California Rubber Magazine - December 2018

VOLUME 12

ISSUE 4

DECEMBER 2018

California natives have long dotted NCAA Division I rosters for the University of Denver, and this year is no exception as the perennial powerhouse Pioneers boast exemplary talent from the state playing crucial roles for the team JR. GULLS’ GIRLS PROGRAM CONTINUING TO GROW, PROGRESS AT RAPID PACE

TAHOE PREP ACADEMY CHURNING OUT HIGH-QUALITY STUDENT-ATHLETES

THE RINKS CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF SUCCESS WITH 2019 APPROACHING

CALIFORNIA PRODUCTS YORK, MODRY DECIDE ON NCAA DIVISION I ROUTES Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles

Tournament Series

TinseltownHockeyTournaments.com

CARubberHockey.com

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FROM THE EDITOR Holidays are the perfect time to reflect on family, goals, hockey

Y

es, it’s that time of year.

The decorations are up, the lights are bright, the food is aplenty and family time is at an all-time high. Smiles are everywhere and for the most part, everyone seems to be in a jolly mood.

As we approach the end of 2018 with the holiday season and look forward to an even better 2019, let’s all take the time to just enjoy the moment. Kick back, relax and take in all that life has given you – and all that is to come.

There is always something special and magical about this time of year. The holidays have a funny way of making that happen, you know?

So as we move in to 2019, make time to reflect Matt Mackinder on all that went well in 2018, what dreams you want to make a reality in 2019 and of course, don’t forget about hockey.

The sport slows down a bit for the holidays, but stay in touch with the game at all levels. For those playing in holiday tournaments in the coming days, play hard, play the right way, and leave it all on the ice.

From all of us with California Rubber Magazine, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

In light of the recent devastation caused by the California wildfires, the Los Angeles Kings and AEG Sports have donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross.

“The recent fires have caused our community and our state incredible and unimaginable damage,” said AEG president-CEO Dan Beckerman. “AEG continues to thank those who have worked tirelessly to help combat the fires. Our hearts go out to those who have suffered hardships. We are making this donation to the America Red Cross in honor of the first responders and all who have been impacted. We are also encouraging our fans and our supporters to help by making donations as well.”

Red Cross volunteers are supporting evacuation centers to provide safe refuge for people impacted by these devastating fires. Additionally, they are also providing meals, health services, spiritual care, comfort and other support for affected residents.

To donate, visit LAKings.com/firerelief.

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

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

California Rubber Magazine is a production of:

Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Rippy

OFF-ICE BATTLE

The Anaheim Ducks are not going anywhere any time soon.

Last month, the Anaheim City Council passed a multi-faceted agreement that includes extending the partnership between the Ducks and the city of Anaheim for at least 25 more years. The deal solidifies the Ducks continued commitment to the city through at least 2048. Five years remain on the initial agreement.

As part of the agreement, the team’s name will remain the “Anaheim Ducks” for the duration of the partnership.

“We are certainly thrilled that our Ducks have a strong and secure future here in Anaheim and are excited to further enhance our partnership with the city and its residents,” said Ducks owners Henry and Susan Samueli. “We believe that Anaheim is a truly special place and appreciate the city’s clear commitment to remain a leading sports and entertainment destination.”

A pair of California natives and former Los Angeles Jr. Kings have announced their NCAA Division I commitments to play for ECAC Hockey schools as Alexander Krause (Calabasas, Dartmouth College) and Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside, Clarkson University) will head east in the future.

Krause, a 2001-born forward, is playing at Connecticut’s Loomis Chaffee prep school this season, while Taylor, a ’99 and also a former San Diego Jr. Gull, is skating for the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Congrats to both!

Earlier this month, the U.S. National Sled Hockey Team claimed a thrilling 5-4 victory over Canada in the championship game of the 2018 Para Hockey Cup, winning the title in London, Ont. With the win, the U.S. finished the tournament with a perfect 5-0-0-0 record and its fifth straight title in the event.

San Pedro native Ralph DeQuebec was a part of the title-winning club and was also a member of the gold medal-winning 2018 U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey Team.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

For Colin Magdon, a player with the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights’ 8U team, he’s vowing to overcome his cancer battle and return to the ice as quickly as possible. More on Magdon on Page 19.

ON THE COVER California natives skating for the nationally-ranked University of Denver squad this season include, pictured from left to right, Cole Guttman (Los Angeles), Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills), Tyson McLellan (San Jose), Devin Cooley (Los Gatos), Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) and Slava Demin (Cypress).

Photo/Linneya Gardner/University of Denver

CARubberHockey.com

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California Connections Boasting seven California natives this season, the University of Denver is again a national powerhouse

growing up. “When I went to juniors, there might be one or two on a team, but now to play at such a prestigious school and have seven kids from California is ne of the first rules of real estate is location, location, location. pretty amazing.

It’s a helpful one for college hockey as well, and that is one of many “I think that speaks to the preparation kids are getting in California.” reasons why the University of Denver finds itself with seven Californians on its Cooley, who has gone from a third-string goaltender who played a total of 20 roster this season. minutes during his freshman season to one of the top goalies in D-I this season, The Pioneers’ track record of success – eight NCAA titles and 29 NCAA Tour- said the school’s academic reputation also has played a significant role. nament appearances, including 11 in a row – also has a strong appeal, as does “Obviously, the location is big because for a lot of guys, it’s easy to have their fast and pressure-packed pace, which has your family get out here and Denver is a nice remained consistent under first-year coach Dacity to visit,” said the longtime Jr. Shark. “DU vid Carle, who replaced Jim Montgomery afhas a really good business school and probably ter the latter was hired by the Dallas Stars.

95 percent of our guys are business majors, so “The biggest thing for me was the coaching that’s also a huge attraction.” staff,” said freshman defenseman Slava DeAnd that’s not just talk. All four of the min, a Cypress native and fourth-round draft non-freshmen in the group were recognized by choice of the Vegas Golden Knights in June. their conference (NCHC) for their academic “’Monty’ was a huge part of me wanting to achievements. come here because of the winning culture he The seven players not only speak the depth built. Obviously, DC (Carle) is a great coach, of grass-roots hockey in California but it’s too. breadth. Aside from Durflinger, Cooley and “The other part is Denver is so close to assistant captain Tyson McLellan playing tohome. That was a huge part of it, too. gether on the Jr. Sharks as Squirts, none of the “Then you look at all the guys who have others ever played with each other growing up. moved on to pro hockey, and it made me want Some of that is due to the fact the range of birth to come here and be that next guy. All of those years runs from 1996 (McLellan) to 2000 (Dethings were factors.” min).

The Pioneers have won 20 or more games “I didn’t know any of them personally,” said for 17 seasons in a row in addition to their 11 Guttman, a 2017 draft pick of the Tampa Bay consecutive NCAA berths – both marks are the Lightning who played for the Valencia Express, top active streaks in Division I hockey.

California Heat, LA Selects and LA Jr. Kings.

The school’s presence in pro hockey also “I’d played against Slava but going back and remains strong – last season, New Jersey Devtalking with these guys, you realize you know a ils defenseman Will Butcher made the NHL’s lot of the same people and same coaches. It’s All-Rookie Team, and after DU’s season ended been cool having something in common to talk in the NCAA quarterfinals, five more players about right off the bat.” signed NHL contracts, with four of them making Mayhew, another freshman defenseman, their NHL debuts in April. agreed.

In addition to Demin, the other Californians Drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL Draft, Los Angeles “It helped my transition when I’d see some on Denver’s roster include defensemen Kyle native Cole Guttman has averaged nearly a point per game as a freshman familiar faces at practice,” said the former OC Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) and Ryan Orgel (Los this season for the Pioneers. Photo/Shannon Valerio/University of Denver Hockey Club, San Diego Jr. Gulls and Anaheim Angeles), goaltender Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) and forwards Jake Durflinger Jr. Ducks player. “I didn’t have to come in blind and meet absolutely everybody.”

(Walnut Creek), Cole Guttman (Los Angeles) and Tyson McLellan (San Jose).

The seven are the most from any state on the Pioneers roster, and second The septet of Golden Staters on one team has only been matched one other only to the 10 Canadians among the team’s 27 players. time in Division I hockey – by Western Michigan during the 2011-2012 season.

That fact isn’t lost on their teammates.

“It’s really cool having seven guys from California,” said Durflinger, who played for the long-gone Berkeley Bulldogs and then the San Jose Jr. Sharks Continued on Page 7

By Chris Bayee

O

It’s always the No. 9 at Denver for one Californian

I

magine have a standing reservation at your favorite restaurant for any day, any time.

It’s sort of like that for one California hockey player at the University of Denver every season.

Ever since Gabe Gauthier began his Pioneers career in 2002, a Californian has worn No. 9 every single year. And it’s been an impressive progression.

From Gauthier, who played a handful of games with the Los Angeles Kings and was an American Hockey League All-Star, it was handed to Rhett Rakhshani, a 2006 draft choice of the New York Islanders. Rakhshani handed it off to Beau Bennett, who in 2010 became the highest drafted Californiaborn and –trained player when the Pittsburgh Penguins took him 20th overall. In 2012, it was passed to Gabe Levin. In 2016, its current owner, Tyson McLellan took over the honors.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

“It’s pretty cool,” McLellan said.

“I never really thought about it before, but when I first came in, I was told it’s been a long-standing tradition that California guys get that number.

“I got to meet Gabe Gauthier at the alumni weekend (in 2017) and talk about California hockey and No. 9. There are a lot of good players who have worn that number, and it’s an honor to wear it.”

The tradition was born upon Gauthier’s arrival. He had worn No. 9 in Bantams and at prep school and continued to do so during his three seasons in the British

San Jose native Tyson McLellan has long been a key penalty killer and speedster for DU in his three seasons on campus.

Photo/Shannon Valerio/University of Denver

Columbia Hockey League.

The tradition might never have started had not fate intervened.

Its previous owner transferred from DU concurrent to Gauthier’s arrival.

“I was fortunate enough to pick that number because of that,” he said.

How long will the tradition carry on?

“It’s a cool tradition,” Denver coach David Carle said. “Now we’ve got to go find the next guy because Mac’s a junior.”

- Chris Bayee

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

CGBHockey.com

California products keeping Denver in national rankings Continued from Page 6

scoring 11 points (seven goals) in his first 12 games and contributing to one of D-I’s most prolific freshman classes. He not only centers the top line but plays on the top power play unit and kills penalties.

players and a Swiss Army knife. During his freshman season, he played with first-round draft pick Henrik Borgstrom during the Pioneers’ 2017 NCAA “It comes up in conversation,” McLellan said. title run. But he also is one of the team’s top faceoff “We take a little bit of heat from some of the Canacenters and key penalty killers. After 11 dian guys, but it’s all in fun.” points as a freshman, he had eight in 15 Added Mayhew: “We give it back to games last season before sustaining a them, joke with them they’re jealous of shoulder injury, which he has bounced our weather or having In-N-Out.” back from this year.

The other remarkable aspect of the While seven Californians might be a California collection is they’re all contribbit of an outlier, it emphasizes the imutors to a team that’s spent nearly all of portance of the state to DU’s program, this season in the top 10 after losing 11 something that’s been in place decades, players – eight to pro hockey – off last dating back to when Mike Lampman season’s roster. and Peter McNab played for the PioCooley started 11 of DU’s first 12 neers in the early 1970s. games and won seven – including two “It’s really important – we spend a lot shutouts – and had a 2.08 goals-against of time out there,” said Carle, who reaverage and .933 save percentage. cruited the region heavily when he was Demin, a former Jr. Duck and KHS Ice an assistant to George Gwozdecky Arena player, moved right into the top and then Montgomery. “The reality is six on defense and plays on the second we’re the closest flight for people from power play.

California to get to Denver. We want to Mayhew has played in four games be in that market. It’s a market that’s con(Denver typically rotates its sixth and tinued to grow and progress as a hockseventh defensemen). ey community with the three NHL teams Orgel made an impact immediately last season, when he signed with Den- Ryan Orgel, a Los Angeles native who made the jump from the NAHL to Denver for the second there.

“You’re seeing youth teams competver out of junior around Thanksgiving and semester last season, said getting the chance to play for DU has been a dream come true. ing for national championships out of played almost right away. The timing was Photo/Linneya Gardner/University of Denver Durflinger, a sophomore, had 12 points (five California, and the depth continues to better in, unconventional, but he couldn’t pass up the opporgoals) as a freshman and spends much of his time and we want to be strong in recruiting there. We’ve tunity.

“It was always a dream of mine to play for Den- on the ice stealing pucks from and generally enrag- made it a focus of it the past couple of years. But it ver,” said the former LA Select and Jr. King. “To have ing opponents with his in-your-face style of play. He didn’t start with us. also is a key penalty killer “We’re real fortunate to have a recruiting hotbed it happen has been even better than I imagined.”

McLellan, a junior, is one of the team’s fastest close to us.”

Guttman has been a key player from the start, CARubberHockey.com

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Olympian Duggan, CCM make hearty El Segundo native, Jr. Kings grad donation to Lions girls program Modry decides on D-I Merrimack

By Matt Mackinder

By Chris Bayee

I

J

t’s all about giving back.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team’s first stop back in the United States, just 24 hours after the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games closing ceremony, was to Los Angeles to visit The Ellen Show and then attend a Los Angeles Kings game.

At the game, the team met with the LA Lions girls program, talking with the players about their own journey, signing autographs and spending quality time with them.

U.S. Olympic team captain Meghan Duggan wanted to provide a gift to help continue the growth of girls hockey in the area, as it had helped her U.S. teammate and Eastvale native Cayla Barnes develop her game.

