” said Wahl, a he said. “We began to think it was only a matter of time to risk it. former Wave, Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Los Angeles Jr. before it would affect us.

“Even my flight back wasn’t bad at all, and I reKings player from Seal Beach. “It wasn’t all that far “As it was, Sweden was one of the last leagues to turned on the 20th.”

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UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Westward Expansion

USPHL adds eight new teams for ‘20-21 season, including three from California, one from Nevada

By Joshua Boyd/USPHL.com

T

he United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) will span the entire continental United States in 2020-21.

The USPHL is welcoming the Fresno Monsters, San Diego Sabers, Anaheim Avalanche, Utah Outliers, Southern Oregon Spartans, Las Vegas Thunderbirds, Pueblo Bulls and Northern Colorado Eagles.

The new teams give the USPHL Premier Division a presence in 24 of the lower 48 states for 202021, the largest footprint for any junior league in the United States.

The new teams will form two new distinct conferences of the USPHL Premier and are designed to provide more time on the ice and in the classroom while keeping travel costs manageable within their region.

To benefit from the unparalleled USPHL Showcase Series and the college exposure it provides, these teams will make at least one trip to the East Coast for showcase games and each conference will have representation at the USPHL National Championships.

Announcements regarding additional members to the new USPHL West Coast Conferences will be made in the coming weeks.

Anyone interested in joining this group or the USPHL should reach out to the USPHL League Office at info@USPHL.com.

Applications are still being accepted for the 2020-2021 season.

Introducing the newest member organizations of the USPHL:

Anaheim Avalanche: The Avalanche entered their previous league in 2012-13 as the former Ontario Avalanche. The Avs moved to Anaheim in 2019, moving into the NHL Anaheim Ducks’ former practice facility, The Rinks-Anaheim Ice. The Avalanche have made the playoffs each year since 2014, reaching the league semifinals that year. Alumni have moved directly to NCAA Division III teams such as SUNY-Canton and Curry College.

Website: www.anaheimavalanche.com

Pueblo Bulls: The Bulls were a brand-new franchise for 2019-20 and they put together an impressive 32-win campaign in their inaugural season. They also have a great fan base, selling out the 870seat Pueblo Ice Arena seven times this past season with an average attendance of over 770 fans. Their head coach Chris Wilhite, a product of NCAA Division III Saint Mary’s University, began his coaching career this past season. The Bulls are happy to be moving several Bulls alumni on to playing NCAA next year.

Website: www.pueblobullshockey.com

Utah Outliers: The Outliers started play in 2016-17. The team has crossed the 30-win mark in each of its first four seasons and has finished first or second in its division each season. The Outliers are run by Paul Taylor and Kevin McCloskey, who have helped send more than a dozen alumni to the NCAA Division III ranks.

Website: www.utahoutliers.com

Northern Colorado Eagles: The Eagles have hit the 30-win mark in four of their last five seasons and have never finished below .500 since joining the WSHL in 2013 as a new franchise.

They reached the league finals in 2015-16. Head coach-GM Steve Haddon joined as the first head coach after playing eight professional seasons with the Colorado Eagles, currently of the AHL. Seven alumni played NCAA Division III hockey in 2019-20. Since their inception, the organization has helped advance 70 players on to the collegiate and professional levels.

Website: www.northerncoloradoeagles.com

Fresno Monsters: Founded in 2009, the Monsters have won five division championships. They skate at Selland Arena in downtown Fresno, which seats up to 7,600 for hockey. The Monsters have been known to bring in 12,000 fans for a three-game weekend. Alumni could be found playing this season at NCAA Division III colleges including SUNY-Fredonia, Castleton State and St. Scholastica.

Website: www.fresnomonsters.com

Southern Oregon Spartans: The Spartans were the final Northern Pacific Hockey League champion in 2012, the year they joined the WSHL. The Spartans have had several successful teams, attracting the attention of college and pro scouts from around the world. Five alumni were playing minor pro hockey in North America, with many other former players skating in Europe.

The Spartans home arena, The RRRink located in Medford, Ore., has been dubbed by opposing teams as “The Medford Madhouse.” The Spartans host over 20,000 fans per season.

