VOLUME 10
ISSUE 10
SUMMER 2017
Six talented players with ties to California – including Los Angeles native Cole Guttman – saw their NHL dreams come one step closer to reality after hearing their names called and being selected in the 2017 NHL Draft last month in Chicago. Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles 2017-18
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FROM THE EDITOR Even in the offseason, there is plenty going on to stay excited
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Matt Mackinder
ffseason? What offseason? As has been the case for many years now, the hockey world is definitely 24/7. There are no breaks and sometimes, the summer months can be just as busy as the season. Think about it – you’ve got summer skills and tryout camps happening, player advancement, transactions at every level and in some cases, blockbuster trades at the pro level. Sure, the weather may be nicer this time of year and the beaches a tad more crowded, but there is still time for hockey in California. It’s the greatest sport on the planet and the more I stay involved in the game, the more I meet and become acquainted with some of the game’s most
passionate folks. All this said, take the time to enjoy the summer with your family and closest friends because before you know it, the hockey bags are tossed in the car and it’s go, go, go from September through March and in some instances, April. Hope everyone is enjoying their summers and we’ll see you in September! Congratulations are in order for Cypress native and Anaheim Jr. Ducks graduate Slava Demin, who will represent the United States at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup tournament. The event takes place Aug. 7-12 in Slovakia and the Czech Republic. This past season, Demin, a defenseman who is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Denver starting in the fall of 2018, skated for the Wenatchee Wild of the British Columbia Hockey League, tallying five goals and 27 points despite not turning 17 until April 4. Demin is a Team USA veteran and participated in the Five Nations Tournament in Frisco, Tex., last summer representing Old Glory.
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THE PUCK STOPS HERE
It’s never easy to pen obituaries and it’s even more difficult when they center around children. This offseason has seen one former California youth player – Stefan DeClerck – and a current standout – Dylan Harlan – tragically pass on. We have a tribute to both kids on Page 8 of this issue, but more than that, our prayers, positive thoughts and encouragement to keep pressing forward go out to both boys’ families and close friends. We can’t even imagine what these families are going through, but hockey is more than a sport – it’s a family, a tight-knit community. And we know everyone will come together in these difficult times. Godspeed, Stefan and Dylan. Another former NHL star is joining the California youth ranks as Valeri Bure will join the California Titans’ coaching staff for the 2017-18 season. Born and raised in Moscow, Bure has had a long and successful hockey career, turning pro at just 16 years old. He played in the NHL for 10 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues and Dallas Stars, and was selected to the NHL All-Star Game in 2000 with the Flames. Over the past 10 years, Bure has coached A, AA and AAA teams, passing on the knowledge he’s acquired over the past 35 years. Needless to say, this is a great catch for the Titans! Excitement is at an all-time high in Las Vegas as the expansion Vegas Golden Knights not only participated in the NHL Expansion Draft and NHL Draft last month, but the team brass is assembling an NHL-ready roster that will take the ice this coming season at the gorgeous T-Mobile Arena. We have Vegas draft coverage on Pages 19 and 25, so check it out! Even better, the organization continues to get out into the Vegas community to build relationships with those that support the franchise and to introduce the Las Vegas and surrounding areas to hockey. In our opinion, this is a win-win situation however you look at it.
Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Brea’s Troy Redmann won four games between the pipes to spearhead Team USA to the gold medal at this year’s International Ice Hockey Federation Inline Hockey World Championship tournament in Slovakia. Redmann received the tournament’s Best Goaltender Award. More on Page 18. Photo/Rene Miko/IIHF.com
ON THE COVER Main Photo: Los Angeles native Cole Guttman had a stellar 2016-17 season with the USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints and ended up being selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round (180th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft last month in Chicago. Inset Photo: Chad Ruhwedel, a San Diego product, realized a lifelong dream by hoisting the Stanley Cup last month as the Pittsburgh Penguins repeated as champions of the NHL after defeating the Nashville Predators in a thrilling six-game Stanley Cup Final. Photo/Joe Sargent/Pittsburgh Penguins
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California Connections Half-dozen players with California ties selected during 2017 NHL Draft in Chicago
McGrew had a front-row seat for Yamamoto’s exploits this season, and he said it is a mistake for people to solely focus on his teammate’s lack of stature (5-foor8, 153 pounds) and bushel of skill (99 points, including 42 goals were sixth in the WHL). “He is hard to play against,” said McGrew, who as a Jr. Duck played against Yamamoto for one season. “Not only is he fast and crafty, not afraid to expose you with the puck, but he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas. He works his butt off every shift. “Everyone thinks he just plays a finesse game, but he can also play a gritty game and get pucks deep. And he can turn away from you on a dime.” Yamamoto reinforced the have-no-fear mantra in an interview with NHL.com saying, “I think the biggest thing is that you can’t have fear in your game. You have to have that confidence, and if you don’t have that confidence, it’s not going to go well for you.” Robertson is on the opposite end of the size continuum. At 6-foot-2 and nearly 200 pounds, the former Jr. King is one of just nine players in OHL history taller than six feet to score 40 or more goals, a group that includes Steven Stamkos, John Tavares and the Ducks’ Corey Perry. The Kingston Frontenacs forward told the Stars’ official website that his emergence this past season (he went from 18 goals to 42) was tied to an increase in confi-
By Chris Bayee
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he 2009 California Brick team decided to hold a reunion in late June – it was called the NHL Draft. Five players from that team – Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach native), Cole Guttman (Los Angeles), Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim), Jake McGrew (Orange) and Jason Robertson (Los Angeles) – heard their names called by NHL teams during the two-day event in Chicago from June 23-24. And a sixth player with ties to the state – former Los Angeles Jr. Kings standout Kailer Yamamoto – was selected in the first round. The six players are the most with California ties taken in any year since the draft was instituted in 1963. Five had been taken twice before, in both 2009 and 2011. The Edmonton Oilers took Yamamoto with the 22nd pick in the first round. The Dallas Stars tabbed Robertson in the second round (39th overall) and the Minnesota Wild used their first pick, one round later, to select Lodnia 85th overall. In the sixth round, the San Jose Sharks picked McGrew (159th overall) and Chmelevski (185th overall), bookending the Tampa Bay Lightning’s pick of Guttman at No. 180. The five California natives scattered during and after their Pee Wee years, with Chmelevski, Robertson and Lodnia relocating to Michigan. All three ended up in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Yamamoto, who is from Spokane, Wash., came to California to play Bantam and Midget hockey before returning home to star for the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs. Guttman and McGrew, neither of whom garnered much pre-draft attention, played in California through Midgets primarily with LA Hockey and the Jr. Kings before beginning their junior careers this past season. Those two and Lodnia helped form the backbone dence. of a loaded LA Selects team that won the “It became significantly higher,” Robertelite division of the Quebec International son said. “I knew the (Frontenacs) coaching Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament in 2012. staff had my back and would always push Guttman was not ranked by NHL Cenme to be a better player.” tral Scouting despite scoring at a pointLodnia, McGrew and Chmelevski per-game clip in his first season with the learned the game close to home – very Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United close to home – at Anaheim’s KHS Ice AreStates Hockey League. That did nothing to na, which Lodnia’ father, Konstantin, owns. diminish his interest in the draft, however. Konstantin Lodnia immigrated to America “I had spoken to a couple of times, and after a hip injury ended his hockey career including Tampa Bay a little bit, but I wasn’t in Russia. His determination and work ethic sure if I was going to get picked or not,” the are attributes scouts often use to describe 5-foot-10, 170-pound Guttman said. “I really Los Angeles Jr. Kings graduate Kailer Yamamoto was selected by the Edmonton Oilers Vanya. was watching to see my friends get drafted. in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft, which was held June 23-24 at the “He’s the reason I’m sitting here talking “(When I got the call) I was excited. Jake United Center in Chicago. Photo/Matt Mackinder to you,” Ivan said at the draft. “If it wasn’t for and I are good buddies and I stay in touch with Ivan. I was really happy when I him, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” saw their names pop up. To have so many guys drafted, it’s cool to see how much The 5-foot-10, 181-pound Lodnia had 57 points (24 goals, 33 assists) in 66 California hockey is growing. It’s a testament to our parents and coaches.” games for a stacked Erie (OHL) team. The Wild believes his upside is immense. Guttman, who will serve as Dubuque’s captain next season, has committed to “He is an extremely skilled kid,” said Brent Flahr, Minnesota’s senior VP of play NCAA Division I college hockey at St. Cloud State University. hockey operations. “He played on an Erie team that was deep. Next year, he’s McGrew, a sturdy (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) and strong skater with a scoring going to put up significantly higher numbers.” touch (a league-best 29 goals in 32 Tier 1 Elite Hockey League games in 2015Chmelevski teamed with Lodnia on Team USA’s Ivan Hlinka Tournament entry 16), often rode shotgun on Guttman’s line growing up. Though he’d had some in 2016 and led the Americans to silver with nine points in four games. He kept conversations with the Sharks during the season, there was every reason to be- scoring with Ottawa of the OHL, posting 43 points (21 goals, 22 assists) in 58 lieve this wouldn’t be his year. games. A Spokane teammate of Yamamoto’s, McGrew blew a knee out during the first He balanced that with a strong focus on academics, winning the Bobby Smith practice of the regular season after a collision with a goaltender. Trophy, awarded to the OHL Scholastic Player of the Year. “I played six preseason games, and the Sharks only saw me once or twice,” “I’m a skilled forward who likes to make plays on both sides of the ice,” he told said McGrew, who recently resumed on-ice workouts. “I wasn’t even watching the the Sharks’ official website. “I like to get my teammates involved. draft. I got up at 6 a.m. that morning, went to the Lake Forest rink, got on the ice “You want to keep working hard and let your skill take you there.” and tried not to pay any attention to it. I was on the ice when I got a call and started He summed up the sextet’s sentiments perfectly. getting text messages and tweets saying I’m going to San Jose. “You can’t really describe it when you put the jersey on,” Chmelevski said. “Even though my agent said (the Sharks) had talked to him, I thought, ‘Wow, “You just think about everything you’ve done the last 15 years of your life, how it happened.” you’ve put everything aside. You couldn’t ask for anything better.” 6
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS Doty aims to strengthen Golden Bears, both on, off the ice By Andy St. Clair
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he California Golden Bears have taken their off-ice training to the next level under the guidance and leadership of strength and conditioning coach Eddie Doty. The Bears recruited Doty a year ago based on his stellar reputation as a personal fitness and strength coach. He holds numerous certifications, including those with the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association (NESTA), Kettle Bell Concepts, Athletes Acceleration Speed and Agility and Schwinn Indoor Spin. In addition, Doty is a Level 4 USA Hockey-certified coach, and can explain to players how every exercise they do can enhance their impact on the ice. The program Doty installed immediately turned the “training” culture at the Bears upside down. Workouts went from calisthenics in the rink parking lot to a comprehensive health and fitness plan that includes sessions at local parks and beaches, yoga, plyometrics and core training, as well as the targeted use of weights to build strength in older players. Doty said that he’s “always believed from a physical standpoint that our bodies are the most import piece of equipment that we have.” “So we need to treat them the right way so that they can perform at their highest capability,” added Doty. “And to get to that point requires the proper rest and nutrition, in addition to age-appropriate training.” The education doesn’t stop with the players, though. Doty continually reminds Bears parents that teaching their kids healthy habits now will provide positive results in far more than hockey. “I try to convey to the players and the parents, no matter the age, that if they can buy into the proper nutritional regimen that it will not only mentally help them on the ice, but in the classroom as well,” said Doty.