Duggan, through her partner CCM Hockey, made a donation of hockey equipment to the Lions as each girl received a new pair of hockey gloves and goalies received a new CCM stick.

“The sport of hockey has led me to so many opportunities and helped me grow as an athlete, leader and person,” Duggan said. “Being able to give back to the sport and being able to provide the LA Lions with the equipment they need to play is my honor and pleasure.

“Looking forward to seeing some of them on Team USA in the future.”

The Lions program has grown from 65 girls on four teams in 2017-18 to 100 girls on eight teams in 2018-19.

“We could not be more proud to work with an athlete like Meghan, who is committed to giving back to and growing the game of hockey,” said CCM senior director of global marketing and strategy Corry Kelahear. “She is a role model for all the girls that this equipment will give an opportunity to and her drive to see them get involved and have the chance to play is infectious.”

“Growing the game of hockey is one of our organization’s primary goals and the LA Lions program is a tremendous representative of not only that growing program but our community on the whole,” added Kings president Luc Robitaille.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

acob Modry played much of his youth hockey in or near larger cities, including Los Angeles twice, but he’s learned something during the past three seasons in Wenatchee, Wash. – smaller isn’t so bad either.

That played a role in his decision to commit to play NCAA Division I hockey at Merrimack College (Hockey East).

“I liked the small school feel,” said Modry, a 1999 birth year who played for the Jr. Kings as a Mite and again at 15U and 16U. “The Merrimack staff is doing a good job rebuilding that program. The guys get along well.

“Once I went on a tour of the school, it felt like a place I could see myself the next four years.”

The 6-foot-5, 185-pound defenseman out of El Segundo was a key cog on the Wenatchee Wild’s successful junior team last season, helping the club win the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) title and qualifying for the Royal Bank Cup. He brought a strong defensive presence to the BCHL’s top-scoring team.

This season, he’s already scored a career-high 13 points, is getting some power-play time and serves as an assistant captain.

“Last year, we had a lot of strong players on our power play,” Modry said.

“I try to make the most out of what I get now.

“As far as wearing a letter, I haven’t tried to change. I’ve taken a leadership role to help the younger guys coming and try to keep my game the same.”

Modry earned his opportunity through hard work and a genetic assist. His father, Jaroslav, had a 20-year pro career, 13 in the NHL and parts of 11 with the Kings. A current Ontario Reign assistant, he also coached Jacob at 15U and volunteered frequently as his playing career allowed.

“Last summer, I really worked on my offensive game,” Modry said. “But the biggest thing for me is skating. Ever since I was young, my dad has told me always be moving. For a big guy, if you can move well, it’s huge. I feel like it’s improved tremendously.”

UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Santa Rosa’s Rickert finds hockey home in New Jersey

By Joshua Boyd/USPHL.com

M

itchell Rickert knows he’ll never be the most famous product of Santa Rosa.

He’s OK with that. It’s hard to compete with a smart and imaginative beagle … or that boy in the yellow shirt with a zigzag stripe, for that matter.

Yes, the “Peanuts” comic strip may be Santa Rosa’s world-famous export, but the New Jersey Rockets are happy with their Santa Rosa connection. Rickert has been a catalyst - especially in the defensive end for the Rockets’ epic turnaround year in the tuition-free junior National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC).

“I think it’s going great, we’re winning games, and I think the biggest thing is that the coaches Jason Kilcoyne and Jason Franzone are trying to create a culture change,” said Rickert, who grew up skating at Snoopy’s Home Ice, originally owned by Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. “That culture change has really been resonating with the Rockets team and with the guys. We have to have a mindset of winning and working hard. It’s just a good culture to have and it’s helped me a lot to improve.”

Rickert, a 2000-born forward, has played in 15 games as a two-way forward and penalty killer. “‘I try to get the puck out of our zone and make things happen on the forecheck,” Rickert added. “I like that role and try to focus on the little things to be suc-

good flow to the game.” cessful.”

Rickert felt lucky to have the Santa Rosa Flyers The pressure was on the Rockets this year, however, after posting just 14 points in 54 games in 2017- travel hockey organization right in town. He stayed with 18. They jumped out to a 10-2 start in 2018-19 but the Flyers right into Pee Wee years.

From there, he wanted a bigger challenge, and have cooled a bit since then. They were just 4-5-1-0 joined the San Jose Jr. Sharks, where in their last 10 games heading into he remained for most of his next five the Dec. 12 game against the NCDC years. league-leading New Jersey Hitmen, “It was just a really good group of the Rockets’ Garden State rivals. guys,” Rickert said. “A lot of the teamRickert joined the Rockets afmates I played with at Pee Wees were ter a former Omaha AAA teammate still there when I played 14s and 15s. connected him with Franzone, who We were a really close team.” invited Rickert to the Rockets’ main Unfortunately, driving two hours tryout camp last summer. He earned himself a spot as the quest for a reeach way for practices and games began taking its toll on Rickert and his birth began. mother, who was often at the wheel “It’s all about focusing on the for these long commutes to San Jose. hockey – there’s a lot of stuff going When Rickert faced his 16U seaon around you and you just have to son, the family made a decision to focus on the game, focus on every send him east and into a billet situashift to the best of your ability,” Ricktion, and he played that 2017-18 seaert said. “Focus on that and not what Mitchell Rickert son with Omaha before joining New Jersey this season. you can’t control.”

There’s a lot of hockey still to be played this seaRickert is a first-generation Californian, the son of a father who grew up in Chelmsford, Mass., and eventu- son, and Rickert is soaking in every opportunity to jump ally migrated west, taking his love for hockey with him. over the boards and help the Rockets.

Hey, you have one good hockey player there, Char“My dad got into hockey through the whole Bobby Orr craze,” said Rickert. “Right away, I liked the speed lie Brown.

Learn more about the USPHL at USPHL.com! of the game, how you’re always moving and there’s a

USPHL.com

After ACHA stint, Barriga earns NCAA D-I spot with AIC

By Chris Bayee

E

lijiah Barriga didn’t let an unscheduled detour knock him off his goal of playing NCAA Division I hockey.

Still, the path the West Covina native took to American International College, a rapidly improving program in Atlantic Hockey, is rare.

After playing youth hockey primarily in Orange County, Barriga enjoyed seasons of 40 and then 57 points with Salmon Arm in the British Columbia Hockey League. His play warranted plenty of looks from college recruiters, including Yellow Jackets assistant Mike Towns.

In fact, Barriga was ready to commit to AIC when he discovered he was missing a credit he needed in order to qualify for the Springfield, Mass., school.

“That was pretty tough because I thought my college was all set,” he said. “But my coaches growing up always told me that someone is always watching.”

His junior eligibility exhausted, Barriga went to UNLV last season to get his academics in order and play ACHA hockey. He was a success on both fronts and put up 34 points, including 21 goals, in 27 games for the Division I ACHA team.

“It was a place to excel even more,” he said. “I knew schools were watching me, and that pushed me to keep improving.”

Towns was one of the recruiters who kept tabs on him, and as it went, the Yellow Jackets found themselves in need of players for the 2018-19 season.

“Around Christmas last year, we were looking

for some forwards,” Towns said. “I was curious “He didn’t get into the lineup for the first month how he was doing. We had to do a little bit of com- of the season,” Towns added. “It was a big adjustpliance background to see if he would be eligible. ment for him, but once he got in and adjusted to a He’d worked hard and was. different pace and the finer details we were asking “We were thrilled to get him. We knew he him to do, he’s done well.” was a good player in junior Barriga grew up playing and had watched him a lot. mainly for Orange County Sometimes we have to look Hockey Club and the Anasome places other schools heim Jr. Ducks. He credited aren’t looking. a slew of California coaches “Going from club hock– Jean Labbe, Jim Burcar, ey to Division I is a unique Larry Barron and his skatway.” ing coach, Mike Bickley – The choice to transfer for helping prepare him for was an easy one for Barriga. juniors.

“AIC said they would Barriga’s one year in Las keep an eye on me, and they Vegas wasn’t without its did,” he said. “They were loyhighlights, he said. It coinal. I won’t ever forget that.” cided with the Vegas GoldBarriga has centered a en Knights’ inaugural sealine for the Yellow Jackets, son, and his UNLV team got who were near the top of the to play a handful of games AHA standings at the Christat T-Mobile Arena as well mas break. His attention to as take in some of the NHL Covina native Elijiah Barriga played ACHA hockey detail has made the biggest West club’s games. last season for UNLV before transferring to NCAA Diviimpression, Towns said.

“Not only is it an incredsion I American International College for the 2018-19 “His strength is his hock- campaign. Photo/AIC Athletics ible facility, but it’s one of ey IQ,” Towns said. “He’ll never wow you with great the loudest places I’ve ever been,” he said. “It’s plays, but he makes a lot of the right plays over and just crazy. People there are so excited to have a pro over, and it adds up. That makes him a successful team of their own.” player.

There are parallels to Barriga’s journey, which “You see glimpses of that California roller hock- has taken some crazy twists and turns as well. But ey skill.” there is no denying his excitement about achieving Still, the transition wasn’t seamless. his Division I goal.

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Former Jr. Ducks star York SAN DIEGO JR. GULLS Preparing to succeed: Jr. Gulls staying put in Michigan for college girls program ready right now T I

By Chris Bayee

By Matt Mackinder

n just its third season of existence, the San Diego Jr. Gulls girls program has placed itself among the top girls programs on the West Coast in terms of development, coaching and success.

Starting with one 12U team two years ago, growing to a 12U and 14U AA team last year, and this year, fielding a 10U, 12U, 14U AA and 19U team, the club has built teams with an emphasis on skill development and team play.

One of the biggest strengths of the club is the coaching team, and the incredible hockey experience that they bring to the table. A great example of this is the duo of Blake Bolden and Jamie Huntley. Bolden played four years at NCAA Division I Boston College and appeared in three Frozen Fours before moving on to the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), winning a championship with Boston and earning MVP honors. She is playing this season with the NWHL’s Buffalo Beauts, and travels back and forth between San Diego and her NWHL games.

Huntley played NCAA Division III at Elmira College, and has gone on to become one of the best referees in the world, having worked at the IIHF Women’s World Championship multiple times, including this season.

“These two women have a wealth of hockey knowledge to share with the players and have the right way of delivering the message in a positive, uplifting environment,” said Jr. Gulls girls program director and 14U AA coach Alex Morrison.

The results of the coaching and preparation with the teams were very evident at the Lady Ducks Fall Classic over Thanksgiving Weekend as all four Jr. Gulls teams made the playoffs and the 10U and 19U teams won titles over Lady Ducks teams.

“With results like this, the Jr. Gulls girls teams are proving that great female hockey players can be developed right at home,” Morrison said.

JrGullsHockey.com

he answer is, “the University of Michigan.”

The question is, “Where will one of the highest-ranked U.S. born players for the 2019 NHL Draft play next season?”

It turns out the choice was fairly easy for longtime Anaheim Jr. Ducks defenseman Cam York, who committed to the NCAA Division I Wolverines in late November and will play for the Big Ten school next fall after he concludes his two-year apprenticeship with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (NTDP).

“After I decommitted (from Boston College), we (NTDP’s Under-18 Team) played a few weeks later at (Michigan’s) Yost Arena,” the 2001 birth year recalled. “It was a special place, a special arena. The way Michigan supports that team is pretty special.”

This season, the Anaheim Hills native, who is ranked 15th by International Scouting Services for June’s draft, has continued to do what he’s always done – produce. That trend started in Anaheim, continued for two seasons at Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Minnesota and now is blossoming at the Plymouth, Mich.-based NTDP. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound York amassed 38 points in 59 games last season and added 11 more points in 13 games in two international competitions. This season, he had 16 points in 21 games.

That’s only intensified the attention he’s received.

“I don’t pay attention to any of it – all it does is distract you and gets you off your game a bit,” he said. “I want to focus on every game that night, not on who’s watching or rankings or whatever.”

One appeal about Michigan was its style of play, something York said fits well with his game as a puck-moving defenseman.

“Their coaching staff understands my game,” he said. “Within their system, I can be who I am on the ice.”

York is the seventh 2001 with ties the Jr. Ducks who has made a college commitment, and the second one headed to Michigan, joining Josh Groll. The others include longtime teammates Ryan Johnson (Minnesota), Nicholas Kent (Quinnipiac) and Jonathan Panisa (UMass), as well as Jarrett Overland (Air Force) and Ethan Wolthers (UMass).

“We’re proud of each other,” York said. “That was a special group.”

McCrea ‘will do anything to win’ for NCAA D-I Cornell

By Chris Bayee

The program’s first Californian, McCrea was quick to credit those who’ve gone before him.

“The leadership position is something I take great pride in because the previous years’ leaders did such a good job,” he said. “I’ve never been on teams so close in my life.

Every year I don’t think we could get closer, and the next year it’s closer.”

Wearing a letter is nothing new for McCrea. He was

about sticking to what you know because what you’re doing presents you to be in the position you’re in now. t turns out the defensive defenseman isn’t going the way I wanted to have a leadership position, but just because of the dinosaur despite hockey’s fixation on the “offenseI have a letter doesn’t mean I have to change anything men.” about myself.”

El Cajon’s Alec McCrea provides evidence of that.

Noted for his defensive acumen and leadership, McThe senior assistant captain has helped NCAA DiviCrea still knows how to find the opposing net. His first sion I Cornell University remain in the rankings after a camthree seasons saw him register 15, 10 and 12 points, repaign for the ages in 2017-18. spectively. He plays on the power play and he’s scored The Big Red was a big pain to play against, allowsome huge goals for the Big Red, perhaps none more ing just 1.58 goals per game (the eighth lowest Divimemorable than his winner against Harvard on Nov. 11, sion I mark ever). That was one reason the 6-foot-3, 2017 with 1.4 seconds left.

