For Centennial product, Arapahoe, Cherry Creek graduate Gruenther, EHL’s Seahawks next stop on advancement ladder

BY MATT MACKINDER COLORADO HOCKEY HUB

Kai Gruenther played for the Arapahoe Warriors up until the 202021 season, when he joined the Cherry Creek High School team for his last three years of high school.

Next season, the Centennial native will again be on the move after recently signing to play junior hockey for the EHL’s Seahawks Hockey Club.

“I was able to gain an opportunity to join the Seahawks roster through the CCM Showcase (in Colorado),” Gruenther said. “I am excited to leave home and see what opportunities lie ahead in front of me. The game is only going to become quicker, which presents more opportunities for me to become a better player.

“I’m very excited to be playing in the EHL. They have a very strong reputation when it comes to moving players on to the next level. This motivates me to strive for greatness and the potential to play NCAA hockey.”

Gruenther said playing for Cherry Creek was a turning point in his career and “the coaching staff helped push me to reach my potential.”

“There are many great coaches in Colorado, including Neil Ruffini and the Creek coaching staff,” said Gruenther.

Moving ahead, Gruenther’s goals include more than what may happen on the ice.

“My short-term goal for hockey is to have a good season in the EHL and to potentially make the jump to a higher league in the future,” Gruenther said. “I hope to make many friends along the way. A long-term goal for me is to play NCAA hockey. It’s always been a big dream of mine. I aim to be successful in the classroom so that I can be successful on the ice.”

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Runner-up: Anaheim Jr. Ducks

Empire was crowned champs with a 15-9 offensive barrage over the Jr. Ducks.

8U B South

Champion: Empire Hockey Club

Runner-up: Anaheim Jr. Ducks

Offense was the name of the game here as Empire picked up the championship by downing the Jr. Ducks by a 13-6 count.

10U A

Champion: Empire Hockey Club

Rubber-up: Ventura Mariners

In a tight game, Empire secured the championship with a thrilling 5-4 overtime win over the Mariners as Odell Jackson completed the hat trick for the winner.

10U B

Champion: Santa Clarita Flyers

Runner-up: Jr. Reign

Rubber Hockey

The Flyers defeated the Jr. Reign 5-3 on the strength of two goals from James Szajiner. Emersyn Glines posted a goal and an assist for the Jr. Reign.

12U A

Champion: Jr. Reign Riverside Runner-up: Jr. Reign Carlsbad

This battle of Jr. Reign teams went to the Riverside club in an 8-0 win over the Carlsbad team in the championship final. Jayden Kehrier earned the shutout in net and Spencer Wills registered a hat trick in the win.

12U AA

Champion: Los Angeles Jr. Kings

Runner-up: Bakersfield Jr. Condors

Jack Leibowitz’s hat trick powered the Jr. Kings to the title in a 5-3 win.

Liam Melinko scored two goals as well in the win and Gavin Reskey made 14 saves in net to pick up the victory. For the Jr. Condors, Liam Wilsey scored twice.

12U B/BB

Champion: Bakersfield Jr. Condors

Runner-up: Jr. Reign Riverside

The Jr. Condors doubled up the Jr. Reign 4-2 as Luke Blattenberg scored the last two goals for Bakersfield. Nick Spinelli added a goal and an assist in the win. Brayden Natividad and Bentley Porche scored for the Jr. Reign.

14U A

Champion: Goldrush

Runner-up: Jr. Reign Carlsbad

Gregory Harris stopped all 14 shots he faced as the Goldrush secured the banner with a 2-0 win over the Jr. Reign. Blake Lagestee and Logan Alsing scored for the Goldrush. Jayden Peterson made 19 saves between the pipes for the Jr. Reign.

14U AA

Champion: Anaheim Jr. Ducks

Runner-up: Bakersfield Jr. Condors

Five different players scored for the Jr. Ducks in a 5-2 win over the Jr. Condors in the title game. Gunnar Turner and Wes Waites each posted a goal with an assist and Chase Romero notched the win in goal. Tyler Racette made 10 saves in goal for Bakersfield.

14U B

Champion: Ventura Mariners

Runner-up: Santa Clarita Flyers

In a close contest, the Mariners took this one in overtime by a 4-3 count. Gavin Campbell’s second goal of the game win it for the Mariners. Christopher Deveau added a goal plus a helper in the win. Mason Mills

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contributed a goal and an assist for the Flyers.

JV East

Champion: Rose City Pats

Runner-up: Jr. Reign Vychodil

For the Pats, scoring was spread out as seven different players found the back of the net in the 7-2 win in the championship game. Jordan Marquez picked up a goal and two assists, Patrick Durka and Ethan Foster a goal and an assist, Sarkis Zhamkochyan three assists, and Dylan Hazuka a pair of assists. Finn Moision finished 17 saves in goal. For the Jr. Reign, Markus Mineck and Travis Holmes scored, and Matthew Day made 31 saves in goal.

JV West Champion: West Ranch

Runner-up: Las Vegas Ice Warriors

Dominic Caglia was a rock in net for West Ranch, making 19 saves in a 5-0 shutout over the Ice Warriors to claim the championship. Varsity Champion: Anaheim Jr. Ducks

Runner-up: Rose City Pats

Chase MacArthur’s two goals lifted the Jr. Ducks over Rose City, 3-1. Jackson Courtier made 19 saves for the win in net. Kamil Ibashev potted the Pats’ goal and Eric Vargas made 26 saves between the pipes.

Registration is now open for the remaining 2023-24 IE Tournament Series events, including the IE Fall Classic, which runs Nov. 24-26. The event is hosting divisions in Riverside/Ontario as well as Carlsbad/San Diego, is one of the biggest IE events of the year, and is already nearly full. Visit jrreign.com/tournaments for more information and to register.