CGBHockey.com
Ruhwedel introduces prestigious Stanley Cup to San Diego By Chris Bayee
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tanley liked Southern California so much that he decided to start his summer vacation there for the second year in a row. The occasion on June 30 was Chad Ruhwedel’s day with the hardest trophy to win in professional sports, the Stanley Cup. The defenseman from San Diego earned a date with Stanley by virtue of his role in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ run to repeating as champions. A year ago, then-Penguin Beau Bennett of Gardena raised the Cup. Ruhwedel’s day included a lengthy stop at the San Diego Ice Arena, a rink from his youth, so the region’s hockey fans – an estimated 1,000 turned out – could either meet or renew acquaintances with Ruhwedel and Stanley. “It was awesome,” Ruhwedel said. “There was a really good turnout. It was great to see so many San Diego people getting to visit the Cup. The sport is getting bigger here, and having that AHL team (the Gulls) here is helping.” Ruhwedel is one of San Diego County’s hockey success stories. He played for SDIA’s Oilers, the La Jolla Jaguars and the Jr. Gulls growing up before parents John and Robin signed on for the lengthy commute to El Segundo so their son could play Midget AAA for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. And he hasn’t forgotten those who played a key role in his development. “Obviously my friends and family have always supported me. They would always let me know I was playing well, and that meant a lot,” Ruhwedel said. “My college coach (Norm Bazin, at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell) was really instrumental in my
success. Youth hockey coaches along the way and off games before sustaining a concussion in Game everyone who helped out during the summers to help 4 of the Eastern Conference Final. That happened me get ready to play. That all adds up in the end.” while he was nursing a hand injury serious to require The list of coaching influences includes: “Jack postseason surgery. He said he’s healed up on both Bowkus with the Jr. Kings, Jay Hebert with the San fronts. Diego Gulls – he treated it When injuries decimatlike a professional program ed the Penguins’ roster, and showed us how to act Ruhwedel had positioned like a pro. Joe Norris (a himself as an attractive former Gulls and Mariners call-up option after putting player) and Scott Curry up 16 points in 28 games (La Jolla) were really big for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton when I was younger, and (AHL). in my really young days – Pittsburgh’s ability to Craig Sterling and his staff fight through adversity paid at SDIA.” dividends later. Ruhwedel is an elite “We were depleted the skater with excellent inwhole year,” he said. “The stincts, and when the way we found ways to win, 5-foot-11, 191-pounder we knew we could make became a free agent in something special. The 2016, he signed with the mentality we had through Penguins after three-plus the playoffs, we knew if we seasons in Buffalo’s orgaplayed our game, we’d be nization. successful.” “We felt my skill set was The magnitude of June’s a good fit, and we knew achievement is still a lot to San Diego native Chad Ruhwedel skates with the Stanley they’d be a championship Cup after the Pittsburgh Penguins knocked off the Nash- digest. contender,” he said. “Obvi- ville Predators in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final on June “I started to realize my 11 in Nashville. Photo/Justin Aller/Pittsburgh Penguins ously, it worked out well.” sophomore or junior year So well the Penguins signed him for two more in college that I could have a pro career, but I nevyears shortly after winning the Cup. Ruhwedel played er thought I could dream of going all the way to the in 34 NHL games this season (one more than his pre- Stanley Cup Final and winning it,” Ruhwedel said. vious career total), getting 10 points and boasting a “(Pro hockey) is definitely a grind at times, but at plus-9. He also played in his first six Stanley Cup play- the end of the day, it’s so worth it.” CARubberHockey.com
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Sad times as state’s youth scene loses DeClerck, Harlan By Matt Mackinder
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arly June was not kind to the California youth scene as former California Golden Bears standout Dylan Harlan and former San Jose Jr. Sharks player Stefan DeClerck each passed away. On June 4, Dylan and his father, Jim, were flying a single-engine Piper PA-28 airplane that crashed in the Santa Rosa Valley. Dylan was a key member of the 14U AA team that won the CAHA state championship and had recently signed to play for AAA hockey next season for the California Titans. Dylan is survived by his mother, Kirsten Doss, and his sister, T.K. Harlan. At his funeral, Harlan was eulogized by Golden Bears hockey director Peter Torsson. “We all grieve differently,” said Torsson. “We all don’t feel the same. Some of us are numb and don’t feel anything at all and that is OK. Some of us are angry, some are sad and some in denial. Regardless of stage, we are all in this together. This is real and we are broken. At this moment, it is OK to be strong enough to surrender to our emotions and to allow yourself to show those emotions. “When someone is being empathetic, it is not the words or how they convey the message that matters but the action of care they take to make you feel better. Let them help you. When feeling down, angry or sad, reach out to someone and talk about it. Don’t let it fester. “You have a choice, maybe not today, but it’s com-
ing at some point you won’t even know when, you will only look back and realize you walked a path that defines what choice you made. It is fight or flight. You can choose to cry or let the tears build a pool of resentment inside you. You can choose to scream or let your thoughts echo inside your head and tear you down. You can act or let inaction withhold you from progress. You can share the pain or shun the love that
Stefan DeClerck
Steel, Chmelevski collect annual CHL junior awards By Matt Mackinder
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n late May as the Canadian Hockey League’s (CHL) season came to a close in Windsor, Ont., as the hometown Spitfires claimed the Mastercard Memorial Cup championship, the event did have its share of California flavor. As part of the 10 national award winners for the 2016-17 season, two individuals had California connections. Anaheim Ducks prospect Sam Steel led the CHL with 131 points in 66 games played, picking up the Chrysler Top Scorer Award. Steel went on a tear this past season, scoring 50 goals and 81 assists along with a plus-minus rating of plus-49 in helping the Regina Pats to a first-place finish atop the Western Hockey League’s regular-season standings. The 19-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alta., delivered the CHL’s highest point total since Brendan Shinnimin of the Tri-City Americans recorded 134 points in 69 games played during the 2011-12 campaign. Steel was selected by the Ducks in the first round (30th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft. “With our great coaching staff and owners, they put us in a position to succeed,” Steel said. “(Anaheim) keeps tabs on me, watches me play and makes sure I’m doing the right things. I think they’re happy with the season I had.” Sasha Chmelevski of the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s achieved a 98 percent average across his six Grade 12 courses through Michigan’s Virtual Charter Academy and was chosen as the CIBC Scholastic Player of the Year. The 17-year-old from Huntington Beach also scored 21 goals and 22 assists for 43 points in 58 games, appearing 43rd among North American players listed by NHL Central Scouting. “It feels great – school has always been a big aspect of my life,” Chmelevski said. “To include it with something hockey, the game I love, I couldn’t be happier. Just want to thank my parents for always pushing me to be a better student. It’s just a great honor.” Chmelevski was later taken in the sixth round (185th overall) by the San Jose Sharks in last month’s NHL Draft in Chicago. 8
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Dylan Harlan
surrounds you. If you want to honor Dylan, if you want to show who Dylan was, you will know what choice to make. It is irrefutable and clear. “He can’t pass the puck to you and he can’t block another shot for you, but you can do it for him. You can push harder for him, you can make something out of yourself for him. “At the end of this adversity, there are always positives. Dylan’s tragic accident gives you all perspec-
tive. It is his departing gift to all of you. Perspective is very powerful and delicate. It is a compass, a guidance through your life that will shape who you will become. If you use perspective to be negative, to quit, limit yourself or use it to blame anything, it will take you places you don’t want to go. If you use perspective to see more than a horizon, push through your own limits, think of new ideas, imagine the impossible as possible then you will prosper. No matter where you are, just know you will never walk alone, because just like Dylan -- once a Bear, always a Bear.” DeClerck, a Mountain View native, passed away June 7 at the age of 17. He had been attending Cranbrook Kingswood School in suburban Detroit, where he lived in the dorms and participated in a range of academic, musical and athletic pursuits. He studied Mandarin and was recently selected as head of the school’s Computer and Entrepreneurship Clubs. As a passionate fan of Mozart and Beethoven, DeClerck played trumpet in the school’s concert band. He was the recipient of the McCaul STEM Award and made the Dean’s List within his Honors and AP curriculum. Outside of Cranbrook, Stefan described himself as an “iOS developer, coding mentor and entrepreneur.” He published five iOS applications on the iTunes store and produced three iOS developer courses at Udemy. Stefan is survived by his parents, Erika and Alan; siblings, Andrew, Keiko, and Hana; grandparents, Estela and Ricardo Ichikawa; and aunts and uncles, Lynn, Albert, David, Michael, Diane, James, Marianella, and Tatiana.
12 champions crowned at Jr. Kings’ Carmen Starr Classic S
ixty-seven teams from Arizona, California, Colorado, Texas, Alberta and British Columbia, as well as the Czech Republic and Russia, converged on three Southern California rinks over Memorial Dat Weekend to compete in the eighth annual Los Angeles Jr. Kings-hosted Carmen Starr Classic, which ran from May 26-29. Champions were crowned in 12 divisions: 2003 Elite (Jr. Kings); 2003 AAA (Vancouver Selects); 2004 Elite (Athletes Resource); 2004 AAA (Alberta Bears); 2005 Elite (Anaheim Jr. Ducks); 2005 AAA (California Golden Bears); 2006 Elite (West Texas Tornadoes); 2007 Elite (Jr. Kings); 2008 Elite (Jr. Kings); and Mite Open-Gretzky (Jr. Ducks), -Blake (Arizona Hockey Union) and -Robitaille (Jr. Ducks). “This event has solidified itself as the premier spring showcase on the West Coast, and we expect it to become even bigger and better in the coming years,” said tournament director Brian McDonough. “There was plenty of great competition in every division this year, and that speaks volumes about the effort each player, coach, team manager and family put forth to make the weekend such a success. We want to thank them all for participating.” This year’s Carmen Starr games were contested at Toyota Sports Center (El Segundo), The Rinks-Lakewood Ice (Lakewood) and KHS Ice Arena (Anaheim). “We can’t thank enough the dedicated staffs at each facility, as well as our volunteers, for helping making tournaments of this scope hit on all cylinders,” McDonough added. “We’re lucky to have so many great, selfless people on our team and are truly appreciative of all their efforts.” The Carmen Starr Memorial Day Classic is part of the Jr. Kings’ Tinseltown Tournament Series. Pre-registration for the Series’ four 2017-18 events - the Labor Day Festival (Sept. 1-4); Thanksgiving Extravaganza (Nov. 23-26); Presidents’ Day Challenge (Feb. 16-19, 2018); and Carmen Starr Memorial Day Classic (May 25-28, 2018) - is now open. “We have an exciting 2017-18 tournament calendar lined up and are looking forward to hosting a lot of great programs from not only California, but across North America,” McDonough said. “Between our first-class home facility (Toyota Sports Center), proximity to LAX and the great competition we regularly attract, coupled with everything else the Los Angeles area has to offer away from the rink, our events are weekend destinations an entire family can enjoy.” For more information and to pre-register, visit TinseltownHockeyTournaments.com.
