California Rubber Magazine - May 2018

VOLUME 11

ISSUE 9

MAY 2018

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FROM THE EDITOR Summertime just means next season is right around the corner

W

ell, here we are.

It’s almost the end of May and the summer awaits. It’s time for some to get away from hockey and for others, to keep skating.

For us at California Rubber Magazine, we thank our readers, supporters and publishing partners for another solid and successful season. Without you, this publication would not be what it is.

It truly is a blessing to do what we do. They say once you find a job you love that you’ll never work a day in your life. That is the absolute truth.

We’ll be back with our summer issue in July and then in September, we’ll ramp it all back up again for nine consecutive months. We are excited for what Matt Mackinder the future holds and to continue bringing you the best coverage of California and Nevada hockey.

To all those traveling this summer, be safe.

To all those staying on the ice, give 110 percent.

To all those reading this right now, thank you!

Not only did the 2017-18 LA Kings season mark the second year of the Kings Care Foundation’s 50/50 raffle, but it also witnessed the raffle raise a total of $1,005,820.

A few notable pots from this season – $55,290 at the home opener on Oct. 5, $48,890 at Fan Appreciation Night on April 7 and both playoff games bringing in pots over $35,000.

It is safe to say that the LA community has embraced the excitement of the 50/50 as a welcomed addition to the hockey experience.

Wow! Coto de Caza native and Shattuck-St. Mary’s 18U (North American Prospects Hockey League) forward Jayden Price has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Bismarck Bobcats.

In 27 overall games this past season, Price recorded 20 points.

Prior to this past season, Price spent the 2016-17 season with the Shattuck-St. Mary’s AA Midget team and previous to that played for both the Los Angeles Jr. Kings Bantam AAA team and Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Congrats, Jayden!

A trio of Anaheim Jr. Ducks players have made plans to play in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) next season.

Forward Henri Schreifels (Agoura Hills, Penticton Vees), forward Logan Harris (Anaheim, Trail Smoke Eaters) and defenseman Ryan Fischer (Anaheim Hills, Victoria Grizzlies) all announced their commitments recently to move to the BCHL. “Words can’t describe how excited I am to be a part of such a great organization,” said Harris. “It’s going to be a tough transition from AAA to junior hockey, but I’m confident I’ll grow in many aspects of my game over the offseason. I can’t wait to get started.”

“I am very excited and look forward to playing with the Victoria Grizzlies next season,” noted Fischer. “I had a few different teams that I was looking at and I chose Victoria because of the creative and skilled system they play, which fits my style of play.”

Best of luck, boys!

Congratulations to this year’s Pacific District California and Nevada nominees for the USA Hockey National Festival later this summer in Amherst, N.Y. All players took part in the Pacific District Select 15, 16 and 17 Festival earlier this month in San Jose.

Select 15: Forwards Noah Alvarez, Eamon Connaughton, Andre Gasseau, Samuel Harris, Arvega Hovsepyan, Paul Minnehan and Ean Somoza, defensemen Shai Buium, Aidan Hreschuk and Ty Murchison, and goalie Owen Millward.

Select 16: Forward Tristan Rand and defensemen Kobe Pane and Robert Zammetti.

Select 17: Forwards Brendan Brisson, Joshua Groll, Joseph Harguindeguy, Jackson Niedermayer and Ethan Wolters, defensemen Ryan Johnson, Nicholas Kent and Jerrett Overland (Nevada), and goalie Tyler Shea.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

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

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

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Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Wilson

MOVIN’ ON UP

Earlier this month, the United States Hockey League conducted its annual two-part draft and the Western Hockey League held its draft, with several California players and those with California connections selected, including Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ 16U AAA forward Jonathan Panisa in Phase II of the USHL Draft. More on the drafts on Page 7, 12 and 17.

ON THE COVER The BCHL Fred Page Cup champion Wenatchee Wild had 11 California natives on the roster during the 2017-18 season. Pictured back row, from left to right, are Chad Sasaki, Nicholas Kent, Noah Kim, Slava Demin, Jackson Wozniak and Sam Morton. Pictured front row, from left to right, are Murphy Stratton, Drake Usher, Jacob Modry, Daniel Chladek and Zak Galambos.