202-pound former San Diego Saint and Jr. Gull was His skill set has caught the attention of scouts from selected the ECAC Hockey Best Defensive Defensemthe Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers, who’ve inan and a Second Team All-Ivy League pick. vited him to their prospect camps in 2016 and 2017, “When I got the award, they must not have been respectively. watching my hands during warm-ups,” the good-na“Both camps allowed me the opportunity to see tured McCrea quipped. “Seriously, I was humbled to what organizations expect of their players and what it win that award because defense is something I take takes to be at that level,” he said. “It’s apparent throughgreat pride in. out their staffs – everyone maintains that culture.”

“For me it’s never about points. I’m trying to focus on Where he plays after this season is anyone’s guess, winning first. I play my best when I think defense first.” but it’s a good bet he’ll join former Jr. Gulls teammates That approached helped Cornell to the NCAA TourTaylor Crunk, Thatcher Demko and Tyler Moy in nament each of the past two seasons, and it’s partly the pros. McCrea relished his teenaged years with that why he was selected to the Big Red’s leadership group group.

El Cajon native Alec McCrea, now a senior at Cornell, grew up playthis season.

“Our ’95 group was so well coached by Larry “His first strength is his character,” Cornell coach ing youth hockey for the San Diego Saints and San Diego Jr. Gulls. Cahn, Randy Moy, Brett Mowery and others,” he Photo/Patrick Shanahan/Cornell Athletics Mike Schafer said. “He’s a great teammate who alsaid. “They cared about us as players and our develways wants to get better, and he has. a captain for Waterloo in the USHL, helping the Black opment. That made me fall in love with the game and see “The second is he will do anything to win – block a Hawks to the 2014 Clark Cup final. For all of the gains where it could take me. shot, take a hit to make a play, any of the tough things. in his game – Schafer said McCrea’s improved in “every “All of us owe a lot to those coaches. They showed He’s a battler. aspect” during his four seasons – one thing that hasn’t us what opportunities were there and that you can stay “He’s also very consistent in the locker room, on the changed is his approach. in California and embrace the opportunities there and still ice, in class and with his teammates.”

“It’s not about changing who you are,” he said. “It’s play Division I.”

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L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE

West Ranch giving back, coaching special needs players

By Greg Ball

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here’s something amazing happening with the West Ranch Wildcats program, and it has nothing to do with the team’s performance on the ice in the LA Kings High School Hockey League.

The program, based in Stevenson Ranch, (north of Los Angeles) has signed on to have its players work with special needs hockey players from their area on a regular basis. The partnership is paying dividends for both parties.

West Ranch has two JV squads, and players from both have worked with the special needs program this year. Every two weeks, Wildcats players get together with players from the local SNAP (Special Needs Athletes and Peers) Hockey program, helping the players with drills, scrimmages and anything else that the players need to feel welcomed and like they’re achieving their goals on the ice.

Both the West Ranch program and the SNAP Hockey program (www.SNAPHockey.org) are based at Ice Station Valencia, so it makes for a natural fit between the two groups.

“It has been great to get the kids involved and help them with the social aspect of it so they can get a view for what it’s like out there in the world for kids that don’t have the same abilities as they do,” said Matt Keef, West Ranch’s JV Blue team head coach and a driving force behind the initiative.

SNAP Sports provides individuals with disabilities

the opportunity to engage in a variety of sports-based activities. Their athletes often shatter the notion of commonly held limitations by accepting the challenge of more complex competitive sports. Players gain confidence and poise while becoming better equipped to manage their individual disabilities. Athletes who participate regularly will routinely develop the essential physical and social skills needed to improve their everyday lives.

The program, established in 2012, involves about 100 athletes participating in ice hockey, developmental ice skating, distance running, flag football and cheerleading. It was formed by a group of six special needs athletes who had been playing floor hockey and were inspired by the Kings’ 2012 Stanley Cup run to take their games to the next level. Modeled in part after the California Condors program, SNAP Sports took off and grew from their initial roster of six hockey players to approximately 25.

“Our special needs training is actually peer based,” rather than coach-to-player based,” said Dave Chase, the executive director of SNAP Sports. “We thought that the West Ranch kids were a great fit to work with our program.

“You gain a lot of experience when you have an adult coach working with special needs athletes, but there’s also something to be said for the raw meeting of two people on the ice who are just out there to play hockey.

The equalization that comes with that is very powerful because it’s no longer a hierarchy system - it’s a peer-based system. The kids seem to take to that keenly, and it really helps them with the social component because they’re working with people their age.”

Keef said that working with the SNAP Hockey players has benefited his players more than even he expected, as they’re practicing compassion while experiencing the immense value of community service. It’s not hard to see how much their work positively impacts the players they are coaching.

“Most of our kids haven’t had a lot of interaction with special needs individuals before but fortunately, they are passionate about their sport and want to help their community as much as possible, so they’ve been doing a great job,” Keef said. “One of the big things we try to do is to introduce ourselves to a new person each time we’re out on the ice, to help break down the barriers. It has definitely opened our players’ eyes.”

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‘Match Game’ already paying dividends for Jr. Kings, Lions proudest moments I’ve experienced since being a part of the club,” said Jr. Kings executive director Kelly Sorensen. “Each one of these families works so hard and makes so many sacrifices to be a Jr. King and Lion, so to reward them in that kind of environment was very, very special.”Shaw, a Southern California native who played hockey growing up and is a former Los Angeles Kings

Walker Tobin, back in September.

“We’ve been talking to the Jr. Kings for about a year or so on how we could get involved and give back to their ith the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ and LA Lions’ “Match membership, and the timing was right and made perfect Game: The Play for Sixty K” fundraising challenge hitting the homestretch - the clubs were only $17,160 sense given Walker’s character, leadership and likeability away from reaching their end-of-the-year goal as the calin the South Bay community, along with his love for hockendar turned to December - the organizations have wastey,” said Shaw. “This was the perfect avenue to carry on ed zero time moving a good chunk of the money already his memory.” raised directly on to their families.

“He was the ultimate ‘glue guy,’” Beebe said of ToThanks to the generosity of the South Bay-based bin, who was also close friends with a handful of Kings Ryan Shaw Group (@ryan.shaw.group) at Douglas Elliplayers living in the South Bay. “He was that guy who man Real Estate, its $10,000 contribution to the “Match would help you out no matter the situation and just made everyone feel comfortable regardless of the setGame” initiative was targeted straight to eight members ting.” of the Jr. Kings and Lions who were recently awarded Beyond appreciative of Shaw and Beebe, Sorensen the first annual Walker Tobin Memorial Scholarship. is confident their generosity will spark a flame for more The unsuspecting recipients, who were recognized individuals and companies to come forward and supwith their awards at a surprise presentation in the Los port the efforts and needs of the club’s families.

Angeles Kings’ board room at El Segundo’s Toyota “Their willingness and enthusiasm to get behind Sports Center on the evening of Nov. 30, were chosen our club with this level of support is inspiring, and that based on their strong character and leadership skills, resonated loud and clear when we recognized those both on and off the ice, along with their need for finanFrom left, Los Angeles Jr. Kings executive director Kelly Sorensen recipients last month,” said Sorensen. “We can’t wait to cial assistance. and Ryan Shaw and Brett Beebe of the Ryan Shaw Group at Douglas see where this takes us as it relates to future fundraising The recipients included: Nic Gonzalez of the Jr. Elliman Real Estate presented eight Jr. Kings and LA Lions families Kings’ 18U AAA team; Justin Scarbrough of the club’s with the first annual Walker Tobin Memorial Scholarship last month at and scholarship initiatives for our families.”

And Shaw is equally grateful for the chance to give 14U AAA1 squad; Carter Ochoa of the 12U A2 club; Toyota Sports Center. Photo/Jeff Berting Photography Rowan Anthony, Alicia Gomez, Kayla Grohman employee and El Segundo Regents/Jr. Kings coach, back to the local hockey community.

“We know full well the value and lessons hockey and Bailey Mollet of the Lions’ 10U A team; and Blake along with Brett Beebe, also Southern California born Romo of the Jr. Kings’ 8U A1 team. and bred and a former player and now coach within the teaches young men and women, and we’re thankful for “What we witnessed presenting these scholarships to Jr. Kings program who works alongside Shaw at Douglas the opportunity to give back to such a selfless program full those kids and their families was emotional, heartwarm- Elliman Real Estate, moved the scholarship initiative to the of so many hard-working kids, parents and coaches,” he ing and rewarding to say the least, and easily one of the forefront after the sudden passing of their mutual friend, said. “We truly hope this is just the beginning.”

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SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

Jr. Sharks’ 10U B team finds success at Silver Sticks

By Matt Mackinder

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ast month, the San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 10U B team played on home ice at the Pacific Regional Silver Stick Championships.

And won the regional title at Solar4America Ice at San Jose on Nov. 25 with a 9-0 win over the Vacaville Jets, thus earning the right to play in the International Silver Stick Finals from Jan. 10-13 in Pelham, Ont. – a small town between Toronto and Buffalo.

What makes this story one for the ages is that many of the team’s players are first-year travel players.

“The story about our fourth 10U team is one of growth,” said coach Greg Angus. “A majority of our players came directly out of our in-house program and never experienced the amount of hard work and dedication that a travel team requires. Every single one of my players has shown that they were ready and willing to put in the effort, however, and it shows.

“If you were to look at today’s team, you would never imagine that this is their first year on a travel hockey team. Their skills have increased exponentially, and they really work as a team. The way that they show up to every practice ready to grow and become better hockey players is truly commendable.”

Team manager Kim Saito is equally elated with the squad.

“We are all so proud of what this team has accomplished,” said Saito. “We have several players who only started playing hockey in the last year or two, so this is a huge accomplishment for this team. It’s really fun to

see the excitement and camaraderie in this group. They are really coming together as the season progresses.

Coach Greg has done a fantastic job in maximizing each player’s talents and keeping the kids engaged.”

The Jr. Sharks’ 10U B team is comprised of forwards Evan Beech, Trevor Chin, Gabriel Combellas, Aiden (AJ) Love, Colin Matasek, Cale Nakasone, Kazimierz Soszynski and Marcus VonKlemperer;

The San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 10U B team celebrates a regional Silver Stick championship last month on home ice at Solar4America Ice at San Jose after defeating the Vacaville Jets in the title game. Photo/HockeyShots Photography

defensemen Boris Bektchiev, Thomas Hoh, Naylen Saito and Niklas Tossavainen; and goalies Dylan Bechtel and Cody Gardner. Joining Angus on the coaching staff are assistant coaches William Richard Chin and Olli-Pekka Tossavainen.

“I really love how supportive everyone is of each other on this team,” said Angus. “Every time someone gets a

good shift in, someone on the bench is sure to knuckle bump or pat them on the back. After each game, be it a win or a loss, cheers are heard for the stars of the game. It’s not something I ever told the kids to explicitly do, but it’s present, nonetheless. I have never seen them walk away from a game with their heads down, and I am extremely proud of that.”

Saito added that with an “underdog” team, so to speak, it was truly special to see the players capture the Silver Stick banner and trophy that reflects the tournament’s name – literally, a silver hockey stick.

“The Jr. Sharks House League at Solar4America Ice has given the kids a great foundation to build upon,” she said. “Most of our team has come up through the house league and several began their hockey journey in the Little Sharks Learn To Play program. Both programs do a fantastic job teaching these young players the fundamental skills needed to excel in this sport.”

Looking ahead to Pelham, Angus said the trip will be a new experience for everyone on the team.

“I want to give the players a chance to engross themselves in the trip without overwhelming them,” said Angus. “We are planning to make the most out of this trip, and really have the kids experience new and different activities, including playing pond hockey, visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame, meeting teams from all over North America, and simply enjoy Canada.

“We are competing in this tournament to learn and grow, and a majority of that is done off of the ice. If the trip is all business, nobody has fun, and what’s the point of hockey if you aren’t having fun?”

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TAHOE PREP HOCKEY ACADEMY

Thumbs Up In Tahoe

As second half of season approaches, TPHA players continue to improve, progress on daily basis

By Greg Ball

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ith the holidays suddenly upon us and the hockey season well underway, the teams at Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy are hitting their stride.

The school’s prep team was off to a 6-2-0 start in the NAHL Prep division, and the varsity squad was 3-1-0-2 competing in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League.

Here are six players who have been making an impact for Tahoe this season: Noah Csaky-Schwede A 15-year-old sophomore, Csaky-Schwede plays goalie for Tahoe Prep’s varsity team. He is a native of Victoria, B.C., who started playing hockey at the age of four and discovered his passion between the pipes when he was 10.

He was convinced to cross international borders to continue his schooling and further develop his hockey career when he saw the incredible resources that would be available to him at Tahoe Prep. He and his family considered a number of other boarding schools before he landed in Tahoe this season, and it has been a great decision.

“The dorms are incredibly nice, and it’s beautiful here,” Csaky-Schwede said. “It feels like I’m living the dream - I’m getting to play hockey every day, and the academic schedule works well for me. The coaches are really the best - they care about us and our development, and they know what they are doing.”

Csaky-Schwede wants to play Division I college hockey eventually, but for now is focused on taking advantage of the unique opportunity afforded him at Tahoe Prep to advance his skills and become the best hockey player he can be.

“In the leagues we are competing in, the play is different,” he said. “It’s a lot faster here.

I just want to get better, and I really feel that I have accomplished that here.”

Ellis O’Dowd Growing up in Santa Barbara, O’Dowd played everything from soccer and flag football to basketball, lacrosse and, of course, hockey.