ONTARIO JR. REIGN
Jr. Reign to offer tournament series for ’17-18 season By Greg Ball
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he Ontario Jr. Reign program is gearing up for its first season under a new name, and a big part of the 2017-18 season will be its Jr. Reign tournament series. Carrying on a tradition established from its years as the Wildcats, the Jr. Reign will host top-notch weekend tournaments around Labor Day (Sept. 1-4), Thanksgiving (Nov. 24-26), Presidents Day (Feb. 16-19) and Memorial Day (May 25-28) next season. Details on all the tournaments, as well as online registration, are available at www.jrreign.com. “The tournament series is an important part of our organization in fulfilling our mission of making youth sports a life-changing experience,” Jr. Reign president Ben Frank said. “Tournaments, if put on with intention and care, can provide lifelong memories and positive experiences for kids and families, bonding them even further to the sport. “This is true not just for our own Jr. Reign families, but our tournaments give us opportunities to impact the youth hockey community at large, with teams coming to our events from all over the world. We regularly have Canadian teams from more than three different provinces, and have hosted teams from Mexico, Russia, and of course all over the U.S. - California, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oregon and the East Coast.” All Jr. Reign tournaments are sanctioned by USA Hockey and include a four-game guarantee, plus awards and prizes. The program’s first tournament of
the season is the Labor Day Invitational from Sept. 1-4. Each tournament is open to the following divisions: Mite A and B; Squirt A, BB and B; Pee Wee AA, A, BB and B; Bantam AA, A and B; Midget 16U AAA and AA; Midget 18 AAA and AA; and High School JVD, JV and Varsity. Tournaments will be played at the Jr. Reign’s LA
Celebrating a youth hockey tournament championship, as the Ontario Jr. Reign did recently, is proof that these events “provide life-long memories and positive experiences for kids and families,” according to Jr. Reign president Ben Frank.
Kings Icetown Riverside rink and their Carlsbad Icetown rink in northern San Diego County. Registration is still open for all events in the Jr. Reign tournament series. Craig Reichert, the Jr. Reign’s director of skill development, is also responsible for overseeing the pro-
gram’s tournament series. In that role, he works with the Jr. Reign staff and a number of parent volunteers to ensure that the experience attending and participating in their tournaments is second to none for players, their families and coaches. “We would like our tournaments to offer a welcomed sense of community to all our host and visiting teams,” Reichert said. “The fact that all these players from all areas of the world can enjoy interacting and competing with one another is the beauty of youth hockey at its best.” Frank said his program’s new name and association with the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign opens the doors for some exciting possibilities to make tournaments hosted by the Jr. Reign even more remarkable. He and his staff will work to provide a fun, festival-type atmosphere at their tournaments, and may be able to incorporate trips to Ontario Reign games for tournament teams if the minor-league team’s schedule meshes with their tournament schedule. There have even been some discussions about select tournament games potentially being played at Citizens Business Bank Arena, though nothing is official just yet. “We love getting to meet all the families from the other clubs and welcoming them to our facilities,” Frank said. “We’re always looking to provide them with a great experience that they’ll remember long after they leave us.”
JrReign.com
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Fedorin Cup part of hockey’s battle to help defeat cancer By Chris Bayee
Pronger said. “It was remarkable. It was for such a great cause.” hen his pickup hockey buddies found out Eric Pronger couldn’t believe the event’s growth the Fedorin had brain cancer, they were stunned. next time he played in it. Action quickly overtook the shock. “I got traded away and was out of the area 9 or Rick Hutchinson led the charge, starting a 10 years between games,” he said. “I was amazed charity hockey game in his friend’s honor and formhow much it had grown and how well organized it ing a charitable foundation, Athletic Sports Fund of was. It was sold out, there was a band playing, caAmerica (ASFA). tered food and a casino night. It was top shelf all the The game has grown in size and scope since way through. 1997, but the mission of it and the accompanying “It’s incredible to see how it’s evolved. ‘Hutch’ events, which annually draw more than 1,000 people has done a phenomenal job. He’s obviously tried to to The Rinks-Anaheim ICE, remains the same – pick- From its humble beginnings 20 years ago, the Fedorin Cup has grown into one make it better each year, and it has been. He’s done of the biggest charity events on the California hockey calendar. Pictured top, ing a fight against cancer with the hope the disease from left, are Jason Marshall, James Hannon, Steve Cooke, Dave Andreychuk, a great job staying on guys to come, and we want receiving a permanent game misconduct. Kenny Richards, Brent Severyn, Danny Ryan, Sean Pronger, Charlie Simmer, to stay involved.” “We were sitting in a locker room saying, ‘Our Phil Bourque, Paul Miller, Rick Hutchinson, Simon Bibeau, Bob Barich, Richie Hutchinson said the support of former NHL playbuddy has cancer, what are we going to do?” said Costello, John Blue, Christian Lalonde, TJ Moore and Doug Jones. Pictured bot- ers in the region and elite players from California has tom, from left, are Robby Johnson, Chris Tygarski, John Henning, Doug IngraHutchinson, ASFA’s president as well as hockey ham, Bob Pitts, Lester McKinnon, Ralph Fedorin, ERIC FEDORIN, Fred Nelson, made the event possible. director of The Rinks. “Twenty years later, here we Robert Schumitzky, Scotty Miller, Tom Cox and Berkley Hoagland. Not pictured: The event is just as memorable for the pros, Mikhail Shatalenkov and Bobby Dollas. Photo/Shelly Castellano are.” Pronger said. Fedorin passed away shortly after the inaugural for introductions, the anthem and a group picture. “Cancer’s touched everybody,” Pronger said. game. Some original Fedorin Cup players still play, includ- “It’s cool when cancer survivors have a chance to play This year, Hutchinson has invited the participants in ing former Anaheim Mighty Ducks and Los Angeles with guys like Ryan Getzlaf or my brother (Chris). It’s that first game (pictured). He’s having jerseys printed for Kings forward Sean Pronger. cool to see their faces. them and will have them join this year’s players on the ice “The first one was just kind of a group of guys,” “We’re honored to play with them.”
W
Pregame party at 2:30 PM; player introductions at 4 PM and faceoff at 4:15 PM; Postgame party and VIP casino night starts at 6:45 PM
How:
A charity hockey game featuring current and former NHL players and players from California as well as a casino night. Athletic Sports Fund of America will donate all event proceeds to causes such as the NHL’s Hockey Fights Cancer, the American Cancer Society and the USC Norris Cancer Center, as well as to support families in need.
When:
What:
20th Annual Fedorin Cup | August 26 at The Rinks – Anaheim Ice $30 adults / $10 kids 5-17 / 5-under free VIP packages available from $60-$2,000
More information/tickets:
asfafedorincup.com
Californians win titles in AHL, USHL, NAHL, Switzerland “(Finals opponent) Syracuse was the best hockey team I’ve ever played against. A lot of those guys are going to get the opportunity at the next level. It was the hardest series and rightfully so because so much was on the line.” The victory was made sweeter because Ford’s parents, John and Kasey, were able to attend along with his toddler son, Bennett, who turned one shortly after
organization during free agency, had 43 points (one off his career high) during the regular season and played f you want to win a sports championship, having playfour games for the parent Detroit Red Wings. Ford, a ers who have accomplished it before can be an imporGriffins alternate captain, had 35 points in 51 games. tant ingredient. Lake Forest native Ryan Lasch won a profesJust ask the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American sional championship for the second year in a row, this Hockey League, SC Bern of the Swiss A-League and time with SC Bern of the Swiss A-league. In 2016, he the Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League. helped Frolunda win the Swedish Hockey League title All of those teams had California players play key and led the league in scoring. He’s made a habit of roles in their championship runs. An alternate formudeep playoff runs in Europe, nearly winning it all in la is collecting as many Californians as possible en Finland in 2012. route to winning a title, as the Lone Star Brahmas did Newport Beach native Brannon McManus, in the North American Hockey League. a member of the LA Selects’ Quebec International The Griffins won their second Calder Cup in five Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament champions in 2012, seasons and got heavy contributions from forwards added a Junior A title to his resume, helping the ChiMatt Ford and Mitch Callahan, both veteran trocago Steel capture its first USHL title. The Minnephy lifters. sota commit had 11 points in 17 Clark Cup playoff Ford won a USA Hockey Youth Nationals title games, including six goals. His 38 regular-season with Shattuck-St. Mary’s in 2003 and an NCAA title points were fourth on the team. He tallied 27 of those at Wisconsin in 2006. Callahan helped the Grifin 36 games after he was traded from Omaha. fins win in 2013, four years after winning the WestLone Star won the Robertson Cup in mid-May ern Hockey League’s Ed Chynoweth Cup with the thanks in large part to contributions from the CaliKelowna Rockets. fornia quartet of forwards Carson Kelley (Portola “This one probably to me was the most special,” Four California natives (pictured left to right) Hunter Stanley, David Valley), David Marabella (Clovis) and Hunter Marabella, Carson Kelley and Alex Stoley bask in their NAHL Robertson said the West Hills native. “In those other circum- Cup championship with the Lone Star Brahmas and Lone Star assistant Stanley (Camarillo) and defenseman Alex Stoley stances, including college, we had special teams, coach Al Rooney. Photo/Rebekah Bing (Manteca). but it’s four wins. This was a two-month grind that’s the triumph. Kelley, a former San Jose Jr. Shark, led the team just as much mental as physical. “What a special year – Bennett being born, my wife in regular-season scoring with 50 points, adding seven “In the American Hockey League, I’ve been part of taking a new job and the Calder Cup – that’s my Stan- more in 11 playoff games, while Stanley, an ex-Califorsome really good teams that I thought had a chance, ley Cup,” Ford said. “That’s as good as it gets, and I nia Titan, chipped in 40 points and had five game-winbut there’s so many factors that go into having that op- took a lot of pride in what we’ve done.” ners among his 17 goals in the regular season. Maraportunity in terms of health, what’s going on with your Callahan, a Whittier native, had 16 points and Ford bella and Stoley, a former Golden State Elite Eagle, NHL team, synergy and guys coming down from the 12 in 19 playoff games for the Griffins. Callahan, who joined Kelley in making commitments to NCAA Division NHL. signed a two-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers III schools this season.
By Chris Bayee
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L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE
LAKHSHL keeps growing, set to expand for 2017-18 season By Greg Ball
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he L.A. Kings High School Hockey League is expanding again, with one new varsity team and three junior varsity squads - as well as a newly renamed varsity squad - to be added for the 2017-18 season. The South Bay Stingrays are new at the varsity level, while the former South County Aviators have been renamed the Newbury Park Panthers, with the idea that they’ll become a “pure” team in the next few years. At the junior varsity level, new teams include the South County Panthers, the South Bay Stingrays and the Bishop Union Broncos. It’s a positive sign that the league, entering its third year, is continuing to grow and offer more and more kids the opportunity to play hockey at the high school level. There will be 10 varsity teams and seven junior varsity teams in the league next season. “We’re very excited about the growth, because we have seen a shift from travel hockey to high school hockey,” said Emma Tani, the coordinator of league and rinks, hockey development for the LA Kings. “We want to see this side of hockey continue to grow because we think being able to play high school hockey and being able to represent your school is such a great opportunity for hockey players in California.”