Website: www.sospartans.com

San Diego Sabers: The Sabers join the USPHL under Olympian, NHL Draft pick, and former AHL, Finnish and Czech pro player Tomas Kapusta. The Sabers will continue operation at the Ice-Plex, located in Escondido. The Sabers organization is focused on, and has been very successful in, players’ development and advancement. Players from all over the world are joining the Sabers to obtain the best hockey experience possible in the attractive San Diego area known for its beaches, parks and warm climate.

Website: www.sandiegosabershockey.com

Las Vegas Thunderbirds: It’s no wonder the Thunderbirds had a successful inaugural campaign with 26 wins in 2019-20. Their president, John Marks, is one of the most successful coaches in North American pro hockey. In addition to joining the USPHL, the Thunderbirds are excited to begin practicing and playing their home games at City National Arena, which is also the practice facility for the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights.

Website: www.lvtbirdshockey.com

About The USPHL

The United States Premier Hockey League of 2020-2021 will be the nation’s largest amateur ice hockey league and the only league to span the continental United States and parts of Canada.

The USPHL will field approximately 550 teams representing over 100 organizations comprised of 11,000 players spanning the ages of 6 through 20.

Overall, across all divisions, the USPHL had more than 1,200 alumni playing college hockey in 2019-20 and more than 250 playing pro hockey, including the NHL.

USPHL.com CARubberHockey.com

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

THE RINKS, Great Park Ice start ‘Hockey at Home’ program

By THE RINKS Staff

I

t’s been said that home is where the heart is, and with the unique times the world is currently living through, home is also where people are spending most of their days.

However, just because rinks have been temporarily replaced by living rooms and ice and sport courts have been replaced by hardwood floors and carpets, it doesn’t mean that the unwavering love for hockey has to be put on pause.

Through “Hockey at Home with THE RINKS & Great Park Ice,” hockey players, both young and old and of all skill levels, have access to live virtual hockey training videos, hosted by some of THE RINKS and Great Park Ice’s elite coaches, to not only further develop and hone the skills they’ve learned throughout the season, but also to have the opportunity to learn new ones during this hiatus.

“We have to think about our community first,” said THE RINKS director of marketing Jesse Chatfield. “While we understand that coming to the rink and playing hockey might provide comfort to our customers, our priority is to keep everybody safe and healthy.”

Thankfully, playing hockey and staying safe and healthy go hand in hand. From the comfort of their own homes and backyards, players can join the Zoom conference for training sessions that run 15-30 minutes, featuring members of THE RINKS coaching staff. Each training session focuses on a different fundamental of hockey from stickhandling, passing, and shooting. For players that miss the live session, they are also encouraged to visit the website

to watch every session in full.

The effects are more than unilateral, as is evident in how involved the coaches are in the sessions.

“We miss coaching hockey just as much as the kids miss playing hockey,” noted THE RINKS director of hockey Rick Hutchinson. “Since we aren’t allowed to get on the ice together, we had to come up with creative ways to help stay engaged with our players.”

With minimal gear required, such as a hockey stick

and a few hockey pucks and balls, participants can follow along with ease from the comfort of their own home, asking direct questions to the coaches using the chat feature, and having the opportunity to be showcased on camera during the session via the “player spotlight” feature.

While the current world events have brought along its own challenges such as practicing social distancing and self-quarantining, Great Park Ice hockey manager

AnaheimDucks.com

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

David Walker acknowledges that it’s brought along some worthy takeaways to be learned and applied for years to come.

“One thing that we have found is that this time has forced us to improve on how we teach and develop relationships with our customers,” said Walker. “We had to be creative with our ideas on how to coach without being right next to them, and I can easily see us continuing these ideas that we have developed now and being able to take future players farther with these initiatives.”

What is evident, however, is that these virtual training livestream sessions are only the tip of the iceberg in staying sharp and connected.

The SoCal Hockey Hotline Podcast recently premiered its inaugural episode in which hockey managers Jon Mainberger, Dean Wilson, Vince Valles and Walker sat down to discuss the current climate of hockey in Southern California, along with the impact that COVID-19 has had on THE RINKS and Great Park Ice. There is also a wealth of resources available for reading and downloading, from concentration grid exercises to keep the mind sharp, to USA Hockey training tips to keep the body in shape.