But hockey always held the top spot in his heart, and he had a decision to make after his freshman year and hockey season with the Valencia Flyers Bantam AA team came to a close last year.

Now a 15-year-old sophomore forward at Tahoe Prep, he felt like his hockey development had hit a dead end, so he began to look elsewhere.

“At the end of last year, I wasn’t sure where to play next,” O’Dowd said. “It didn’t seem like there were a lot of good options. Travel time to other teams was hard, and my freshman year playing hockey at this level wasn’t easy academically. I was able to make it work, but it was a challenge. TPHA seemed a lot more convenient to me having everything in one place with school and hockey. To be able to be on the ice five days a week was a big part

of it, too.”

O’Dowd had spent many summers visiting Lake Tahoe

Noah Csaky-Schwede

Ellis O’Dowd

“My goal is to be able to make money playing hockey and to do that, I first need to play college hockey,” he said.

“Right now, I’m focused on improving my skill set in pretty much every way and to have a shot of being on the prep team next year. It’s only been a few months, but there has been a noticeable difference in my skills.”

Quinn Proctor Finding a local at Tahoe Prep is rare simply because the school and hockey program is so attractive to student-athletes from across the U.S. and other countries, but Proctor is an exception. A 16-year-old junior defenseman on the academy’s varsity team, he grew up in South Lake Tahoe.

Proctor, now 6-foot-5, started playing hockey as a Mite with the Tahoe Grizzlies. He found success with his teams at the A and B level, winning two NorCal championships and one state championship. He said he is now focused on making it to the next level.

“What changed it for me was practicing with the coaches and realizing how good they are,” Proctor said. “I liked the higher level of play and I’ve enjoyed developing as a player.

It’s been fun developing a brotherhood with both the prep and varsity players, and I think the strongest part of the program is the staff.

They are helpful with whatever you need, and they care.”

Proctor, who carries a 3.75 grade-point average, said the blended academic schedule that includes online and classroom learning is also a major selling point for him.

“It really sets up well for the student athlete,” Proctor explained. “It allows you to develop in your sport while staying on top of your classes.”

Jaxon Kennedy A 17-year-old defenseman on the prep Jaxon Kennedy Quinn Proctor team, Kennedy is another South Lake Tahoe native who was drawn in by Tahoe Prep’s burgeoning reputation.

He played for the Golden State Elite Eagles for two seasons before joining TPHA. The senior said his ultimate goal is to play college hockey either at the Division I or Division III level. To make that happen, Kennedy said he is working on everything from stepping up his academic performance this year to putting in the time both on the ice and with strength and conditioning.

“I want to be good enough by the end to this year to not only be scouted by a junior team, but to be ready so that I can earn significant playing time in the junior league,” Kennedy said. “Academically, I really want to get a 4.0 my senior year to help raise my overall GPA.” Kennedy said he has been impressed by Tahoe Prep’s growth since the academy first Brett “Ziggy” MacNicoll Jonah Fleisher opened, and the exposure has been great for and participating in the Pro Ambitions Hockey Camps, so the program. he and his family were familiar with the area. A trip to the TPHA dorms cemented his decision.

Continued on Page 24

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

Ringing in the New Year with a decade of THE RINKS

By THE RINKS Staff

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he year 2019 promises to be an exciting year for Southern California hockey.

With Great Park ICE & Five Point Arena opening its doors on Jan. 4, THE RINKS will consist of nine local hockey and skating facilities throughout Southern California, including five other ice rinks (The Rinks-Anaheim ICE, The Rinks-Lakewood ICE, The Rinks-Westminster ICE, The Rinks-Yorba Linda ICE and The Rinks-Poway ICE) and three inline facilities (The Rinks-Corona Inline, The Rinks-Huntington Beach Inline and The Rinks-Irvine Inline).

That number nine will be vastly different compared to just the two that launched The Rinks Developmental Program back on Feb. 13, 2009. It was that day when the Anaheim Ducks took over one ice and one inline facility and started everything that you see today.

One of the crown jewels of The Rinks Developmental Program has been the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League. Since its launch in July 2008, the league has grown from having just one team to currently hosting 46 teams from three different states and two different Canadian provinces. With Varsity Divisions 1-3, a JV Division and a JV Developmental Program, any high school student can play with pride for their team.

While it is impressive that the league has expanded to its current size so quickly, more impressive is the fact that one of its schools – Rancho Santa Margarita Catholic School – has appeared in four national championships

since 2013, winning twice (2013, 2018). The championships combined with other schools’ competitiveness on the national level has validated quality of Southern California hockey compared to the rest of the nation.

While The Rinks Developmental Program has made an impact nationally, this past February THE RINKS accomplished arguably one of its finest achievements in introducing over 10,000 participants to the sport through the Ana-

heim Ducks Learn To Play Hockey Program, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

The four-week program is designed to give children, between the ages of 4-12, an opportunity to try the sport of hockey.

Each week, participants are given all the gear and taught by expert coaching staffs in an attempt to build the base of Southern California hockey. The program’s success has been so well received that THE RINKS now offers an adult version of the program for those over the age of 16.

Continuing on the program success in the local market, The RINKS have continuously offered programs with

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disabilities.

The Rinks-Poway ICE is the home of the Anaheim Ducks Sled Hockey Team, while the Ducks also host special hockey. Launched in 2013, the Top Flight program, presented by CHOC Children’s, started as a street hockey league designed for special needs individuals of all ages and abilities. It has since expanded to include street hockey, ice skating and ice hockey, as well as various free events throughout the year for the special needs community.

While some of the larger accomplishments have been mentioned, Tanner Privia, marketing coordinator for THE RINKS, also made sure to note that the biggest accomplishment THE RINKS has achieved is the ability to keep ice and inline skating facilities open for the past decade.

“For a while, the trend was seeing local rinks close their doors and shut down,” said Privia. “THE RINKS have done the complete opposite. Every location has their doors open and have welcomed the public to youth and adult recreational hockey, multiple hockey camps, daily public skating, and all the non-hockey activities.

“With the amount of people we have introduced to the sport, the quality of programming that we offer, our facilities being jammed packed from dawn to dusk, we thankfully can say that we are excited to see how much more the sport can grow in the next decade compared to our first.”

For information on any of THE RINKS programming or offerings, visit www.therinks.com.

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Chicago sweep gives Jr. Ducks’ 2006s CCM World Invite title

By Chris Bayee

T

he Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ Pee Wee AAA team owned Chicago for a day.

The 2006 birth year squad won three consecutive playoff games against teams from the Windy City to win the SuperTacks Division at the CCM World Invite in Chicago on Nov. 4. The tournament included 526 teams, including 24 in the Jr. Ducks’ division.

The Jr. Ducks capped their title run with three victories in a little more than eight hours and finished with a plus-20 goal differential.

“That was a challenge, having to beat those three Chicago teams all in one day,” Jr. Ducks coach Eugene Kabanets said.

The Jr. Ducks started their day at 7:40 a.m. with a 4-0 quarterfinal win against the topranked Chicago Young Americans.

“That built a lot of confidence for the team,” said Kabanets. “To beat a team like that 4-0 in their home city makes it that much bigger. “ Less than four hours later, the Jr. Ducks blanked Team Illinois 2-0, in the semifinals.

That set up a final against Chicago Fury at 3 p.m., and the Jr. Ducks took that, 5-4.

“I believe our strength was we all played well as a team,” Kabanets said. “We didn’t have one or two players who dominated.

“In the quarterfinals, three different players scored our four goals. In the semifinals, two different players scored our two goals. In the championship game, four players scored our five goals.”

Goaltender Olivier Caballero was selected the MVP of the SuperTacks Division. He and fellow goalie Rudy Arishin combined for three shutouts and held foes to one goal in two other games.

“To shut teams down, you need to defend well all over the ice,” Kabanets said. “I was happy to see Olivier recognized, but it was a reflection of our entire team playing good defense.”

This also marks the second time a Jr. Ducks team has won a title at the World Invite in Chicago. The club’s 2001 team won a championship as Squirts in 2010.

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HOCKEYSHOT

6 Helpful Ways to Conquer Your Hockey Fears

By Mental & Emotional Coach John Haime

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et’s talk about some ways you can address your fears.

Here are a few simple recommendations that we might use with a player that might help you deal with fear and put it in perspective: 1. Address your fears directly. What are you afraid of and what might be the reasons? When you understand what might be causing your fear and acknowledge it, it will help you consider ideas how to address it.

2. Always remember your purpose for playing.

“I love playing hockey because I love the speed, the competitive environment, the opportunity to show my skills and sharing an experience with my teammates.”

Write your purpose down and keep it front and center – always! Your purpose will help you create perspective about what’s REALLY important in your game and why you are doing it. Remember, also, that have a feeling of gratitude about the opportunity to play and do what you love to do can fill you with positive energy and dampen the feelings of fear.

3. Learn to manage the most important voice in your game (and your life) – your own! Sometimes our own voice doesn’t help and tells you things you really don’t want to hear – building the threats into something bigger than they are. It’s important to develop your own “emotional caddie” – a friendly, supportive voice

that you might use if your best friend was having troubles. Try the same language and tone with yourself. A few suggestions might be, “I can’t wait to test what I’ve been working on in practice,” “Everyone watching is supporting me – I’ll treat them to some great play,” “My best effort is all I can do – I may make a few mistakes, but being perfect doesn’t exist,“ and “Pressure really gives my game meaning – this is where I want to be.”

4. Confidence and constantly building it is a secret weapon to overcome fear. Creating a feeling of “knowing” you can do it in your practice and preparation will help keep those fearful “what if” thoughts from taking over. After all, you’ve done great work in your practice with the team and on your own. You know you can do it – so bring the same feelings and approach to the game ice.

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5. Practice mindfulness to enjoy hockey and stay in the moment. The future is where your goals are, but you don’t achieve them without staying in the moment and paying attention to the steps that will get you to those goals. Choose to bring the positive experiences from the past forward to support your confidence, and choose to leave the few negative ones where they belong – behind you!

6. Know the difference between “prove vs. improve.” The goal in your game should always be trying to improve all of your skills (technical, physical, strategic, mental/emotional). Sometimes when our goal is to “prove” ourselves to others, fear will creep in – the fear of the “what ifs” and trying to meet other’s expectations of you. Winning is great, but it will only come if you are doing the right things – enjoying yourself and trying to become a better player each day.

So if fear is holding you back from really enjoying your hockey and using all your abilities, fear not. Remember that you are in control of your fears and there are practical actions that can help you douse the flames - helping you to be a more confident, proactive player. Follow these steps and you are well on your way to your pursuit of greatness!

Did you enjoy this article? Then be sure to visit HockeyShot.com for the latest tips, tricks and the best hockey training products on the market!

NEVADA REPORT Vegas’ sled hockey team taken Jr. Golden Knights’ Magdon vows under sponsor Zappos’ wing to ‘never give up’ in cancer battle

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

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C

t’s been well-documented over years that hockey is an expensive sport.

Even sled hockey.

Early last month, the Vegas Golden Knights announced that Zappos, an online shoe and clothing retailer based in Las Vegas, is now the presenting sponsor of the Golden Knights sled hockey team. As the presenting sponsor, Zappos has pledged to support the team financially and cover the team’s travel and equipment needs, as well as assist in fundraising efforts throughout the season.

Sled hockey is a sit-down version of ice hockey for players whose disability prevents them from playing stand-up hockey.

“We are proud to partner with Zappos on this important initiative that promotes inclusivity in our game,” said Golden Knights president Kerry Bubolz. “We cannot say enough about Zappos’ service to our community and their exemplary commitment to the city of Las Vegas. Their support will help bring our sled hockey program to new levels.”

“We’re humbled to be able to support the Vegas Golden Knights in helping to bring this amazing sport to even more people,” said Steven Bautista, head of charitable giving at Zappos. “We believe in encouraging change and inclusivity-whether that’s with shoes and clothing, or sports. Everyone should have the opportunity to do what they love and pursue their passions.”

The Golden Knights sled hockey team has several upcoming tournaments and exhibitions – Jan. 11-13 in Anaheim (Pacific Division Tournament against official sled hockey teams of the Los Angeles Kings, Arizona Coyotes, Anaheim Ducks and Colorado Avalanche), Feb. 7-10 in Chicago (NHL Sled Classic against all other NHL-sanctioned sled hockey teams), March 8-10 in Denver (Pacific Division Tournament) and April 4-7 in Tampa (Disabled World Championship).

Since Jan. 2018, the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation has donated more than $25,000 to the Golden Knights sled hockey team and now, thanks to the partnership with Zappos, travel costs, new equipment and other team-related expenses will all be covered moving forward.

olin Magdon has battled hockey players on the ice, and he and his family are now in an even larger battle in fighting leukemia.

Magdon was playing this season for the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights’ 8U team.

“He is a happy, intelligent, energetic, and respectful seven-year-old boy,” reads a post on the Jr. Golden Knights website. “Colin is a loving little brother, an amazing son and wonderful friend and teammate to his fellow hockey players.”

More than a month before the leukemia diagnosis, Magdon was having severe bouts of pain that would lead him to the ER and pediatricians on multiple occasions. Despite his body fighting against him, he still found the energy and strength to get on the ice and the soccer field.

His last trip to the ER at Summerlin Hospital revealed abnormal blood work that helped piece the puzzle together to reach a diagnosis.

“We couldn’t not be strong for him,” said Keith Magdon, Colin’s father, to KTNV.com. “So it quickly went from emotional to we have to take care of it.”

Magdon is currently hospitalized and had his first round of chemotherapy late last month and will continue those treatments over the coming months.

“His tenacity and love for family, friends and hockey will help him fight the leukemia battle, but not without the support of his community,” adds the Jr. Golden Knights website. “Colin’s goal is to overcome cancer and get back on the ice again.”