Newbury Park and South County (its JV program) will play out of Simi Valley Iceoplex. Jason Schwetz will coach the varsity team and Paddy O’Donnell and Spencer Votipka will coach the JV squad. “We wanted to add a team in the Kings league because we felt that kids at that age level needed more places to play,” said O’Donnell, who has been involved in coaching youth hockey in Simi Valley for
many years. “I believe the level of play in the high school league is getting better and better, and it’s a cost-effective way for families to be involved. “Any other avenue for kids to play hockey is a great thing.” Schwetz has coached in the Kings league since it started with the 2015-16 season and is excited to continue with the hopes of making Newbury Park a pure team. “I have been a big proponent of high school hockey for a very long time,” Schwetz said. “With the success of the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League, it was inevitable that this was go-
LAKLeague.com
ing to happen in the Los Angeles area. It is the right way to go, in my opinion.” Bishop Union comes to the league with a unique situation, being located more than 250 miles from Los Angeles. The team will practice in South Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Lakes, and will play its “home” games in Valencia so other teams in the league are not burdened with excessive travel times to and from Bishop, a town set in the Eastern Sierras in remote Inyo County with less than 4,000 residents and just one high school. “We’ve spent the last two seasons with the Anaheim Ducks league, but it’s a long drive to Orange County, so the LA Kings League makes more sense for us,” Bishop Union coach Cronus Dillard said. “I considered moving to the Kings league last season, but I wanted to make sure they had ironed out any kinks before making the switch.” Dillard said his players require a special level of dedication to hockey, given that they will spend considerably more time traveling to and from practices and games than they will on the ice. “Our kids are in kind of a special situation since they all grew up together,” he said. “There’s only one elementary school in Bishop, one middle school and one high school. So they’re a tightknit bunch, and when we head down south to play hockey we’re representing not just Bishop Union High School, but the entire town.”
CARubberHockey.com
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TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER
Excitement builds for upcoming Jr. Kings season By Brian McDonough
I
t’s been close to a year since the Los Angeles Kings assumed operations of the Los Angeles Jr. Kings organization, and if you ask anyone within the program they’ll tell you the transition has paid immediate dividends. Thanks to the enhanced resources the NHL club has provided, both on and off the ice, along with added organizational support, including the hiring of Nick Vachon as the Jr. Kings’ general manager of hockey operations, the program finds itself in a prime position to elevate its status as a youth hockey powerhouse, both locally and beyond. “The Kings’ leadership and guidance has really given our program a shot in the arm in a short amount of time, and that’s only going to become more pronounced this coming season,” said Vachon. “Overall, I really like where we’re headed as an organization.” The Jr. Kings’ 2017-18 season unofficially got underway over the spring with three spirited tryout weekends that yielded 28 teams: seven at the Tier I (AAA) level; four at Tier II (AA); and 11 at the A/BB/B levels. The club was also able to lift an impressive six Mite teams for the upcoming campaign: three each at the A and B levels. “The (player) turnout at tryouts was outstanding and the compete level was extremely high, and to be able to architect so many teams - especially at the younger levels - is encouraging to say the least,” said Vachon.
“Now the goal is to continue to put these kids in a healthy learning environment in an effort to help them grow and develop, both on and off the ice, using our vast and ever-growing resources from the Kings and (El Segundo’s) Toyota Sports Center (the Jr. Kings’ home facility), along with the expertise and leadership of our coaching staffs.” Administratively, the Jr. Kings - thanks in part to the efforts of the club’s director of finance, Helen Alex, and Christine Souto, the organization’s registrar and director of managers - also took a monumental step forward during tryouts thanks to their newly implemented
registration platform, which comfortably mandated players to register online prior to tryouts, helping expedite the process. The user-friendly registration procedure, along with the club’s decision to wean away from certain - and sometimes cumbersome - paperwork, was well received by families on a number of levels. “That was without a doubt another vital component of our success during tryouts,” said Vachon. “The process ran smooth and seamless and we had a lot of great, selfless volunteers helping us pull everything together.”
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Behind the bench, the club will welcome seven new head coaches to the fold, among them Southern California native and former Jr. King Brett Beebe, who will lead one of the club’s Mite teams. The other new head coaches include Brad Stuart (Pee Wee AA2), who played 16 seasons in the NHL, and Southern California natives John Kemp (Bantam AA1), Maik Tatavosian (Pee Wee AA1) and Mike Macy (Squirt A1). Swedish-born Erik Lektorp (Bantam AA2) and Chad Demers (Pee Wee A1), who hails from North Dakota, will also debut as head coaches for the club. “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: We have one of the most experienced and connected coaching staffs in all of North America, and the coaches we brought in are only going to add legitimacy to our prestige on that front,” said Vachon. “They’re all respected teachers and all come from strong hockey backgrounds, both as players and mentors.” And as the Jr. Kings set sail on Year 2 under the Kings’ watch, Vachon is nothing but excited for what’s in store for the club and its families in 2017-18. “We have so much working in our favor, and I have little doubt this coming season will prove to be one of our best ever,” said Vachon. “The executive, administrative and coaching staffs we have in place are top-notch, and it’s all going to enrich our families’ experience within our club. “We’re all working together as a team for the betterment of our kids, and we want that fact to resonate loud and clear to the entire hockey community.”
SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS
Jr. Sharks duo represents at USA Hockey national camp By John B. Spigott
F
rom a national standpoint, at 15U, there’s nothing bigger. San Jose Jr. Sharks standouts Evelyne BlaisSavoie and Elizabeth Burke were chosen to suit up at the 2017 USA Hockey Girls National Development Camp, where the top 15U players from around the country will spent a week in St. Cloud, Minn., from July 8-12, working both on- and off-ice to enhance skill development in the first of three different age groups that is targeting players talented enough to compete for a spot on the national team. “While the USA development program is in place to identify players for the national team, because at U15 they are so young, to get to the national team level they are going to have to repeat this process again as they get older,” said Amanda Long, coach of the Jr. Sharks 19U girls AA team. “So every year as they get older and continue to improve, they may get selected to the next levels, which are 18U and 18U Select.” Earning a spot at the national-level camp starts with progressing through the California Amateur Hockey Association Select camp. From there, a selection committee evaluates players and picks them to move on to district camp, which is comprised of the top players from the Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Northern Plains districts. “What is huge for us as an organization is that Evelyne and Lizzy both grew up playing in our program,” Long said. “There’s so many players coming up through
the ranks that are homegrown, and it’s a point of pride for us that players can come out of this area and our program and make it to the level of something like this. “If these players are getting exposure and recognition like this, everyone in the organization sees that and it in turn makes everyone better.” For Blais-Savoie, the accolades just keep on coming. After helping lead the 19U AA Jr. Sharks to a national
title in April with a natural hat trick in the final and leading the tournament in goals despite being the youngest player in the event, Long says Blais-Savoie has the skill and the drive to keep getting better. “She’s special,” said Long. “Her ability to go out there and get goals is incredible. She’s physical, she plays big, and she’s really starting to understand what she’s capable of, but also that she has to put the work in to be able to maintain that as she gets older.”
Meanwhile, Burke, who suited up with the 14U Jr. Sharks last season and will play for the 19U AA team this year, has the opportunity to skate alongside the top 15U players in the nation prior to making a significant jump with the Jr. Sharks, something Long thinks will help her immensely. “With Lizzy, this is a huge confidence builder,” said Long. “She’s one of those players that puts her time in and plays at a high level, but I don’t know if she was necessarily thinking about her game being recognized at a national level like this. Now that she has this opportunity, this is a great chance for her to grow and develop her game now and as she gets older.” Long says the presence of Blais-Savoie and Burke at the national development camp isn’t g o i n g to affect how she prepares behind the bench as the 19U AA Jr. Sharks prepare to defend their national championship. “When players achieve something like this I want to congratulate them, but I also don’t want it to get in the way in terms of expecting more from certain players or players getting certain treatment,” said Long. “That said, to continue progressing through the USA Hockey development program, you have to keep getting asked back every year. That means continuing to improve every year, and that’s what our ultimate goal is as a program – for all our players to improve every year.”
SJJrSharks.com
CARubberHockey.com
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PICTURE PERFECT Fresh off winning a MasterCard Memorial Cup with the Ontario Hockey League’s Windsor Spitfires, forward Gabe Vilardi was selected by the LA Kings in the first round (11th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft on June 23 at the United Center in Chicago. Photo/Matt Mackinder
At the 2017 NHL Draft, held June 23-24 at the United Center in Chicago, the San Jose Sharks chose Josh Norris, a forward from the U.S. National Team Development Program, in the first round with the 19th overall pick. Photo/Matt Mackinder
The Anaheim Jr. Ducks knocked off the LA Jr. Kings 4-3 at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo to claim the 2005 Elite division championship at the Carmen Starr Classic, which was held over Memorial Day Weekend.
The San Diego Jr. Gulls’ Pee Wee AA team (Dufour) went undefeated and picked up the championship banner in the Pee Wee Elite division at the Ontario Jr. Reign-hosted Memorial Day Showdown, which was held at the end of May.
The LA Jr. Kings were crowned champions of the 2007 Elite division at the Carmen Starr Classic, which was hosted by the Jr. Kings and held over Memorial Day Weekend in Los Angeles.
Ontario Jr. Reign youth players (from left) Matthew Berezowski, Karel Kankovsky, Filip Chudy and Daniel Dlaba traveled to suburban Detroit in late May for a United States Hockey League tryout camp with the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
The California Golden Bears took home the Bantam Competitive championship at the Ontario Jr. Reign-hosted Memorial Day Showdown, which was held at the end of May.
Newport Beach native Brannon McManus, also an LA Hockey Club and Jr. Kings graduate, celebrates the Chicago Steel’s Clark Cup USHL championship with his mother, Toni, on the ice at Gateway Arena in Sioux Falls, S.D., after the Steel won the deciding Game 5 in overtime on May 23.
Las Vegas resident Deryk Engelland was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights from the Calgary Flames in the NHL Expansion Draft, held at the T-Mobile Arena on June 21, and will lend a veteran presence to the Vegas blue line in 2017-18 Photo/Vegas Golden Knights
Submit your favorite hockey photos to pictureperfect@rubberhockey.com! 14
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY
THA breaking away from the traditional hockey academy By Greg Ball
H
ockey in California has come a long way since it was first played in the state many years ago. Countless players from the Golden State who cut their teeth playing for youth teams here have gone on to compete in junior leagues, colleges and minor pro organizations, with a handful advancing to the NHL. It’s a long, and arduous road to achieve such a feat, though and for every player drafted in any particular league, there are numerous players who get passed over for not being ready come draft or exposure time. The Tahoe Hockey Academy (THA) aims to address that issue offering a new development alternative for young players. “The Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy is a new concept when you consider the traditional model of development that most youth hockey organizations follow,” said academy president Leo Fenn. “We started the Tahoe Hockey Academy after being in the youth hockey environment for 15 years and determining that there could be a better way for players to achieve their dreams of playing higher levels of hockey. “The landscape of youth hockey has changed quite a bit over the years - geographically speaking, players are so spread out from the rinks they practice and play at on a weekly basis. I’ve heard of players traveling up to one and a half or two hours one way to practice, and that practice slot only lasts for one hour.” Tahoe Hockey Academy athletic director Mike
Fenn has seen it too. “Talk to any hockey player competing at a high level in California and you’ll hear stories of sacrifice,” Lewis said. “Whether it’s socially, where out of town travel means missed high school events, or academically, where too much time is spent traveling to and from the rink and grades suffer, it’s truly unfortunate to have to pay such a price. “Our model was born out of the many inspired by an effort to minimize the challenges that parents and players face in California, and more importantly to provide an alternative to combat the need to ship players out of the state if they wish to have a better balance.” A closer look into THA and traditional youth hockey organizations shows that the sport may be the only thing THA and youth organizations have in common when it comes to how they work. “The traditional youth hockey model of development works, as it has propelled many players onto the next level of hockey,” Lewis said. “We aim to provide more of what can be expected at the next level, but incorporate it into our youth program.”
