VOLUME 10
ISSUE 6
FEBRUARY 2017
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FROM THE EDITOR So much happening these days when it comes to California hockey
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here is really no slowing down this time of year. We’ve got state tournaments, teams prepping for USA Hockey Youth Nationals, associations getting set for spring hockey, inline hockey in full swing, you name it. And while winning these events and succeeding is obviously a priority, let’s all remember to have fun and to play the game the right way. Onward and upward and good luck to all teams, players and coaches!
Last month, NHL Central Scouting released its midterm rankings for players eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft and several players with California connections made the cut. Kailer Yamamoto, F, Spokane Chiefs/WHL (1st Matt Mackinder round, 17th overall) – LA Jr. Kings alum Ivan Lodnia, F, Erie Otters/OHL (2nd round, 37th overall) – Wildcats alum, Anaheim native Sasha Chmelevski, F, Ottawa 67’s/OHL (2nd round, 38th overall) – Wildcats alum, Huntington Beach native Jack St. Ivany, D, Sioux Falls Stampede/USHL (4th round, 94th overall) – Jr. Kings alum, Manhattan Beach native Patrick Khodorenko, F, Michigan State University/NCAA (5th round, 127th overall) – LA Selects alum, Walnut Creek native Brannon McManus, F, Chicago Steel/USHL (6th round, 178th overall) – LA Selects alum, Newport Beach native Jake McGrew, F, Spokane Chiefs/WHL (limited viewing) – Jr. Kings alum, Orange native The 2017 NHL Draft is scheduled for June 23-24 in Chicago. The Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League have signed goaltender Dustin Wolf to a standard player agreement. Wolf, a Tustin native, was the first goaltender selected by the Silvertips in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, going in the fifth round (104th overall). “Dustin’s accomplishments and potential made him a high priority of ours to sign as soon as possible,” said Everett GM Garry Davidson. “We’re very happy to announce his commitment to the Silvertips and the WHL. While his performance in training camp was impressive, his attitude and poise also made a lasting impression. We’re confident about the trajectory he’s taking with his game and looking forward to his continued development in our program.” Wolf, a 2001 birth year, has suited up in the last three seasons with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. Per the Tier I policy set forth by the CAHA Board of Directors back on Jan. 23, 2016, the following associations will be recognized as Tier I programs for the 2017-18 season. 11AAA (Minor) - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks 12U (Major) - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Sharks 13AAA (Minor) - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Sharks 14U (Major) - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Sharks 15AAA - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Sharks 16U - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Sharks, Titans 18U - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks, Titans, Wildcats Congrats to all! The United States Hockey League (USHL) and Los Angeles Kings will collaborate on the second annual Pacific Showcase March 30–April 2, 2017 at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo. The showcase will feature the region’s top 40 players in the 2001, 2002 and 2003 age groups as determined by USHL Central Scouting. Check out this great event! The USA Hockey Pacific District will host the 13th annual Disabled Hockey Festival from April 6-9 at Solar4America Ice in San Jose. Over 60 teams from all over the U.S. have registered in the following divisions: Special, Sled, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Standing Amputee/Warrior and Blind/Visually Impaired. Adaptive teams and individuals are encouraged to register. For more information, visit www.usahockey.com/2017festivalinfo
Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
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KING ME
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ 18U team was one of three Jr. Kings squads to capture a CAHA Tier I state championship on Feb. 5 at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE. See who else brought home championship banners on Page 8.
ON THE COVER Captains for the Golden State Elite’s two Pee Wee AA and two Bantam AA teams include, from left to right, Deven Boldway (Bantam AA2), Isaiah Tano (Bantam AA1), Connor O’Keefe (Pee Wee AA2) and Josh Erickson (Pee Wee AA1). Photo/Lisa Zeng
CALIFORNIA AMATEUR HOCKEY ASSOCIATION
Two California teams enter running at America’s Showcase By John B. Spigott
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he state of California will be well represented at the upcoming America’s Showcase. The annual event – held this year at the Robert Morris University Island Sports Center from April 20-24 in Pittsburgh – features the best high school junior and senior hockey players from around the country, giving them the opportunity to compete against one another as well as giving them the chance to be seen by major hockey institutions from across North America. This year’s event, the 26th annual, will feature not one, but two California representatives. Players from the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League and Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League, along with the Northern California High School Hockey Leagues, will combine to form Team California. Joining Team California will be Team San Diego, which will be making its second trip to the tournament.
Selected to lead the 2017 edition of Team California in this tournament will be head coaches Jeff Noviello of JSerra Catholic High School in San Juan Capistrano, Dan Adams of Lutheran High School of Orange County in Orange and Barry Sherer of Damien High School in Laverne. Leading Team San Diego will be
Jason Galea of Poway High School in Poway and Dan Wagner of La Jolla Country Day School in La Jolla. “As the playing level of high school hockey continues to grow in California, the expectation level increases as well,” said Noviello. “Each year the interest level of the players grows. This is a great opportunity for student-athletes.”
America’s Showcase was developed to provide the nation’s premier high school players an opportunity to be scouted by high-level programs so those players may further their hockey careers in prep school, junior hockey, college, and beyond. “Last years’ experience only makes the expectations grow, and we need to continue that success and show that California players can compete nationwide,” said Adams. Both California teams can consist of only junior and senior students in good academic standing who participate in the high school leagues throughout the state. This tournament is an annual event for scouts from many colleges, junior hockey programs, and central scouting organizations throughout the country to come and see some talented players compete. Tryouts for Team California were Feb. 11-12 in Southern California at the The Rinks-Anaheim Ice, while tryout dates for Team San Diego will be released shortly.
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Golden Ticket As Golden State Elite Eagles complete fifth season, program continuing to be family-friendly
and reached the Silver Stick semifinals in Sarnia, Ont., has been dominant. At 18-0-0 in CAHA, coach Mike Holmes’ squad has allowed just 21 goals all season while he trajectory of the Golden State Elite Eagles (GSE) program continues to soar as scoring 123. Their average margin of victory has been 5.7 goals per game and almost the Northern California tier program heads for the home stretch in its fifth season. half of their skaters (eight) average a point or more per game. The growth of GSE – a joint venture between the Cupertino Cougars, Redwood The collective success and individual development is catching evaluators’ attenCity Black Stars, Tri-Valley Blue Devils and Vacaville Jets – is evidenced in several tion as well. Twelve GSE players advanced from the CAHA Select Camp to the Pacifways, including the increasing number of teams experiic District Select Camp, or 2003 Camp. That includes four female players: Amelia encing success, the notice individual players DiPaulo, Karley Garcia, Anna Liu and Alexandra Thanassi. are receiving through Select camps, and “That’s a pretty cool thing,” Hathaway said. “These girls are playing the advancement of alumni into the junior on Midget and Bantam teams, and that’s no easy task. We’re thrilled and college ranks. with the way stuff is going, but we know there is always room to try to In addition, the Eagles have devised improve and grow.” an innovative spring program that will The eight boys headed to districts include: Ben Biester, Dalton emphasize skill development with highly Garcia, Cade Herrera, Ethan Judkowitz, Jake Maley, Owen Millcompetitive, periodic games while allowward, Ryan Nutt and Antonio Tarantino. ing players to participate in spring sports. A total of 30 players (or 40 percent of the club) were selected for GSE’s progress is obvious. NORCAL Select Camp or as alternates. After having one team win a California GSE alums are also making a mark at the next levels. Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) Forward Justin Dixson was a member of the United States Hockstate title in each of its first two seasons, ey League champion Tri-City Storm last season, and has committed it had two last season, and there is a to play NCAA Division I college hockey at the University of Massachugood chance that will be matched or exsetts (Hockey East). Defenseman Alexander Stoley is a standout for ceeded this season. Prince George of the British Columbia Hockey League (and a member of The club also achieved its goal of having California Rubber’s 2016 All-California a team based on the north side of the Bay Area Junior Team). And forward Jasper Ko(in Vacaville) and another on the south (Cupertino) rican-Barlay is playing in the U.S. Prefor Pee Wee, Bantam and 16U levels for the first mier Hockey League’s Premier Division time. Offering geographic options at three levels this season and has committed to play broadens the appeal to families already taxed by NCAA Division III hockey at Fredonia commutes. State University (SUNYAC). “We do some combined clinics at Dublin, which Several more alums are playing acts as the go-between,” said Chris Hathaway, ACHA hockey and various levels of juthe 16U AA South coach, Cupertino Cougars presniors. ident and one of GSE’s founders. “It’s worked out GSE’s newest development is its well. On the weekdays, go to the local rink, and on Norcal Spring Tier League for birth the weekend, do extended mini-camps in the middle years 1999-2006. The 10-week prowhen traffic is lighter.” gram will include six local games and The Eagles also have a 15U AAA team and one four skill development practices be18U team. tween April and June. “Our ‘01 group was one of our strongest,” Ha“(GSE co-founders William Stone thaway said, explaining the decision to ice a AAA and Larry Cahn and I) started brainteam. “Our two 16U AA teams made playdowns storming about how can we help the last year, so if we hadn’t had a AAA team, we would development of skills, have highly comhave had a lot of players without a place to play. It petitive game settings and not have to was a real strong combined year for us. go to tournaments, where the travel “We will apply for a AAA team from time to time expense drives up the cost,” Hathaway if we have a strong enough birth year situation.” said. “There’s a lot of spring high school That’s the GSE way – don’t force levels on playteams, but for Pee Wees and Bantams, ers who aren’t ready, but make accommodations to they don’t exist. serve existing and future player bases. “What if we figure out a model The Golden State Elite program has seen gradual success in its five seasons of existence “Our goal was to get same-minded teams,” and figures to be a major player in the Tier II playdowns and CAHA state tournament this where the practice time is more skill deHathaway said. “Hockey is played in rinks, not on season. Photo/Lisa Zeng velopment? Every few weekends we’ll airplanes or on freeways. We’d rather try to focus on the local and work on develop- play a high-level, intense game. We’ll form two teams in the North and South at each ment.” age group, and each plays each other twice. One weekend will be a jamboree.” So far, so good. The setup will allow players to pursue other sports and/or pick practice times that The Eagles’ 15U AAA team recently competed in the Tier I state playoffs, and suit their families’ schedules. seven AA teams are headed to the Tier II playdowns (top eight teams in each division) “We want kids to be able to play spring sports. We’re going to offer multiple skill on Feb. 24-26. session days and times. If one of them is convenient, they can still play lacrosse or “Our Bantam AA South team had 15 first-year players on it and just missed mak- baseball,” Hathaway said. “We’re excited to see where it goes. ing playdowns and played two undefeated teams (recently) and lost to each by a “We’re stopping it in June to coordinate with the end of the school year. July and goal,” Hathaway said. “They’re the most improved team we had, and they’re going to August will be family time. We’ll have skill sessions available, but those will be dropbe one of the top teams next season.” ins.” The Bantam AA North team was just one point out of fifth place and had a plusGSE coaches also will form tournament teams separate from the spring program. 69 goal differential. The Pee Wee AA teams finished first (North, with a plus-80 goal “We will still take teams to the Chi-Town Shuffle and the Carmen Starr, but that’s differential) and fourth (South). The 16U AA teams were third (South) and seventh optional,” Hathaway said. “We’re going to offer it because there is a high demand for (North). that. The 18U AA team, which won the Las Vegas Regional Silver Stick Tournament “But a big part of this is knowing when to give families some time off.”
By Chris Bayee
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
New Burlingame rink proposal CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS raising eyebrows in Silicon Valley Golden Bears take in Swedish hockey experience, on, off the ice W S By John B. Spigott
hile a passionate group of local citizens continues to fight to reopen a rink in San Mateo that’s been shuttered for three years, support for a new facility in nearby Burlingame is growing stronger. The Save the Bridgepointe Rink Citizens’ Group has teamed up with the non-profit Mid-Peninsula Ice Rink Foundation to support construction of a new rink in Burlingame, a proposal which includes at least two ice rinks, locker rooms, a training center, restaurant, parking and youth homework center that would be operated by Sharks Ice LLC, an affiliate of the San Jose Sharks that operates ice rinks in San Jose, Oakland and Fremont. The closures of the Bridgepointe Ice Rink in San Mateo in 2013 and Belmont Iceland rink in April 2016 have left only one operating rink in the heart of Silicon Valley, forcing thousands of young athletes to either quit skating or travel hours to train at rinks out of the area. SPI Holdings LLC, the San Francisco-based real estate development firm that owns the Bridgepointe property, closed the 46,000 square-foot rink on June 1, 2013, and has since offered the city of San Mateo $8 million in exchange to tear down the rink and build new retail stores in its place. “We’re excited and supportive of any project that can be adequately financed and funded that results in an ice rink in the community,” said Len Rosenduft, co-founder of the Save the Bridgepointe Rink Citizens’ Group. “Our priority continues to be the reopening of the Bridgepointe rink. However, if the city of San Mateo takes the money from SPI in exchange for closing and rezoning of the Bridgepointe rink, we’d certainly like to see those funds go to a replacement rink in the region. “Given the loss of the Bridgepointe ice facility, together with the subsequent rink closure in Belmont and the lack of available real estate in the city of San Mateo to build a replacement rink, the $8 million should be earmarked for a public-private rink development at a suitable location in the area, regardless of whether it is located within city boundaries.”
By Sophie Kaplan
weden native and California Golden Bears director of hockey Peter Torsson jumped at the chance to compete in his home country when his Bears’ 14U team was invited to participate in the Gothenburg Ice Hockey Cup. The Gothenburg Cup takes place over the New Year’s holiday and is the largest youth hockey tournament in the world for players 14 years old. This year, a total of 48 14U teams competed from around the world, with the Golden Bears the only squad representing the United States. After adjusting to the nine-hour time difference, the Bears settled in for a grueling schedule of 11 games in five days. The team finished their week in Gothenburg with a record of 5-5-1. Unfortunately, a final 8-2 victory over Mölndal still left the Bears a half point The California Bears took their 14U team to Sweshy of the final championship round. The den over the New Year’s holiday to play in the Bears had a number of standouts, but Gothenburg Ice Hockey Cup. were led by captain J.T. Halliday, who tallied the most points, and goalie Leo Kaplan, who was stellar between the pipes, keeping his teammates close in every game. Players and coaches alike headed home impressed by the high level of competition they had faced. “The tournament itself is a great experience for the kids, competing against some of the best young players in Europe,” said Torsson. “But upmost and foremost, the cultural experience and international friends made is an experience that will last a lifetime.”