Colin told KTNV.com that he understands how hockey can lend him an assist in his current fight against cancer.

“You can always work hard and never give up,” he said.

All donations will go directly to the Magdon family to assist with medical and associated expenses. As of the end of November, nearly $3000 had been donated.

To donate: https://jrvegasgoldenknights.givingfuel.com/colinmagdon or https:// www.gofundme.com/colin44strong.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM What to look for in growth spurts with athletic children A

s we watch our kids grow up, we see varying stages of their development that excites us.

We see them get taller, their feet and hands grow, and they get stronger. With this development, we as parents expect more from our kids. What we tend to forget is that as they physically grow, it takes time for the rest of their bodies to catch up.

This lag in strength and coordination makes a child look Chris Phillips clumsy at times and does not perform as well in sports and other activities, leaving both the child and parent bewildered.

Major growth spurts in adolescents occur between the ages of 12 and 16 in boys and 11 and 15 in girls.

When growth spurts occur, what are we as parents, coaches and athletic trainers to do? As the body grows, typically, the bones elongate faster than the muscles do. This causes a decrease in flexibility and mobility which can lead to both decreased performance and increased injuries such as muscle strains, so start stretching 1-2 times a day. Ken Martel, technical director for USA Hockey’s American Development Model, notes that good skaters’ mechanics can go haywire seemingly overnight, so get back to the basics.

Things that your child found easy prior to the spurt may now be difficult, so sometimes we need to simplify the process and take a few steps backwards in order to progress. This is also a time to get back to basics in the gym focusing on squat mechanics on both two legs and one leg. Start the squats with little to no resistance and slowly progress the intensity with proper mechanics being the key. Balance, coordination and core exercises should also be a major focus at this time of growth.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer, strength and conditioning specialist and sports safety specialist at Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Orange County.

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WCRHL rolls into semester break with plenty of intrigue Cal Poly opens the second semester riding a fourgame winning streak while Fullerton has won three games in a row.

Zac Claunch (seven goals, 13 assists) and Caleb Hermle (eight goals, 11 assists) top Chico State in scoring. Transfer student Connor Melton (three goals, six assists) has added a lot of energy to the team, according to Robinson (11 goals, five assists).

Goaltender Joshua Meyberg has played the majority of minutes with a 6-2 record, 4.21 goalsagainst average and an .824 save percentage.

Claunch is tied with Fullerton’s Dylan Kammer (11 goals, nine assists) for the division scoring lead

By Phillip Brents

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Meyberg leads the division with six goaltender wins. Fullerton’s Ron Best and Leacox both have five wins.

Pomona is the WCRHL’s only undefeated team at the midpoint of the season after going 4-0 in each of the opening two tournaments of the season. The Broncos continued to build momentum by racking up a 33-3 goal differential at November’s HB event.

Pomona defeated Arizona’s and NAU’s Division IV teams by scores of 9-0 and 8-2, respectively, while topping West Valley College’s Junior College Division team 7-1 and closing out the event with a 9-0 victory against division rival UC Irvine.

Derick Rosas leads the Broncos in scoring with 27 points (18 goals, nine assists). Logan Penning (11 goals, three assists) and Ian Duffy (six goals, six assists) follow Rosas on the scoring chart.

Goaltender Garrett Griffin has posted some impressive numbers with an 8-0-0 record, 1.13 GAA, .938 save percentage and two shutouts.

The UCLA tandem of Michael Nunez (23 points) and Theo Haboucha (21 points) are chasing Rosas for the division scoring title.

Long Beach State trails Pomona in the division standings with a 4-2-01 record, followed by UCLA and UC Irvine, both with 4-4-0-0 records.

Alex Bernardini and Keisi Takaya lead Irvine in scoring with 18 and 15 points, respectively. Matt Korn tops Long Beach in scoring with 12 points.

he Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) wrapped up its first semester of play following its Nov. 17-18 regular-season event at The Rinks-Huntington Beach.

Division leaders heading into the semester break include Arizona State (4-3-0-0) in Division I, Chico State (6-3-0-0) in Division II, Cal Poly Pomona (8-00-0) in Division III, Arizona State (6-2-0-0) in Division IV and Saddleback College (6-1-0-1) in the Junior College Division.

The second semester schedule faces off with a Jan. 12-13 regular-season event at The Rinks-Corona Inline and continues Feb. 2 with another regular-season event at the North Valley Hockey and Sports Complex in Hamilton City.

The latter facility serves as the home rink for Chico State.

Chico State faced off the season with a modest 2-2 showing at October’s kickoff event in San Jose. The Wildcats moved into sole possession of first place in the Division II standings with a 4-1 showing at November’s Huntington Beach event.

Chico State faced off the HB event with a 7-4 win over the University of Arizona, the division leader after the first regular-season event, and followed with an 8-5 loss to division rival CSU Fullerton (who the Wildcats had topped 5-4 in overtime at the San Jose event).

Chico State closed out the HB event with three consecutive wins, The Chico State Wildcats top the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League’s Division II standings at capturing a key 4-3 win for bragging the semester break.

On a roll rights against UC Santa Barbara’s Defending JC Division national Division I squad while sweeping division rival Northern at the semester break. Three players follow with 19 champion Saddleback continues to roll behind team Arizona University by scores of 11-7 and 9-3. points: NAU’s Brayden Kohler (16 goals, three scoring leaders Jackson Faught (15 goals, 23 points) “We’re really excited for the rest of the year and we assists), Fullerton’s Troy Yano (seven goals, 12 and Mason Pilkington (four goals, 17 points) as like what we’re seeing out of our team so far,” Wildcats assists) and Hermle. well as newcomers Hayden Maxwell (seven goals, club president Will Robinson said. “Our goal for the Kohler leads the division with 16 goals while 13 points) and Ryan Romans (five goals, 13 points). year is to come home with a national championship.”

Claunch tops the division with 13 assists.

The Gauchos recorded a huge 8-0 shutout win Chico State holds a one-point lead in the division Nicholas Leacox paces division goaltenders with over Florida Gulf Coast’s Division I team at the HB standings over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Fullerton, a 2.11 GAA, followed by Arizona’s Kenneth Eakle event while falling 9-6 to Lindenwood University’s both with 5-1-0-1 records. Arizona follows at 3-2-0-2 with a 2.31 GAA. Eakle tops the division with a .914 Division I squad. The latter was the best showing in fourth place while NAU is 1-4-0-0 and San Jose save percentage, followed by Leacox with an .880 at the event by a California team against the 2018 State is 1-6-0-0. save percentage. national championship runners-up.

Spartans oozing enthusiasm with second semester on tap

D

espite occupying the basement in the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League’s (WCRHL) Division II standings at the midpoint of the 2018-19 season, the San Jose State Spartans have designs on improvement for the second semester.

The Bay Area team is certainly filled with enthusiasm every time it takes the playing court.

“Our team has grown in size and skill since last year,” SJSU goaltender Jack Robinson proudly explained. “We now have a 12-man roster, two topnotch goaltenders, three practice players and are enjoying the new, more competitive Division II. “We’ve also added custom pants, gloves and helmets to our uniforms, and that really has our squad fired up and wanting to show our potential.”

The Spartans’ 1-6 record is somewhat deceiving, according to Robinson.

“Looking at game results alone, it’s difficult to really 20

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

place our team in the standings,” he said.

“We’ve yet to play a Division II opponent with our full roster due to life complications. But each of our losses, including those against Division I teams,

The San Jose State Spartans are looking for brighter fortunes in the upcoming second semester of play in the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League. Photo/Ed Salazar

have been by one or two goals with the exception of our very first game (a 7-0 loss to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo).

“We’ve had our opponents compliment us on our showmanship, goaltending, determination and special teams. We’ve scored 12 goals on 16 man-advantages and are about 83 percent on the penalty kill as well.

“If all of these things continue, I’d wager our squad will have much better results in the win category next semester and should have good opportunities for success in the postseason.”

Team leaders include Justin Kirker with six goals and 10 points, followed by Christian Jarod Sy with seven points. Robinson is 1-4 in the net with a respectable 3.93 goals-against average and a .855 save percentage.

The team’s lone win in the first semester was 4-3 over the University of Arizona. Kirker scored the OT winner, assisted by Sy, on a power play.

- Phillip Brents

CIF-Metro Conference faces off 19th consecutive season Cathedral Catholic, Escondido Charter, Patrick Henry, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch and Westview high schools.

Rancho Bernardo defeated Westview in last season’s Kiwanis Cup championship game.

The North County League got the jump in scheduling with games Nov. 26 and Nov. 28 at the Escondido Sports Center.

The conference’s southern teams started their respective seasons Dec. 4 at the district’s outdoor rink at Castle Park High School in Chula Vista.

shot initially taken by Matt Russell with 2:13 left in the five-minute overtime period to boost the Patriots to the he San Diego County-based CIF-Metro Conference intrepid victory. became the first athletic body in the state to embrace Patrick Henry head coach Chuck Russell was high school roller hockey as a sanctioned sport by the understandably elated after the season opening win.

California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), the governing “Our goal in our third season is to improve on last body for all high school sports in the state. year’s 9-13 record,” Russell said. “At the same time, we Players and teams receive the same recognition as have added six players who are new to roller hockey every other sport on campus. and we expect to develop those players to help us to be Membership remains at 17 teams as the coed increasingly competitive as the season wears on and in conference faces off its 19th consecutive season of play future.” in 2018-19.

After last season’s runner-up finish to Rancho The 10 Sweetwater Union High School DistrictBernardo for the conference championship, sponsored teams are divided evenly between the Westview head coach Ron Smith said his team Mesa League and South Bay League. The seven this season will be young and in the “rebuilding non-district teams comprise the North County stage.”

League.

“We are looking forward to see how the season develops with their aggressiveness and Rolling along determination,” Smith said in regard to his players.

The conference came into existence in 2000, Meanwhile, Rancho Bernardo opened defense though several of its current teams predate that as of its conference championship by defeating club-based teams.

Patrick Henry 13-3 in a North County League Through the many additions and subtractions game Nov. 28 at the Escondido Sports Center. over the years, Bonita Vista High School head Ike Frankel, Miles Cook and Colton coach Keith Quigley has remained behind the Clapham each scored hat tricks while Niklas bench of the Barons.

Thomas led the team with seven points on two He enters his 21st season coaching the team goals and five assists. and is particularly excited about this season.

Scripps Ranch, which finished third behind “We have 15 players, which is the largest team Rancho Bernardo and Westview in last season’s we’ve had in a while,” Quigley said. “We have lots Kiwanis Cup playoffs, expects to once again play a of new faces on the team with a ton of potential. leading role this season after facing off the season We don’t have many seniors on the team this year, with a perfect 3-0 start. which is a good thing so that we can keep building.

After defeating Poway in its season opener, “This team definitely has lots of potential to do Play has faced off for the 19th straight season in the CIF-Metro Conference, the Scripps Ranch topped Escondido Charter 10-1 well in our league. We just need to keep working state’s first inline scholastic league sanctioned by the California Interscholastic on Nov. 28 and rolled past Patrick Henry 11-5 in Federation. Photo/Phillip Brents hard in practice so that it shows in the games.” a North County League game played Dec. 3 at the This season’s Mesa League alignment includes Bonita Skate San Diego Rink in El Cajon.

Vista, Hilltop, Eastlake, Otay Ranch and Castle Park high Dropping the puck “Rancho Bernardo is still the team to beat, but we schools. Eastlake is the defending league champion.

Opening night featured three games. The Escondido are close,” Scripps Ranch head coach Greg Friedman This season’s South Bay League alignment includes White Tigers rolled past the Cathedral Catholic Dons 11- said. “With only one senior, we are in good shape for the Chula Vista, Mar Vista, San Ysidro, Southwest and 2, while the Scripps Ranch Falcons topped the Poway next few years.”

Sweetwater high schools. Chula Vista is the defending Titans by the same score.

Freshmen Ben Ivey and Jack Ivey led the Falcons in league champion.

The Patrick Henry Patriots pulled off the first upset team scoring with 15 and 14 points, respectively, through Eastlake advanced as far as the semifinals of last of the new season when they defeated the Westview three games. season’s Kiwanis Cup championship tournament, settling Wolverines, last season’s Kiwanis Cup runners-up, by a Regular-season play continues through Feb. 13, for a fourth-place finish in the 12-team playoff field.

5-4 score in overtime to round out the evening. followed by the 2019 Kiwanis Cup championship This season’s North County League roll call features Matthew Voegel tucked in the rebound from a playoffs.

By Phillip Brents

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NARCh Nor Cal Cup takes the floor Thanksgiving Weekend N

ARCh’s 2018 edition of the Nor Cal Cup faced off with 33 teams over Thanksgiving Weekend at San Jose’s Silver Creek Sportsplex.

Championship trophies were handed out in 11 subdivisions at the Nov. 24-25 tournament.

Gold Division champions included the Quakes Black (Mite), Jokers (Squirt), NCR Elite (Pee Wee and Bantam), Revo 01 (Midget) and Park Rangers (Mens).

Runner-up teams in the Gold Division included the Quakes (Mite), Mayhem 06 (Squirt), Mayhem 04 (Pee Wee), Mayhem (Bantam) and NCR Elite (Midget and Mens).

Silver Division champions included the Quakes Voodoo (Mite), SJ AIM (Squirt and Pee Wee), Mayhem (Midget) and Onyx Orgin (Mens).

Runner-up teams in the Silver Division included Revo 09 (Mite), Mayhem (Squirt), Mayhem 04/05 (Pee Wee), Revolution (Midget) and Goodlife Athletics (Mens).