A side-by-side comparison of THA and traditional youth programs reflects an increase in what Fenn and Lewis are referring to. Often, traditional programs simply don’t have the time or resources to provide the features that are found at THA and other prep school across the nation. More ice time per week, strength and conditioning, yoga, analytical testing, video review and a personalized development curriculum are part of the weekly fabric of the Tahoe Hockey Academy. “A question we asked ourselves is ‘Why can’t studentathletes get the utmost development possible?’” Fenn said. “In asking that, we began to solve the many issues found in the current state of hockey in California and many states across the country. We designed our program to eliminate time spent in traffic, kids out of the classroom, poor attendance in class and falling grades at school, and that was merely the academic side of the equation. “We’re finding that it truly does resonate with parents and players who want to pursue their dreams but currently can’t keep up with the academic and athletic demands.”
TahoeHockeyAcademy.com
CARubberHockey.com
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ANAHEIM DUCKS
The Rinks offering up beginner programs for adult players By Tanner Privia
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he continued success of the Anaheim Ducks has fueled not only Orange County residents’ hockey fandom, but their desire to play themselves. While beginner programs are typically aimed towards children, adults are discovering there is a whole world of hockey programs available for them. Just like kids, adults can learn the basics of skating and hockey right here in Southern California. The Rinks offers an Adult Learn to Play program, similar to the program offered to youth participants. The adult program allows adults to try either ice or inline hockey for free while borrowing all of the necessary equipment, including skates. Adults of all ages can begin their hockey career with Learn to Play. The free three-week program gives adults an introduction to hockey and skating. Players learn the fundamentals of shooting, stickhandling, passing and skating. “For most people in our market, hockey grew on them over time,” said The Rinks marketing coordinator Kirstie Bender. “When (Wayne) Gretzky came to Los Angeles and the Ducks came to Anaheim, people were intrigued and starting getting into the sport, but there was little set up for them to actually learn how to play. Today, there are dedicated hockey fans who want to play, but assume that there aren’t programs available. “This program gives fans the chance to learn the basics and graduate to playing in hockey leagues. Since
launching the program, we have seen a huge increase in our Adult Learn to Play participation and participants continuing on to our beginner leagues that we have actually had to expand our leagues to multiple nights for both inline and ice hockey.” These leagues are just one of the many options that these new players can jump into at the conclusion of
The Rinks’ Adult Learn to Play hockey program continues to grow and many graduates of the program advance to play in Rookie Adult Leagues. Photo/The Rinks
their free program. Each Rinks facility offers a 16- game Rookie League for new participants to play and develop with players at a similar level. “What makes the Rookie Adult Leagues so fun is that the majority of the players in the league went through our Adult Learn to Play program together,” said
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The Rinks hockey director Rick Hutchinson. “The adult players start to create a friendship and bond while learning the fundamentals together, and then they get to play together in the same league, creating a friendly competition between the players before advancing further into higher leagues.” These new participants have sparked demands for Women’s Rookie Leagues and clinics have at The Rinks-Lakewood ICE and The Rinks-Huntington Beach Inline women looking to play the sport at a beginner stage against each other. After joining a league, players still have multiple clinic opportunities to continue their development starting with the Adult Pro Experience Camp being held at The Rinks-Anaheim ICE from Aug. 5-7. The camp is designed to give players a professional-like experience, and it consists of daily practice plans that will challenge and teach concepts that will set players apart from most. Off the rink, participants get their own Rinks custom jersey with their name and number, daily awards, all camp supplies, off-site team building activities, video review, a camp photographer, and locker room refreshments after each ice session. The Rinks-Lakewood ICE even hosts the Adult Development Program, designed for those players to continue their development similar to the popular Hockey Initiation program run for youth players. For more information on The Rinks beginner adult programs for both ice and inline, visit www.therinks.com.
ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Collodel skates final lap after helping AAHA blossom By Chris Bayee
Y
ou might not know who Carrie Collodel is, but the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Lady Ducks and the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League (ADHSHL) wouldn’t have grown to the levels they have without her help. Collodel, a board member for Anaheim Amateur Hockey Association (AAHA) – the umbrella organization for the Jr. Ducks, Lady Ducks and ADHSHL – is retiring after 18 years. Collodel was an integral part of the clubs’ expansion and was AAHA’s CFO for most of her tenure. She oversaw the financials for 74 teams this past season. “I could never have done anything without this group of people on the AAHA board that I work with, especially Art (Trottier, the board’s president),” she said. “There is a lot of trust between us and a lot of encouragement between us. We’ve had each other’s backs. We care about each other.” The cooperative spirit is a big reason the organization’s various branches have grown, Collodel said. “(Director of coaches) Craig Johnson, for example, grew our tier program, but he cares about our A and B programs,” she said. “That’s what Art and I have tried to keep going strong through the years. Maybe some of those players turn into AAA players or maybe they don’t, but they have the time of their life playing the game.”
The West Selects, an 11U team coached by Jr. Ducks coach Eugene Kabanets, went 6-3-1 and won the American Division before losing to Ontario, Canada, 6-5 in the final of the North American Hockey Showcase in Bloomington, Minn., in late June and early July. The West Selects could draw players from 16 Western States, including California and Nevada, and included goalies Harry Avrith and Sam Straff; defensemen Tyler Chiovetti, Max Holland, Liam McGuern, Kai Mencel, Andrew O’Sullivan and Brendan Vincent; and forwards Egor Barabanov, Oliver Clarke, Trevor Connelly, Duke Ehrhard, Colin Frank, Logan Mazzella, Aidan Park, Chase Stefanek and Aidan Yi.
JrDucks.com
CHALK TALK
Should every girl have to play with the boys to improve? A
s tryouts approach, many parents of young female hockey players question whether their girls would benefit from playing with the boys. Ideas like “the boys are more aggressive” or “the game play is faster” tend to be in Christen Keogh the forefront of the mind and it’s hard to look past them. When looking for some clarity, it is important to consider the girl’s individual personality in and outside of the rink. One of the most insightful observations is how the female child handles bullying. On most boys teams, she will be the only girl, and if she is the more sensitive or shy type at school, this is usually an accurate representation of what it would be like on the boys team. The boys don’t tend to treat the girls with respect even if they are more skilled than them, which can make for a very long season depending on the girl. If the female player talks about the boys at school as being her friends or has enjoyed participating in another co-ed sport before, putting her on an all-boys hockey team
might be a positive and comfortable experience. At a young age, the emotional part of the game is just as important as the physical part. The team camaraderie can greatly affect a player’s ability at any age or level and if your girl is not having fun in addition to the competition, she may become disinterested in the sport. Also, consider where the female player stands in comparison to her current teammates. If she is the most aggressive and skilled player on the ice, she may be bored. Look at the options of who she could be playing with in the next season on both a boys and a girls team, and weigh the advantages. However, it is not just about the peer group. It is also about the type of coaching the player will receive. Many coaches have said that they simply do not know how to coach the girl on their team. Unfortunately, this causes coaches to simply ignore the girl on the ice and leave her to develop bad habits and a low self-esteem. If possible, before making a decision on a team, watch the prospective coach run a practice and see how they treat their players. A good coach should not change their methods based on gender, and should be able to teach all of the players equally. As the girls age up, it is important to evaluate their interest level in the sport and their ability. If
they are comfortable playing at the Bantam age level (13-14) on a boys team, it can be beneficial. The speed of the game is different at that age and the girls learn very quickly how to keep their heads up. They can develop great hockey sense, knowing what to do with the puck before it even arrives. If the decision is to switch to an all-girls team after the Bantam level, many of the girls take those advantages of strength and speed and end up excelling on a girls team. There are many factors to consider when choosing where to play and unfortunately, happiness is many times overlooked. It is crucial to discuss with the girls if they are enjoying playing on their current team, how they feel about their teammates, the competition, etc. Putting them in co-ed clinics is a great way to expose them to the possibility of playing with the boys and if the means are there, playing on a boys team and a girls team can be a great thing. Discussing the options with the organization, observing the female players behavior, and communicating with them is the best way to make a decision. Ultimately, it’s not always the team she plays for that matters, it’s the work she puts in when she’s there and the attitude she has towards her team and the game.
Christen Keogh is the assistant coach of the LA Lions 12U team. Interested in being a Chalk Talk columnist? E-mail Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com. CARubberHockey.com
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Team USA returns to throne at Inline World Championships By Phillip Brents
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fter posting a disappointing fifth-place finish at the 2015 International Ice Hockey Federation Inline Hockey World Championship, USA Hockey was determined to return to the medal platform when the 2017 edition of the tournament unfolded June 25-July 1 in Bratislava, Slovakia. The Americans, guided by six players and a head coach with California connections, were successful in their quest after defeating Finland 4-2 in the championship game. The gold medal was the U.S. team’s record seventh in tournament history. “We are absolutely thrilled to bring the gold medal back to USA Hockey,” said Team USA head coach Joe Cook, a Mission Viejo native. “It’s been an honor to coach this team. It was an incredible effort from great players.” The U.S. squad’s California contingent included forwards Matt White (Whitter) and Travis Noe (Thousand Oaks), defensemen Nielsson Arcibal (Vista) and Derrick Burnett (Corona) and goaltender Troy Redmann (Brea). White proved a powerhouse with seven goals and nine assists to lead the team’s perfect 6-0 showing. Noe collected five goals and three assists, while Burnett racked up 10 assists and Arcibal added one goal and five assists. Redmann posted four wins, a 2.25 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage. White (Best Forward) and Redmann (Best Goaltender) earned All-Tournament honors. Noe and White each scored goals in the championship game and Redmann made 23 saves on 25 shots
to backstop the winning effort. nett each picked up one assist. The gold medal was the first for Team USA in the Redmann, who was credited with one assist, tournament’s top division since 2013. The Americans stopped 18 shots to earn his first victory of the tourpocketed the bronze medal in 2014 and captured the nament. silver medal in 2011. The U.S. has medaled in all but Cook called the confidence-building win over Canfive of the 20 tournaments held so far. ada “another terrific effort and great all-around perforThe U.S. juggernaut made its mance.” presence felt early. Team USA White continued his scoroutscored its three round-robin ing prowess for Team USA by opponents 24-5 and seemed to scoring three goals and adding build momentum with each win. four assists as Team USA rolled “After 10 training days togethpast Croatia 8-2 to conclude er, the chemistry of the team really round-robin play. Burnett (five asshowed,” Cook said. sists), Noe (one goal, two assists) Team USA faced off tournaand Arcibal (one goal, one assist) ment play with an 8-1 win over each notched multi-point games Slovakia as White (one goal, two alongside White. assists), Burnett (three assists), The Americans defeated GerNoe (one goal, one assist) and many 4-1 in the quarterfinals. Noe Arcibal (two assists) each made capped the U.S. scoring with a contributions. power-play goal while Redmann Jack Combs, a St. Louis nastopped 17 of 18 German shots tive who played one year with the to earn his second victory in the California Wave Midget ice hockey Whittier’s Matt White paced the United States tournament. in scoring to earn the Best Forward Award at team, opened the tournament on this year’s International Ice Hockey Federation Cook called his team’s 5-4 an auspicious note for Team USA Inline Hockey World Championship tournament comeback victory over the Czech by scoring four goals in the game. in Slovakia. Photo/Rene Miko/IIHF.com Republic in the semifinals “a real Combs finished second in team scoring with 12 huge character win.” points (nine goals, three assists). Team USA overcame a 3-1 deficit as White collectThe Americans improved to 2-0 in round-robin play ed two assists and Burnett and Arcibal added assists with a key 8-2 win over defending champion Canada as to fuel the Americans’ dramatic come-from-behind win. 11 different players picked up points. White led Team Redmann stopped 13 shots to pick up his third victory USA’s California corps with two goals and one assist in the tournament. while Noe recorded a goal and assist. Arcibal and BurRedmann’s fourth win in the tourney was golden.