Photo/Bre Hinkle

Driscoll Skating & Skills coming to El Segundo, Lakewood

By Matt Mackinder

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he Los Angeles Jr. Kings and Driscoll Skating & Skills are forming a partnership this summer that will prove to be a win-win situation for all involved.

Driscoll Skating & Skills will conduct a two-week power skating-centric skills program in July at Toyota Sports Center (El Segundo) and THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE (Lakewood). The power skating program is offered to Jr. Kings players and to players from other programs.

Players can register on a first-come, firstserved basis at www.driscollhockey.com.

Both locations will host a younger group (Mites through Pee Wees) and an older group (Pee Wees and older), and each clinic will feature 10 two-hour skills sessions limited to 30 players with the player-to-coach ratio a maximum of 6-to-1.

“We’re extremely fortunate to welcome Driscoll Skating & Skills to Southern California this summer for what promises to be a rewarding developmental experience,” said Jr. Kings chairman Steve Yovetich. “Their presence marks a unique and valuable opportunity for our players to take advantage of some of the best skating instruction in all of North America right in our own backyard.”

Tim Driscoll, a four-year letter-winner at Princeton University who went on to sign a professional contract with the Boston Bruins, will lead the program. Driscoll, who earned an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Management, has taught power skating since 1990.

“We are thrilled with the partnership that we have established with the Jr. Kings,” said Driscoll, whose

program is based in Boston. “As hockey players and fans of the game, the development of youth hockey in Southern California is one of the single most important events in the game of hockey over the last 30 years and we are excited to be a part of it. Skating is our passion and we’ve designed a curriculum that we deliver in a positive, hockey-rich environment. The expectation should be that every player will be a better skater at the end of the program.

“First and foremost, we share a strong belief that power skating is the most important building block in

the development of a hockey player. If you can skate, you can play. What sets us apart from our peers is that we coach and players learn. We deliver a power skating program through a seasoned team of coaches that have all played professional hockey and understand the importance of power skating and how to share our curriculum with the players that we work with.

“Students of all ages and abilities are treated like hockey players and given the proper individualized instruction for every progression in the series of power skating and edge work drills that we teach. Further, our

coaches detail a progression of teaching instruction designed to advance the understanding and adoption of the proper skating technique. We have studied and we teach the fundamentals of skating for hockey and the edge work and foot work that’s necessary to compete at the highest levels of hockey.”

In addition to Driscoll, the clinic will be under the instruction of Greg Gallagher (Hobart College All-American), Justin Mansfield (Merrimack College), Brandon McNally (Dartmouth College and current professional hockey player), Yorba Linda native Ryan Santana (Boston University) and Erik Leptorp - all of whom played hockey professionally.

“The coaches joining me on the ice are a remarkable group,” said Driscoll. “We will stop players during our skating drills to deliver individualized instruction. We are deliberate and effective in our coaching style. Greg has coached NHL and NCAA Division I players and helped develop the Defensive Skating System that was implemented by the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs. Justin worked with Glen Tucker, AKA the ‘Shot Doctor,’ who has coached Jack Eichel, Patrice Bergeron and Noah Hanifin on the most modern shooting techniques. Ryan is a product of Southern California hockey and a walk-on player at Boston University, where he earned four varsity letters. Erik played professionally in Sweden and recently joined the Jr. Kings and is developing a following as a skating coach.”

The cost for the clinic is $1,000.

More information below and on the back cover of this issue.

Demko wouldn’t trade a wild ride of an NHL debut for anything

By Chris Bayee

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fter a bunch of long rides, Thatcher Demko enjoyed a wild one in his NHL debut.

Recalled by the Vancouver Canucks on March 30 while driving to a game for their American Hockey League affiliate in Utica, N.Y., Demko quickly made a U-turn, packed and caught a flight to the West Coast.

So turn around he did before making a one-hour drive to Syracuse for a late afternoon flight. After his connection in Toronto, he arrived at his hotel in Vancouver at 2:30 a.m. (5:30 a.m. Eastern time).