“From podcasts to online lessons, to just finding resources to share, we just want to help continue developing our players and providing a sense of normalcy to them,” Hutchinson said.

Visit www.therinks.com/hockeyathome for constantly updated tips and resources and to stay connected with us throughout these times.

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS WHL teams select four with ties to Jr. Ducks in U.S. Draft

By Chris Bayee

A

total of four 2005 birth year players with ties to the Anaheim Jr. Ducks were selected in the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) inaugural U.S. Prospects Draft on March 25.

The quartet included current Jr. Ducks goalie Miles Roberts and defenseman Jason Zaccari and former Jr. Ducks defenseman Ze’ev Buium and forward Ty Henricks.

The four selections give the club a total of 14 picks in WHL drafts since 2016, and that number matched the most the Jr. Ducks have had taken in any given year (2019).

A total of 44 players were selected in the two-round U.S. draft. It’s probable more Jr. Ducks players will be selected when the annual WHL Bantam Draft takes place on April 22.

Roberts was selected fourth overall in the first round by the Everett Silvertips. He allowed just two goals in five CAHA starts and finished with CAHA bests of a 1.20 goals-against average and a .957 save percentage. He had a 1.82 GAA and a .936 save percentage in Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) play, both figures placing him in the top five.

Zaccari was taken in the second round (29th overall) by the Portland Winterhawks. He had six points in five CAHA games.

Both were standouts on the Jr. Ducks’ Bantam AAA team that went 7-5-0 in the T1EHL and 5-1-0 during the CAHA regular season.

Buium was the final pick of the first round (22nd overall), by the Saskatoon Blades. Henricks was taken one pick before Zaccari, by the Brandon Wheat Kings.

“All four are very good players,” said Jr. Ducks director of player personnel Alex Kim. “They worked hard to get to themselves on the WHL’s radar. This is a great opportunity for them.

“These are some positives during an otherwise very unusual time.”

JrDucks.com

Servite’s miracle year yields ADHSHL Commissioner’s Cup youth of the team having lost only one senior player from last year.

Servite head coach Mike Marshall and assistant coach Matthew Northgrave, along with a dedicated group of parents, agreed to do three things to start the new season: field two teams (varsity and junior varsity) in the Spring Select League, commit to playing more

carry the load in goal over the next two months while Maltby was recovering. uring the 2018-19 season, Servite High School October and November were critical months for the finished the season with just two wins.

Friars to go against the top Division III teams and SerFast forward to the conclusion of the 2019-20 seavite didn’t measure up at all. The coaches were focused son, and the Friars entered the Anaheim Ducks High on getting steady player improvement by emphasizing School Hockey League (ADHSHL) tournament as the intangibles, teamwork and leadership. To close the talNo. 9 seed, but knocked off the No. 6, No. 3, No. 2 ent gap with other teams, the coaches set up a and No. 1 seeds to become the lowest seed morning weight training program that helped to in league history to take home the Commisimprove team skating ability and endurance. sioner’s Cup championship.

In the local ADHSHL Thanksgiving Invitational, “It’s hard to put into words what this means Servite was stuck with an impossible draw against to me,” said Servite senior captain Sean Oliu Division II-level teams, and the results were brutal after the Friars blanked the Capistrano Coyand reminiscent of the 2018-19 season. otes 2-0 on Feb. 22 at Great Park Ice. “I’ve December saw better results and tighter been playing this game since I was four years games, including a first-place win at the Crabold. Playing alongside my teammates who town Showdown tournament in Maryland – a mahave worked so hard to get to this point, some jor turning point in the season and confidence of us six years in the making, has been truly a booster for the players. blessing. Representing our school and faith on After the championship win, which fell on the and off the ice has been a dream come true.

40th anniversary of the United States defeating “Thank you to all my coaches and teamthe Soviet Union in the “Miracle On Ice” at the mates for trusting me to captain this team. It’s 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., Marbeen an honor. This is a brotherhood.”

With a 2-0 win over the Capistrano Coyotes on Feb. 22, the Servite Friars capped their shall said all the pieces fell into place.