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Seven teams crowned California Tier I state champions By Matt Mackinder
Anaheim crease.
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14U AAA Major – San Diego Jr. Gulls
ix teams captured California Amateur Hockey Association Tier I state titles on Feb. 5 at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE, while one other was decided a week prior, also at Lakewood.
12U AAA Major – Anaheim Jr. Ducks
he Jr. Ducks used a two-goal performance from Joshua Niedermayer to down the Los Angeles Jr. Kings 4-1 in the championship final. Rocco Zimmerman and Colin Chon added one goal apiece and goaltender Dylan Silverstein posted the victory in net with a 15-save outing. For the Jr. Kings, James Mastrosimone tallied the lone goal off an assist from Joshua Bonrouhi and Vincent Lamberti and Nicholas Avakyan shared time between the pipes.
12U AAA Minor – Los Angeles Jr. Kings
On Jan. 29, the Jr. Gulls opened the Tier I state tournament by taking the 14U AAA Major crown after a 4-1 win over the Jr. Kings. Kyle Fraser, Maximillian Chu, Ethan Kuhrt and Samuel Deckhut scored and Hunter Garvey registered 20 stops in net. “In the state playoffs, we got key contributions from every single player on the roster and were able to use our team depth to wear our opponents down, which is incredibly valuable in close games,” said Jr. Gulls coach Ross Carmichael. “We played strong in all three zones and had excellent goaltending.” Parker Murray scored the only goal for the Jr. Kings and Alexander Bonrouhi made 17 saves.
14U AAA Minor – San Jose Jr. Sharks
Sean Mentzer was the hero for The Jr. Kings turned the tables on the Jr. Sharks, scoring at the 9:22 The Los Angeles Jr. Kings claimed the CAHA the Jr. Ducks in the 12U AAA Minor Tier I 12U AAA Minor state championship with mark of the third overtime to propel title game as Cullen Emery tallied a 4-1 victory over the Anaheim Jr. Ducks on Feb. the Jr. Sharks to a 3-2 win over the a pair of goals to go along with two 5 at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE. Jr. Ducks. assists to lift the Jr. Kings to a 4-1 victory. Nicholas Cantor and Wes Turner scored San David Mnatsakanyan and Alexander Weiermair Jose’s first two goals, while Max Abene assisted on all added single goals and Talen Garcia recorded three as- three goals for the Jr. Sharks. Jackson Baker made 40 sists. Calvin Vachon picked the win in goal by turning stops in net to pick up the dramatic win. aside 28 shots. Benjamin Palmershiem and Brody Biller scored The Jr. Ducks’ lone goal was scored by Aidan Falvo for the Jr. Ducks and goaltender Lucas Massie also finand Miles Roberts and Sky Willer each saw time in the ished with 40 saves. 8
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
15 AAA – Los Angeles Jr. Kings
Drew Vieten tallied two goals and an assist to lead the Jr. Kings past the Jr. Ducks 4-2. Ian Krutchensky and Max Eckstein also scored to back Ronan Mobley’s 21 saves in the blue paint. Kyle Baker and John Mulvihill scored for the Jr. Ducks and Ethan Lahmon turned aside 21 shots in the defeat.
16U AAA – Anaheim Jr. Ducks
Another three-overtime final saw Wyatt Wong win it for the Jr. Ducks in a 2-1 victory. Jiyoon Chae posted the Jr. Ducks’ first goal and Jakob Wepman made 27 saves for the win in net. Connor Kemp scored for the Jr. Kings and netminder Dustin Wolf finished with 30 saves.
18U AAA Major – Los Angeles Jr. Kings
Four different players – Wyatt Light, Auston Ghirardelli, Jared Christy, Lucas Bachofner-Binder – scored to guide the Jr. Kings to a 4-1 win over the Jr. Sharks. Christy tacked on two assists and Jared Levine made 28 saves in goal. Ryan Danner scored for the Jr. Sharks and Morgan Kelly stopped 42 shots between the pipes.
The Pacific District Tournament qualifiers are:
14U - Jr. Gulls, Jr. Kings, Jr. Ducks (in Anchorage, Alaska) 15U - Jr. Kings, Jr. Ducks, Jr. Gulls (in Las Vegas) 16U - Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings (in Las Vegas) 18U - Jr. Kings, Jr. Sharks, Jr. Ducks (in Anchorage, Alaska)
The Pacific District Tournaments all run March 9-12.
Austin powers Omaha with clutch, game-winning goals, baby By Chris Bayee
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certainly hasn’t hurt Ortega’s offense. He had career highs in assists (20) and points (27) after 30 games. “If we win a game and he hasn’t got any points, he’s not upset he hasn’t got any points,” Blais said. “Scorers like to score. Two years ago, if he wasn’t getting any points, he thought he played a poor
hat Austin Ortega is continuing to score points in bunches for the University of Nebraska-Omaha is no surprise. The senior from Escondido has always had a knack for that, whether in youth hockey for the San Diego Jr. Gulls, Anaheim Jr. Ducks or LA Hockey Club, in junior in the United States Hockey League or in NCAA Division I hockey. This season, there are subtle differences to his game that have made him an even more effective player and have him on the brink of setting an NCAA career record for game-winning goals. “This year, he’s done a better job playing in his defensive zone,” Mavericks coach Dean Blais said. “He’s reliable on the penalty kill now. We’ve got him to block shots. “I think he’s not cheating as much on the ice and looking for offense. He’s working for it.” That notoriety extends to his teammates and opponents as well. “The guys love it when he’s killing a penalty because he’s such a skilled player, and when one Escondido native and Nebraska-Omaha senior forward Austin of your skilled players blocks a shot or throws Ortega is one goal away from setting the NCAA record for career a big hit, it gets the momentum of the game game-winning goals. Photo/Mark Kuhlmann/Omaha Athletics changed,” said Omaha captain Justin Parizek. game.” Ortega has relished the added responsibility. One of just three seniors on UNO (Parizek and “I like that coach puts me on the penalty kill Ian Brady are the others), Ortega also has grown now; I’m not just out there for offensive opportu- into a leadership role for the Mavericks. nities,” he said. “Helping out defensively is some“He’s a good teammate,” Blais said. “He’s a thing I’ve gotten to do more, whether we have a leader off the ice, but he’s more of an on-ice leader one-goal lead or we’re tied.” in practice this year for us.” Rounding out the defensive side of his game Added Parizek: “Whenever you’re a great play-
er, leadership is there because guys look up to you. He’s got over 100 points (in his career), so guys look up to him. Off the ice, he’s a hard worker and is obviously doing well in academics and hockey. He’s striving hard to get a professional contract.” That work is paying dividends for Ortega and UNO. His three game-winning goals through the first weekend in February gave him 23 for his career, tied with, among others, Pasadena’s Brett Sterling, who hit the mark at Colorado College. “When the game’s on the line, I like to be that guy who is looked to – I’m extra motivated to get that goal,” Ortega said. Desire and motivation are one thing, but Ortega’s skill set lends itself to the clutch play, his coach said. “All those game-winning goals, it’s pretty incredible,” Blais said. “There’s a lot of good players in college hockey, but he’s found a way to score in shootouts, in overtime. When we need the goal, he’s around the puck. “He gets the goals when the game’s on the line and the next goal wins.” And as good as Ortega’s numbers are, they could be even better, Blais added. “We want him to shoot it more,” Blais said. “He’s unselfish. This year, part of our success on the power play is part of his success shooting the puck because he’s got a real good shot. Sometimes, people don’t know it because you only see him going in and sniping goals from 10 feet out. They don’t see that slap shot from the top of the circle – he’s got a rocket.” It’s one that’s taking him to the top of the NCAA record books. CARubberHockey.com
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Hockey Humanitarian Award finalist is the real Delia humans.” The civil engineering major and two-time Hockey East All-Academic Team pick, who played for numerous clubs in California – the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Stars, California Titans, Inland Valley Wild and Orange County Hockey Club – has made a huge impact in the life of a young boy named Lucas and his
didn’t think he would live past two weeks. Here we are 4-5 years later. Last summer, he had transplants or a player who has been a brick wall for much for all five organs. He had never been able to eat other of the season’s second half, Merrimack College than through a tube. I try to visit him as many times a goaltender Collin Delia would prefer to break down month as I can.” walls. That’s just the tip of the iceberg for Delia’s service, The junior from Rancho Cucamonga has been one however. He’s also involved with CRU and Athletes in of the top goalies in Division I college hockey since Action and serves on the executive board of Merrihe returned from a groin injury he suffered in the mack’s Student Athletic Advisory Committee. first minute of the first game of the season. “I am passionate about student-athletes’ welfare More importantly, he has been selected one – I want their experiences to be more fulfilling,” Deof five finalists for the 2017 Hockey Humanitarian lia said. “We raised more than $1,000 to buy toys Award, which is presented annually by the Hockey and deliver them to Boston Children’s Hospital. Humanitarian Award Foundation to college hockWe’ve had lip sync contests for charity. It’s not only ey’s “finest citizen” for leadership in community serstudent-athlete focused. We want to break down vice. barriers with fans, other students and our commu“I went to a high school where our motto was nity. We need to see more from people have that ‘Meant for Others,’ and that pretty much describes influence.” Collin,” Warriors coach Mark Dennehy said. “He Delia’s influence has been felt on his night job, is selfless within the locker room, more than suptoo. His injury kept him out until late November, portive of our other goalies. He’s a very good, seriwhen he returned with a 33-save shutout of Wisous student, and a very caring person.” consin. After going in and out of the lineup, he alConverse with Delia for a few minutes and it’s lowed just 11 goals in seven games and helped the not hard to see why he was nominated for the HHA Warriors go 3-2-2 in the process. as a sophomore and became the first finalist for the Twice in that span, he was selected a Hockey award in Merrimack’s history this season. East Defensive Player of the Week, and he became Rancho Cucamonga native Collin Delia has emerged as the bona fide No. 1 “It’s important to use the resources given to us goaltender for Merrimack College in the always-tough Hockey East confer- the first Merrimack goalie since Rasmus Tirronen as college athletes to help others, spread the grati- ence. Photo/Jim Stankiewicz/Mike Gridley in October 2014 to capture the conference’s Goaltude if you will,” Delia said. “Humility is important, too. family during his three years on campus. tender of the Month award. Overall, his .932 save perCollege sports can be very egocentric. “I worked with a friend of mine who works with centage stood eighth nationally and his 2.01 goals“I wanted to break that barrier, reverse a prece- Make A Wish and I was introduced to Lucas, who has against average was tenth as of mid-February. dent, let people know we’re not just jocks who play. SCIDS (abnormalities in the immune system) and was “When he’s healthy and gotten the nod, he’s been Our platform is a great way to provide service, which born without five organs – stomach, large and small very good on the ice,” Dennehy said. “Collin is leaving is something I believe all of us are called to do as intestine, liver and pancreas,” Delia said. “Doctors an indelible mark on our program and our school.” By Chris Bayee
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE
LAKHSHL crowns champs at ‘Rally in the Valley’ tourney By Greg Ball
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he L.A. Kings High School Hockey League (LAKHSHL) held its first “Rally in the Valley” tournament during the holiday break and by all accounts, the inaugural event was a success. Held Dec. 27-30 at Ice Station Valencia and Iceoplex Simi Valley, the tournament featured 10 teams competing in varsity and junior varsity divisions and offered a five-game guarantee. “This tournament was a tremendous success for its first season,” said Courtney Ports, the league’s manager of hockey development. “This tournament was open to teams outside of the L.A. Kings High School League, which allowed for some different matchups outside of the regular high school schedule. It was important for us to have a tournament that showcased the level of hockey our high school league is producing. We are proud of how far this league has come in just a few short years and look forward to expanding this tournament year after year to other high school leagues and high school-age players.” The Santa Barbara Royals won the varsity division, besting a group that also included the East County Outlaws, Long Beach Prep, Santa Clarita Cobras, South County Aviators and Valencia Vikings. The Royals were dominant throughout the tournament, outscoring their opponents, 36-11. They opened with an 8-1 win over the Cobras, then toppled Long Beach Prep 6-1 before being challenged in a 5-4 victory over the Outlaws. They responded with a 5-2 triumph over the Aviators
and a 9-2 win over the Cougars. In the tournament’s championship game on Dec. 30, they were once again pushed by the Outlaws, but came out on top 3-2. Jack Johnson scored two goals in the championship game. “Winning the tournament was extremely special for our team,” Royals forward Chris Ewasiuk said. “The banner is the physical manifestation of the constant sweat and effort by our team to constantly improve.” The Royals roster includes forwards Cameron Baron, Collin Del Bonis, Harrison Del BonisvBen Essig, Ewa-
The Santa Barbara Royals captured the inaugural LAKHSHL “Rally in the Valley” title in the varsity division back in late December, outscoring their opponents 36-11. PhotoSteve Solomon
siuk, Ben Fellows, Tyler Martindale, Jared McMullen and Nicholas Poire; Johnson, Ayden Klock, Ryan McMullen, Shea Rousseau, Emmett Rupert and Daniel Solomon on defense; and goalies Will Hahn and Matthew Park. , “We were somewhat surprised that the two games (against the Outlaws) were too close for comfort,” Ewasiuk said. “Our team is very well rounded in talent, and we’ve
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learned to depend on each other in tight situations. The success within those two games primarily came from our team being selfless. We played as a unit and ultimately were able to subdue their talented players.” , In the junior varsity division, the West Ranch Wildcats came out on top of a three-team battle that also included the East County Outlaws and Torrance Destroyers. The Wildcats beat the Destroyers 8-1 in their opening game, then toppled the Outlaws by the same score. They skated to a 5-2 victory over the Outlaws and an 8-2 triumph over the Destroyers on the tournament’s second-to-last day and in the championship game, earned an 8-2 victory over the Outlaws. Zach Garner and Dylan Smith each scored two goals in the title tilt. “I think winning the tournament was good because it put us on top of all the teams in the LAKHSHL,” Wildcats forward Hunter Garant said. “It meant that we need to work harder during the regular season and try even harder than we did it in the tournament, but it also felt good to win.” The Wildcats roster includes forwards Alexandre Duforest, Chris Dunleavy, Garant, Garner, Ben Gersh, Dylan Litwak, Antonio Mejia, Jacob Ramirez and Smith; defensemen Tyler Amara, Dylan Horowitz, Chris Maghakian, Max McConnell and Joshua Xie; and goalies Noah Duforest and Matt Raney. Ports said the tournament wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Ilyse Wolfe, Megan Rivera, Danny Patterson, Xen Gikas, and the league’s Chariot Staff. “We are beyond excited to grow this tournament and truly make this a staple event for years to come,” Ports said.