As fate would have it, the Canucks were playing a rare 1 p.m. Saturday game. That was all well and good for the San Diego native, however. “(Canucks coach) Travis (Green) called to let me know,” Demko said.

“It was a quick turnaround, but I got everything together and remarkably, all of my family made it up to Vancouver for the game. I was lucky enough to share that with them.”

It was the fifth time in two seasons of pro hockey, and fourth time this season alone, that the former San Diego Jr. Gull had made the cross-country flight on a recall. This one, obviously, was different because Green asked him if he’d like the start.

“Easiest question I’ve answered,” said Demko, who had five hours of sleep before the game on top of a three-hour time change.

Running on adrenaline, Demko helped the Canucks to a 5-4 overtime victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“I remember having fun with it, and obviously there were some nerves, but at the same time, I was really enjoying a taste of the league,” he said.

Demko kept the Canucks in the game when he robbed Columbus’ Cam Atkinson on a 2-on-1 with the Blue Jackets up 1-0 in the second period, and he shook off Columbus’ late three-goal rally to send the game into overtime.

“That game was pretty crazy,” he recalled. “But getting the win in my first NHL start was amazing.”

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Winning In Wenatchee BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild have had great success in ’17-18, boosted by California natives (Minnesota State), Kent (Quinnipiac) and Sasaki (Colorado College) – the players have not forgotten their roots back home. lava Demin said “it is pretty crazy to think that half of our team is from California, “When it comes to coaches, every coach I’ve ever had, from the beginning to now, which is considered a small hockey market.” have all contributed to my development,” said Galambos. “All of them, they all made Demin, a Cypress native, was one of several California natives on the Wenatchee my minor hockey days unforgettable and I thank them for that. The Jr. Sharks have all Wild’s roster this season. The Wild rolled to the British Columbia Hockey League’s the resources you need if you’re trying to take your hockey career to the next level. The (BCHL) Fred Page Cup championship as playoff champions and then won the Doyle Jr. Sharks really helped prepare me for my junior hockey career. They offer a top-notch Cup to advance to the Royal Bank Cup to vie for Canadian junior hockey supremacy. facility and provide an even better coaching staff to accompany it. The coaches there The California players skating for the Wild – Daniel Chladek (Anaheim), Demin, are all amazing coaches and people.”

Zak Galambos (Walnut Creek), Nicholas Kent (Ladera Ranch), Jacob Modry (El “I think there were a number of great coaches that helped me along the way,” Segundo), Chad Sasaki (Cypress), Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles), Drake Usher noted Demin. “My youth hockey career was a huge part of my development. I think (Upland) and Jackson Wozniak (Cypress) – have formed a brotherhood being away my youth hockey days were really the time where I developed a passion for the game from the Golden State, even if they didn’t already have one from their youth days play- along with learning skills that I can use now and in the future. I also think a big part ing for the Jr. Sharks, Jr. Kings and Jr. Ducks, among other associations. of my development came because I was having so much fun during those years that “This season has been a blast and being able to do it all with so many of your learning became almost natural.” buddies from back home makes it even more Sasaki played for the California Wave special,” said Sasaki. “The California hockey and Jr. Ducks and said there was when he community is so tight-knit and there’s a sperecognized his above-average talent. cial bond between all the guys from the area.

“I was very forYou all have something in common when you tunate growshow up, so it’s like we’re family from Day 1. ing up to be It’s awesome to see the number of players a part from California come through this program of some over the years and have so much success at excellent the junior level and beyond.” programs “Coming to Wenatchee, I was hoping and reto play a bigger role for my team and I think ceive exboth the coaching staff and my teammates ceptional have done a great job of supporting me on coachand off the ice and have really helped me i n g , ” find my confidence,” added Stratton, a longs a i d time Jr. King. “Every junior hockey player has Sasaki. to move away from home at some point and “I played I got really lucky coming to Wenatchee and most of my youth seeing how much the team is involved in hockey with the the community. It’s a great feeling to win for Wave and they these fans – they deserve it.” did a great job teaching Wenatchee is a town of 33,000 located solid fundamentals and building a in north-central Washington near the near strong foundation. I moved to the Jr. Ducks the eastern foothills of the Cascade Range. in Midget 16s and those coaches really The Wild franchise was formed in 2008 as helped me see the big picture and take my a member of the North American Hockey game to the next level, preparing me menLeague and joined the BCHL prior to the tally and giving me the confidence to make 2015-16 season. the jump to junior hockey.”