Cyprien Peacock and Dean Praet Cinderella season and claimed the 2020 ADHSHL Commissioner’s Cup champion“We set a goal to play 40 games,” Marshall scored for the Friars and Aiden Maltby ship. Photo/ADHSHL said. “It was our 40th game. It’s the 40th anniearned the shutout in goal. travel tournaments, and bring in some additional play- versary of the Miracle game. The ninth seed finishes The Friars topped Carlsbad 3-1, Orange Lutheran ers to complement the Servite hockey culture. the playoffs as No. 1. They asked me about our record 5-1 and Villa Park 3-1 to earn a spot in the championFive new players – two freshmen and three Anaheim and how we pulled it off, and I told them straight. Evship game.

Jr. Ducks club players – were added to the roster. eryone’s record is 0-0 to start the playoffs and ‘we After the sluggish 2018-19 campaign, the Friars Then the roller coaster started. before me.’ were planning for a reboot and renewed commitAt the end of the second game of the season, “Formation teaches primacy of faith, mastery of ment to bringing the program back to respectability Maltby seriously strained his hip and had to be carried self, necessity of the others and centrality of Christ. I in 2019-20. The only positive going forward was the off ice. Servite turned to backup Zakary Langford to believe they lived it.”

By Russ Rieth

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NCAA schools next stop for Golden State products

By Matt Mackinder

J

unior hockey offseasons and usually filled with players keeping in shape, getting some rest and relaxation, and numerous talents making college commitments.

Several California-born players that played in the USPHL this season have announced their commitments (see Page 5), while several more players from the Golden State – and one from Nevada – have made their decisions as well.

Clayton Cosentino grew up in San Carlos playing for the Santa Clara Blackhawks, Black Stars and Golden State Elite Eagles/California Cougars and played the 2019-20 season for the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings.

He has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the Air Force Academy.

During the 2019-20 season, Cosentino compiled 15 goals and 31 points in 51 games for the Wings.

“Clay is an extremely hard-working player that has a lot of detail to his game,” said Aberdeen head coach Scott Langer. “He’s become a 200-foot center that can play up and down our lineup. He is a first-class person that puts his teammates ahead of his own needs, and he always competes for the Wings logo. The solid staff at Air Force is getting a high-end individual in Clay.”

On track to arrive in Colorado Springs in the fall of 2021, Cosentino is excited to see what opportunities present themselves at Air Force.

“I am expecting to be challenged both on the ice and in the classroom through the challenge of moving up to Division I hockey, where you need to perform day in and day out, and in the classroom through classes that I strive to succeed in while also juggling hockey

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

at the same time,” said Cosentino. “Air Force really ap- University following his junior career. pealed to me because it’s the full package. With both A 2000-born goaltender, Shane forged a 16-3-1 rethe opportunity to play D-I hockey, you are also given cord to compliment a 3.25 goals-against average and the opportunity to both serve your country and prepare .886 save percentage in 21 appearances this season yourself for success after college in my desired job with the USHL’s Chicago Steel. field.”

“I think it’s been awesome (playing for Chicago),” Las Vegas native Joey Allegrini, who also spent a Shane said. “Coming in, I didn’t really know a whole good chunk of his childhood lot of what to expect, esin Valencia, played this past pecially first year of juniors season on the blue line for coming from a completely the NA3HL’s Atlanta Capidifferent environment in tals and is off to NCAA Diprep school (Westminster vision III Nichols College in Prep). I love it. I love all the the fall. guys and I couldn’t have “Joey is a great leader, on asked for a better situation and off the ice,” said Capitals to land in.” head coach Jason Smith.

Northern Cyclones (US“He works hard and sets a PHL Premier) forward Alec good example for the rest Grace has committed to of the team. We can always play D-III hockey at St. Ancount on him to make a play selm College. in big moments in games.

A Laguna Hills product, As a coaching staff, we are Grace played in 31 games proud of Joey’s hard work this year and registered 13 and he has earned this opgoals and added 21 assists portunity to grow his educafor 34 points. tion and hockey experience.”

Orange native, CaliAllegrini tallied 15 goals fornia Wave and Anaheim San Carlos native Clayton Cosentino spent the 2019-20 and 39 assists in 47 games season with the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings and will start his Jr. Ducks alum Zachathis season, leading all NCAA Division I career at Air Force with the 2021-22 sea- ry Pires played for the NA3HL defensemen with son. Photo/NAHL WSHL’s Ogden Mustangs 12 power-play goals and 21 power-play assists. in 2019-20 and will play at D-III Nazareth College this Manhattan Beach native and Los Angles Jr. Kings fall. He had 29 goals and 67 points in 42 games for graduate Ian Shane will play his D-I hockey at Cornell the Mustangs.