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SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS
Jr. Sharks add drama to 14U AAA Minor state championship they had played well.” The pep talk worked, as the Jr. Sharks thumped the Jr. Gulls 8-1 in the semifinal, setting up a rematch against the Jr. Ducks with a CAHA state championship on the line.
final.” The Jr. Sharks got goals in regulation from Nick laying for the 14U AAA Minor California Amateur Cantor and Wes Turner as the teams went goal for goal Hockey Association (CAHA) state championship on in the first two periods of the final before a scoreless Feb. 5, the San Jose Jr. Sharks 13U AAA team certainly third period set up overtime, where Shaffar told his showed they had a flair for the dramatic. squad that anything can happen. Sean Mentzer capped an epic final game “As a coach in overtime, and especially by by burying a rebound in the third overtime, the third overtime, there’s really nothing else you helping lead the Jr. Sharks to a 3-2 win over can tell these guys other than to keep going and the Anaheim Jr. Ducks at the CAHA Tier I state there’s no bad shot you can take,” said Shaffar. tournament at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE held “But it was just awesome hockey all the way Feb. 3-5. through and once you get that deep into a game, “It was a great weekend for this group,” anyone can win it. The Ducks are well-coached said 13U head coach Tyler Shaffar. “I thought and work hard, but we got some big stops from our guys really improved as the weekend went (goaltender) Jackson Baker and we were able along, and to finish the way we did really is a to capitalize on one of those situations where testament to their hard work and effort. Their a guy goes to the front of the net, there’s a determination really shone through and I rebound, and he buried it. certainly think a championship is something that “Honestly, both goalies were playing so well this group deserved.” that game could have gone 20 overtimes.” In a division with the Jr. Ducks and the San Perhaps more important than the Diego Jr. Gulls, the Jr. Sharks won their opening championship triumph for Shaffar was the game of the round-robin 2-1 over the Jr. Gulls opportunity to see how 13-year-old kids before dropping a 5-1 decision to the Jr. Ducks. responded in a do-or-die situation in the “We lost to the Ducks in the round-robin final game of the season, and he said their in a game where we really didn’t play well at performance was reflective of the growth and all,” said Shaffar. “We lost our focus and The San Jose Jr. Sharks captured the 14U AAA Minor CAHA state title on Feb. 5 maturity he saw in his team throughout the year. weren’t really ready to play, so we had to go with a triple-OT win over the Anaheim Jr. Ducks. “You can’t really prepare for a game like back and look at the keys that made us successful and “It’s always the little things that make the difference,” this,” said Shaffar. “You can’t mimic what it’s like to be in make sure we were better prepared going forward. You said Shaffar. “We definitely adjusted some things, but a state championship in overtime. You kind of see what obviously want to have fun first, but we had our guys ask it’s picking up sticks in front of our net defensively and people are made of, and there’s nobody on this team themselves what they did differently to prepare prior to driving the net offensively. Those are the things that we that quit. They all kept going. I couldn’t be more proud of that loss than what they had done prior to games where didn’t do in the first game that we did a lot better in the our guys and what they did.” By John B. Spigott
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PICTURE PERFECT The San Jose Jr. Sharks’ girls 19U team went 6-0 on home ice at Solar4 America Ice at San Jose and won the MLK Girls & Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament’s 19U AAA division with a 5-3 win over the Anaheim Lady Ducks in the finals to claim the championship banner on Jan. 16. Photo/Derek Chickles
The LA Lions’ 10U team claimed their division’s championship trophy at the MLK Girls & Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament at Solar4 America Ice at San Jose on Jan. 16 with a 2-0 shutout over the Anaheim Lady Ducks in the title game. Photo/Kara Camiolo
The San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 19U AA girls team took home the CAN/AM Challenge Cup first-place plaque and banner on Feb. 12 after winning the tournament that was showcased in Madison, Wis. Photo/ Dean Tait
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings claimed the CAHA Tier I 15U state championship with a 4-2 win over the Anaheim Jr. Ducks on Feb. 5 at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE. Photo/Scott Eckstein
Players from the James Gasseau-coached Los Angeles Jr. Kings Squirt BB team get set for the 2017 NHL AllStar Game on Jan. 29 at the STAPLES Center.
As part of the 2017 NHL All-Star Game festivities, rapper Snoop Dogg (middle) took time to meet members of the San Jose Sharks, including (from left) head coach Peter DeBoer, defenseman Brent Burns, captain Joe Pavelski and goaltender Martin Jones. Photo/San Jose Sharks
Rebecca, Lydia, Morgan and Riley from the LA Lions’ 10U team show off autographed T-shirts from festivities at the 2017 NHL All-Star Game at the STAPLES Center on Jan. 29.
Central Coast High School Hockey League director Ivan Girling presents Santa Barbara Gold captain Max Geyling with the varsity division championship trophy. The league held its championship playoffs Jan. 28 at the Central Coast Sports Arena in Santa Maria.
Central Coast High School Hockey League director Ivan Girling presents Kees Fedyk with the varsity division Top Scorer award. The league held its championship playoffs Jan. 28 at the Central Coast Sports Arena in Santa Maria.
The San Diego Jr. Gulls captured the 14U AAA Major CAHA state championship on Jan. 29 with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Jr. Kings at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE.
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY
Tahoe Hockey Academy a stellar mix of school, hockey By Greg Ball
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f it’s February, that must mean that youth hockey teams across the country are chasing down playoff spots as their 2016-17 seasons begins to wind down. Similar to many of those teams, the Tahoe Hockey Academy (THA) is gearing up for its big push in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League playoffs, but as the last whistle sounds and seasons to come to an end, the lives of the student-athletes at THA go on. “We’re a hockey academy that incorporates hockey development, academics and the social dynamic where our players attend the local high school,” Tahoe Hockey Academy president Leo Fenn said. “Our students are able to continually train like world-class athletes without sacrificing the academic portion or the high school social interactivity that traveling Tier I and Tier II players sometimes have to give up.” A look into the daily lives of a Tahoe Hockey Academy player reveals a rather regimented schedule. “To be a Tahoe Hockey Academy athlete requires a certain amount of discipline and work ethic,” head coach Mike Lewis said. “We’re spending upwards of two hours on the ice every day and also incorporating training from an NCAA strength and conditioning coach in the gym. Add in hours of academics, social life and travel hockey, and it’s safe to say that success comes from those that truly gravitate toward a structured environment.” With THA being an academy dedicated to hockey
That sentiment isn’t taken lightly, as the THA admindevelopment, it’s easy for outsiders to wonder if it’s “all hockey, all the time” on the Tahoe campus, but a istration’s mission is to develop young men, improved glimpse into daily life there shows a well-rounded mix hockey players and well-rounded academic students. “We have student-athletes from all across the counof fun, relaxation and just being a normal high school try and from varying levels of hockey,” associate coach student. “I like being able to have social interaction with girls Chris Collins said. “We strive to improve each player’s ability to compete by building and other guys outside of our confidence and composure team,” THA assistant captain on the ice as well as off the Jordan Finney said. “It resemice.” bles a normal life where we’re With the Tahoe Hockey able to break up the training with other high school classes.” Academy being the first resiAdd in the beautiful scenery dential prep school dedicated of Lake Tahoe and you’ll find to hockey in California, there’s the team snowboarding on the no question the school is slopes on off days or taking in blazing a trail into uncharted movies, watching other high territory. school athletic contests or at“We knew going into this tending dances. that we would be sole entity “I like being around more in our state forging this path,” people of different backgrounds The Tahoe Hockey Academy prides itself on giving its Fenn said. “Our students are outside of hockey,” THA forward student-athletes the perfect combination of hockey, doing an amazing job repreacademics and social time. Photo/Joe Naber senting our program on and Matt Odom said. Judging by the success of the first-year program, it off the ice, and it shows in the way we’ve been received would seem that the Tahoe Hockey Academy model is by our peers throughout the country.” The school year is in full swing, and so is the acaproducing great results. “I really like how we focus on development so much,” demic and athletic program in South Lake Tahoe. Whether in school, on the ice or on the road, the THA center Jared Shuter said. “I believe the coaches want to see their players go far in their careers, whether young men who call THA home continue to lead a wellrounded life that is reflected in their development. that’s in hockey or just in life in general.”
TahoeHockeyAcademy.com
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ANAHEIM DUCKS
The Rinks lead the way, show ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ By Amy Wesson
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he National Hockey League and the National Hockey League Players’ Association are celebrating Hockey Is For Everyone month in February. The campaign focuses on the inclusion of players of all ages and abilities from diverse backgrounds in the sport. “Our clubs, our players and our fans are committed to welcoming everyone to hockey,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said. “While the NHL family strives for diversity and inclusiveness all year long, February is Hockey Is For Everyone month, which will highlight, on a daily basis, the many ways our sport brings greater attention, heightened awareness and broader opportunities.” Each NHL team is hosting a Hockey Is For Everyone night during a home game in the month of February. The Anaheim Ducks are celebrating this special initiative with their home game against the Florida Panthers on Feb. 17. The puck drop is at 7 p.m., but arrive early to see the warmup as players will take the ice with Pride Tape on their stick. This year, Pride Tape is available for fans to purchase directly from the NHL shop. In keeping with the campaign, The Rinks has been promoting inclusions across all of their developmental hockey programs. The Rinks-Huntington Beach Inline is home to the Anaheim Ducks Top Flight Street Hockey
League. The program, currently in its 12th season, gives play hockey, and borrow a full set of hockey equipment individuals with special needs the chance to play street for free. For those already comfortable skating, but new to hockey in a safe environment with family and friends. Par- hockey, The Rinks offers, in conjunction with the National ticipants of all ages and skill levels receive advice from ex- Hockey League’s Learn to Play initiative, The Little Ducks pert coaches to help develop their hockey skills and then Hockey Initiation Program – a six-week, low-cost program that provides participants with their own put those skills to the test in a game. set of free hockey equipment to keep. The Top Flight program has been so Additionally, The Rinks runs special successful that it reprograms for women and girls, including cently expanded to the highly-acclaimed Anaheim Lady Ducks include ice hockey as program. Continuing to outpace the USA well. Players of all ages Hockey projected growth for girls proand abilities with spegrams in the country, the Lady Ducks now cial needs are invited field 12 girls teams, with the addition of anto head over to The other 14U team and includes two track-levRinks- Lakewood el Southern California Amateur Hockey ICE for Top Flight Association 8U teams. While the on-ice on ICE on Feb. 26 accomplishments are incredible, the off-ice at 3:15 p.m. The clinic provides a free accomplishments are even more outstandAnaheim Ducks Top Flight Street outlet for these players and a chance to The ing as over 100 players have been signed Hockey League, now in its 12th seaparticipate in a Try Hockey For Free ses- son, has been so successful that it to scholarships at the Division I and III colsion, group Learn to Skate lessons and recently expanded to include ice legiate levels as the program focuses on hockey as well. Photo/The Rinks developing not only good hockey players, public Skating. The Rinks has led the league with affordable and ac- but molding the individual as well. Although Hockey Is For Everyone month is celebrated cessible avenues to hockey with two development beginner programs. The first being, the Anaheim Ducks Learn in February, the Rinks is committed to making hockey proto Play Hockey Program, powered by Ryan Getzlaf and grams accessible for all every month of the year. The Rinks Corey Perry, provides an affordable way for both youth strives to offer a variety of different programs for boys and and adults to get started playing hockey. The program of- girls of all ages and skill levels, and different outlets to enfers first-time hockey players a chance to get on the rink, joy the sport.
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Jr. Ducks claim 16U CAHA Tier I states in triple-overtime thriller By Chris Bayee
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here are marathon games, and then there was the Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ 16U final matchup against the Los Angeles Jr. Kings at the CAHA Tier I state championships held Feb. 3-5 at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE. The Jr. Ducks outlasted the Jr. Kings in three overtimes, winning 2-1 when Wyatt Wong scored off an assist from Joseph Harguindeguy 2:27 into the third extra period. Jiyoon Chae had given the Jr. Ducks a first-period lead, but the Jr. Kings tied it in the third. “I’m very proud of the effort from our 16 AAA team and how they have come together as a team both on and off the ice,” Jr. Ducks director of coaches and 16U co-coach Craig Johnson said. “It was a very well-played game by both teams and was exciting for all the kids to be part of, especially with the game going to three overtimes.” Added co-coach and Jr. Ducks director of player personnel Alex Kim: “It’s playoff hockey and the details really make the difference. We are proud of the way the team competed and stuck together, despite it going into three OTs. They stayed focused and continued to work hard until the end.” Jakob Wepman made 27 saves for the 16Us in the final. The Jr. Ducks opened the tournament with wins against the San Jose Jr. Sharks (6-0) and the Jr. Kings (4-1) before losing to the Jr. Kings (4-3) to force the decisive game. The Pee Wee 12U AAA team also won a state title, defeating the Jr. Kings 4-1 in the final to cap an undefeated weekend. Joshua Niedermayer scored two goals and Rocco Zimmerman and Colin Chon added one each. Dylan Silverstein got the victory in net. Four Jr. Ducks teams, including the 16Us, advance to Pacific District Tournaments on March 9-12. The 15U team, which lost to the Jr. Kings 4-2 in the championship game, will join the 16Us in Las Vegas. The 18U and 14U teams also received berths for their tournaments in Anchorage, Alaska.