While not a traditional hockey hotbed, “My youth hockey development was Wenatchee is a hockey-mad town that regextremely important for me,” Usher said. ularly sees large crowds at the Town Toyota “Without it, I would have never met the peoCenter. ple I know today. Because hockey was, and “Playing for Wenatchee has definitely always has been, a big part of my life, I went been a great experience for me,” said Usher. The Wenatchee Wild and its large California contingent captured both the Fred Page Cup to the rink almost every day and got better “The coaching staff has done an outstand- and Doyle Cup championships this season and is currently competing for the Royal Bank every single time I was out there, all while ing job for us to not only be NCAA-ready, but Cup in Chilliwack, B.C. having fun at the same time.” beyond that. The coaches know exactly what takes to make it to the next level and they Youth coaches named by the Wild’s California connection as positive influencapply that knowledge on and off the ice. My teammates have helped tremendously es include August Aiken, Doug Baird, John Beaulieu, Jack Bowkus, Curtis as well. Even though we have practice every day, my teammates are checked in and Brown, Dakota Eveland, Leo Fenn, Sandy Gasseau, Mike Janda, Eugene Kaready to compete, which keeps me ready to go, too. The thing I love the most is the banets, Alex Kim, Mike Lewis, Tim McGrath, Shawn Pitcher, Scott Shand, fact that everyone holds each other accountable. Whether you get four shifts a night, Fernando Soltero, Louis Soltero, Jeff Turcotte, Punky Vandenberg, David or 18, everyone is expected to do their job as a team.”

Walker and Nate Weossner.

“Playing in Wenatchee has really helped me learn how to play in the dirty areas And with the Royal Bank Cup in full swing as of press time, the ultimate goal for and how to transition to the next level,” added Wozniak. “I’ve learned being strong on the Wild is to be the last team standing on May 20 in Chilliwack, B.C. the puck makes a world of difference. The style of play here heavily mimics the style “This season has meant so much to me,” said Usher. “The brotherly bond I have of play you’ll see at the D-I level. And playing with guys from back home has made made with all my teammates has been second to none. The learning experience from switching to the junior hockey life a little smoother. Knowing guys I’ve grown up play- coaching staff has been unbelievable. The amount of support from the Wild associing with or against made it easy when I had questions about how things worked at ation, including the wonderful fans, has been out of this world. I can’t wait to come and away from the rink. It was also easier to create a great team chemistry because back next year and do it all again.” we all had a lot in common.”

“This season has been very special,” added Wozniak. “The fans here have also And in tasting success at the junior level and seeing a handful of the California been unbelievable all year. Playing in front of about 3,000 fans at home has made players have NCAA Division I commitments in hand – Demin (Denver), Galambos playing here a lot of fun. The support here is incredible.”

By Matt Mackinder

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CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

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California youth standouts selected in WHL, USHL Drafts

By Matt Mackinder

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t’s that time of year when junior teams and leagues start to begin looking at potential rosters for the upcoming season.

The Western Hockey League (WHL) held its annual Bantam Draft on May 3 and a slew of California talent was drafted, in addition to one Nevada player.

Players eligible for the WHL draft were 2003-born players.