NEVADA REPORT Junior hockey-bound Smejkal Reno Ice hoping to break ground, winner of 2020 Workman award become reality later in 2020

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

T

T

he Mark Workman Scholarship is awarded to a current high school senior in the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights program who best exemplifies passion, sportsmanship, team play, work ethic, discipline, community service and academic achievement.

Noah Smejkal checks all those boxes, and then some.

The winner of the 2020 scholarship, which is named after the late Vegas Golden Knights amateur scout, Smejkal played the 2019-20 season with the Jr. Golden Knights’ Division III varsity team.

“Receiving this award means so much to me,” said Smejkal, who has signed to play junior hockey next season with the Northeast Generals organization (NAHL, NA3HL). “I’m happy to represent the Jr. Golden Knights and see youth hockey in Las Vegas continuing to expand. Getting the Mark Workman Scholarship is a huge honor and a very humbling experience for me. The work doesn’t stop here, but I’m excited to see what my future holds.”

Smejkal, a senior at Cimarron Memorial High School, laced up his first pair of skates when he was 14 years old.

Off the ice, he volunteers for Spectrum on Ice, a program designed to give kids with disabilities the opportunity to play hockey. Smejkal is also a house league coach and Lil’ Knights coach. He is heavily involved with the manufacturing and robotics program at CMHS and enjoys studying political science.

All of those efforts did not go unnoticed by the NHL club.

“Noah exuded such a positive attitude,” said Golden Knights vice president of hockey programming and facility operations Darren Eliot. “From working to offset the cost of participation, to getting involved in coaching to instruction, every element exhibited a passion and love of the game.”

Workman passed away Feb. 14, 2018, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

He was a passionate hockey man that dedicated his life to the game. In addition to his involvement at the amateur, collegiate, and professional levels, he gave much of his time to youth hockey and to the growth and development of the game. He also represented USA Hockey at their spring and summer development camps.

here may yet be a new arena in Reno.

Reno Ice – the Jennifer M. O’Neal Community Ice Arena was slated to break ground last month after the O’Neal family made a major donation to get the project underway.

Jennifer O’Neal is the mother of Greater Reno Community Ice Skating Association (GRCISA) board member Chris O’Neal.

“The facility will be built to offer events tailored to all members of the community,” said Reno Land, Inc., vice president for development Joel Grace. “We will be offering skating lessons for all ages, power skating, figure skating, broom ball, ice hockey, sled hockey and curling. The ice rink will be able to host group events and parties as well.

“Reno is a winter sports town, with a noticeable shortcoming. We are looking forward to offering the adults and children of this community an opportunity to enjoy all ice related activities, both competitively or recreationally.”

The cost associated with the first phase of construction is approximately $9.5 million and will utilize nearly four acres of the six-acre lease held by GRCISA, located on Wedge Parkway in the South Valleys Regional Sports Complex in Washoe County.

Grace said the first phase should take about 7-8 months to complete.

The first phase includes the parking lot and landscaping, as well as a 38,843 square-foot building that will house the lobby area, locker rooms, a rental and pro shop, mechanical and Zamboni room and the rink itself.

“Our community is continuing to evolve from a gaming and tourism economy to one driven by advanced manufacturing and technology,” said Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada president and CEO Mike Kazmierski. “When we’re out on the road recruiting companies and their employees to bring their talents to Northern Nevada, we often get questions about ice facilities, especially from startups and tech companies. Reno Ice is a much-needed addition to our list of community offerings.”

User fees will cover operating costs, and a scholarship program is planned to ensure no youth is denied the opportunity to participate in the rink’s many programs.