JrDucks.com
CHALK TALK
Should your child should stay home or move to develop? M
any parents struggle when presented with the choice of whether to have their child play home or away at young ages. Sometimes when players are strong at young ages, they are invited to play for other associations that Dell Truax are away from home. This choice should never be made lightly – a lot of thought has to go into this decision and many factors have to be taken into account. Coaching, ice touches and environment all should be taken into consideration. In addition, parents should take into account their child’s long-term athletic development, just as much as the coach inviting the player to come to their squad should take this into consideration. Is this what is best for the long term for the player? Will the player get enough development time playing away from home? Why does the coach want to have a player who will miss mid-week practices instead of having a local player he can develop for the long term? These are all questions that should be asked and answered before mak-
ing such a big decision, especially at 10U and 12U. Coaching is a big concern of all parents and they should always try to put their child with the best teaching coach in the best environment they can, to give their child every opportunity for success. Coaching is more important than level – coaches develop players. As a parent, it is important to have your child in the right environment to develop. The way this is done is with ice touches in a team environment. Private lessons are great for skills, but team environment is where hockey players are developed. When deciding to have your kid play out of town, parents need to make sure this is addressed. Is the player practicing enough? Does the out-of-town team have team practice weekends or is your player just a game player? Is your child skating during the week in a team environment with a coach that can give them all the tools for success and development? We talked already a bit about ice touches. I encourage all parents to look at the Long Term Athlete Development model by USA Hockey. The foundation is put in place early by being on the ice in the proper teaching environment. Sometimes, kids develop faster at young ages and get moved ahead too quickly. They miss out on some important development windows and this catches
up to them as other players improve. Environment is big to development. Is your child in the proper environment where he can succeed? Is he a part of the team? Is he a contributing player? Does he get the opportunity for special teams and important situations? This is very important for the player’s development. Sometimes when players play out of town and miss practices, they don’t get to see these situations. It is always the families’ choice to do what they think is best. Sometimes, the best choice is to play away. It is important that all decisions are made with the player’s best interest in mind, for the long term. Windshield time can be hard on a family. This will be the first big decision made by families and both the family and the inviting coach have to make sure they all have the players’ development in mind. What is the best environment for the child to develop? Out-of-town tournament teams are fun and great opportunities for kids to play at different levels, in different environments and with different players and coaches. It is the choice to have your child play out of town for the entire season that is tough and really needs consideration. Please remember, the player drives the bus. Don’t put a kid in a bad situation because you, as a parent, want it.
Dell Truax is the head coach for the Nevada Storm’s Pee Wee AA team. Interested in being a Chalk Talk columnist? E-mail Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com. CARubberHockey.com
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NEVADA STORM
First-year Storm 16U AAA team exceeding all expectations year, the 16U team has gelled and adjusted to AAA hockey. “I think overall, the players have done a great job making the jump to AAA,” Naglich said. “We know we still have a long way to go to be a top-end team, but I believe the players that we have this year have given the organization a great foundation moving forward.” “It was an adjustment at the beginning of the season for our players to get used to the speed of AAA hockey, but they picked it up quickly and haven’t looked back,” added Sanford.
have been standouts all season long. “The players that have stood out the most this year are hen the Nevada Storm organization hosts the USA Steven Avalone, Aiden McNabb, Zach McClanahan and Hockey Pacific District Tournament next month for Cameron Zucker,” said Sanford. “Steven and Aiden are the 15 and 16U AAA levels, the Storm’s own 16U team two of the hardest working players I have ever coached. will get to partake on home ice at the Las Vegas Ice Center. They never take a day off and are determined to become The tournament runs March 9-12 and Micah Sanford, high-level players. Zach has great natural skill and sees the the head coach for the first-year 16U AAA team, sees the ice very well. He scores big, timely goals for us all the time event as a very positive one for the Storm association. and can be relied on in every situation. Cameron is a player “I believe hosting the Pacific Districts really helps put who has made drastic improvements all year long. He is an Storm AAA hockey on the map,” said Sanford. “It’s incredible passer who has great vision.” also great for our younger teams to witness what “I would say Steven Avalone has surprised me AAA hockey is all about and what level they need to the most by his work ethic and commitment to the raise their game to play AAA hockey. We understand game,” noted Naglich. “He’s the first one on the ice that every district game is going to be a battle and we and the last one off every day and you can see how will have to bring our best effort every game to give his game continues to involve because of his work ourselves the best chance possible. If we can do this ethic.” every game and get a few bounces from the hockey Moving forward as districts creep closer, both gods, anything can happen.” coaches have short-term and long-term aspirations Storm 16U assistant coach Adam Naglich is for their 16U group. equally excited to see how his team meshes with Nevada Storm 16U AAA coach Micah Sanford (standing, far left) has seen his team “Our goal is to continue to get better as a team improve on the ice, but also off the ice as “even better human beings.” other high-end squads. and as individuals each and every day,” Naglich said. “Hosting the districts gives the entire organization an The Storm 16U AAA team is made up of forwards Ty“In this organization, our goal is to make every player opportunity to see how our team matches up against all the ler Brooks, Darion Conaway, Alexander Furste, Zach better every day,” Sanford added. “Winning is great, but top teams,” said Naglich. “From a team standpoint, it gives McClanahan, Aiden McNabb, Cody Printzen, Dane as coaches, we are here to develop these young men into the players some extra confidence playing at home in front Whittet and Cameron Zucker; defensemen Steven great players and even better human beings.” of our friends and family. We know the competition is go- Avalone, Dylan Davenport, Alexander Hone, Antho“The first half of our season, the highlight has been to ing to be tough. With a couple bounces, hopefully, we can ny Rodriguez, Matthew Valdez and Jaiden Wild; and see the boys gel together as a team,” Lackas said. “During come out on the winning side and surprise a couple teams.” goaltenders Cameron Birchill and Anthony Bonaldi. the second half, we will continue to work on development Naglich added that after an initial stretch to start the Both Sanford and Naglich said a handful of key players and to keep moving forward as a team.” By Matt Mackinder
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
NEVADA REPORT Construction of Golden Knights’ UNLV elevated to ACHA Division practice rink humming along I for ’17-18, eyeing NCAA move By Matt Mackinder
By Matt Mackinder
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hile an NHL team’s tradition, success on the ice or potential to win may be a selling point for free agents, the Vegas Golden Knights are banking on their facilities to lure top NHL players to town. And while the T-Mobile Arena is already in full operation, the team’s yet-to-benamed practice facility in Summerlin broke ground in October and constriction is reaching a fever pitch. The facility will feature two NHL-sized ice sheets for both NHL and public usage. The walls and floors are set and in mid-January, steel was first poured on the site. “Our schedule’s tight, but we seem to be pushing along,” Golden Knights senior vice president Murray Craven, the team’s primary executive assigned to the project, told VegasGoldenKnights.com. “We haven’t missed too many days. That’s the good thing about Las Vegas – you don’t miss many days because of weather. I think the speed that the people work at here, these folks are used to putting up buildings in a relatively short period of time. “The progress we’ve made to this point, I think is very much a reflection of how we we’ve done as a construction team.” Craven also noted how the new rink will have unique features. “The public’s going to have a great viewing area, from out in the bleachers, the seats right in the rink itself, to a full-service restaurant that looks out on both rinks,” Craven said. “To our concourse area at our entrance, where you can also look out onto the ice sheets, those are the things you don’t really see a lot of times in community ice centers are those amenities.” Still, the NHL team will spend a great deal of time in Summerlin. “This is 2017 NHL,” Craven said. “This is going to be a place that players are going to want to come to and stay at. We’re trying to create that culture where we’re going to put in that extra time because this is going to be an exciting place to be in.”
or the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, the recent news that the Rebels will move up to the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division I level for the 2017-18 is surely a positive. Playing at the ACHA Division II level this season, where UNLV was ranked first in the West Region rankings earlier in the season, the announcement to jump up a level was deemed a major one by general manager Zee Khan. Currently, UNLV plays in the Mountain West Collegiate Hockey League. “It’s a giant step forward for hockey in Las Vegas, not only for our program, but with the addition of the National Hockey League team (Vegas Golden Knights), who have become a great partner and advocate of our growth,” Khan said. “Becoming the furthest west ACHA D-I program, we look forward to providing an opportunity to play at the most competitive level in the ACHA, to a number of players looking to continue their playing careers.” Still, the long-term goal is to see UNLV become a full-fledged member of the NCAA ranks, something Khan told the Las Vegas Review-Journal that could happen “at some point here soon.” “With the growth process, with the amount of things that are going on in this town locally from a hockey perspective, it’s coming together,” Khan said. “From an exposure standpoint locally, it’s good. We’ve had a lot of interest from a national standpoint as well.” From a financial perspective, UNLV would need anywhere from $10-15 million to fund an NCAA D-I program from private donors. Once that happened, the school would need to approve the addition and a home rink would need to be secured. “The biggest thing for us is continued program success,” Khan added. “From a UNLV perspective, they want to see the operation doing well. From a donor perspective, we could lose every game. If they want to write a check, that’s great. From an internal, UNLV athletic department side, we are going according to plan.”
FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Take note on how to recover faster for your next game A
s the hockey season begins to wind down, every game becomes more and more important. The tail end of the season can include tournaments, showcases and playoffs where teams may have to play multiple games on the same day or weekend. These busy weekends can take a toll on a player’s body, causing fatigue and soreness that can lead to decreased performance on the ice, as well as injuries. A quality off-ice training program includes stretching and cool-down exerChris Phillips cises at the end of the session to decrease muscle soreness and improve flexibility. Leaving these recovery techniques out after being on the ice can be detrimental to the athlete, sometimes leaving the athlete with increased muscle soreness and limited flexibility that can lead to decreased performance and increased incidence of injury. A simple program following practice and games that include cool-down exercises, massage, flexibility and mobility movements and nutrition can lead to quicker recovery time so an athlete is better prepared for the next event. Following a game or practice: • 5-minute light jog to cool down • Using a foam roll or lacrosse ball, roll back and forth 10 times each way massaging the following muscle groups: glutes, IT Bands, quadriceps, hip flexors, calves and groins • Static stretching of 15-30 seconds on each side of the following muscle groups: glutes, hamstrings, groins, hip flexors and calves • Ingest some sort of protein source such as a shake or bar that contains approximately 200-300 calories and 15-25 grams of protein within 30 minutes of the end of the activity. • Eat a well-balanced meal within two hours of the end of the activity
Chris Phillips ATC, CSCS, is a former athletic trainer in the NHL with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Washington Capitals and currently owns Compete Sports Performance and Rehab. CARubberHockey.com
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Winter Wonderland
California’s best inline squads meet the world at NARCh Winternationals By Phillip Brents
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here’s no doubt the best inline hockey teams come to play in California. That was made clear by the 140 teams that participated in January’s 21st annual NARCh Winternationals in Huntington Beach. The entry list included teams from Brazil, Canada, the U.S. East Coast and Midwest regions, every border state to California, as well as a large number of teams from Northern California to complement the usual glut of teams from Southern California. NARCh president Daryn Goodwin called the Jan. 13-16 gathering “a true Winternationals event, not a glorified regional.” In fact, because of the large number of teams this year (320 games packed into four days), the tournament spilled over to a second rink at nearby Irvine Inline. “We had many teams from outside the state that had never been to the Irvine rink and they were all impressed,” Goodwin noted. “We’re spoiled living here. That facility is what California roller hockey is all about. The Irvine regional (April 27-30) will once again be our largest event outside of Winternationals and the NARCh Finals.” The 2017 NARCh Winternationals marked the first time the event had been held at HB Inline since the inaugural tournament in 1997.