Those taken included defenseman Ty Murchison (Corona native, LA Jr. Kings, Portland Winterhawks, third round/63rd overall), defenseman Aidan Hreschuk (Long Beach, Jr. Kings, Prince George Cougars, fifth round/90th overall, also announced NCAA commitment to Boston College), forward Matthew Gross (Las Vegas, Prince Albert Raiders, seventh round/141st overall), forward Paul Minnehan (Los Angeles, Jr. Kings, Tri-City Americans, seventh round/146th overall), defenseman Ryan Nutt (Golden State Elite Eagles, Kelowna Rockets, seventh round/150th overall), forward Christopher Alexander (Santa Clarita, Jr. Kings, Victoria Royals, eighth round/168th overall), forward Arvega Hovsepyan (Los Angeles, Jr. Kings, Kelowna, eighth round/171st overall), forward Benjamin Palmershiem (Palm Springs, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Kamloops Blazers, eighth round/176th overall), defenseman Spencer Shugrue (Jr. Kings, Saskatoon Blades, ninth round/184th overall), goalie Owen Millward (Golden State Elite, Medicine Hat Tigers, ninth

round/187th overall), defenseman Ross Roloson (Newport Beach, Jr. Ducks, Victoria, tenth round/200th overall), forward Noah Alvarez (Torrance, Jr. Kings, Vancouver Giants, tenth round/210th overall), forward Parker Murray (Los Angeles, Jr. Kings, Portland, tenth round/213th overall), forward Easton Armstrong (Jr. Kings, Regina Pats, tenth round/214th overall), goalie Alexander Bonrouhi (Marina del Rey, Jr. Kings, Tri-City, tenth round/217th overall) and forward Ean Somoza (Los Angeles, Jr. Kings, Everett Silvertips, 13th round/284th overall).

Players eligible for the WHL Bantam Draft were players residing in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

The WHL is generally considered one of the top junior leagues in North America. It has developed countless players for the professional ranks, including the NHL. Then on May 7-8, the United States Hockey League (USHL) staged its Phase I (2002-born players) and Phase II (all junior-eligible players) Drafts.

In Phase I, forward Thomas Stift (Chino Hills, Jr. Kings, Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, fourth round/53rd

overall) and defenseman Kobe Pane (Boulder Creek, Jr. Ducks, Central Illinois Flying Aces, tenth round/145th overall) were chosen.

In Phase II, forward Nathan Burke (Jr. Kings, Des Moines Buccaneers, second round/18th overall), forward Andre Ghantous (Glendale, LA Selects, Jr. Ducks, Jr. Kings, Omaha Lancers, third round/35th overall), defenseman Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda, Jr. Ducks, Muskegon Lumberjacks, fourth round/58th overall), defenseman Luke Robinson (Dublin, San Jose Jr. Sharks, Fargo Force, fifth round, 79th overall), defenseman Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside, San Diego Jr. Gulls, Jr. Kings, Dubuque Fighting Saints, seventh round/105th overall), forward Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach, Jr. Kings, Jr. Ducks, Dubuque, seventh round/108th overall), forward Patrick Choi (Jr. Ducks, Omaha, ninth round/147th overall), goalie Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda, Jr. Kings, Jr. Ducks, Cedar Rapids, 11th round/168th overall), forward Joseph Harguindeguy (La Habra, Jr. Ducks, Muskegon, 14th round/222nd overall), forward Jonathan Panisa (Irvine, Jr. Ducks, Central Illinois, 15th round/229th overall) and forward Tomas Urbanec (Jr. Kings, Long Beach Bombers, Fargo, 18th round/290th overall) became USHL property.

The USHL is widely considered North America’s premier junior league when it comes to developing players for NCAA Division I hockey.

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Quartet of NAHL California products make NCAA decisions

By Matt Mackinder

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t’s that time of year when junior hockey players start to make plans for the future by way of NCAA commitments.

Recently, four California natives – Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills, Division I University of Denver), Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda, D-I Union College), Nick Schultze (San Diego, D-III Tufts University) and Matthew Wiesner (Newport Beach, D-III Babson College) – chose their college destinations.

All four skated for North American Hockey League (NAHL) teams during the 2017-18 season.

“It’s very humbling,’’ said Mayhew, who played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and San Diego Jr. Gulls as a youth before two seasons in the NAHL, mostly with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. “(Denver has) so much talent every year and they’re such a prestigious program, they’re always in a contention for a national title. It means everything, and I can’t thank everyone enough for helping me along.”