CARubberHockey.com

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

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

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

Elena Orlando (San Jose) - Connecticut Whale (NWHL) Austin Ortega (Escondido) - Berlin Polar Bears (Germany) Zach Pochiro – Esbjerg EfB Ishockey (Denmark) % Kyle Quick (Los Angeles) - Battle Creek Rumble Bees (FPHL) Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) - Frolunda HC (Sweden) Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – ESC Planegg Penguins (Germany) Sean Reynolds (Covina) - Elmira Enforcers (FPHL) Jason Robertson (Arcadia) - Dallas Stars (NHL) Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators (NHL) Kerby Rychel (Torrance) - Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (Russia) Scott Savage (San Clemente) - Maine Mariners (ECHL) Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) - Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs (SPHL) Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) - Idaho Steelheads (ECHL) Nolan Stevens – San Antonio Rampage (AHL) % CJ Stretch (Irvine) - Budapest MAC (Slovakia) Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) - Peoria Rivermen (SPHL) Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – New Jersey Devils (NHL) Keoni Texeira (Fontana) - Indy Fuel (ECHL) 20

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Michael Thomas (Long Beach) – Battle Creek Rumble Bees (FPHL) Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) - Fayetteville Marksmen (SPHL) Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) - Crimmitschau ETC (Germany) Jacob Walters (San Diego) - Elmira Enforcers (FPHL) Evan Weinger (El Segundo) – San Jose Barracuda (AHL) Casey Wellman (Brentwood) - Rapperswil-Jona Lakers (Switzerland) Matt White (Whittier) - Nizhnekamsk Neftekhimik (Russia) Brooke White-Lancette (Berkeley) - Minnesota Whitecaps (NWHL) Josh Wilkins – Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) % Alyssa Wohlfeiler (Saugus) - Boston Pride (NWHL) Justin Woods – Laval Rocket (AHL) + Kailer Yamamoto – Edmonton Oilers (NHL) % Jason Zucker – Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL) *

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

COLLEGE HOCKEY

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

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

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

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

JUNIOR HOCKEY Nicholas Abernathy (Etiwanda) - Ontario Avalanche (WSHL) Brian Adams (San Ramon) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Noah Altman (Los Angeles) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Armen Arabyan (Los Angeles) - Skipjacks Hockey Club (USPHL Premier) Alan Austria-Garcia (Redwood City) - Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Premier) Thomas Avila (Escalon) - Steele County Blades (USPHL Premier) Matthew Ayres (Calabasas) - Connecticut Jr. Rangers (USPHL Premier) Everett Bailey (Rialto) - Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier) William Baird (Ontario) - San Diego Sabers (WSHL) Tristan Baker (Fresno) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Nareg Balian (Tustin) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Joseph Barnabee (Long Beach) - Potomac Patriots (USPHL Premier) Danny Barry (Sunnyvale) - Texas Brahmas (NA3HL) Cam Beltran (Nuevo) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Premier)

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

Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (USPHL NCDC) Hayden Goldstein (Los Angeles) - Walpole Express (EHL) Michael Gomez (Visalia) - Valley Jr. Warriors (EHL) Bryan Gowin (Valencia) - Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (USPHL Premier) Alec Grace (Laguna Hills) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Premier) Ryan Green (Huntington Beach) - Wisconsin Lumberjacks (SIJHL) Ben Greenlee (Temecula) - Boston Jr. Rangers (EHL) Josh Groll (San Diego) - Lincoln Stars (USHL) Alex Gunnoe (Modesto) - New York Apple Core (EHL) Dylan Gutierrez (Santa Ana) - New Jersey 87s (EHL) Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) - Aberdeen Wings (NAHL) Keigo Hachisuka (San Diego) - Vernon Vipers (BCHL) Mason Hackel (Morgan Hill) - Railers Jr. Hockey Club (EHL) Dylan Hadfield (Westminster) - Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL) Jacob Hahn (Lake Forest) - Potomac Patriots (USPHL Premier) Hunter Hansen (Vacaville) - Minnesota Blue Ox (USPHL Premier) Jackson Hansen (Vacaville) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite) Joseph Harguindeguy (La Habra) - Minot Minotauros (NAHL) Luke Heimann (Ventura) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL NCDC) Dylan Hernandez-Ramirez (Costa Mesa) - Boston Bandits (USPHL Elite) Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Daniel Hong (Valencia) - Valencia Flyers (WSHL) Aidan Hreschuk (Long Beach) - U.S. Under-17 Team (USHL)