Californians rolling to Poland to compete in World Games By Phillip Brents
ed past Italy 3-2 in the championship game at the 2013 World Games in Cali, Colombia. he 2017 World Games are scheduled for July 20Tustin’s Tyler Svoboda and Long Beach’s Jeff Prime 30 in Wroclaw, Poland and the global-participation will serve as coaches for the 2017 Team USA entry. multi-sport event features 31 sports in 42 sub-categoWith the Americans having won championships at ries, including inline hockey. the last three World Games events, expectations are The World Games, which are organized by the understandably high. International World Games Association and recog“Our expectation going in with a team with this nized by the International Olympic Committee, include much depth at all positions is nothing short of a gold sports or events within a medal,” Svoboda explained. sport that are not contest“However, some countries ed in the Olympic Games. have really closed the gap The World Games are held skill wise, so every game every four years, one year will be close and after the Summer Olympic a battle.” Games. Eight nations More than 2,900 athwill compete in letes from 103 nations the inline hockey competed in 36 sports at tournament. The the 2013 World Games. field is based on The 2017 World Games placement at last marks the tenth edition of year’s FIRS (Inthe event and the third featernational Federation of turing inline hockey. Roller Sports) inline hockey The United States re- Tristan Gonzalez is one of three Californians named to the world championship tournational team that will compete in the 2017 World Games mains the only nation in U.S. nament. in Poland. Photo/Revision Hockey World Games history to win The Czech Republic dethe gold medal. feated Italy to win the 2016 FIRS senior men’s chamThe United States defeated Canada 5-2 to capture pionship in Asiago and Romano, Italy. the inaugural championship title at the 2005 World Poland, as the host country, automatically qualifies. Games in Duisburg, Germany. The Canadian roster The Americans, braced by three Californians on featured seven NHL pros. the roster, hope to maintain their World Games gold The Americans topped France 5-1 to win the gold medal-winning tradition in Poland. medal at the 2009 Games in Chinese Taipei and skat“We have a very strong team from all around the
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country,” Svoboda said. “Goaltender Tom McCollum (formerly of the Stockton Heat of the American Hockey League) is going to look like a monster in those small nets and will be tough to score on. “The major issue is getting the boys together and finding chemistry quickly. We only have one practice in Philadelphia the day before we fly to Poland. I believe we have one skate there and play our first game that day. We have the talent to win the gold, but a lot of the players have never played on the small rinks with the tiny nets. “Our focus will be staying out of the penalty box. “I expect our team to get better every game as the boys adjust and learn to play the style of hockey needed to be successful with the different nets and rules.” The three California players — Tristan Gonzalez (Costa Mesa), Matt Sarvak (Newport Beach) and Jackson Faught (Santa Margarita) will all be main contributors to the squad, Svoboda said. “Sarvak’s name will show up on the score sheet consistently, while Tristan and Jackson will do more of the little defensive things to allow our forwards to be successful,” Svoboda said. Globetrotters The 2017 FIRS World Championships will take place in conjunction with the World Roller Games Aug. 27-Sept. 10 in Nanjing, China. The event will include competition in senior men’s, junior men’s, senior women’s and junior’s women’s divisions. Team USA’s senior men’s squad remains the most dominant team at the FIRS inline worlds, having won 15 of the 22 contested championships.
NEVADA REPORT
Glass makes history as first Golden Knights draft pick By Matt Mackibnder
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ody Glass knows he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. Glass, a high-scoring forward with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL), was the NHL expansion team Vegas Golden Knights’ first-ever draft pick when he was selected sixth overall on June 23 at the United Center in Chicago. He was asked if there is worry playing for a brand-new team, starting from the ground up. “Not at all,” said the 18-year-old out of Winnipeg, Man. “I think Vegas holds a lot of opportunity, and I know they’re going to be a great team in the future. I’m just really, really looking forward to getting started. I think there’s a lot of pressure to it, but then again, I know what I can do on the ice, and they believe in me. I’m just going to prove them right, and it’s going to be really awesome just getting started in Vegas.” During the 2016-17 WHL campaign, Glass registered 94 points on 32 goals and 62 assists, a huge jump from his 27 total points a season prior. Glass said he models his game after Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele. “I think I play a good two-way game, and like him, he’s a good two-way forward, very unselfish, and that’s something I like about him,” Glass said. “I think training is a huge thing for me, and I’m a big person who watches hockey a lot, so I always
try and mimic what people do, especially Scheifele, but mostly for me, just on- and off-ice training. It’s something I really need to work on, and I’m always trying to get better, I think.” It also must be noted that Glass has already played in Las Vegas, skating in a youth tournament some eight years ago. “It was just like a summer hockey tournament, but pretty much in Vegas, it’s always summer,” said
Cody Glass was taken sixth overall in last month’s NHL Draft, the first-ever draft selection by the NHL’s 31st and newest team, the Vegas Golden Knights. Photo/Matt Mackinder
Glass. “I think we came in second that tournament, so I was pretty disappointed in that. I’m looking forward to many more games in Vegas. I didn’t really see (Vegas) as a hockey place when I went there, but now that they have the new team and I see the
fans, I think the fans are going to be unbelievable. “I know there’s a lot of great people in Las Vegas and I know they’re dedicated fans, so I know they’re going to have good crowds every game, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to.” Touted as a surefire first-round pick all season long, Glass admitted he did have some draft-day jitters in the Windy City. “It’s kind of nerve-racking because you never know where you’re going to go, and I think at one point, I was just sitting there just waiting for my name to be called and my hands were shaking and obviously, I got picked to Vegas, and that was a huge opportunity for me,” said Glass. Growing up, Glass was raised by his father and grandmother. Sadly, his grandmother passed away last summer, but Glass only used that as motivation to wind up on stage in front of the hockey world last month. “Yeah, I was thinking about my dad and my brother, and I get to experience this with them, and that’s something I’ve always wanted and dreamed of as a kid,” said Glass. “And one other person is probably my grandma. She’s always been there throughout my hockey career, and I dedicated my season to her as well. I tried not making too much eye contact with my dad because I know he was crying, and if I saw him start to cry I was going to start crying, so I just tried making it short and sweet. “It’s just a very emotional moment for me and my family.”
FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM The ultimate goal should be to get stronger, not bigger A
ll the hype on social media today stresses how cool it is to be huge and lift weights. You can’t look at Instagram, YouTube or Twitter without seeing some pro athlete or someone trying to be a pro athlete lifting an outrageous amount of weight one time and showing how big or “jacked” they are. It looks and is impressive, but what you might not know is how much pain they have in their joints, how limited their flexibility Chris Phillips is and how they can’t move fluidly. The goal of strength training is to improve performance, so is the athlete training to meet the demands of his or her sport or just to look better? This is not to say that lifting weights isn’t important, but that the goal should be to get stronger so an athlete can perform better on the ice. For a hockey player, it takes strength, power, stability and stamina to battle for a puck in the corner, then accelerate up the ice while holding off a defender. Just lifting weights will not fully prepare an athlete for competition. A quality strength and conditioning program looks at the demands placed on the athlete and develops a plan to meet those demands. Lifting weights can definitely help, but so can training each leg individually with lunges or rear foot elevated split squats. Other examples are dumbbell exercise on one side such as a chest press or medicine ball rotation throws in a split stance that mimic a skater holding off a defender while attacking the net. Social media has done a great job of educating people on new concepts of exercise and performance training, but make sure to maximize your effort into becoming a better, more injury-free player instead of one that looks better in the mirror.
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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Golden State Warriors
NARCh West Coast Finals once again sets the standard for high-end competition (Mite Silver), San Jose Inline Sharks (Squirt Platinum), West Covina High Rollers (Squirt Gold), Bulldogs White (Squirt Silver), Verbero Voodoo (Squirt Club), Revision Revolution (Pee Wee Platinum), High Rollers (Pee Wee Gold), Labeda Jets (Pee Wee Silver), Silicon Valley Quakes (Pee Wee Club and Midget Silver), Revision Revolution Red (Bantam Silver), NCR Konixx Elite (Midget Gold) and Mission Sting (Midget Platinum). Runner-up teams in the adult age divisions included the Pama Prospects (Junior Platinum), Revision Revolution (Junior Gold), NCRHA C2C (Men’s Gold), Calid Buds (Men’s Silver), MR2 Lynx Rooks (Men’s Bronze), Pama Labeda Golden Knights (Women’s Platinum), RV Lady Revolution Red (Women’s Gold), Verbero Cypress (30-Over) and Revision Revolution Vets (40-Over). Championship teams at this year’s NARCh West
divisions. He paced the Pama Cyclones with 17 goals and 22 points in the Atom Gold Division (4.4 points he NARCh West Coast Finals, held June 15-25 per game) and led the Verbero Voodoo with 17 goals at San Jose’s Silver Creek Sportsplex, was just and 20 points (2.86 points per game) in the Mite Silver the beginning of a long summer for NARCh president Division. Daryn Goodwin and crew. Other California notables: The 186-team tournament featured teams from Tyler Webb (NorCal Jokers) racked up 13 goals and seven U.S. states and four countries competing in 13 17 points to lead the Mite Platinum Division in scoring. different age categories for 33 division championships. Wesley Langeloh (MR2 Lynx Rooks) collected 11 The NARCh East Coast Finals, scheduled July 13goals and 16 points to lead the Men’s Bronze Division. 23 in Toronto, Ont., Canada, will feature more than Jonathan McBean (Pama Cyclones Blue) recorded 180 teams in 14 age categories, plus the NARCh Pro 13 goals and 15 points to lead the Pee Wee Silver Division. Division. Between the two events, more than 1,000 games will Jetta Rackleff of the Revision Vanquish (Women’s be played over the course of five weeks in two countries. Gold) recorded a .947 save percentage to lead all Top Combined, more than 360 teams will participate with Goaltender award-winners, while Sean Smer of the representation from 15 U.S. states, four Canadian West Covina High Rollers (Squirt Gold) finished runnerprovinces and teams from four continents. up among Top Goaltender award-winners with a .939 save percentage. Best in the West Jacob Shaw of the Mission Sting (Midget California teams represented themselves Platinum) posted a .931 save percentage. exceedingly well once again at what many Kendra Fisher of the Pama Labeda consider the top amateur inline hockey Golden Knights (Women’s Platinum) turned championship tournament in the world. in a .927 save percentage, while Vincent Capturing coveted division Dunton of the Raiders Green (Bantam championships in the youth age groups (6U Silver) posted a .920 save percentage. Cub through 18U Midget) were the Pama Jamul’s Parker Moskal, who captured a Cyclones (NARCh Cub), Pama Cyclones ‘08 runner-up finish in the American Inline Hockey (Atom Gold), Labeda Jets (Atom Silver and League (AIHL) national championship Bantam Club), NorCal Jokers (Mite Platinum), tournament with his Mavin Outlaws team High Rollers (Mite Gold), Bulldogs White a month earlier in Las Vegas, had an (Mite Club), Pama Cyclones ‘04 (Squirt interesting perspective on the massive San Platinum), Sour Skittles (Pee Wee Platinum), Jose tournament both as a participant and a Bulldogs (Pee Wee Silver and Bantam Gold) staffer. and Raiders Green (Bantam Silver). Moskal scored the game-winning goal in Gold medalists in the adult age groups The Pama Cyclones ‘04 team captured the Squirt Platinum Division championship at June’s overtime to lead his Konixx Pure team to the NARCh West Coast Finals in San Jose. Photo/ NARCh included the Pama Prospects (Junior Gold), gold medal in the Junior Platinum Division and Pama Labeda Golden Knights (Men’s Platinum), Coast Finals hailed from California, Arizona, Oregon, he also won the shootout competition in his division with Verbero Cypress (Men’s Gold), Men’s Silver), NCR Hawaii, New York, Canada, Colombia and Namibia. the best-judged move in all of the skills competitions, (Men’s Bronze), Republic (Women’s Platinum), Revision “The competition was great out there,” Moskal Vanquish (Women’s Gold), Oakland OldLife (30-Over) Top individuals explained. “I got to score keep the whole event as well, and Salty Crew (40-Over). NARCh scoring machine Anthony Yu (Pama so I saw lots of top-end competition. Runner-up teams from the Golden State in the youth Cyclones ‘04) led all division high scorers in the “The best game I think I saw was the Men’s age group included the Bulldogs (NARCh Cub and tournament with 17 goals and 26 points. He averaged Platinum final where Pama beat our other men’s Konixx Atom Silver), Temecula Valley Warriors (Atom Gold), 5.2 points per game in the Squirt Platinum Division. Pure team. It went to two overtimes with Pama being Mission Renegades (Mite Platinum), Bulldogs Yellow Colin Simpson earned high scorer honors in two victorious.” By Phillip Brents
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First-year Outlaws post runner-up finish at AIHL nationals T