Parade of champions
In the youngest age divisions, the Pama Cyclones captured the NARCh Cub (6U) Division, while the Pama Cyclones Blue won the Atom (8U) Gold title and the Labeda Jets won the Atom Silver championship. Grady Schaefer of the Cyclones won the Atom Division high scorer award with eight goals and 10 points and teammate Connor Ellis earned the division’s top goaltender award with a .904 save percentage. Champions were crowned in Platinum, Gold and Silver divisions in Mite (10U) through Midget (18U). Platinum champions included the Bulldogs Yellow (Mite), High Rollers AA (Squirt), High Rollers (Pee Wee), Hockey House Army A (Bantam) and Revo Black 99’s (Midget). Gold champions included HB Militia Red (Mite),
Revision Revolution 05 (Squirt), Bulldogs (Pee Wee), Black Ice in the Junior Division. Kraft collected 10 points as high scorer while Best, HB Militia Grey (Bantam) and KG Groove (Midget). Silver champions included Revo 07’s (Mite), who serves as club president for CSU Fullerton in the High Rollers A (Squirt), HB Militia White (Pee Wee), Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL), posted a .900 save percentage. Bulldogs (Bantam) and Pama Cyclones (Midget). A total of 83 teams participated in the Cub through Top individuals Midget youth divisions. The adult divisions were also well represented, with Three goaltenders posted perfect 1.000 save 39 men’s teams, six women’s teams and seven teams percentages at this year’s NARCh Winternationals: in NARCh Pro. That’s 52 Jaisal Patel of the San adult teams, plus five more in Jose Inline Sharks Black Pee the Junior (21U) Division for Wee team, Revision’s Jetta good measure. Rackleff in the Women’s Men’s division champions Division and Hockey House included the Pama Labeda Army A’s Braden Ehrhardt Cyclones (Platinum), in the Bantam Division. Carshield (Gold A), Fullerton Chris McWharter of Breakers (Gold B), Men the SB Kings stopped 59 with Sticks (Silver A), High of 62 shots he faced to post Rollers (Silver B), Pama a .951 save percentage Cyclones Blue (30 & Over to lead the Men’s Silver Gold) and PNHL Killers (30 Division and NCR Elite’s & Over Silver). Peter Simonson posted a The Labeda Pama .927 save percentage to top Cyclones won the Women’s the Men’s Gold Division. Platinum Division, while the Brothers Daniel and Michael Inouye made NARCh history by comAmong division high peting for opposing teams in the NARCh Pro final at January’s Jack O’Lanterns captured the NARCh Winternationals. Daniel plays for Black Ice and Michael scorers, Revision Revolution Women’s Gold Division title. plays for the Mudcats. Black Ice won the division championship. 03’s Jay Dolmo (Pee Wee), Black Ice proved to be Photo/NARCh Raiders Yellow’s Tucker the stud team at this year’s Winternationals by winning Abel (Bantam), and Labeda Pama Cyclones’ Kyla the top tier NARCh Pro Division, as well as the Junior Sanders (Women) each recorded 10 points to lead Division title. their respective divisions. The Black Ice defeated the legendary Tour Mudcats to win the NARCh Pro Division (and $5000 in prize NARCh nuggets money) and tipped the Konixx Outcasts in double • The San Jose regional is scheduled March 11-12 at overtime to win the Junior title. the Silver Creek Sportsplex. The NARCh Pro championship game pitted two • The Huntington Beach regional is scheduled March brothers: Daniel Inouye (Black Ice) and Michael 31-April 2 at The Rinks-Huntington Beach Inline. Inouye (Mudcats). Each scored a goal in the title game • The Escondido regional is scheduled June 2-4 at for their respective teams. the Escondido Sports Center. Mike Maczynski posted a .911 save percentage to • The 2017 NARCh West Coast Finals are scheduled pace Black Ice between the pipes, while teammate Billy June 16-25 in San Jose. Pascali topped the NARCh Pro Division with 12 points. • The 2017 NARCh East Coast Finals are scheduled Tyler Kraft (high scorer) and Ron Best (top July 12-23 at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, goaltender) captured the top individual awards for Ont., Canada.
AAU West Coast Winter Nationals start new inline season T
here is a slew of regional and national championship “Each division was loaded with some great roller hockey tournaments that dominate the teams and it was fun to watch games all weekend spring and summer months, but it’s during the winter from 6U to Men’s/Juniors,” Murchison said. “We had that the sport gets rolling. a lot of overtime and Winter Wars West will one-goal games the take center stage Feb. 24entire tournament -- a 26 at The Rinks-Huntington testament to the parity Beach Inline. Divisions of each division. We include 6U through adult are excited to kick off the 2016-17 season and pro. with this high-level of Meanwhile, the AAU tournament and can’t West Coast Winter wait to see what the Nationals helped get the Junior Olympic Games 2016-17 season rolling bring this summer back during the holiday break at The Rinks-Corona Inline The High Rollers captured the 14U-A championship at De- in Corona during July.” The AAU Junior with a record field of nearly cember’s AAU West Coast Winter Nationals at The Rinks-Corona Inline. Olympic Games are 70 teams. Tournament director Ken Murchison called the scheduled July 6-16 at Corona Inline. Prior to that, level of play and talent “outstanding” at the Dec. 17- teams will gather May 26-29 at the Corona venue for the AAU West Coast Nationals. 19 event. 20
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Championships were determined in 18 subdivisions at December’s West Coast Winter Nationals. The Pama Cyclones won titles in four age divisions: 6U, 8U-AA, 16U-A and Junior. Other division champions included the Bulldogs (8U-A and 18U-AA), Temecula Warriors (10U-A), Renegades (10U-AA), Revolution 05 (12U-A Tier 1), Bulldogs Yellow (12U-A Tier 2), AKS 04 (12UAA), High Rollers (14U-A), HB Skittles (14U-AA and 16U-AAA), Bulldogs Grey (16U-AA), Delta Force Elite (18U-A), Mavin (Men’s Gold) and Verbero Lynx (Men’s Silver). Marisa Trevino and Ethan Bach of the 16U-AAA runner-up Revision Revolution 01 combined to post the highest save percentage (.926) among top goaltender award winners. The duo also combined to post a .886 save percentage for the Revision Revolution 99 runnerup team in the 18U-AA Division. - Phillip Brents
In Loving Memory
CIF-Metro Conference continues to celebrate life of cherished coach Pam Wiser By Phillip Brents
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Teams were broken up into two skill divisions. Standings were determined by round-robin competition in each division. Each team played four mini-games. In a matchup of archrivals, the Otay Ranch Mustangs edged the Eastlake Titans 5-4 to finish 3-0-1 to capture the Gold Division championship, while the Castle Park Trojans won the Silver Division with a 4-0 record. Participating teams included Bonita Vista, Castle Park, Mar Vista, Southwest and Sweetwater high schools in the Silver Division and Chula Vista, Eastlake, Hilltop, Patrick Henry and Otay Ranch high schools in the Gold Division.
13 points (11 goals, three assists) to lead Silver Division scorers. Patrick Henry, a first-year start-up program, recorded a milestone by recording its first two wins in school history at the tournament. The Patriots finished 2-1-1 to place third in the Gold Division. “The kids were so excited when they heard that Patrick Henry High School was going to be a part of the Pam Wiser tournament this year,” Patriots head coach Chuck Russell explained. “Six out of 11 of my players had never played a game of hockey before this season, never mind playing in a tournament. “The tournament far surpassed our expectations. We were placed in a division that was challenging, but not overwhelming. I could see my players developing as we moved from one game to the next. It was a fantastic day of hockey.” Matt Russell, the coach’s son, led the Pats in tournament scoring with eight goals and 12 points. The conference will crown its 2016-17 champion in the Kiwanis Cup final on March 1. First-round playoffs face off Feb. 20. Twelve teams from the conference’s three leagues (North County League, Mesa League, South Bay League) will qualify for the playoffs.
cholastic inline hockey remains a major playing component in California. Regional hot spots include San Diego County (CIF-Metro Conference, San Diego District Hockey League), Temecula (Temecula Valley Inline Hockey Association), Orange County (Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic League), the Central Coast High School Hockey League in the Santa Barbara/San Luis Obispo region and the Silver Creek Sportsplex High School Hockey League in San Jose. The CIF-Metro Conference remains the lone playing circuit in the state to have official recognition by the California Interscholastic Federation, the governing body for high school athletics in the state. The 16-team conference is celebrating its 17th year of existence in 2016-17 and continues to roll forward. Ten teams participated in this year’s Pam Wiser Classic tournament Jan. 16 over the MLK holiday weekend to celebrate the memory of one of its most cherished coaches and cheerleaders for the sport in the Sweetwater Union High School District. Wiser, who endeared herself first as the ultimate team mom, took over the program at Chula Vista High School as head coach to prevent the team from being disbanded due to a lack of coaching leadership. She later Clinton Allen of Patrick Henry High School lifts the puck past Chula Vista Gold stars served as an assistant coach at Southwest High School goaltender Gio Cimmino during a Gold Division game at JanThe Central Coast High School Hockey High School prior to her death in April 2011. uary’s Pam Wiser Classic tournament at Castle Park High School in Chula League wrapped up its season with Her memory still burns bright for Chula Vista. Photo//Phillip Brents championship playoffs Jan. 28 at the Central Vista High head coach Matt Diaz, who took over Bonita Vista and Eastlake, both with 3-1 Coast Sports Arena in Santa Maria. the reins of the Spartan program as a tribute to his records, finished runner-up in their respective Santa Barbara Gold defeated Santa Barbara former coach. Blue, 5-3, in the varsity final, while San Luis divisions. “The tournament means a lot to me personally,” “It was a very fun tournament,” said Southwest Obispo defeated Arroyo Grande 4-2 in the junior Diaz explained. “None of my players had a chance coach Jerry Nestlerode, who served as varsity final. to meet her, but she was a wonderful coach, tournament director. “It played really well in the Kees Fedyk of SB Gold finished as the wonderful mentor for us students who were memory of Pam Wiser. Everybody involved had varsity division’s regular season top scorer with playing under her. She was the one who got me a lot of fun – the coaches, the players and the 47 points, while SLO’s Sam Secord finished as interested to stay out here (as a coach), to see all spectators. I think we’re establishing a tradition in the varsity division’s top goaltender with an .863 her hard work, and I wanted to continue that after San Diego South Bay for a very fun holiday event.” save percentage. her passing.” SLO’s Houston Crawfis (top scorer) and Otay Ranch’s Sean Devaney paced Gold The tournament, reduced to one day due to Division scorers with 20 points (14 goals, six Jacob Chaulet (top goaltender) earned regularinclement weather, featured 20 two-period games. assists) and Castle Park’s Eleazar Cruz tallied season honors in the JV division.
WCRHL teams gets northern exposure at Hamilton City event T
he Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) faced off its second semester with a regular-season event Jan. 21 at the North Valley Hockey and Sports Complex in Hamilton City, home of the Chico State Wildcats. Chico State (10-1-1) grabbed three wins to stay atop the Division II standings, though West Valley College (8-3), the WCRHL’s lone Junior College Division team, left the tournament with a feather in its cap following a 4-3 shootout win over the division-leading Wildcats. Thomas Hartshorn netted a goal and assist, netminder Jack
West Valley College’s Thomas Hartshorn helped the Vikings upset Division II Chico State at January’s WCRHL regular-season event in Hamilton City. Photo/Ed Salazar
Robinson stopped 27 of 30 shots and Luis Gonzalez scored the shootout winner in the ninth round for the Vikings, whose challenging schedule consists primarily of Division I and Division II teams. Chico State club president Zac Claunch called it a “super close game” as the Wildcats finished 3-1 in the tournament along with Sonoma State (Division IV). Division II runner-up CSU Fullerton (9-1-0) dropped its first game of the season by a 6-5 score to the University of Arizona at the following weekend’s tournament in Queen Creek, Ariz. The Titans remain three points behind Chico State in the division standings heading into the final regular season event Feb.