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

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

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

PREP SCHOOL Max Abramson (Pacific Palisades) – Bishop’s College School Carter Anastasia (Sierra Madre) - Tahoe Prep Academy Colby Arioto (Fresno) - Tahoe Prep Academy Colton Bertagna (Chico) - Tahoe Prep Academy Blake Bishop (Temecula) - Tahoe Prep Academy Pavel Bocharov (Escondido) – Mount St. Charles Academy Ian Bowman (Palm Desert) - Tahoe Prep Academy Alexander Boyko (Rocklin) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ze’ev Buium (San Diego) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Max Chu (San Diego) - Ridley College Sam Deckhut (San Diego) – Salisbury Prep Bobby Doukov (Seal Beach) - Tahoe Prep Academy Tyler Dunkel (Burbank) - Tahoe Prep Academy Cameron Dunnigan (Bakersfield) – Tahoe Prep Academy

Nikko Escobar (Ventura) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ezra Gale (Pomona) – Hoosac School Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton School Andre Gasseau (Los Angeles) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Jacob Halliday (Valencia) – St. Paul’s Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Grant Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Leo Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Tristan Lam (Arcadia) – Bishop’s College School Noah Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Drew Mazza (Mission Viejo) - Tahoe Prep Academy Seth McKenna (Moorpark) – Tilton School Zach Mojarro (Bishop) – The Gunnery Brian Morse (Fresno) – The Gunnery Josh Niedermayer (Newport Beach) – Okanagan Hockey Academy Jacob Nordorf (Gardena) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ellis O’Dowd (Santa Barbara) – Tahoe Prep Academy Ben Palmersheim (Palm Springs) - Tahoe Prep Academy Luke Peterson (Moorpark) – The Gunnery Quinn Proctor (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Academy Garrett Reagan (San Jose) - Tahoe Prep Academy Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Northern Alberta X-Treme Prep Kai Schumann (Sacramento) - Tahoe Prep Academy Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Prep Academy Duncan Shin – Shattuck-St. Mary’s % !

Dylan Silverstein (Calabasas) – Dexter Southfield Steven Soos (Pasadena) – The Winchendon School Simon Thue (San Jose) – Millbrook School Weston Turner (Granite Bay) - The Groton School Bradley Wang (Arcadia) – Choate Rosemary Hall

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

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

JUNIOR HOCKEY Joey Allegrini (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals (NA3HL) Erik Atchison (Las Vegas) - Spokane Chiefs (WHL) Steven Avalone (Las Vegas) - Kindersley Klippers (SJHL) Hunter Barto (Las Vegas) - Minnesota Moose (USPHL Premier) Rhett Bruckner (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Caleb Day (Las Vegas) - Cold Lake Hornets (WSHL) Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) – Coulee Region Chill (NA3HL) Luke Fundator (Las Vegas) - Sheridan Hawks (NA3HL) Ty Gartzke (Las Vegas) - Decatur Blaze (USPHL Premier) Bryce Gould (Las Vegas) - New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (USPHL Premier) Aidan McNabb (Las Vegas) - Carolina Jr. Hurricanes (USPHL Premier) Hunter Meyer (Las Vegas) - Northern Cyclones (USPHL Elite) Gunner Moore (Las Vegas) - Atlanta Capitals (NA3HL) Jackson Oleson (Stateline) - New Jersey 87s (EHL) Jerrett Overland (Las Vegas) - Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) Cody Printzen (Las Vegas) - Fresno Monsters (WSHL) Danny Ramos (Las Vegas) - Gillette Wild (NA3HL) Caesar Redoble (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Anthony Rodriguez (Henderson) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Cameron Sylvester (Las Vegas) - Hampton Roads Whalers (USPHL Elite) Blade Taylor (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Joe Terrana (Las Vegas) - Las Vegas Thunderbirds (WSHL) Gabe Testa (Las Vegas) - South Muskoka Shield (GMHL) Matthew Valdez (Las Vegas) - Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (EHL) % former Los Angeles Jr. King + former California Titan * former LA Select

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

CARubberHockey.com

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FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Differences between training for roller hockey vs. ice hockey R

Chris Phillips

oller hockey can seem very similar to ice hockey at times but can also seem vastly different.

Roller hockey typically has less players on a team than ice and only four skaters on each side during play. One would think less players would mean shorter shifts on the ice, but the opposite is the norm.

In addition, ice hockey is a more physical sport that includes checking at many levels.