he American Inline Hockey League (AIHL) held its training habits will take you to championships,” tenth annual national championship tournament Outlaws goaltender Doug Irwin explained. “This May 19-21 at the Las Vegas Roller Hockey Center. season was a success because of being able to Teams from the Pacific South Division rolled count on one another to show up and play our role in what was expected of into the spotlight with a us. pair of runner-up finishes “We had a great run as the Arizona Outcasts of 32 wins in a row and placed second to the growing interest and New Jersey Alliance in attention to the new the Elite Division and Mavin brand and the the Mavin Outlaws Outlaw team name. It was came in second to the truly a pleasure playing Philadelphia Liberty with these boys who I Blue in the Minor Tier 1 spend so much time with Division. playing for and against in The runner-up finish obviously sets a standard San Diego house leagues for the first-year Outlaws. and tournaments. Goaltender Doug Irwin of the Mavin Outlaws makes a save “Dedicating time during game play at May’s American Inline Hockey League “We’re looking to practice and proper national championship tournament in Las Vegas. forward to an even bigger 20
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
result for next season.” The Outlaws finished atop the regular-season division standings with an imposing 23-1 record. The team tacked on nine consecutive playoff wins before being swept by the Liberty in the teams’ best-of-three championship series. The Philadelphia team claimed the national championship with 6-3 and 7-3 victories to end the Outlaws’ otherwise stellar season. “The Philadelphia Liberty was a class act,” Irwin said. “We traded jerseys after the championship.” Parker Moskal, who finished as the nation’s top regular-season scorer in the Minor Tier division with 64 goals and 97 points, led the Outcasts at the AIHL nationals with 15 goals and 21 points. Ryan Doyle followed Moskal on the score sheet with nine goals and 17 points, while Irwin finished with a 5-2 record, 3.10 GAA and .827 save percentage. - Phillip Brents
www.caha.com CARubberHockey.com
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2016-17 CALIFORNIA/NEVADA ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com
CALIFORNIA
Cherie Stewart (Lake Forest) – New York Riveters Alyssa Wohlfeiler (Saugus) – Connecticut Whale
PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Beau Bennett (Gardena) – St. Louis Blues Mitch Callahan (Whittier) – Edmonton Oilers Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Winnipeg Jets Emerson Etem (Long Beach) – Arizona Coyotes Shane Harper (Valencia) – Florida Panthers Alec Martinez (Santa Clara) – Los Angeles Kings Stefan Matteau – Vegas Golden Knights ! Kevan Miller (Los Angeles) – Boston Bruins Matt Nieto (Long Beach) – Colorado Avalanche Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – Buffalo Sabres Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild * AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Sena Acolatse (Hayward) – Springfield Thunderbirds Chase Balisy (Fullerton) – Springfield Thunderbirds Matt Caito (Coto de Caza) – Iowa Wild Pheonix Copley – Hershey Bears + 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 Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Marlies Gustav Olofsson – Iowa Wild ! Zach Pochiro – Bakersfield Condors % Scott Savage (San Clemente) – Cleveland Monsters Brett Sterling (Los Angeles) – Chicago Wolves Scooter Vaughan (Placentia) – Chicago Wolves Matt White (Whittier) – Milwaukee Admirals ECHL Kyle Bigos (Upland) – Idaho Steelheads Dennis Brown (Cypress) – Tulsa Oilers Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) – Fort Wayne Komets Daniel Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) – Toledo Walleye Chase Golightly (Temecula) – Florida Everblades Garrett Haar (Huntington Beach) – Utah Grizzlies 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 Shane Sooth (Canyon Country) – Quad City Mallards Steve Weinstein (Los Angeles) – South Carolina Stingrays 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 FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Justin Apcar-Blaszak (Valley Village) – Watertown Wolves 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 22
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN 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 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 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 Nolan Stevens – Northeastern University % Ryan Tait (Santa Clarita) – Providence College 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 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 NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN 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
Cameron Randles (Santa Clarita) – Endicott College Haroutiun Sarkisian (Encino) – Nichols College Evan Schmidbauer (San Diego) – Salve Regina University Stanton Turner (San Francisco) – Suffolk 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
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
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
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
ECAC WEST Bri Carroll – Buffalo State University $ Megan Crandell (Fullerton) – 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 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 Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) – Aurora 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
NCAA DIVISION III – MEN
NORTHEAST-10 Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce University
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
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
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
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) Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Vermont Lumberjacks (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 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 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 Jordan Bonner (Huntington Beach) – Albany Academy Noah Dahlen (Orange) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Liam Dauphinee (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jared Day (Orange) – Brooks School Zachary Dill (Tahoe) – Tahoe Hockey Academy 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 Jesse Lycan (San Diego) – Berkshire School Brandon McDonald (Los Angeles) – Vermont Academy Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Tilton School Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Cushing Academy Adam McGill (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Keely Moy (San Diego) – Kent School Matthew Odom (Elk Grove) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Zach Pires (Villa Park) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Steven Plante (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy John Pratt (Laguna Niguel) – Berkshire School Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) – Loomis Chaffee 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 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 Ryan Wilson (San Diego) – Milton Academy Cam York (Anaheim Hills) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep Billy Zegras (San Diego) – The Berkshire School
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 SUNYAC Ryan Chiasson (Henderson) – Plattsburgh State University 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
CARubberHockey.com
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Gamez keeps life goals in sight after cardiac scare By Chris Bayee
I am – my life’s not at risk,” said Gamez, who has a double major in Finance and Accounting. “It’s a very humbling experience. I wouldn’t want this to happen to anyone else.” “He came back to the bench and he looked like he was in some pain,” Leaman remembered. “That happens a lot in hockey; you take a heavy check or block a shot or take a slash.
Gamez said something didn’t feel right during the previous night’s game, but it was nothing that caused arrett Gamez’s next shift might be a quantum him concern. one. During a penalty kill on Saturday a similar, but stronThe hockey future of the rising junior at Providence ger, sensation occurred. College is uncertain after he collapsed on the Friars’ “As I was going to the draw, my heart raced; I was bench during a Hockey East playoff game at Notre feeling woozy,” Gamez said. “I got the puck deep and Dame on March 11. went right to the bench to try to calm myself down. “This summer is up in the air, my whole career Next thing you know, I’m going in and out of conmight be,” the Chino Hills native said. “There is a sciousness.” chance I may never be able to play hockey again. Gamez was rushed to an emergency room where I’m not scared of it. (But) it’s something I’ve done doctors stabilized him so he could fly back to Proviall my life. dence for further evaluation. “That said, my life isn’t defined by hockey. It’s de“(Associate athletic director) Kyle Murphy fined by God, God’s grace and God’s plans for me. left the game and stayed with me the whole time,” He instilled a passion for hockey and to live out that Gamez said. “I met with a cardiologist who works dream. If that’s shut down, I know God has other opwith Providence Athletics. He said there were some portunities for me to inspire others. Realistically, it’s things going on with my heart, but he didn’t want not about me. It’s about how many people you can to make any assumptions because things can come impact. It’s the same whatever your job is.” and go.” Gamez, who said he has felt well of late, will go Gamez lauded the support from Providence tothrough another battery of tests later this summer ward him and his family. to determine what next steps to take and if playing “One thing Coach Leaman and the athletic dehockey again is possible. partment made sure I knew was whether I could play Gamez, who played one season of AAA for the or not, my full ride was taken care of,” Gamez said. Los Angeles Jr. Kings after playing AA for Orange Garrett Gamez emerged into a top-six forward and an every-situation “They made sure I knew I would be part of the team. County Hockey Club, LA Hockey Club, the Califor- special-teams player for Providence College during the 2016-17 season. “I can’t express my gratitude enough to them.” nia Wave and Stars, emerged into a solid contributor Photo/Chris Emerson/Providence Athletics Regardless of whether Gamez’s future includes for the Friars in his sophomore season. The second-line “Then he went down on one knee and then he col- hockey or not, his legacy is intact. right wing also played on all special teams units. lapsed. I yelled to the referee to stop the game. Our “He’s an unbelievable kid,” Leaman said. “He’s a “He was playing the best hockey he’d every played trainers rushed in, Notre Dame’s trainers ran over. hard worker, outstanding academically. He’s a mature for us,” Friars coach Nate Leaman said. We’re pretty fortunate to be in a college atmosphere kid who knows what he wants to do with his life and a Two weeks later, everything changed. where we have so much support as far as doctors, an great teammate. It’s impossible to say anything nega“There are people going through way worse than ambulance, proximity to a hospital.” tive about Garret Gamez.”
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David becomes first California native to lead USHL team By Chris Bayee
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liver David has bucked the odds for a long time, so it should surprise no one that he became the first California-born and –trained coach to take over a team in the United States Hockey League (USHL) when the Dubuque Fighting Saints hired him as their head coach in early June. The generosity of others helped David, who grew up in a single-parent household, get into – and stay in – the game as a youth. Roller hockey helped him develop further as a player and gave him his first opportunity to coach, at a community rink near Monterey. He’s played pro beach hockey and he’s played in Europe. But unlike the previous hires at Dubuque, he didn’t have NCAA Division I playing or coaching experience, nor did he have NHL experience, or anything close to it outside of spending this past season as an assistant to Mike Johnston with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL). And incredibly, he was hired despite not applying for the job this time. Two years ago, he was a finalist when the Fighting Saints hired Jason Lammers. David, who had been an assistant the two previous seasons, stayed on as associate head coach before his year in Portland. When Lammers landed Niagara University’s coaching job, opportunity knocked for the affable David. “I didn’t apply, but everyone involved with the team said, ‘This is our guy,’” David said. “The owner (Brad Kwong, the managing partner of Northern Lights Hockey, LLC) called and asked me what my interest level was. I said it was high, but I didn’t think 24
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
it was an option. of learning from a couple of California’s most knowl“That said, Dubuque has this tradition of success, edgeable coaches – Mike Lewis and Igor Nikulin. and I know everything that’s happened. My advan- His first Tier I job was as an assistant to Lewis with tage is I know the day-to-day structure and opera- a California Wave Midget 16U AAA team that won tions. That’s where I can put my fingerprints on it, on a USA Hockey Youth Nationals title in 2006. When the development of the kids.” he moved to LA Hockey Club, he David enters a situation with often coached with Nikulin, the a franchise that has not missed cerebral and disciplined coach the playoffs in its first seven seawhose teams repeatedly won sons since being rebooted and state and district titles. won Clark Cups in two of its first In 2009, David was hired as three seasons under now-Unian assistant with the North Amerversity of Denver coach Jim ican Hockey League’s (NAHL) Montgomery. Kenai River Brown Bears. In his “Just to have this opportunity second season, he was elevated is a tremendous honor,” David to interim coach and helped the said. “There’s only 16 teams (in Brown Bears reach the playoffs, the USHL), and the turnover is something they did the next two low. It’s a very humbling thing to seasons as well. He remains the be given this opportunity.” franchise’s all-time wins leader Fighting Saints assistant (87). coach Matt Millar, who is also In 2013, Dubuque coach from California, said what David Matt Shaw hired him as an asbrings off the ice is just as imsistant and two years later, he portant as his tactical acumen. coached with the man he’s sucOliver David “Oliver is unbelievable at ceeding. In the process, David building relationships,” Millar said. “These guys don’t has become one of the few Americans to coach in care what you know until they know you care. Even North America’s three biggest junior circuits – the though they’re kids, they’re smart and they’re watch- WHL, USHL and NAHL. ing you. But that’s not his focus. “Another one of his strengths is his ability to put “We’re looking to surround kids with people who effort and thought into practices. And he’s willing to care for them,” David said. “We have two games per share every piece of information he’s learned.” week, but the other five days, you can make an imDavid, who is an avid reader, has had the benefit pact on areas that last long after hockey.”