18-19 in Huntington Beach. The WCRHL regionals follow March 4-5 at Corona Inline. The top four teams in Division I and the top six teams in both Division II and Division III, will qualify for the regional playoffs. Chico State finished on top of last year’s regularseason standings, but Arizona won the regional title. “This upcoming tournament should be a tough one,” assessed Claunch, who leads Division II scorers with 35 points in 12 games. “We are playing Fullerton, Berkeley, U of A and Northern Arizona – should be some good games. We obviously would love to end up in first place in our division. We are going to play hard and try to rack up as many wins as possible. Looking forward to doing well in regionals and nationals. Hopefully, we can get farther than we did last year.” - Phillip Brents CARubberHockey.com
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2016-17 CALIFORNIA/NEVADA ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com
CALIFORNIA
COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN
PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Beau Bennett (Gardena) – New Jersey Devils Emerson Etem (Long Beach) – Anaheim Ducks Shane Harper (Valencia) – Florida Panthers Alec Martinez (Santa Clara) – Los Angeles Kings Kevan Miller (Los Angeles) – Boston Bruins Matt Nieto (Long Beach) – Colorado Avalanche Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild *
ATLANTIC HOCKEY Chris Buchanan (San Jose) – Bentley University Taylor Maruya (Westchester) – U.S. Military Academy Jared Pike – American International College % Blake Weyrick (Los Angeles) – Canisius College BIG TEN Will Johnson (Santa Barbara) – University of Wisconsin Patrick Khodorenko (Walnut Creek) – Michigan State University Jake Slaker (San Diego) – University of Michigan
AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Sena Acolatse (Hayward) – Springfield Thunderbirds Chase Balisy (Fullerton) – Springfield Thunderbirds Mitch Callahan (Whittier) – Grand Rapids Griffins Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Manitoba Moose Pheonix Copley – Chicago Wolves + Chase De Leo (La Mirada) – Manitoba Moose Thatcher Demko (San Diego) – Utica Comets Adam Erne – Syracuse Crunch * Matthew Ford (West Hills) – Grand Rapids Griffins Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor) – San Antonio Rampage Nic Kerdiles (Irvine) – San Diego Gulls Kyle MacKinnon (Walnut) – San Diego Gulls Stefan Matteau – St. John’s IceCaps ! Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Marlies Gustav Olofsson – Iowa Wild ! Zach Pochiro – Bakersfield Condors % Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Brett Sterling (Los Angeles) – Chicago Wolves Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – Charlotte Checkers Scooter Vaughan (Placentia) – Chicago Wolves Matt White (Whittier) – Milwaukee Admirals
ECAC Max Becker (Orange) – Princeton University Arthur Brey (Yorba Linda) – St. Lawrence University Brett Gervais (Corona) – Clarkson University Sean Lawrence (Granite Bay) – Quinnipiac University Merrick Madsen (Acton) – Harvard University Alec McCrea (El Cajon) – Cornell University Tyler Moy (San Diego) – Harvard University Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Brown University
ECHL Kyle Bigos (Upland) – Idaho Steelheads Dennis Brown (Cypress) – Tulsa Oilers Matt Caito (Coto de Caza) – Toledo Walleye Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) – Fort Wayne Komets Daniel Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) – Toledo Walleye Chase Golightly (Temecula) – Florida Everblades Garrett Haar (Huntington Beach) – Tulsa Oilers Miles Koules (Los Angeles) – Indy Fuel Dennis Kravchenko (San Clemente) – Adirondack Thunder Matt Leitner (Los Alamitos) – Manchester Monarchs Brandon Marino (Riverside) – Brampton Beast P.J. Musico (Orange) – Greenville Swamp Rabbits Max Nicastro (Thousand Oaks) – South Carolina Stingrays Darren Nowick (Long Beach) – Missouri Mavericks Sean O’Rourke (Alta Loma) – Kalamazoo Wings Troy Redmann (Brea) – Utah Grizzlies Steve Weinstein (Los Angeles) – South Carolina Stingrays
NCHC Lawton Courtnall (Westlake Village) – Western Michigan University Grant Gallo (San Diego) – University of Nebraska-Omaha Robby Jackson (Alameda) – St. Cloud State University Tyson McLellan (San Jose) – University of Denver Patrick Newell (Thousand Oaks) – St. Cloud State University Austin Ortega (Escondido) – University of Nebraska-Omaha David Radke (Orinda) – Colorado College
SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE David Gandara (Canyon Lake) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Josh Harris (Torrance) – Peoria Rivermen Steven Hoshaw (Vista) – Evansville Thunderbolts Mark Pustin (Northridge) – Knoxville Ice Bears Jake Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Knoxville Ice Bears Jeff Sanders (San Jose) – Macon Mayhem Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) – Mississippi RiverKings John Siemer (Baldwin Park) – Macon Mayhem Matt Zenzola (San Diego) – Pensacola Ice Flyers
NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN
FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Lester Brown (Citrus Heights) – Berlin River Drivers Daniel Chang (Woodland Hills) – Danbury Titans Darius Cole (Aurora) – Danville Dashers Branden Parkhouse (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers EUROPE Taylor Aronson (Placentia) – Russia Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Russia Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) – Sweden Ryan Hollweg (Downey) – Czech Republic Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) – Russia Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) – Switzerland Colin Long (Santa Ana) – Italy Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) – Sweden Brian Salcido (Hermosa Beach) - Germany Liam Stewart (Hermosa Beach) – United Kingdom C.J. Stretch (Irvine) – Germany Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) – Finland Casey Wellman (Brentwood) – Sweden NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kourtney Kunichka (Fullerton) – Buffalo Beauts Kaliya Johnson – Connecticut Whale $ Rachel Llanes (San Jose) – Boston Pride Elena Orlando (San Jose) – New York Riveters Jenny Scrivens (Camarillo) – New York Riveters Cherie Stewart (Lake Forest) – New York Riveters Alyssa Wohlfeiler (Saugus) – Connecticut Whale 22
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
HOCKEY EAST Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Merrimack College Garrett Gamez (Chino Hills) – Providence College Niko Hildenbrand (Vacaville) – University of Massachusetts Michael McNicholas (Manhattan Beach) – University of New Hampshire Matt O’Donnell (Fountain Valley) – University of Vermont Andrew Oglevie (Fullerton) – University of Notre Dame Nikolas Olsson (Escondido) – Boston University Ryan Ruck (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Scott Savage (San Clemente) – Boston College Nolan Stevens – Northeastern University % Ryan Tait (Santa Clarita) – Providence College
WCHA Brandon Carlson (Huntington Beach) – University of Alabama-Huntsville Niko DellaMaggiore (Gilroy) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Nate Kallen (San Diego) – Ferris State University Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach) – Northern Michigan University Chandler Madry (Bakersfield) – Minnesota State University Nicholas Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Minnesota State University Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Bowling Green State University Shane Sooth (Canyon Country) – Northern Michigan University
CHA Hannah England (Simi Valley) – Penn State University Lillian Marchant (Tustin) – Lindenwood University Megan Whiddon (Redondo Beach) – Mercyhurst University ECAC Hana DeClerck (Menlo Park) – Brown University Keiko DeClerck (San Jose) – Princeton University Kara Drexler (Manhattan Beach) – Yale University Monica Elvin (Penryn) – Brown University Kendra Farole (Irvine) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lydia Grauer – St. Lawrence University $ Kayla Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – St. Lawrence University Erin Ozturk (Huntington Beach) – Harvard University Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – St. Lawrence University HOCKEY EAST Bridget Baker (Los Gatos) – University of Vermont Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) – University of New Hampshire Alexandra Lersch (Manhattan Beach) – University of Connecticut WCHA Leila Kilduff (San Jose) – Minnesota State University Annie Pankowski (Laguna Hills) – University of Wisconsin NCAA DIVISION III – MEN COMMONWEALTH David Anderson (Stevenson Ranch) – Nichols College Matt Audet (Campbell) – Western New England University Stefan Brucato (Lake Elsinore) – Johnson and Wales University Adam Canepa (Santa Cruz) – University of New England Garrett Geane (Fullerton) – Wentworth Institute of Technology Carter Horwitz (Tustin) – Endicott College Joseph Kaszupski – Endicott College % Nicholas McKee (Bakersfield) – Becker College Christian Merritt (Thousand Oaks) – University of New England Luke Miller (Lancaster) – Suffolk University Cameron Randles (Santa Clarita) – Endicott College
Haroutiun Sarkisian (Encino) – Nichols College Evan Schmidbauer (San Diego) – Salve Regina University Stanton Turner (San Francisco) – Suffolk University ECAC WEST Cory Anderson (Bakersfield) – Manhattanville College Ben Greiner (Newport Beach) – Hobart College Sean Haltam (Medina) – Lebanon Valley College Brian Hodges (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University Cameron Mack (Long Beach) – Elmira College Brenden Manquen (Rolling Hills) – Lebanon Valley College Jon Neal (Encinitas) – Hobart College Kyle Penn (Mission Viejo) – Stevenson University Jordan Watt (Riverside) – Stevenson University Chase Wilson (Riverside) – Lebanon Valley College Colin Woods (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University Matt Zendejas (Upland) – Neumann University MASCAC Kyle Baker (Fresno) – Worcester State University Jake Carter (El Segundo) – Westfield State University Connor Cooley (Simi Valley) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Khalil East (Los Angeles) – Worcester State University Drake Longaker (San Jose) – Plymouth State University Andrew McAvoy (Valencia) – Salem State University Connor McPherson (Lancaster) – Fitchburg State University Kyle Orgel (El Segundo) – Plymouth State University Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills) – Worcester State University Cody Slocum (Temecula) – Worcester State University Crissostomos Villareal (Corona) – Worcester State University MIAC Peter Barral (Berkeley) – Bethel University Tyler Gonzales (West Covina) – Hamline University Dallas Marvin (Newbury Park) – Bethel University Chris Nuth (Trabuco Canyon) – Augsburg College J.T. Paine (Rancho Santa Margarita) – St. Olaf College Kyle Rimbach (Encinitas) – St. Olaf College Steven Sherman (San Diego) – St. Olaf College Cole Souto (Yorba Linda) – St. John’s University J.T. Walters (Escondido) – Gustavus Adolphus College NCHA Anthony Annunziato (Alta Loma) – Lake Forest College Henry Berger (Claremont) – Northland College Zach Feldman (San Diego) – Lake Forest College Kyle Gonzalez (Chino Hills) – Northland College James Mathias (Ontario) – Marian University Peter Megariotis (Anaheim Hills) – College of St. Scholastica Travis Meyer (Corona) – Marian University Sean Reynolds (Anaheim) – Lawrence University Nick Trefry (Upland) – Northland College Quinton Wunder (Simi Valley) – Lake Forest College NEHC Sam Bloom (Davis) – Skidmore College Scott Cornfield (Brea) – New England College Conor Ferrera (Trabuco Canyon) – University of Southern Maine Keenan Haase (Mission Viejo) – New England College Bryan Hodges (La Palma) – University of Southern Maine Brett Kilar (Coto de Caza) – New England College David MacGregor (Azusa) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Jon Manlow (Murrieta) – New England College Bryce Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – New England College Will Platt (San Francisco) – New England College Mark Shroyer (Fresno) – Castleton State University Corey Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Castleton State University NESCAC Nick Balboa (San Francisco) – Tufts University Kendall Culbertson (Laguna Niguel) – Bowdoin College Kai Frankville (La Jolla) – Colby College Ryan Glantz (Tarzana) – Connecticut College Chad Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Tufts University Austin Ho (Chino Hills) – Amherst College Evan Johnson (Huntington Beach) – Williams College Marcus Mollica (Dove Canyon) – Williams College Ryan Mowery (Rancho Santa Fe) – Connecticut College Sean Ross (San Diego) – Wesleyan University Oliver Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Tufts University Theo Tydingco (Newark) – Wesleyan University NORTHEAST-10 Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce University SUNYAC Max Blitz (Chino Hills) – Fredonia State University Kevin Chilton (Oak Park) – Brockport State University Michael Freeman (Rancho Cucamonga) – Fredonia State University Paul Fregeau (Los Angeles) – Cortland State University Doc Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) – Brockport State University David Jacobson (Calabasas) – Oswego State University Luke Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Fredonia State University Zac Sikich (Oak Park) – Brockport State University T.J. Sneath (Chino) – Oswego State University Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) – Potsdam State University
WIAC Jono Davis (La Verne) – University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point David Henry (Foster City) – University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eric Shand (San Dimas) – University of Wisconsin-Superior D-III INDEPENDENT Devin Day (Fontana) – Post University Kyle Matsumoto (Walnut) – Canton State University Jarrett Stark (San Bernardino) – Daniel Webster College Chris Timm (Dublin) – Daniel Webster College NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN COLONIAL HOCKEY Danielle Comorre (Tujunga) – Endicott College Madison Maloney (Clovis) – Becker College Savannah Sommers (Corona) – Stevenson University Anastasia Thompson (Riverside) – Becker College ECAC WEST Bri Carroll – Buffalo State University $ Megan Crandell (Fullerton) – Plattsburgh State University Hannah Kiraly (Newport Beach) – Plattsburgh State University Eva Kristof (Pleasanton) – Cortland State University Jordan Lipson (Davis) – Plattsburgh State University Justine Silva (El Monte) – Buffalo State University Hannah Tarr (Los Angeles) – Buffalo State University Laura Thacker (San Jose) – Oswego State University MIAC Valerie Brown (San Martin) – St. Thomas University Jessica Jones (El Cajon) – St. Mary’s University Kylie Kramer – College of St. Benedict $ NCHA Jacqueline Audet (Campbell) – Lake Forest College Allie Girard (Folsom) – Lake Forest College Rachael Goodrow (Rancho Santa Margarita) – St. Norbert College Bailey Robertson (Orange) – Adrian College NEHC Alexandra Anderson (San Anselmo) – Salve Regina University Lizzie Aveson (West Covina) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Taylor Chisholm (Discovery Bay) – Salve Regina University Mackenzie Kennedy (Brea) – Plymouth State University Demi Latham (Redwood City) – New England College Brooke Maggy (Alhambra) – Plymouth State University Kateri McClellan (Rancho Palos Verde) – University of Mass.-Boston Kristi Peters (Newport Beach) – Manhattanville College Tori Polehonka (Chino) – New England College Maisie Tatum-Borich (Newport Beach) – New England College Tara Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – New England College NESCAC Candace Lu (Studio City) – Williams College Hailey Sholty (Malibu) – Wesleyan University Emily Williams (Fallbrook) – Hamilton College D-III INDEPENDENT Emilia Aguilar (Los Angeles) – Post University Sydney Conrad (Temple City) – Post University Anna Estes (Whittier) – Post University Victoria Lahey (Redwood City) – Lebanon Valley College Kalena Mueller (San Ramon) – Post University JUNIOR HOCKEY ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Sam Anzai (Los Angeles) – Drayton Valley Thunder Alec Grollman (Laguna Niguel) – Grand Prairie Storm Robert Jacobson (Calabasas) – Bonnyville Pontiacs Tyler Levine (Laguna Beach) – Brooks Bandits BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Elijiah Barriga (West Covina) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Austin Chavez (Corona) – Wenatchee Wild Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) – Wenatchee Wild Slava Demin (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Justin Dixson (Sunnyvale) – Chilliwack Chiefs Andre Ghantous (Glendale) – Trail Smoke Eaters Trevin Kozlowski (Santa Clarita) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Jacob Modry (El Segundo) – Wenatchee Wild Eric Pinsky (San Jose) – Wenatchee Wild Dakota Raabe (Capistrano Beach) – Wenatchee Wild Tyler Rockwell (San Jose) – Wenatchee Wild Chad Sasaki (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Jack Sitzman (Redondo Beach) – Trail Smoke Eaters Julian Timba (Oceanside) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Jared Turcotte (Moorpark) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Brian Williams (San Diego) – Wenatchee Wild EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Michael Adelson (Claremont) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Adam Bedford (Hawthorne) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Paul Boutoussov (Dana Point) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Declan Curtis (Fontana) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier)