For Nieto, he was one of the top NAHL goaltenders this season with the Janesville Jets, going 21-5-2-2 with a 2.00 goals-against average, a .929 save percentage and three shutouts in the regular season.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to play for Union,” Nieto said. “I can’t thank the guys in front of me enough, and the coaches for helping me a lot, too. I’ve matured a lot from my first two years [in juniors] to this year. I just want to take that maturity to the college level, both on the ice and in the classroom. This year, I’ve made a huge step in that department and it’s really helped me out.”

Nieto will likely get to play against his brother,

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Gavin, who is also a goaltender at Brown University, during ECAC Hockey conference play. He credited the atmosphere and hockey culture at Union as key factors in his decision to play there.

“Hockey-wise, it’s one of the top places to play,”

Anaheim Hills native Kyle Mayhew will play next fall for the University of Denver, a perennial powerhouse and national championship contender. Photo/NAHL

said Nieto. “They pack the house every weekend and it’s a very loud and noisy environment. From what my brother told me, you don’t want to be the opposing

goaltender there for how loud it gets.”

During his youth days, Nieto played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.

“He’s proven himself as one of the best goalies in the league by his game and numbers, so I think it was only a matter of time (before he committed),” Jets head coach Gary Shuchuk said. “He never let anything bother him. He just went out and proved what kind of goalie he was. I’m really happy for him and he’s going to a great program. He doesn’t let a lot of things bother him – he’s very poised back there in the net. He doesn’t get flustered. He lets a goal in, he gets right back at it.”

Schultze, another former Jr. Duck and Jr. Gull, began the season with the Topeka RoadRunners, but was traded to the Springfield Jr. Blues in late January.

Between the two teams, Schultze registered 31 points in 63 games.

“Nick has been everything we thought he would when we traded for him,” said Jr. Blues head coach Tyler Rennette. “He is a great kid and Tufts is getting an excellent student-athlete who will make everyone around him better.”

Wiesner also skated for the Jr. Kings and played for the Northeast Generals, where he tallied 20 goals and 40 points in 57 games this year.

“Matt is an incredibly hard worker who has done a great job improving his game this year,” said Generals GM Bryan Erikson. “He went home after last season for three weeks and was right back working with head coach Joe Lovell every day for three hours getting better, and it has shown in his game this year. As a captain, he is one of the main reasons for our great turnaround from last season to this one. He is just a great kid.”

2018 All-California Junior Player of the Year Evan Weinger, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

By Chris Bayee

E

van Weinger had to blaze a new trail this season.

After three seasons in Portland, he was dealt to Brandon after playing just one game for the Winterhawks during the 2017-18 Western Hockey League season.

The shift to the plains from the coast agreed with the 1997 birth year from El Segundo, who put up a career-best 57 points and 31 goals and was a plus player on a playoff team. He added another seven points in 11 playoff games.

“I didn’t see the trade coming until the third or fourth game I sat out because Portland had so many overagers,” he said. “I had a bit of a rough start in Brandon but once I got acclimated, I played the best hockey of my life. I had a great team and great coaches.”

The 64 total points nearly doubled his previous high of 38, and his 31 regular-season goals came on a ridiculously low 153 shots (a shooting percentage of .202).

He also scored five short-handed goals. Weinger attributed the shooting success to a couple of things.

“I converted a lot of breakaways and one-on-ones,” Weinger said. “I missed on a lot of them in the past, so I had to bear down, focus and take the space (defenders) gave me. My training with Jack Bowkus over the summer helped a lot.”

An exceptional skater with good size (6 feet, 200 pounds), the free agent was snapped up by the San Jose Sharks’ top affiliate, signing an AHL deal with the Barracuda in March.

Overview

It’s rare to have such a concentration of players from California on one junior team, but that’s what Wenatchee of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) has – nine in all, and five made our AllCalifornia team.

The Wild is pursuing an RBC Cup (awarded to Canada’s Junior A champion) this month in large part due to its Golden State presence. Even more remarkable, six of the seven defensemen on the club’s playoff roster are from California.