Top individual awards were presented to the high scorer and top goaltender in each age group.

High scorer award-winners included Bryce West Simonsen of NCR Elite (Mens).

Perez led all division top goaltender award-winners of the Quakes Voodoo (Mite), Christopher Wu of the Mayhem 06 (Squirt), Shaun Rios of NCR Elite (Pee with a .923 save percentage.

The NARCh Wee), Trevor West of Winternationals, Mission Mayhem (Bantam), scheduled for Jan. 18Ryan Tuckwood of NCR 21 at Huntington Beach Elite (Midget) and Joe Inline, will officially face Kubani (NCR Elite) and off the 2019 NARCh Jaden Guzman (Revo) in season. the Men’s Division.

“We have more Rios led all division high teams committed from scorers in the tournament with 16 points while Bryce Canada and South West led all division high America, which is scorers with 12 goals. exciting,” NARCh The Jokers skated to the 12U Gold Division championship at last Top goaltender award- month’s Nor Cal Cup tournament in San Jose. Photo/NARCh president Daryn winners included Mikey Goodwin said.

“I Sijher of the SV Quakes (Mite), Jack Salverson of believe it will be our largest Winternationals event the Mayhem 06 (Squirt), Niko Perez of NCR Elite ever held in Southern California.”

(Pee Wee), Evan Haley of the Mission Mayhem (Bantam), Ethan Bach of Revo 01 (Midget) and Peter - Phillip Brents CARubberHockey.com

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2018-19 CALIFORNIA/NEVADA ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Pheonix Copley – Washington Capitals + Thatcher Demko (San Diego) – Vancouver Canucks Adam Erne – Tampa Bay Lightning * Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor) – Nashville Predators Alec Martinez (Santa Clara) – Los Angeles Kings Kevan Miller (Los Angeles) – Boston Bruins Matt Nieto (Long Beach) – Colorado Avalanche Brooks Orpik (San Francisco) – Washington Capitals Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators Kailer Yamamoto – Edmonton Oilers % Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild * AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Chase Balisy (Fullerton) – Belleville Senators Mitch Callahan (Whittier) – Bakersfield Condors Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Manitoba Moose Chase De Leo (La Mirada) – San Diego Gulls Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Rockford IceHogs Emerson Etem (Long Beach) – Ontario Reign Matthew Ford (West Hills) – Grand Rapids Griffins Nic Kerdiles (Irvine) – Manitoba Moose Stefan Matteau – Chicago Wolves !

Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Marlies Tyler Moy (San Diego) – Milwaukee Admirals Andrew Oglevie (Fullerton) – Rochester Americans Gustav Olofsson – Laval Rocket !

Nolan Stevens – San Antonio Rampage % Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – Rochester Americans Evan Weinger (Los Angeles) – San Jose Barracuda ECHL Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) – Fort Wayne Komets Chase Golightly (Temecula) – Brampton Beast Dennis Kravchenko (Laguna Niguel) – Adirondack Thunder Merrick Madsen (Acton) – Norfolk Admirals Brandon Marino (Riverside) – Brampton Beast Nikolas Olsson (Escondido) – Adirondack Thunder Zach Pochiro – Allen Americans % Matt Robertson (Rohnert Park) – Kansas City Mavericks Scott Savage (San Clemente) – Maine Mariners Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Idaho Steelheads Keoni Texeira (Fontana) – Wichita Thunder Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) – Greenville Swamp Rabbits Justin Woods – Jacksonville IceMen + SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Stefan Brucato (Riverside) – Knoxville Ice Bears Paul Fregeau (Sylmar) – Fayetteville Marksmen Josh Harris (Torrance) – Birmingham Bulls Mitchell Mueller (Bakersfield) – Quad City Storm Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) – Pensacola Ice Flyers John Siemer (Baldwin Park) – Macon Mayhem Zac Sikich (Oak Park) – Knoxville Ice Bears FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Daniel Chang (Woodland Hills) – Port Huron Prowlers Josh Colten (Los Angeles) – Port Huron Prowlers Matt Graham (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Taylor Love (Mission Viejo) – Carolina Thunderbirds Sean Reynolds (Covina) – Elmira Enforcers Jacob Walters (San Diego) – Carolina Thunderbirds OVERSEAS Sena Acolatse (Hayward) – Germany Taylor Aronson (Placentia) – Germany Beau Bennett (Gardena) – Belarus Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Russia Matt Caito (Coto de Caza) – Austria Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) – Switzerland Shane Harper (Valencia) – Sweden Cory Kane (Irvine) – Russia Miles Koules (Los Angeles) – Finland Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) – Russia Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) – Sweden Colin Long (Santa Ana) – Italy Tyler Moy (La Jolla) – Switzerland Darren Nowick (Long Beach) - Sweden Austin Ortega (Escondido) – Sweden Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) – Sweden Liam Stewart – United Kingdom % * C.J. Stretch (Irvine) – Austria Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) – Austria Casey Wellman (Brentwood) – Switzerland Matt White (Whittier) – Germany NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaliya Johnson – Boston Pride $ Kelly Nash (Bonita) – Metropolitan Riveters Elena Orlando (Chico) – Connecticut Whale Brooke White-Lancette (Berkeley) – Minnesota WhitecapsCANADIAN 22

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Lizzie Aveson (West Covina) – Worcester Blades Chelsea Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Worcester Blades Rachel Llanes (San Jose) – Shenzen KRS Vanke Rays COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ATLANTIC HOCKEY Elijiah Barriga (West Covina) – American International College Jake Hamacher (Corona) – Rochester Institute of Technology Trevin Kozlowski (Valencia) – Army West Point Tayor Maruya (Westchester) – Army West Point Jared Pike – American International College % Evan Plotnik (Capistrano Beach) – American International College Blake Weyrick (Los Angeles) – Canisius College BIG TEN Nathan Burke – University of Minnesota % Will Johnson (Santa Barbara) – University of Wisconsin Patrick Khodorenko (Walnut Creek) – Michigan State University Brannon McManus (Newport Beach) – University of Minnesota Dakota Raabe (Capistrano Beach) – University of Michigan Jake Slaker (San Diego) – University of Michigan ECAC HOCKEY Arthur Brey (Yorba Linda) – St. Lawrence University Alec McCrea (El Cajon) – Cornell University Alec Mehr (Los Angeles) – Brown University Sam Morton (Benicia) – Union College Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Brown University Jack St. Ivany (Manhattan Beach) – Yale University HOCKEY EAST Niko Hildenbrand (Vacaville) – University of Massachusetts Matt O’Donnell (Fountain Valley) – University of Vermont Ryan Ruck (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Eetu Selanne (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Ryan Tait (Santa Clarita) – Providence College Josh Wilkins – Providence College % NCHC Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) – University of Denver Lawton Courtnall (Westlake Village) – Western Michigan University Slava Demin (Cypress) – University of Denver Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) – University of Denver Jack Gates (Oceanside) – Colorado College Cole Guttman (Los Angeles) – University of Denver Robby Jackson (Alameda) – St. Cloud State University Ben Lown (Newport Coast) – Miami University Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) – University of Denver Tyson McLellan (San Jose) – University of Denver Erik Middendorf – Colorado College % Patrick Newell (Thousand Oaks) – St. Cloud State University Ryan Orgel (Los Angeles) – University of Denver Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco Canyon) – University of Minnesota Duluth Rourke Russell (Long Beach) – Miami University Ryan Siroky (Manhattan Beach) – Miami University Brian Williams (San Diego) – Colorado College WCHA Vincent de Mey (Los Angeles) – Northern Michigan University Niko DellaMaggiore (Gilroy) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Zak Galambos (Walnut Creek) – Minnesota State University Brendan Harris – Bemidji State University + Nate Kallen (San Diego) – Ferris State University Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach) – Northern Michigan University Shane McMahan (Irvine) – Minnesota State University Nicholas Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Minnesota State University Tyler Rockwell (San Jose) – Michigan Tech University Ethan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Bemidji State University NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN CHA Lillian Marchant (Tustin) – Lindenwood University Leah Marino (South Lake Tahoe) – Robert Morris University Baylee Trani (Huntington Beach) – Rochester Institute of Technology ECAC HOCKEY Katherine Beaumier – Clarkson University $ Bailey Bennett (Gardena) – Colgate University Keiko DeClerck (San Jose) – Princeton University Kendra Farole (Irvine) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Tanner Gates (Oceanside) – Colgate University Lydia Grauer – St. Lawrence University $ Bella Kang (Los Gatos) – Cornell University Vivian Lu (Studio City) – Brown University Keely Moy (San Diego) – Harvard University Kayla Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – St. Lawrence University Dominique Petrie (Hermosa Beach) – Harvard University Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – St. Lawrence University Tia Stoddard (La Mesa) – Clarkson University HOCKEY EAST Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) – Boston College Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) – University of New Hampshire Joo Hyung (Las Crescenta) – Boston University

NEWHA Anna Estes (Whittier) – Post University Gabby Monaco (La Verne) – St. Anselm College Kalena Mueller (San Ramon) – Post University Frankie Sanchez (Lake Elsinore) – Sacred Heart University WCHA Lauren Boyle (Los Gatos) – Ohio State University Brooke Bryant (Linden) – Minnesota State University Tatum Coats (Lakewood) – St. Cloud State University Leila Kilduff (San Jose) – Minnesota State University Annie Pankowski (Laguna Hills) – University of Wisconsin NCAA DIVISION II – MEN NORTHEAST-10 Khalil East (Los Angeles) – Assumption College Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce University D-II INDEPENDENT Niko Grollman (Laguna Niguel) – Post University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN CCC Aaron Aragon (Whittier) – University of New England Paul Boutoussov (Dana Point) – Salve Regina University Adam Canepa (Santa Cruz) – University of New England Justin Dixson (Sunnyvale) – University of New England Tyler Forest (Simi Valley) – Becker College Cody Foster (Saugus) – Becker College Carter Horwitz (Tustin) – Endicott College Evan Nyhus (Dove Canyon) – Nichols College Evan Schmidbauer (San Diego) – Salve Regina University Joseph Thielen (Huntington Beach) – Curry College

SUNYAC Max Blitz (Chino Hills) – Fredonia State University Mike Freeman (Rancho Cucamonga) – Fredonia State University Doc Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) – Brockport State University Jasper Korican-Barlay (Oakland) – Fredonia State University Sean Lincoln (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Brockport State University Luke Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Fredonia State University UCHC Cory Anderson (Bakersfield) – Manhattanville College Sean Dickson (Millbrae) – Utica College Tyler Dill (South Lake Tahoe) – Utica College Andrew Frojelin (San Jose) – Nazareth College Brian Hodges (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University Aaron Murray (Chino) – Stevenson University T.J. Sneath (Chino) – Lebanon Valley College Felix Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Lebanon Valley College Chad Watt (Riverside) – Stevenson University Colin Woods (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University D-III INDEPENDENT Alec Grollman (Laguna Niguel) – Bryn Athyn College William Ma (Anaheim) – Canton State University Jack Sitzman (Redondo Beach) – Anna Maria College NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN COLONIAL HOCKEY Lexie Anderson (San Francisco) – Salve Regina University Taylor Chisholm (Discovery Bay) – Salve Regina University Madison Maloney (Clovis) – Becker College Cameron Payne (Rancho Cucamonga) – Becker College Ally Stout (Stockton) – Canton State University Anastasia Thompson (Riverside) – Becker College Jensen Wurm (Arvada) – Nichols College

MASCAC Connor Cooley (Simi Valley) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Drake Longaker (San Jose) – Plymouth State University Cameron Mack (Long Beach) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Connor McPherson (Lancaster) – Fitchburg State University Kyle Orgel (Los Angeles) – Plymouth State University Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills) – Worcester State Univeersity Nicholas Short (Los Angeles) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

MIAC Valerie Brown (San Martin) – St. Thomas University Jessica Jones (El Cajon) – St. Mary’s University

MIAC Don Carter (Antioch) – Hamline University Carter Dahl (Fresno) – St. Mary’s University Chase Di Bari (Ladera Ranch) – Bethel University Nick Klishko (San Diego) – Gustavus Adolphus College Chandler Madry (Bakersfield) – Augsburg College Dallas Marvin (Newbury Park) – Bethel University Nick Nast (Oxnard) – St. Mary’s University Kyle Rimbach (Encinitas) – St. Olaf College Cole Souto (Yorba Linda) – St. John’s University Alex Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University (Minn.)