California teams, Golden Knights nab prospects at NHL Draft By Matt Mackinder
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he three California teams and the expansion Vegas Golden Knights all showed well in selecting highend prospects at the 2017 NHL Draft June 23-24 at the United Center in Chicago. The Anaheim Ducks made five picks, while the LA Kings drafted seven players, the San Jose Sharks six and the Golden Knights stocked up with a dozen selections. Anaheim took forward Maxime Comtois from the Victoriaville Tigres of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) with the 50th overall pick in the second round. “I’m so excited to represent Anaheim,” said Comtois. “It’s a team I look up to a lot.” Ten picks later, the Ducks drafted center Antoine Morand from the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL). With the 91st overall selection in the third round, the Ducks chose forward Jack Badini from the Clark Cup champion Chicago Steel of the United States Hockey League (USHL), then forward Kyle Olson (Western Hockey League’s Tri-City Americans) in the fourth round (122nd overall) and Swedish goaltender Olle Eriksson Ek 153rd overall in the fifth round. Gabe Vilardi won a MasterCard Memorial Cup in May with the Ontario Hockey League’s (OHL) Windsor Spitfires and was taken by the Kings in the first round (11th overall). “We were looking to upgrade our skill, and we did,” said Kings assistant GM Mike Futa. “He’s a big kid with an incredible skill package and he’s a winner.” The Kings opened Day 2 of the draft by selecting forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan from the Spokane
Chiefs of the WHL in the second round (41st overall) and then went with Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL) goaltender Matt Villalta in the third round (72nd overall), defenseman Michael Anderson (USHL’s Waterloo Black Hawks) in the fourth round (103rd overall), defenseman Markus Phillips (OHL’s Owen Sound Attack) in the fourth round (118th overall), defenseman Cole
Victoriaville Tigres forward Maxime Comtois was the Anaheim Ducks’ first pick at the 2017 NHL Draft, going in the second round (50th overall) June 24 at the United Center in Chicago. Photo/Matt Mackinder
Hults (USHL’s Madison Capitols) in the fifth round (134th overall) and forward Drake Rymsha (OHL’s Sarnia Sting) 138th overall in the fifth round. San Jose grabbed a pair of California natives – Orange native Jake McGrew (Spokane, sixth round, 159th overall) and Huntington Beach native Sasha Chmelevski (OHL’s Ottawa 67’s, sixth round, 185th
overall) and a pair of players from the U.S. National Team Development Program in forward Josh Norris (first round, 19th overall) and forward Scott Reedy (fourth round, 102nd overall). “Josh plays a solid two-way game and we really like his skating ability,” said Sharks director of scouting Tim Burke. “He plays the game at a very quick pace thanks to his high hockey IQ and sees the ice well.” The Sharks also took defenseman Mario Ferraro (USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers) in the second round (49th overall) and forward Ivan Chekhovich in the seventh round (212th overall). For Vegas, the Golden Knights added Portland Winterhawks (WHL) forward Cody Glass (sixth overall), Owen Sound forward Nick Suzuki (13th overall) and Swedish defenseman Erik Brannstrom (15th overall) in the first round, Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) defenseman Nicolas Hague (34th overall) and Regina Pats (WHL) forward Jake Leschyshyn (62nd overall) in the second round, Swedish forward Jonas Rondbjerg in the third round (65th overall), Green Bay Gamblers (USHL) goalie Maksim Zhukov in the fourth round (96th overall), Swedish forward Lukas Elvenes (127th overall) and New York prep school forward Jonathan Dugan (142nd overall) in the fifth round, North York Rangers (Ontario Junior Hockey League) forward Nick Campoli (158th overall) and Czech goalie Jiri Patera (161st overall) in the sixth round and Niagara Ice Dogs (OHL) forward Ben Jones in the seventh round (189th overall). “We were ready for this draft,” said Vegas GM George McPhee. “This could not have gone better in my mind.”
Slew of California, Nevada talents bag NCAA destinations By Matt Mackinder
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he 2016-17 season firmly in the rear-view mirror, a slew of California and Nevada natives will be off to NCAA institutions in the fall, having recently committed to their future schools. Five players have chosen their destinations as of late, with Brennan Blaszczak (Las Vegas, University of Alaska-Fairbanks), Tyler Rockwell (San Jose, Michigan Tech University) and Brian Williams (San Diego, Colorado College) going the NCAA Division I route, while David Marabella (Clovis, Milwaukee School of Engineering) and Alex Stoley (Manteca, Concordia University) are taking the NCAA D-III path. “I’m excited to play for the Nanooks because it’s always been my dream to play at the D-I level,” Blaszczak said. “UAF was a good fit for me because my speed is my greatest asset and they have an Olympic-size rink up there. They also have top-notch facilities and an allaround great atmosphere and I can’t wait to head up there and get things rolling.” Blaszczak led the Springfield Jr. Blues (North American Hockey League) this past season with 25 goals in 58 games. Rockwell and Williams both played for the Wenatchee Wild of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) last year and made their commitments within days of one another. “Michigan Tech is a prestigious school where I am able to get a great education,” said Rockwell, a San Jose Jr. Sharks graduate. “The coaches are passionate and excited about their program and provide world class treatment for their players. Another drawing aspect was the atmosphere around the school and how
centered it was around hockey.” MSOE is going to be a great balance between athLast season, Rockwell tallied 27 points in 57 letics and education,” said Marabella, a forward. “I’m games from the Wenatchee back end. very excited about what the next four years have in Williams played with the San Diego Jr. Gulls and store for me. I hope to be a big impact player, playing LA Hockey Club and another a lot of minutes in all situations with the LA Jr. Kings before and really boosting my offenembarking on a five-year junior sive production. I feel that I can career in the NAHL, United take my game to an even highStates Hockey League and er level and I think the NAHL BCHL. Ironically, he skated in experience has prepared me Wenatchee in 2012-13 when well. the club was in the NAHL be“Words can’t describe the fore finishing in 2016-17 with feeling of playing your last year the Wild’s entry in the BCHL. of juniors and going out as a “I first decided to go to champion.” Wenatchee because I knew As for Stoley, the defenthat I would develop the most seman is ready to compete in by playing junior hockey, and the NCAA at Minnesota-based I knew that Wenatchee was Concordia. a great spot to be in,” said “I liked the school from all Williams. “I knew they had a aspects,” Stoley said. “It has coaching staff that had the very good academics, their players’ best interest in mind.” hockey program does well evHe had his most productive ery year and the college is in season this past year, collecta nice area that I could see ing 59 points (21 goals) in 49 myself living for the next four games. Las Vegas product Brennan Blaszczak was an impact years. (Being committed) is Both Marabella and Stoley player in 2016-17 with the NAHL’s Springfield Jr. Blues and what I wanted from the start, played for the Lone Star Brah- looks to do the same as a freshman next season at the being able to get my education mas in 2016-17, capturing the University of Alaska-Fairbanks Photo/NAHL while still playing hockey at a NAHL’s Robertson Cup national championship to cul- high level. minate the year in May. “Finishing on top was definitely a bonus that most Now, both have earned college opportunities. guys don’t get to do. It’s something I’ll remember for “It’s a great feeling (to be committed) and I think the rest of my life.” CARubberHockey.com
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CARSON KELLEY
Position: Forward, Lone Star Brahmas (North American Hockey League) Hometown: Portola Valley California Youth Teams: San Jose Jr. Sharks California Rubber: You not only were part of winning the Robertson Cup, but you did it with three other players from California. How special was that? Carson Kelley: Winning with the California guys was an unbelievable feeling. I knew David Marabella growing up because we played together on the Jr. Sharks. I knew Alex Stoley played in the East Bay for Golden State Elite, and I met up with him in the summers and skated. And Hunter Stanley was a huge part of our success. CR: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up? CK: When our Jr. Sharks Pee Wee team went to the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament. We stayed for two weeks for that and played in the Coliseum and an outdoor arena. You stayed with a French family there. You got really involved in the culture and that opened my eyes to the world a young age. CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up? CK: I’m the only one in my family ever to play. I started playing really young and I was hooked. I idolized (Sharks captain) Joe Pavelski. He’s American born, played through juniors and went to college. He’s truly inspiring. He’s gritty. He’s not the best skater, but he plays with a big heart. CR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice? CK: My father has always inspired me to be my best. He allowed me to have these opportunities that a lot of people don’t have. It’s shaped me into the person and player I’ve become. And our Lone Star assistant, Al Rooney. He moved out on his own at a young age to keep pursuing his dream. He played college and pro hockey. It’s inspiring that he followed his dream and it paid off for him. CR: Other than hockey, do you have a favorite sport to play? CK: I played all the sports going up. In high school, they didn’t count my ice hockey for credit, so I played tennis, water polo and swimming. It was a lot to juggle, but it was a nice break from hockey. I also played Little League baseball, AYSO soccer and did travel swimming. I like all the board sports – snowboarding at Tahoe, surfing near the coast. CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about? CK: I like to keep my gloves from over the years. I used to have small black gloves, then teal Sharks gloves and green ones from Dallas and my ones from junior. I’ll keep them for my man cave. I also have all my broken sticks. Maybe I’ll build something out of them one day. CR: What sort of music do you like? CK: Pretty much anything, from classic rock to modern rap to Frank Sinatra. When I’d get dressed for home games, I’d listen to him and it calmed me down. My billet family would ask me, “Are you listening to Frank Sinatra?” Not many people were into it like I was. CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant? CK: Alice’s near my house. It’s in the woods. On one side, it’s the ocean and the other side, there’s the Bay. You’re surrounded by big redwoods, but if you take a short walk, you can see water. CR: You’ve committed to play hockey in college at SUNY-Geneseo. What was the draw there? CK: The balance of education and good hockey. I did a ton of research. It’s one of the best Division III atmospheres you can get. It seems similar to Lone Star, which I really enjoyed. It’s a hidden gem for its price. I’m trying to be a Business major. I’ll experience a real winter for the first time. - Compiled by Chris Bayee Photo/Rebekah Bing
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
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