GOALTENDERS Garrett Nieto, Janesville (NAHL) – In his third season of junior, the 1998 put together his best season, posting a 21-5-2 regular-season record with a 2.00 GAA and a .929 save percentage and three shutouts. The Union College commit, who played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and L.A. Jr. Kings, was even better in six playoff games, going 4-2 with 1.68 and .940 numbers and two more shutouts.

Evan Plotnik, Melfort (SJHL) – The 1997 matched his win total from his first two years of junior with a 2510-2 record and two shutouts to go with a 2.62 GAA and .910 save percentage. American International College took note, committing the former San Diego Jr. Gull.

Dustin Wolf, Everett (WHL) – The former Jr. Kings goalie made a big impression in his first season of major

junior, fashioning a 13-6-0 record with a 2.25 GAA and a .928 save percentage. A 2001, he is eligible for the 2019 NHL Draft.

FORWARDS Sasha Chmelevski, Ottawa (OHL) – The 1999 had 76 points, including 35 goals and five game-winners for the 67s. Last season’s OHL Scholastic Player of DEFENSEMEN the Year, Chmelevski signed with the San Jose Sharks, Slava Demin, Wenatchee (BCHL) – The Denver who picked him in the sixth round (185th overall) in recruit (a 2000) went from 32 to 52 points this season 2017, in April and played a total of 10 games for their for a team in the RBC Cup. The 6-foot-2, 187-pounder AHL affiliate. is the No. 40-rated North American skater by NHL Patrick Choi, Syracuse (USPHL NCDC) – A Central Scouting heading into June’s NHL Draft.

USHL Phase II pick of Omaha, the ’98 had 56 points, Zak Galambos, Wenatchee (BCHL) – A rival including 24 goals in 50 games. coach called him one of the best defensemen in the Vincent de Mey, Muskegon (USHL) – The Northern BCHL playoffs, and nearly all of his 28 points came in Michigan commit, a ’97, joined the Lumberjacks early in 2018. An elite defender, the ’97 and Minnesota State the season via a trade and put up 38 points, including commit excels on the penalty kill and does plenty of 21 goals. damage with one-timers on the power play.

Andre Ghantous, Trail (BCHL) – The ’98, a skilled Kyle Mayhew, Fairbanks (NAHL) – Another Denver playmaker, finished with the same amount of points he recruit, Mayhew paced the Ice Dogs’ defense on its run had last season (44), but he exploded for 14 more in 15 to the Robertson Cup playoff games and finished semifinals. An excellent with 24 total goals. Omaha took note and drafted him in the USHL’s Phase II draft.

Rory Herrman, Green Bay (USHL) – Year 2 in the USHL was much kinder to the ’99 as he went from three points to 25 (including 12 goals) and gained a regular spot in the lineup for the Gamblers.

Ivan Lodnia, Erie (OHL) – A 2017 Minnesota Wild draft pick (third round, 85th overall), Lodnia had exactly the same number of points 59 that he had the season before, albeit in 26 fewer games. The ’99 played six games in the AHL at the end of the season.

Jake McGrew, Spokane skater, he had 39 points (WHL) – After having his through 58 games and first junior season wiped out El Segundo native Evan Weinger completed his junior hockey was a plus-20. by a preseason knee injury, eligibility this season by registering 31 goals and 57 points , Wenat- during the regular season for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. the ’99 bounced back for chee (BCHL) – A ’99, Photo/Keith Dwiggins 44 points (21 goals) in 72 his size (6-foot-3, 190) games. He was a sixthand steady play in the ‘D’ zone is what allows all of his round pick by San Jose (159th overall) last June. offensively gifted blueline buddies the freedom to jump Jason Robertson, Kingston (OHL) – His 87 into the play at will. points and 41 goals led the Frontenacs, and then he Chad Sasaki, Wenatchee (BCHL) – Don’t let his tacked on 18 points in 16 playoff games. He also had 5-foot-7 frame fool you, the Colorado College commit eight game-winning goals. A second-round pick of the was one of the main drivers of the Wild’s potent Dallas Stars in 2017 (39th overall), the 1999 signed offense off the rush. A ’98, his 46 points through 77 with them in early May. games nearly quadrupled his output from a year ago Evan Somoza, Odessa (NAHL) – The ’97, a Utica and he excelled on the power play.