So how does dryland training differ between roller and

ice hockey?

Many ice players, especially in Southern California, play roller for a change of pace, to work on their stickhandling skills, and to have some fun. For these players, I would continue to train as an ice player.

For those that are strictly roller players, there still will be a lot of similarities including single leg strength, power and core stability, with the main difference the conditioning aspect.

Most ice hockey players have a shift length of 30-60 seconds with multiple bursts of energy, whereas the roller player shift is typically double that with less real bursts. Roller hockey players need to sustain energy for a longer period of time.

One way to accomplish this is to increase work time and decrease rest periods. For example, an ice player may do 10-second sprints on the bike at maximal speed with 20-30 seconds of rest. A roller player may be better off with 30 seconds of submaximal sprint work with 10-20 seconds of rest.

Though the programs will be similar, a well-thought-out plan will take into consideration the specific demands that will be placed on the athlete during competition and throughout the whole year.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with over 25 years’ experience in professional sports, including eight years in the NHL with Anaheim and Washington.

July 17th-19th, 2020

CARubberHockey.com

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www.caha.com CARubberHockey.com

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NICK RIVERA

Position: Forward/captain, Minnesota State University (WCHA, NCAA D-I) Hometown: Pacific Palisades California Youth Teams: California Wave, Los Angeles Jr. Kings California Rubber: Do you have any favorite memories of your time playing youth hockey in California?

Nick Rivera: The whole development part of it was pretty special. At that time, there weren’t a lot of guys staying in California all the way through. Both of my (older) brothers (Jake and Luke) left to play in prep school. I was fortunate enough to play for Mike Lewis with the California Wave, which was awesome. Then Louis Pacella gave me an opportunity to play with the Jr. Kings. It was great to be on teams that were always competitive and had a shot to go far. There were always high expectations, which set me up well for juniors and for college.

CR: You’ve captained teams in youth hockey, junior hockey and now Division I college hockey. What are some of the keys to being a good captain?

NR: Being able to relate to players, as well as always having an open ear, is important. People will say “it’s your team,” but I don’t look at it that way. It’s always a collective effort. I’m a very vocal person, and that’s helped me, too.

CR: Do you have a favorite memory in the game since California?

NR: I don’t know about a specific one, but when I look at all of the players who have come out of California and been successful, it’s pretty special. Thatcher Demko (of the Vancouver Canucks) is one, and a bunch of guys I played with on the Jr. Kings have all gone on to special things.

CR: Do you have a go-to meal when you’re back in California?

NR: My first stop is In-N-Out. Being a California kid, that’s my rock.

CR: Are you particular about any of your gear?

NR: I’m easy going about it. I used to wear CCM/Reebok gear. Our team is sponsored by Bauer, so I’ve switched to that and had no problem with it.

CR: You’re a pretty physical, hard-nosed player, so in a given season, how many sticks do you go through?

NR: I couldn’t tell you. I just grab one when I need it. It couldn’t be more than 15 a season.

CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

NR: Dustin Brown (of the L.A. Kings) was a pretty awesome guy to watch growing up. He plays a similar style. I love how he’s a hard-working guy.

CR: You had the opportunity to practice and play at the same facility where the Kings practice (El Segundo’s Toyota Sports Performance Center). How important was it as a young player to see the world’s best players up close so often?

NR: That’s your ultimate goal. As a kid, that’s your dream. It’s special to see how they go about their business. The facility is top notch. You have to thank the Kings for backing youth hockey. And now a lot of alums are back coaching, giving back, which is great to see. One of my favorite memories was having Anze Kopitar come out to some of our practices and just mess around with us. Not a lot of people have that opportunity. There are always opportunities there.

CR: You have a hugely athletic family (both older brothers played Division III hockey and his younger sister also is a standout athlete). If all four siblings were put together in a room, which one is going to make it out first?

NR: I don’t know. I would have to think Jake would. He has so much pride. I’ve been lifting a lot the past couple years, so I’m stronger, but his pain tolerance is through the roof.

CR: What’s one thing about college hockey people might not realize?

NR: How quickly it goes by. The first couple years, it seems like it’s forever, but I think it’s something that you don’t realize right away how quickly it can go.

Photo/Minnesota State Athletics

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Chris Bayee