Thomas Dyreng (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jason Epperly (Lakewood) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Brendan Gilligan (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) John Grealish (Bakersfield) – Boston Jr. Rangers (Elite) Nicholas Harris (Glendale) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers (Premier) Tim Huxen (Bakersfield) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Jagr Larson (Palm Springs) – East Coast Wizards (Premier) Sean Lincoln (Orange County) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Sawyer Lockleis (Stanford) – Vermont Lumberjacks (Premier) Julian Madison (Pasadena) – New York Applecore (Premier) Robby McClellan (Palos Verdes) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Ryan Miller (Manhattan Beach) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Zach Morel (Oceanside) – Boston Jr. Rangers (Elite) Tyler Nelson (Danville) – Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (Premier) Ryan Ng (Manhattan Beach) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Premier) Shane Noviello (Mission Viejo) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Evan Nyhus (Dove Canyon) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Ricky Pacciorini (Winters) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Adam Papayoanou (Valencia) – Connecticut Nighthawks (Premier) Eric Phillips (Portola Hills) – Walpole Express (Elite) Sean Plonski (San Bernardino) – Walpole Express (Premier) Brian Sanzone (Santa Monica) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Connor Schwarz (Oakdale) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Ryan Sheridan (Mission Viejo) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Felix Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (Premier) Jake Takashima (Torrance) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Elite) Chad Watt (Corona) – Valley Jr. Warriors (Premier) Eric Wright (San Diego) – Walpole Express (Premier) GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Eric Bampenchow (Laguna Hills) – Bradford Rattlers Don Carter, Jr. (Antioch) – Bradford Bulls Brandon Chapin (Santa Clara) – Bradford Rattlers Steven Colombo (San Jose) – Seguin Huskies Bryan Hochberg (Woodland Hills) – Parry Sound Islanders Austin Kane (Milpitas) – Bradford Rattlers Mark Klasen (San Diego) – New Tecumseth Civics Nico Wilton (Redondo Beach) – Temiscaming Titans KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ethan Bock (Upland) – Golden Rockets Stephen Gaughran (Lake Elsinore) – Golden Rockets Ruslan Katsnelson (West Hills) – Golden Rockets Blake Norman (Redondo Beach) – Spokane Braves Mark Pretorius (San Diego) – Spokane Braves MANITOBA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Dylan Dix (Scotts Valley) – Winkler Flyers MARITIME HOCKEY LEAGUE Ezekiel Estrada (Anaheim) – Yarmouth Mariners NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Jake Acton (Livermore) – Minnesota Magicians Nathan Burke - Aberdeen Wings % Connor Chilton (Oak Park) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Jayson Dimizio (Goleta) – Corpus Christi IceRays Zak Galambos (Walnut Creek) – Johnstown Tomahawks Jack Gates (Oceanside) – Janesville Jets Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) – Bismarck Bobcats Carson Kelley (Portola Valley) – Lone Star Brahmas Nick Klishko (San Diego) – Odessa Jackalopes Austin Koss (Huntington Beach) – Minot Minotauros David Marabella (Clovis) – Lone Star Brahmas Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) – Aberdeen Wings Robby McClellan (Rancho Palos Verdes) – Minot Minotauros Aaron Murray (Chino) – Northeast Generals Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Springfield Jr. Blues Ryan Orgel (El Segundo) – Wichita Falls Wildcats Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco Canyon) – Topeka RoadRunners Evan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Johnstown Tomahawks Hunter Stanley (Camarillo) – Lone Star Brahmas Alex Stoley (Manteca) – Lone Star Brahmas Matt Wiesner (Newport Beach) – New Jersey Titans Connor Yawney (Orange) – Corpus Christi IceRays NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Tristan Ayoubi (Orange) – Syracuse Stampede Brady Boudreau (Anaheim) – New Ulm Steel Ryan Brown (South Lake Tahoe) – Billings Bulls Zach Brunelle (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Louisiana Drillers Anthony Cathcart (Northridge) – Willmar WarHawks Chase Di Bari (Ladera Ranch) – Granite City Lumberjacks Bailey Dorf (Palm Springs) – Glacier Nationals Bradley Estrada (Chino Hills) – Helena Bighorns Hayden Funk (Valley Glen) – Willmar WarHawks Daniel Goodwin (Fresno) – Euless Jr. Stars Ryan Gridley (Santa Monica) – Atlanta Capitals Nicholas Gustafson (Walnut Creek) – Point Mallard Ducks A.J. Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Campbell Jackson (Hermosa Beach) – Northeast Generals Ben Kottmeier (San Francisco) – Helena Bighorns Malik Lamotte-Stokes (Westminster) – Syracuse Stampede Michael Lempiainen (Corona) – New England Stars Nick Nast (Oxnard) – Great Falls Americans Matt Newberger (South Lake Tahoe) – Billings Bulls Ryan Newman (Bakersfield) – Northeast Generals Danny O’Donnell (Ventura) – Great Falls Americans Teagan Poliseno (Valencia) – Atlanta Capitals Tristen Poliseno (Valencia) – Atlanta Capitals Kane Toriumi (Westlake Village) – Willmar WarHawks Collin Tripp (Prunedale) – Chicago Bulldogs Alex Werdmuller (Laguna Hills) – St. Louis Jr. Blues
NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Arshia Mitchell (Aliso Viejo) – Blind River Beavers Joseph Thielen (Huntington Beach) – Cochrane Crunch Riley William (Manhattan Beach) – Elliot Lake Wildcats ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) – Ottawa 67’s Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim) – Erie Otters ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Rock Boynton (Lomita) – Lindsay Muskies Kyle Moore (Sunnyvale) – Burlington Cougars QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Matthew Boucher (Los Angeles) – Quebec Remparts SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Christian Bundschuh (Orange County) – Thief River Falls Norskies SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Aaron Aragon (Whittier) – Melville Millionaires Dakota Delbridge (Tracy) – Flin Flon Bombers Coby Downs (Montclair) – Battlefords North Stars Michael Maple (Fullerton) – Nipawin Hawks Brett Pickler (Villa Park) – Flin Flon Bombers Evan Plotnik (Capistrano Beach) – Melville Millionaires Nick Schultze (San Diego) – Melfort Mustangs UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joey Cassetti (Pleasanton) – U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team Vincent de Mey (Los Angeles) – Madison Capitols Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) – Bloomington Thunder Cole Guttman (Los Angeles) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Jacob Hamacher (Corona) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Rory Herrman (Poway) – Green Bay Gamblers Ben Lown (Newport Coast) – Omaha Lancers Shane McMahan (Irvine) – Fargo Force Brannon McManus (Huntington Beach) – Chicago Steel Alec Mehr (Irvine) – Bloomington Thunder Jack St. Ivany (Manhattan Beach) – Sioux Falls Stampede Rourke Russell (Long Beach) - Green Bay Gamblers Eetu Selanne (Coto de Caza) – Madison Capitols Ethan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Bloomington Thunder UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Jonathan Aguilar (Pasadena) – Islanders Hockey Club (USP3 Patrick Choi – Boston Jr. Bruins (Premier) #) Pierce Bartolo (Belmont) – Atlanta Jr. Knights (Elite) Nash Berkowitz (San Jose) – Eugene Generals (USP3) Brendan Burns (San Carlos) – Islanders Hockey Club (USP3) Jordan Carrasco (San Jose) – Islanders Hockey Club (USP3) Nikolai Cherednichenko (Berkeley) – PAL Jr. Islanders (Premier) Severin Corallo (San Diego) – Tampa Bay Juniors (USP3) Ryan Cortez (Norco) - Palm Beach Hawks (Elite) Paul Daley (Bakersfield) – Forest Lake Lakers (Elite) Hayden Day (Oak Park) – Boston Jr. Bruins (USP3) Sean Dickson (Millbrae) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) Tyler Dill (South Lake Tahoe) – Charlotte Rush (Elite) Jason Footlick (Redondo Beach) – River Falls Renegades (Elite) Andrew Frojelin (San Marcos) – Charlotte Rush (Elite) Cody Fulkerson (Los Angeles) – Florida Jr. Blades (USP3) Liam Gallant (Santa Barbara) – Atlanta Jr. Knights (Elite) John Garrity (San Francisco) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Ethan Gill (Santa Clarita) – Florida Eels (USP3) Dylan Gluck (San Juan Capistrano) – Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Brooks Hatfield (Tracy) – South Shore Kings (Elite) Sam Hernandez (Fontana) – Islanders Hockey Club (USP3) Frank Horowitz (Beverly Hills) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Premier) Adam Hulsey (Bakersfield) – Atlanta Jr. Knights (USP3) Bryce Hunt (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Richmond Generals (Elite) Rob Ivy (Bermuda Dunes) – Richmond Generals (Elite) Austin Lechtanski (Rancho Cucamonga) – Syracuse Stars (Elite) Jeremiah Levitt (Simi Valley) – West Sound Warriors (USP3) Daniel Luyten (Chino Hills) – Atlanta Jr. Knights (Elite) Colin Markoski (Corona) – Hampton Roads Whalers (USP3) Joshua Miller (Paramount) – Kalkaska Rhinos (USP3) Brennan Newton (Santa Fe Springs) – West Sound Warriors (USP3) Sven Nilsson (Culver City) – Florida Eels (Elite) Robert Norwalk (Fremont) – Islanders Hockey Club (USP3) David Quast (Long Beach) – River Falls Renegades (Elite) Dylan Robello (Salida) – Florida Eels (USP3) Dalton Teeter (Dublin) – Bay State Breakers (Elite) Taylor Urch (Anaheim) – Richmond Generals (Elite) Tristan Waechter (Fairfield) – Bay State Breakers (Elite) Jacob Ward (Murrieta) – Hampton Roads Whalers (USP3) Nick Wardstrom (San Francisco) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Michael Wiggins (Temecula) – Atlanta Jr. Knights (Elite) VANCOUVER ISLAND JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Colton Rhodes (Coachella) – Campbell River Storm WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Blake Bargar (Torrance) – Victoria Royals Jake McGrew (Orange) – Spokane Chiefs Steven Owre (Rocklin) – Medicine Hat Tigers Evan Sarthou – Tri-City Americans % Carl Stankowski – Seattle Thunderbirds # Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles) – Calgary Hitmen Keoni Texeira (Fontana) – Portland Winterhawks Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) – Vancouver Giants Evan Weinger (El Segundo) – Portland Winterhawks Kailer Yamamoto – Spokane Chiefs % Keanu Yamamoto – Spokane Chiefs %
WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Aguirre (Los Alamitos) – Ontario Avalanche Joseph Allegrini (Valencia) – Las Vegas Storm Wolfgang Boehringer (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Domenic Bosetti (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Rhett Bruckner (Huntington Beach) – Las Vegas Storm Brad Budman (Foothill Ranch) – Bellingham Blazers Sean Buffardi (Westminster) – Long Beach Bombers Evan Camba (Orange) – El Paso Rhinos Thomas Campbell (Riverside) – Ontario Avalanche Carter Dahl (Fresno) – Colorado Jr. Eagles Quinn Deshler (Torrance) – Ontario Avalanche Blake Duarte (Mission Viejo) – Ontario Avalanche Michael Dwyer (Clovis) – Fresno Monsters Morgan Diamond (Moorpark) – Arizona Hawks Michael Fary (Anaheim) – Utah Outliers Greg Figg (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Jake Fleischman (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Sage Fleming (Costa Mesa) – Ogden Mustangs Ryan Foster (Sacramento) – Long Beach Bombers Nicholas Gary (Palo Alto) – Fresno Monsters Tadeh Grigorian (Burbank) – Ontario Avalanche Tyler Hagen (Granada Hills) – Valencia Flyers Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Jackson Hill (Monterey) – Ontario Avalanche Jonathan Holguin (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Riley Hummitsch (Chino Hills) – El Paso Rhinos Logan Jalynski (Riverside) – Ontario Avalanche Taylor Jolly (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Cody Key (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Thomas King (Rancho Cucamonga) – Ontario Avalanche Garret Kingsbury (Bakersfield) – Valencia Flyers Mason Kohn (San Diego) – San Diego Sabers Jason Lee (Thousand Oaks) – Valencia Flyers Nathan Lloyd (Los Alamitos) – Arizona Hawks Gabel Longshore (Davis) – Lake Tahoe Icemen William Ma (Anaheim) – Ontario Avalanche Manny Mancha (Rosemead) – Ontario Avalanche Alexander Marbach (Stevenson Ranch) – Valencia Flyers Connor Melton (Chico) – Colorado Jr. Eagles Luis Mendoza (Newark) – Lake Tahoe Icemen John Moffatt (South Lake Tahoe) – Lake Tahoe Icemen Cole Parker (San Diego) – San Diego Sabers Andrew Pellegrino (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Michael Perez (Fresno) – El Paso Rhinos Jonathon Pichedwatana (Lakewood) – Long Beach Bombers Connor Rickabus (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Tulsa Jr. Oilers Dylan San Agustin (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Nicholas Short (Los Angeles) – Long Beach Bombers Christopher Sohl (Riverside) – Ontario Avalanche Sam Taferner (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Braydon Thompson (Roseville) – Lake Tahoe Icemen Bryan Verna (Lake Forest) – Phoenix Knights John Wilshire (Temecula) – Arizona Hawks Aleksandr Zendejas (Mission Viejo) – El Paso Rhinos
Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Blake Selden (Santa Clara) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jordan Skahill (San Dimas) – South Kent Daniel Thomas (Irvine) – Hotchkiss School Daniel Ton-That (Laguna Hills) – Tilton School Jackson Tuszynski (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Lukas Uhler (Upland) – New Hampton School Brent Valentine (Newport Beach) – Choate Rosemary Hall Cam York (Anaheim Hills) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep Billy Zegras (San Diego) – The Berkshire School
PREP SCHOOL Alan Austria-Garcia (Redwood City) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Lucas Bafoner (Los Angeles) – Albany Academy Cayla Barnes (Corona) – New Hampton School Brandon Bedient (Stevenson Ranch) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Grady Birk (Carlsbad) – Shawnigan Lake School Noah Dahlen (Orange) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Liam Dauphinee (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jared Day (Orange) – Brooks School Zachary Dill (Tahoe) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Tanner Ensign (Tustin) – Holderness School Riley Fenn (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Ryan Fischer (Anaheim Hills) – South Kent Dennis L. Y. Franklin (Oakland) – The Taft School Shane Gilbert (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – Groton School Niko Grollman (Mission Viejo) – The Gunnery Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Nathan Katzaroff (Anaheim) – Milton Academy Nicholas Kent (Ladera Ranch) – Delta Hockey Academy Noah Kim (Fullerton) – Cushing Academy Indigo Kinzey (Pacifica) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Matt Kors (Los Angeles) – Shawnigan Lake School Jordan Labbe (Pasadena) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Erik Larsson (Los Altos) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Nicholas Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Noah Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Tae Lee (Irvine) – The Governor’s Academy Koby Leeman (Napa) - Culver Academy Tyler Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Roan Linvill (Berkeley) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jack Lippis (Mission Viejo) – The Gunnery Mathias Long (Marina del Rey) – Lake Forest Academy Brandon McDonald (Los Angeles) – Vermont Academy Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Tilton School Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Cushing Academy Adam McGill (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Keely Moy (San Diego) – Kent School Matthew Odom (Elk Grove) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Zach Pires (Villa Park) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Steven Plante (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) – Loomis Chaffee Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) – Albany Academy Alexander Rogers (Anaheim) – Williston Northampton Brett Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Hunter Sansbury (Lomita) – The Gunnery
SUNYAC Ryan Chiasson (Henderson) – Plattsburgh State University