NEHC Sierra Donahue (San Jose) – Suffolk University Mackenzie Kennedy (Brea) – Plymouth State University Brooke Maggy (Alhambra) – Plymouth State University Cortney Reyes (Chino Hills) – New England College Kiley Searles (San Jose) – Suffolk University Maisie Tatum-Borich (Newport Beach) – New England College Morgan Tefft (Redwood City) – Norwich University Tara Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – New England College

NCHA Andrew Behsid (Los Angeles) – Lake Forest College Rock Boynton (Lomita) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Connor Chilton (Oak Park) – Aurora University Lonnie Clary (Riverside) – Marian University Tanner Dalton (Bakersfield) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Dakota Delbridge (Tracy) – Concordia University (Wis.) Zach Feldman (San Diego) – Lake Forest College Kyle Gonzalez (Chino Hills) – Northland College David Marabella (Clovis) – Milwaukee School of Engineering James Mathias (Ontario) – Marian University Connor Melton (Chico) – Northland College Danny O’Donnell (Ventura) – Aurora University Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) – Aurora University Chris Timm (Dublin) – Trine University Nick Trefry (Upland) – Northland College Taylor Urch (Anaheim) – Lawrence University Quinton Wunder (Simi Valley) – Lake Forest College NEHC Coby Downs (Montclair) – Norwich University Conor Ferrera (Trabuco Canyon) – Southern Maine University John Garrity (Dublin) – Suffolk University Keenan Haase (Mission Viejo) – New England College David MacGregor (Azusa) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Ryan Ng (Manhattan Beach) – Castleton State University Adam Papayoanou (Valencia) – Southern Maine University Will Platt (San Francisco) – New England College Mark Shroyer (Fresno) – Castleton State University Corey Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Castleton State University Nick Wardstrom (Discovery Bay) – Suffolk University Matt Wiesner (Newport Beach) – Babson College Eric Wright (Poway) – Suffolk University NESCAC Jake Camel (Palos Verdes) – Hamilton College Evan Johnson (Huntington Beach) – Williams College Tyler Levine (Laguna Beach) – Wesleyan University Marcus Mollica (Dove Canyon) – Williams College Sean Ross (San Diego) – Wesleyan University Nick Schultze (San Diego) – Tufts University

NCHA Abby Kolek (San Marcos) – Finlandia University Julieana Tarantino (San Diego) – Lake Forest College Jordyn Tomaszewski (Daly City) – Aurora University

NESCAC Michelle Behshid (Saugus) – Bowdoin College Colleen Castro (Redwood City) – Wesleyan University Kai-Lilly Karpman (Playa del Rey) – Trinity College Danielle Marquez (Long Beach) – Bowdoin College Alicia Nickolenko (Encinitas) – Wesleyan University Cierra San Roman (Orange) – Colby College Sarah Takahashi (Pleasanton) – Wesleyan University Kiara Vazquez (La Quinta) – Middlebury College Emily Williams (Fallbrook) – Hamilton College NEWHL Emily Burke (San Jose) – Potsdam State University Angelina Cruzal (Campbell) – Buffalo State University Lindsay Reyes (Chino Hills) – Cortland State University Samantha White (Oceanside) – Potsdam State University Olivia Wilburn (Stockton) – Cortland State University UCHC Mary Deyell (Glendale) – King’s College Devyn Gilman (Yorba Linda) – Elmira College Savannah Gutierrez (Huntington Beach) – Utica College Bella Hanson – Elmira College $ Victoria Lahey (Fairfield) – Lebanon Valley College Ashley Marchant (Orange County) – Chatham University Amy Templeman (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Lebanon Valley College Tristen Tolan – Elmira College $ CANADIAN UNIVERSITY Keanu Yamamoto – McGill University % JUNIOR HOCKEY ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Tyler Browning (Huntington Beach) – Drayton Valley Thunder Stewart Pond (San Diego) – Lloydminster Bobcats Jackson Wozniak (Cypress) – Grand Prairie Storm BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Brian Adams (San Ramon) – Wenatchee Wild Blake Bargar (Torrance) – Wenatchee Wild Ryan Fischer (Anaheim Hills) – Victoria Grizzlies P.J. Fletcher (Dana Point) – Wenatchee Wild Andre Ghantous (Glendale) – Penticton Vees

Jacob Modry (El Segundo) – Wenatchee Wild Landon Pavlisin (Orange) – Nanaimo Clippers Brett Roloson (Newport Beach) – Merritt Centennials Henri Schreifels (Agoura Hills) – Victoria Grizzlies Chad Sasaki (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Paul Selleck (Laguna Hills) – Cowichan Valley Capitals Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles) – Wenatchee Wild Drake Usher (Upland) – Wenatchee Wild Ryan Wilson (San Diego) – Wenatchee Wild CENTRAL CANADA HOCKEY LEAGUE Jesse Lycan (San Diego) – Navan Grads Lucas Yovetich (Beverly Hills) – Hawkesbury Hawks EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Jonathan Aguilar (Pasadena) – Valley Jr. Warriors Quinn Baker (Santa Monica) – Philadelphia Little Flyers Hayden Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Isaac Espinosa (Roseville) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Brad Estrada (Chino Hills) – Valley Jr. Warriors Ethan Gill (Santa Clarita) – Connecticut Chiefs (Premier) John Grealish (Bakersfield) – Boston Jr. Rangers Jake Humble (San Ramon) – North Carolina Golden Bears Christian Kazoleas (Irvine) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Wiggle Kerbrat (Laguna Niguel) – New Hampshire Avalanche Cole Madzey (Alamo) – Connecticut Chiefs Dakota Pitts (Rancho Cucamonga) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Bryan Verna (Lake Forest) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Justin Vickers (Orange County) – New Jersey 87’s GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Nareg Balian (Tustin) – Niagara-on-the-Lake Nationals Austin Kane (Milpitas) – Bradford Rattlers Luis Mendoza (Newark) – Tottenham Steam KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Logan Berggren (Cypress) – Creston Valley Thunder Cats MANITOBA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Jakob Besnilian (Whittier) – Swan Valley Stampeders Michael Boutoussov (Dana Point) – Neepawa Natives Parker Brakebill (Yorba Linda) – Virden Oil Capitals Greg Lee (Aliso Viejo) – Waywayseecappo Wolverines Zach Pires (Orange) – Neepawa Natives NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Sam Anzai (Los Angeles) – Jamestown Rebels Brandon Bergado (San Jose) – Maryland Black Bears Daniel Chladek (Anaheim) – Bismarck Bobcats Jared Christy (Cypress) – Odessa Jackalopes Andrew DeCarlo (Huntington Beach) – Lone Star Brahmas Josh Fricks (Laguna Niguel) – Odessa Jackalopes Joseph Harguindeguy (La Habra) – Minot Minotauros Colton Huard (Foothill Ranch) – Aberdeen Wings Noah Kim (Fullerton) – Austin Bruins Mason Kohn (San Diego) – Corpus Christi IceRays Austin Koss (Huntington Beach) – Janesville Jets Daylon Mannon (Fresno) – Maryland Black Bears Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Janesville Jets Luc Salem (Los Angeles) – Maryland Black Bears Mattias Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Connor Smith (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Topeka Pilots Jake Sujishi (Lake Forest) – Maryland Black Bears Julian Timba (Oceanside) – Bismarck Bobcats Lukas Uhler (Upland) – Jamestown Rebels Matt Vernon (San Jose) – Aberdeen Wings Dante Zapata (Huntington Beach) – Austin Bruins NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Ian Acuna (Glendora) – Peoria Mustangs Chance Anderson (Poway) – Peoria Mustangs Riley Anderson (Malibu) – Missoula Jr. Bruins Trevor Arsenault (Huntington Beach) – New England Stars Tyler Blanchard (San Jose) – Texas Brahmas Nick Castro (Redondo Beach) – Yellowstone Quake Nolan Conrad (Corona) – Gillette Wild Jack Cooper (Santa Cruz) – Texas Brahmas McKenna Cooper (Thousand Oaks) – Atlanta Capitals Ryan Cortez (Norco) – Long Beach Sharks Trent Cowden (Simi Valley) – Great Falls Americans Luc Cross (Anaheim) – Helena Bighorns Dylan Davenport – Milwaukee Power % Mason Evans (Danville) – Milwaukee Power Cherokee Fox (Perris) – Oswego Stampede Ryan Gridley (Santa Monica) – Long Beach Sharks Kellen Ireland (Turlock) – Texas Brahmas Wayne Jones (Simi Valley) – Atlanta Capitals Brad Larson (San Diego) – Peoria Mustangs Michael Lempiainen (Corona) – New England Stars Tyler Nelson (Pleasanton) – New Ulm Steel Hunter Norris (Mission Viejo) – New England Stars Jake Pisarcik (Oak Park) – Atlanta Capitals Jack Radley (San Diego) – Peoria Mustangs Luke Richesin (Clovis) – Great Falls Americans Alexander Rogers (Anaheim) – Helena Bighorns Connor Rollo (Camarillo) – Willmar WarHawks Enzo Rolon (Huntington Beach) – Yellowstone Quake Bryce Runyan (Riverside) – Texas Brahmas Nate Simpson (Claremont) – Great Falls Americans Jared Slay (Ventura) – College Station Spirit James Spaargaren (San Diego) – New Ulm Steel Riley Stern (Simi Valley) – Atlanta Capitals Stanislav Struthers (Shadow Hills) – Louisiana Drillers

Jake Sumner (Alta Loma) – Willmar WarHawks Nick Torres (Long Beach) – Great Falls Americans Nick Vardon (Long Beach) – Maine Wild ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) – Ottawa 67’s Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim) – Niagara IceDogs Sahil Panwar (Cerritos) – London Knights Jason Robertson (Arcadia) – Kingston Frontenacs Nick Robertson (Arcadia) – Peterborough Petes ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Nick Kent (Ladera Ranch) – Buffalo Jr. Sabres SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ryan Gil (Huntington Beach) – Battlefords North Stars Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) – Nipawin Hawks Wyatt Wong (Glendale) – Melville Millionaires SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Mason McIntosh (Los Angeles) – Thief River Falls Norskies Carson Murison (Half Moon Bay) – Dryden GM Ice Dogs UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joe Cassetti (Pleasanton) – Waterloo Black Hawks Josh Groll (San Diego) – Chicago Steel Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Rory Herrman (Poway) – Green Bay Gamblers Ryan Johnson (Irvine) – Sioux Falls Stampede Jonathan Panisa (Irvine) – Central Illinois Flying Aces Dylan Peterson (Roseville) – U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team Ryan Savage (Scottsdale) – Omaha Lancers Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Ethan Wolthers (Valencia) – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Cam York (Anaheim Hills) – U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Matthew Ayers (Calabasas) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Guillaume Bose (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Luke Bowman (Los Gatos) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Matthew Brown (Los Angeles) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Premier) Anthony Capraro (Hacienda Heights) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Dean Carden (Costa Mesa) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jack Carter (San Diego) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Kenny Cavers (San Jose) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Premier) Halen Cookston (Santa Clarita) – Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier) Takato Cox (Redondo Beach) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC) Cole Demchuk (Murrieta) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Dante DiNapoli (Moss Beach) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Raymond Fleming (Palo Alto) – Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (Premier) Luc Fox (Valencia) – Charlotte Rush (Elite) James Gagan (Mission Viejo) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Donovan Garcia (San Jose) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Weston Goodman (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Mason Hackel (San Jose) – Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier) Anthony Hagiu (Riverside) – New York Aviators (Elite) Hunter Hansen (Vacaville) – Minnesota Blue Ox (Premier) Dylan Hernandez-Ramirez (Costa Mesa) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Timothy Kovacevic (Huntington Beach) – New York Aviators (Premier) Jordan Labbe (Pasadena) – Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Georg Landro (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) Ryan Lanpheer (San Diego) – Atlanta Jr. Kings (Premier) Erik Larson (San Jose) – Boston Bandits (NCDC) Justin Lebouef (Canyon Country) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Jason Lee (Thousand Oaks) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Cullen MacNicoll (El Segundo) – New York Aviators (Elite) Collin Madrid (Los Angeles) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Premier) Cam Manory (Simi Valley) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Connor Matthews (Redondo Beach) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Adam Mazurowski (Modesto) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Adam McGill (Santa Margarita) – Boston Bandits (Premier) John Moffat (South Lake Tahoe) – Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (Premier) Collin Moore (Orange County) – Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (Premier) Josh Morrison (San Diego) – Minnesota Moose (Premier) Ryan Newman (Bakersfield) – Charlotte Rush (Premier) Bryan Pan (Fremont) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Simon Perkic (Riverside) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Nicolas Privitera (Sun Valley) – Rochester Monarchs (Premier) Ismael Ralsten (Huntington Beach) – Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC) Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) – Jersey Hitmen (NCDC) Mitch Rickert (Santa Rosa) – New Jersey Rockets (NCDC) Hunter Rogers (Simi Valley) – Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier) James Sandberg (Thousand Oaks) – Jersey Hitmen (Elite) Brendan Schulte (Fullerton) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Phillip Shemyakin (Mission Viejo) – Charlotte Rush (Premier) Ryan Sheridan (Orange County) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jered Stevenson (Stockton) – Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (Premier) Mischa Subotin (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Spencer Taylor (Venice) – Richmond Generals (Elite) VANCOUVER ISLAND JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Grady Birk (Carlsbad) – Victoria Cougars WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Hunter Campbell – Calgary Hitmen % Jake McGrew (Orange) – Spokane Chiefs Luke Ormsby – Moose Jaw Warriors % Carl Stankowski (Laguna Hills) – Calgary Hitmen Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) – Vancouver Giants Dustin Wolf (Tustin) – Everett Silvertips WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Aguirre (West Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Tristan Baker (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters

Ethan Bock (Los Angeles) – Ontario Avalanche Dominic Bosetti (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Ryan Brown (South Lake Tahoe) – Steamboat Wranglers Christian Bundschuh (Newport Coast) – Utah Outliers Christopher Cantillo (Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Gabe Cognac (Orange County) – Fresno Monsters Riley Cryan (Carlsbad) – San Diego Sabers Declan Curtis (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Lucas Demsar (South Lake Tahoe) – Valencia Flyers Quinn Deshler (Torrance) – Ontario Avalanche Sean Devaney (San Diego) – San Diego Sabers Cole Diamond (Hesperia) – Seattle Totems Dylan Dix (Scotts Valley) – Utah Outliers Connor Duffy (Orange County) – Ontario Avalanche Eric Easterson (Canyon Country) – Valencia Flyers Matthew Genter (Midway City) – Long Beach Bombers Shane Gilbert (Huntington Beach) – Ogden Mustangs Michael Gomez (Visalia) – Fresno Monsters David Grindstaff (Sacramento) – San Diego Sabers Samuel Hernandez (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Jonathan Holguin (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Hayden Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Ontario Avalanche Max Kamper (Aliso Viejo) – El Paso Rhinos Mason Kaprelyan (Yorba Linda) – Long Beach Bombers Samuel Kapusta (Irvine) – San Diego Sabers Jacob Mabaquaio (San Diego) – Bellingham Blazers Christopher Maghakian (Santa Clarita) – West Sound Admirals Tate Martishius (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Cameron Maycock (Claremont) – Ontario Avalanche John McNamara (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Alex Neverve (San Jose) – Ogden Mustangs Nicklas Oda (Yorba Linda) – Steamboat Wranglers Michael Onda (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Ethan Racz (Carlsbad) – Ogden Mustangs Adam Rousselo (Santa Clarita) – West Sound Admirals Brett Ruiz (Rancho Cucamonga) – Ontario Avalanche Emmett Rupert (Santa Barbara) – Fresno Monsters Dylan San Agustin (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Joel Short (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Todd Thompson, Jr. (San Jose) – Dallas Snipers Jarrett Townsend (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Valencia Flyers Tanner Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – Ontario Avalanche Jeremy Van Dyke (Corona) – Ontario Avalanche Jack Walsh (Oceanside) – Utah Outliers Tristan Warr (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers

John Pratt (Laguna Niguel) – Berkshire School Jayden Price (Coto de Caza) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Quinn Proctor (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Alexander Rogers (Anaheim) – Williston Northampton Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Hunter Sansbury (Lomita) – The Gunnery Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Andrey Shemaykin (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Jordan Skahill (San Dimas) – South Kent Steven Soos (Pasadena) – The Winchendon School Daniel Thomas (Irvine) – Hotchkiss School Simon Thue (San Jose) – Millbrook School Daniel Ton-That (Laguna Hills) – Tilton School Lukas Uhler (Upland) – New Hampton School Brent Valentine (Newport Beach) – Choate Rosemary Hall Bradley Wang (Arcadia) – Choate Rosemary Hall Ryan Wilson (San Diego) – Milton Academy Eric Yagubyan (Glendale) – Tilton School Billy Zegras (San Diego) – The Berkshire School

PREP SCHOOL Max Abramson (Pacific Palisades) – Kent School Chris Alexander (Valencia) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s John Alexander (Valencia) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Leon Biller (Valencia) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Jordan Bonner (Huntington Beach) – Albany Academy Alexander Boyko (Rocklin) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Brendan Brisson (Manhattan Beach) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Miles Brodey (Pasadena) – The Lawrenceville School Noah Dahlen (Orange) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Jared Day (Orange) – Brooks School Cameron Dunnigan (Bakersfield) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Corey Eaton (San Marcos) – Tilton School Tanner Ensign (Tustin) – Holderness School Nikko Escobar (Ventura) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Dennis L. Y. Franklin (Oakland) – The Taft School Ezra Gale (Pomona) – Hoosac School Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton School Michael Gilerman (Encino) – Proctor Academy Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – The Groton School Jacob Gunderson (Valencia) – Lakeville South J.T. Halliday (Valencia) – St. Paul’s Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Pablo Honda (Bishop) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Lily Humphrey (Huntington Beach) – New Hampton School Grant Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Leo Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Huston Karpman (Manhattan Beach) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Nathan Katzaroff (Anaheim) – Milton Academy Jaxon Kennedy (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Tyler Kitchen (Bakersfield) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Matt Kors (Los Angeles) – Shawnigan Lake School Alexander Krause (Calabasas) – Loomis Chaffee Ty Krivtsov (Valencia) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Tristan Lam (Arcadia) – Bishop’s College School Nicholas Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Noah Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Tae Lee (Irvine) – The Governor’s Academy Koby Leeman (Napa) – Culver Academy Tyler Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Cobi Lennex (Valencia) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Mathias Long (Marina del Rey) – Lake Forest Academy Brett MacNicoll (El Segundo) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Brandon McDonald (Los Angeles) – Vermont Academy Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Tilton School Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Cushing Academy Seth McKenna (Moorpark) – Tilton School Tyler McNeil (Santa Clarita) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Ryan Meaney (Santa Clarita) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Nathan Moffat (Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Zach Mojarro (Bishop) – The Gunnery Brian Morse (Fresno) – The Gunnery Jacob Nordorf (Gardena) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Ellis O’Dowd (Santa Barbara) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Zane Parker (Hawthorne) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Luke Peterson (Moorpark) – The Gunnery

COLLEGE HOCKEY

NEVADA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) – Minnesota Wild AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Gage Quinney (Las Vegas) – Chicago Wolves ECHL Chris Francis (Las Vegas) – Tulsa Oilers Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas) – Allen Americans Joey Raats (Las Vegas) – Utah Grizzlies Joe Sullivan (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs Cory Ward (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Derek Sutliffe (Las Vegas) – Macon Mayhem OVERSEAS Bryce Reddick (Las Vegas) – United Kingdom CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Megan Myers (Las Vegas) – Worcester Bladess

NCAA DIVISION I – MEN WCHA Brendan Harris (Henderson) – Bemidji State University D-I INDEPENDENT Dominic Garcia (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN NESCAC Brenden Russ (Las Vegas) – Connecticut College JUNIOR HOCKEY GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Nathan Skala (Las Vegas) – Northumberland Stars MARITIME HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney (Las Vegas) – Valley Wildcats NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Vito Carlo (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Dylan Davenport – Milwaukee Power @ Caleb Day (Las Vegas) – Gillette Wild Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) – College Station Spirit Bryce Gould (Las Vegas) – Butte Cobras Gunner Moore (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Danny Ramos (Las Vegas) – Gillette Wild Gabriel Testa (Las Vegas) – Long Beach Sharks SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Steven Avalone (Las Vegas) – Kindersley Klippers UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Ty Gartzke (Las Vegas) – Decatur Blaze (Premier) Deric Prier (Las Vegas) – Florida Jr. Blades (Elite) Gage Roberts (Las Vegas) – Carolina Eagles (Premier) Cameron Sylvester (Las Vegas) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) Ethan Van Muyden (Henderson) – Boston Bandits (Elite) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Erik Atchison (Las Vegas) – Spokane Chiefs WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Cody Printzen (Las Vegas) – Fresno Monsters Anthony Rodriguez (Henderson) – Long Beach Bombers

% former Los Angeles Jr. King + former California Titan * former LA Select

! former San Jose Jr. Shark $ former Anaheim Lady Duck @ former Nevada Storm

CARubberHockey.com

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Daily improvement is the name of the game at Tahoe Prep Continued rom Page 15 “I feel the program has just gotten a lot better, and (Coach) Mike (Lewis) is super serious about moving kids on to the next levels,” he said. “The coaches here care about you. Mike and Chris (Collins) care about your individual success - not just the team’s win-loss record.”

Kennedy said the addition of Barton’s Center for Excellence in the prep team’s training has also been a significant improvement to what Tahoe Prep offers its student-athletes.

“The best development is being on the ice every day and working out every day,” Kennedy said. “Our training at the center is lot more hockey focused. We work on all the of things we need to be better for our sport like agility and strength.”

Jonah Fleisher A center on Tahoe’s prep team, Fleisher is in his first season at the academy after moving late this past summer from his family’s home in Dallas. The 17-year-old senior previously played for the McKinney North Stars and started looking at a number of different programs last year.

“It took coming and seeing the facilities and meeting the coaches to help me make the decision,” Fleisher admitted. “I knew I needed a change because my school wasn’t supporting me through hockey. I was missing a ton of school it was hard to keep my grades up.”

Academics are important to Fleisher because his hockey goals are centered around playing at the collegiate level.

24

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

“It’s not so much about playing hockey professionally for me,” Fleisher said, adding with a laugh that if he was drafted by an NHL team, he wouldn’t say no.

“What I want is a free education. I want to be able to

set myself up with a good education.”

TPHA’s prep team travel schedule has been just right for Fleisher “It’s a lot more travel this year,” he said. “Personally, it’s been good for me. To be the best, you have to beat the best. I’m only going to get better if I push myself and it’s tough. I’m looking to try to go to the NAHL next year.

It’s hard work, and I know I have to do this to get there.”

Fleisher said he knows Tahoe Prep’s training and conditioning are working through measurable results.

“Mike (Lewis) is on you,” he explained. “He expects better from you, better than you even expect of yourself, and Chris (Collins) is creative. He teaches you new moves and new ways to play the game. Realizing how much better you’re getting is refreshing.”

Brett “Ziggy” MacNicoll A native of El Segundo, MacNicoll is an 18-year-old post-grad who plays forward for the prep team. He was introduced to roller hockey at a young age and played for the LA Jr. Kings 18U AAA squad before making the jump to Tahoe. He is currently taking online courses from Lake Tahoe Community College and starting work on his degree.

MacNicoll was familiar with Lewis through private lessons he had taken with him in the Los Angeles area.

He said THA’s development focus appealed to him on his road to playing juniors.

“I literally came up and here and it was just, ‘Wow,’” MacNicoll said. “The dorms and the facilities are just great, and you can’t beat the time on the ice. Since I’m doing online classes, I often practice with both the prep and varsity teams, and it’s helped my game a lot. I feel I’m getting more speed and stick handling skills.”

His improvement has showed up on the scoreboard.

In the team’s last tournament, he scored 14 points in four games.

“The competition has been pretty good,” MacNicoll said of the team’s many trips. “Some games, I’m like, ‘This is hard,’ but the exposure is what you are looking for as a player.”

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

LABOR DAY WEEKEND

August 31-September 3, 2018

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND November 22- 25, 2018

12U AA/A HOLIDAZZLE SHOWDOWN December 27-30, 2018

PRESIDENTS’ DAY CHALLENGE February 15-18, 2019 Application Deadline: January 25, 2019

. 8U A & B . & B . 12U AAA 07, AA, A, BB & B . 10U A, BB & B 18U AA/A . 16U AA/A . High School 14U AA, A

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND May 24-27, 2019

• Midget Open (2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004 Mixed Birth Year) • 2005 AAA & 2006 AAA (Birth Year) • 14U AA, A & B (Mixed Birth Year) • 2007 AAA & 2008 AAA (Birth Year) • 12U AAA 07, AA, A, BB & B (Mixed Birth Year) • 2009 AAA & 2010 AAA (Birth Year) • 10U A, BB & B (Mixed Birth Year) • 8U A & B

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

Registration for our two remaining tournaments is now open!

Tinseltownhockeytournaments.com CARubberHockey.com

25

COLLIN DELIA

Position: Goaltender, Rockford IceHogs (American Hockey League) Youth Hockey Teams: Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Stars, California Titans, California Wave, Inland Valley Wild, Orange County Hockey Club Last Amateur Team: Merrimack College (Hockey East) California Rubber: You have some interesting hobbies, leatherworking for one?

Collin Delia: I’ve always had an affinity for leather goods, wallets, bags. I liked the tactile nature of it all. One day I thought, “I could do that.” I have the eye for that and I’m very detail-oriented so I bought some scrap leather and a starter tool kit and started messing around. Then I researched companies that make handmade leather goods. All of my stuff is hand stitched. It’s pretty intensive. If you want something to last, you have to do it by hand. Machines can only do so much.

Through word of mouth, I’ve made bags, wallets and belts. It’s just a matter of having the time to make them.

CR: And it hasn’t stopped with smaller goods?

CD: I needed a couch, so I made a couch. I have a background in woodworking.

My dad and I built a lot of the furniture in our house. It’s not as hard as you think. You just need to have the necessary tools and a lot of patience. I also made a TV stand and a coffee stand. It’s a reprieve from the rink. It’s something that doesn’t talk back to you. It’s all based on your effort and your patience. I love working with my hands. It’s therapeutic.

CR: Do you have a favorite youth hockey memory?

CD: I played for the Inland Valley Wild at 16U AA. We went to Ohio to play in a tournament. I didn’t start the year on the team, but I finished the year with it. The memories I have with those guys, playing soccer or hackysack in the lobby, were great.

We ended up winning the tournament, beating the London Jr. Knights (from Ontario) and they were really good. We all played the best hockey we’d ever played.

Another would be with the SoCal Titans. The relationships I had with those guys was pretty special. I was 15 playing with 17- and 18-year-olds. I looked up to them. That was probably the tightest group I’d ever played with. It’s all about the quality of your teammates.

CR: Do you find that to be the case in pro hockey?

CD: I’m finding that to be true in the American League. Nobody wants to be here forever, but we’re trying to enjoy each other’s company for as long as we’re here.

We come to the rink ready to work and make each other better. There are a lot of parallels between the lessons I learned when I was younger in California and now.

CR: You’ve also mentioned you like to cook. Is there a favorite meal?

CD: I like to make pasta by hand. It’s a big ordeal so I try to have a couple teammates over to enjoy that with. Cooking steak is another. It takes a lot of attention to detail to do it well. It’s always a treat.

CR: Are you particular about any of your hockey gear?

CD: I’ve had certain refinements in how I have my gear strapped or positioned. It’s all about feel. I don’t care what brand I use; I just want it to be comfortable. I use Brian’s a lot because they’ll do anything I ask for with my pads. For sticks, I have a notch cut out because I have bigger hands. That helps me control the puck a little better.

CR: Did you have a favorite team or player growing up?

CD: Marty Brodeur (New Jersey Devils) was my favorite goalie growing up.

When the Devils played the Ducks in the 2003 Final, I became more of a Ducks fan, a “Jiggy” (J-S Giguere) fan. I loved Jonas Hiller. He had an odd style, but it worked. Johnny Quick with the Kings is so athletic. There are certain things I’ve tried to mimic from their games.

CR: If you weren’t playing hockey, what would you be doing?

CD: I think about that a lot, actually. I would have been in architectural design because I love structures and building houses. One day, I’d like to make custom homes or furniture.

Photo/Rockford IceHogs

26

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Chris Bayee

www.WSHL.org