NEVADA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) – Minnesota Wild AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas) – Bakersfield Condors ECHL Kenny Brooks (Las Vegas) – Colorado Eagles Chris Francis (Las Vegas) – Quad City Mallards Gage Quinney (Las Vegas) – Wheeling Nailers Jacob MacDonald (Fernley) – Toledo Walleye Ross McMullan (Las Vegas) – Wheeling Nailers Cory Ward (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Chris Rial (Las Vegas) – Columbus Cottonmouths COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ECAC Joe Sullivan (Las Vegas) – St. Lawrence University D-I INDEPENDENT Joey Raats (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN CHA Sarah Robello (Las Vegas) – Mercyhurst University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN COMMONWEALTH Joseph Kaszupski (Henderson) – Endicott College Alec Mono (Las Vegas) – Curry College NCHA Derek Sutliffe (Las Vegas) – College of St. Scholastica
D-III INDEPENDENT Tanner Todd (Henderson) – Daniel Webster College JUNIOR HOCKEY BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Brendan Harris (Las Vegas) – Wenatchee Wild GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Richard Prekop (Las Vegas) – South Muskoka Shield NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Dom Garcia (Las Vegas) – Aston Rebels NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Michael Cichy (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Kyle Truax (Las Vegas) – Gillette Wild NORTHERN ONTARIO JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Adrian Nicholas (Las Vegas) – French River Rapids QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney (Las Vegas) – Saint John Sea Dogs UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Spencer Poscente (Henderson) – Tri-City Icehawks (USP3) Gage Roberts (Las Vegas) – Carolina Eagles (Elite) Ethan Van Muyden (Henderson) – Tri-City Icehawks (USP3) WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Seth Bergeron (Las Vegas) – Las Vegas Storm Vito Carlo (Las Vegas) – Las Vegas Storm Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) – Las Vegas Storm Reed Lequerica (Reno) – Lake Tahoe Icemen Jake McKenna (Las Vegas) – Las Vegas Storm Kyle Molony (Las Vegas) – Las Vegas Storm Eric Williams (Henderson) – Ontario Avalanche % former LA Jr. King + former California Titan * former LA Select
! former San Jose Jr. Shark # former Anaheim Jr. Duck $ former Anaheim Lady Duck
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Patience becoming a virtue for Fontana product Texeira By Chris Bayee
is obvious – it oozes out of him. “He’s part of a group of guys who are bringing here is much more to Keoni Texeira’s game along some good young defensemen, which is a reathis season than setting career bests in points son for the continued success of the team.” and goals two-thirds of the way through the Western Texeira, who is one of the Winterhawks’ alternate Hockey League campaign. captains, has progressively seen his role increase Yes, the defenseman from in what is typically a stacked Fontana has become an intePortland back end. Former teamgral part of the Portland Winmates Matt Dumba (Minnesota) terhawks’ lineup. That has hapand Derrick Pouliot (Pittsburgh) pened in large part, he says, are in the NHL and current teambecause he has found a comfort mate Caleb Jones (Edmonton) zone and expanded it during his could join them (as well as his four seasons of Major Junior. brother, Seth, another former “My hockey game has startWinterhawk) there soon. ed to mature more,” Texeira “When I first came in (back said. “I’m not putting myself in in 2013), we had unbelievable dangerous situations. Learning talents, and it was easier for me how to be poised with the puck to play defense,” Texeira said. has been huge for me this year, “Everywhere I looked, someone just staying calm and collected was open. in pressure situations.” “The past few years, we’ve Texeira’s development hasn’t had a younger team and I’ve had come as surprise to Portland to step up my game, do all the assistant coach Oliver David, little things better. That taught a California native himself who In four years with the WHL’s Portland Winter- me to be a better a player. We coaches the team’s defensemen hawks, Keoni Texeira has seen his game gradu- make mistakes, but we learn ally progress to the point of now being a potential from them and move on.” and penalty kill. “He doesn’t take a day for NHL prospect. Photo/Brian Heim/Portland Winterhawks One question hovering over granted,” David said. “How he goes about his busi- the 6-foot, 213-pound Texeira is when he will move ness, you start to understand why that translates on, and to where. There is no question he will move onto the ice. Above all, he really wants to be good on, David said. and really wants to be a hockey player. That passion A 1997 birth year, this is Texeira’s final year of el-
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igibility for the NHL Draft. He attended the Washington Capitals’ prospect camp in 2016 and performed so well he garnered an invitation to the main camp. “I’ve talked to a few teams throughout the year,” he said. “They’ve been good conversations and they’ve told me things to work on. There is high interest from a couple of teams. “Hopefully, I will get picked.” If he doesn’t, he should expect to generate plenty of interest as a free agent, David said. The timing of when he would sign a pro contract will determine whether or not he returns to Portland for his 20-yearold season. “Just the fact you’re asking means it’s possible,” David said. “He’s asserting himself versus bigger, stronger guys, and NHL teams like that. He’s going to be at or near the top of the list of free agents if he’s not drafted.” Texeira’s increase in scoring (34 points through 51 games) isn’t by accident. Not only is he receiving more power-play time this season, but he focused on fine-tuning his offensive skills that accompany his heavy shot. “I’ve been working on being more aggressive and being up on the rush,” he said. “I worked a lot on my shooting over the summer. “And I’m trying to be more selective with my chances on the rush, just picking the right times to go, the right times to shoot or to pass. I’m more patient. Instead of just getting the puck to the net, I’m looking for guys coming late and developing plays.” Expect his patience to be rewarded one way or another at the next level.
Humble McMahan excelling in USHL, scoops up NCAA D-I offer By Chris Bayee
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hane McMahan has no problem being a role player. Fortunately for him, that role on the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League has expanded to the point it led to a Division I college commitment to Minnesota State University (WCHA). “His opportunities have escalated a lot in the past few months here,” said Cary Eades, the Force’s coach and GM. “Colleges value that type of player a lot. He’s no longer just a defensive player, but Shane’s grown as a scorer and an exceptional penalty killer.” McMahan, who played for JSerra High School, Orange County Hockey Club, the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, did his homework on Minnesota State and liked what he saw. “We’ve been talking since Bantams,” he said. “It helped knowing California guys were playing there and asking them how they like it. Their style of play fits me.” Eades said the 6-foot-1, 210-pound McMahan’s progression, as well as his willingness to do whatever he’s asked, has made him a key to the Force’s success. “We have one of the top two penalty kills in the league, and he’s a big reason why,” Eades said. “He’s great on faceoffs, he’s chipping in offense and he’s like an assistant coach on the ice.” Eades estimates McMahan will play up to 25 minutes some games because he routinely plays 1:20 of a two-minute penalty kill and is counted on in every 5-on-5 situation. “Some kids wouldn’t buy into that – they just want to score,” Eades said. “But he has consistently developed other parts of his game, and I’m biased, but I think he’s one of the best – if not the best – penalty killers in the league.” McMahan, who said his favorite memories from playing in California included playing a high school championship game at Honda Center and going to USA Hockey Youth Nationals with the Jr. Kings’ 18U AAA team in 2014, takes it in stride. “I just want to perfect my role and go out and do it,” he said.
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Titans alum Copley shows well in first NHL start with St. Louis By Matt Mackinder
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heonix Copley made his NHL debut in mop-up duty last season for the St. Louis Blues. His next action in the NHL came Jan. 21, his first NHL start for the Blues, taking on the Winnipeg Jets on the road in a game the Blues dropped 5-3. Copley, a native of North Pole, Alaska, spent the 2009-10 season playing for the California Titans 18U team during the inaugural season of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL). In 10 regular-season games, he went 6-1-0 with a 2.62 goals against, a .871 save percentage and one shutout in helping the Titans capture the first NAPHL 18U championship. He then played the 2010-11 season with the Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League, going 14-23-4 with a 4.17 goalsagainst and a .880 save percentage, before splitting the next season between Tri-City and Des Moines of the United States Hockey League. Copley spent two seasons at the NCAA Division I level with Michigan Tech University (WCHA) and signed as a free agent with the Washington Capitals after his sophomore season. Justin Quenneville, Copley’s coach with Corpus Christi, knew that with the right situation, Copley would get a chance in the NHL. “’Cops’ was really one of the first players I got a chance to see take advantage of his opportunities and continue to find success at every level,” Quenneville said. “He’s a true professional and it’s been fun watching him continue to succeed. He deserves every bit of it.” In his start on Jan. 21, Copley made 24 saves, including 18 on 19 shots through the first 40 minutes. Three of the Winnipeg goals he allowed in the third period were on the power play. “I felt good going in and I felt confident the whole way through,” Copley said. “It would have been nice to get the win, but I can build off it, fix the mistakes that I made and then hopefully next time I get the opportunity, I’ll get the win.”
Improved Avalanche likes chances in WSHL’s tight West By John B. Spigott
ip Subrt to give O’Rourke a rock-solid 1-2 punch in goal. “Owen’s a big kid and he’s very controlled,” said O’Rourke. “He uses his body well and he covers a lot of the net – he doesn’t exaggerate his movements. He’s very fundamentally sound, and between him and Subrt, I’m very comfortable with what we’ve got.”
Manny Mancha. The top line has accounted for 88 of the Avalanche’s 197 goals this season. itting 10 games over .500 with a lineup that fea“Stensson and Ullgren came in as a package deal tures three players in the top 10 in scoring in the as a couple of guys who had played together in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL), the Ontario past and it’s almost as if those two can read each Avalanche may be an unusual pick for a dark horse other’s mind,” said O’Rourke. “Adding Manny to those candidate come playoff time. two was a no-brainer because he’s a perfect compliSuch is life in the league’s top division. ment. The chemistry is there, they lead by exUnder the guidance of first-year head coach ample and will do anything to help this team Rob O’Rourke, the Avalanche have drastically win and as a coach, there is nothing else you improved from an up-and-down season a year can ask for.” ago, where they went 27-23-1 and changed While the middle of the West remains tight, coaches mid-season. Now featuring some there is still room for the first-round playoff picfresh talent on the ice and a familiar face in ture to change. That said, O’Rourke is aware O’Rourke – who previously coached the 18U that his club is only .500 away from home, which AAA Avalanche – Ontario is looking to play means after the first round, the short series spoiler in the West, a division that features two WSHL playoff format means that every game – of the league’s top teams in Long Beach and should the Avalanche hold on to home-ice adValencia, as well as a pair of radically improved vantage in the first round and move on to round squads in San Diego and Las Vegas. two – would be on the road. However, O’Rourke “I would say we are cautiously optimistic,” will take his chances against any team. said O’Rourke. “We are developing a little “It’s funny people point out the road record more depth and getting some scoring other because it’s not something I’m really worried than our top line. We’ve done a lot better job about,” said O’Rourke. “We played three in El keeping the puck out of our own net as well. Paso and we played three games in Valencia That’s what is going to get us to the next level against a team that really seems to have our come playoff time, so that has been an encournumber. That’s six away losses against really aging sign for us.” good teams. I’m not too stressed about it beKnowing that strong goaltending will be Owen Liskiewicz has been red-hot since joining the Ontario Avalanche from the cause I think it has more to do with the schedCanadian Junior A ranks, posting a .933 save percentage in his first five starts with a must-have for the Avalanche to get out of the WSHL club. Photo/Mark Mauno ule than anything. the Western Division, Ontario recently added “Regardless of record, I think the pieces are Owen Liskiewicz to the mix in the crease and the Up front for the Avalanche, you’d be hard-pressed in place and now it’s a matter of getting into that play18-year-old hasn’t disappointed, posting three wins to find a trio across the entire WSHL that has matched off mode. I said at the beginning of the year that I’m and a .933 save percentage in his first five starts. the production of Swedish-born snipers Filip Ullgren a competitive guy. I want to win the whole thing and I Liskiewicz will split time with incumbent starter Fil- and Filip Stensson and their California linemate think we are capable of doing that.”
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CHASE BALISY
Position: Forward, Springfield Thunderbirds (AHL) Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita Last Amateur Team: Western Michigan University (CCHA/NCHC) Youth Teams: Anaheim Jr. Ducks, South Coast Sabres, Long Beach Jr. Ice Dogs California Rubber: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up? Chase Balisy: Winning the Squirt state championship when Konstantin Lodnia was our coach with the Ice Dogs in 2002. No one gave us a chance and we ended up playing well and winning states. That team had Emerson Etem, Tyler Tosunian, Dominic Carbonaro and Matt Konan. CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving California? CB: It has to be the CCHA championship in 2012 at Western Michigan. We were predicted to come in last place by everyone and the team succeeds. It’s fun being part of those types of stories. CR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice? CB: All of my coaches growing up. I always had good coaches, whether at the U.S. National Team Development Program, college or pro. I always had coaches that cared and wanted the best for me. My parents (John and June) were huge, obviously. I appreciate everything they’ve sacrificed. CR: What advice would you give young hockey players? CB: The main thing is to have fun and enjoy it. Not everyone is going to make it to the next level. Enjoy all the experiences and all the moments and cherish the time to play. CR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play? CB: During summers, I love to golf. I try to golf as much as I can, especially in California with the great weather. CR: Do you have a favorite meal or pregame meal? CB: I’m a big egg person, so I have a lot of omelets. Before games, I like chicken and sweet potatoes and salad. CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about? CB: Not at all. Some guys are into that kind of stuff. I’m not too superstitious. CR: What are essential items to take on a road trip? CB: I’ve been trying to read more. I always bring a book and headphones so I can read or listen to music. I usually just throw on Pandora. Bookswise, I like Freakonomics. I like to hone up on business skills. I’m reading a biography about Elon Musk now. CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant? CB: I really like experimenting, trying new places. So I try to get out to different restaurants. CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up? CB: My dad was from Toronto, so I liked the Maple Leafs. Mats Sundin was a player I looked up to. That’s why I wear the No. 13. CR: If you weren’t playing pro hockey, what do you think you’d be doing? CB: I have a finance degree. I’m big into the stock market, so it would have to be something to do with finance, a broker or an analyst. CR: What is the most challenging aspect of playing pro hockey? CB: From college to pro, it’s different. It becomes more of a job, so you have to think of it that way. It hasn’t been a challenge, but it’s a battle. You’re competing with every player out there who’s trying to advance himself. Photo/Chris Unger
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
- Compiled by Chris Bayee
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