College commit, finished his junior career with 48 Jack St. Ivany, Sioux Falls (USHL) – An assistant points, more than double his previous high at this level. captain for the Stampede, Murphy Stratton, Wenatchee (BCHL) – The ’99 St. Ivany erupted for 39 points one season after came from the WHL and was a much bigger factor having 10. The 1999 and Yale commit is rated the No. for the Wild, piling up 60 points (including 17 goals) 119 North American skater by NHL Central Scouting. through 72 games. He plays in every situation.

Keoni Texeira, Portland (WHL) – Expect the ’97 Brayden Watts, Vancouver (WHL) – The ’99 to be in plenty of demand as a free agent after capping from Bakersfield nearly tripled his previous best WHL his junior career with 33 points and nine goals while season with 40 points (17 goals). captaining one of the Western Hockey League’s top Matt Wiesner, Northeast (NAHL) – A ’97 who franchises. finished his junior career with far and away his best Cam York, U.S. NTDP U-17 (USHL) – The 2001, totals for season – 41 points and 21 goals. He’s a player to watch for the 2019 Draft, put up 38 points headed to Babson College. and helped the NTDP’s U-17s make the USHL playoffs Note: This team was compiled in consultation with for the first time. several junior coaches.

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ONEHOCKEY

OneHockey invites West Coast teams to skate on July 4

By Kevin Conway

T

he Fourth of July holiday in California is annually a special time of year, and OneHockey Tournaments is offering West Coast youth teams the unique opportunity to celebrate America’s birthday close to home while competing in one of the finest offseason hockey events on the sports calendar.

The OneHockey California 4th of July Tournament will take place the weekend after Independence Day, July 5-8. This five-game guaranteed spectacular is geared toward AAA and AA squads at the 16U (2002-03) through the 2009 age groups.

With the abundance of summer fun activities away from the rink that this area of the Golden State offers, OneHockey has already registered several clubs from across the USA as well as Canada and Europe for this event but is still reserving space for regional teams as well.

“Those teams are really excited and can’t wait to get here,” said Sebastien Fortier, founder and CEO of OneHockey. “Spending a long American holiday weekend near the California coast is a great tradition everybody wants to experience. But we’re also expecting more teams from around here to be joining us to make this July 4th tournament a true Californian celebration.”

This OneHockey summer classic will be mainly based

at the popular Icetown Rink in Riverside, while some games may to be scheduled at its sister facility in Carlsbad. The Icetown Rink in both communities are year-round arenas owned and operated by the NHL’s L.A. Kings and offer everything from youth and adult hockey to figure skating, sled hockey and broomball.

Players from Southern California as well as the southwest corner of the country are certainly familiar with both twin-sheet locations.

Fortier is even offering teams the opportunity to request to play all or some of their games at the Carlsbad Icetown in order to be closer to the incredible beaches of Southern California. In fact, the locations of both rinks are renowned for their scenic, recreational and cultural attractions.

“We’ve waited a long time to break into California, so we want to make sure all our families have time to explore this incredible part of the country,” said Fortier, the Laguna Hills resident who started OneHockey in 2003. “That’s why we’re going to be holding tournaments in California pretty much every holiday weekend.”

Both the Riverside and Carlsbad communities have special events planned for this Independence Day, including fireworks and other attractions. Meanwhile, the famous LEGOLAND California theme park in Carlsbad regularly offers dozens of rides, displays, and shows but will amp

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up its daily fun on July 4 with some All-American picnic games, all leading up to a fabulous fireworks display.

Fortier operates the 25-plus international events organization year-round from his home office. Not only does the former Montreal Canadiens prospect organize tourneys across the U.S. each year, he annually hosts several OneHockey events in his native Canada as well as Europe. This August, Fortier has also arranged for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for two 2005 all-star clubs from the United States and Canada to play in Moscow thanks to a new partnership with Vladislav Tretiak, current president of the Ice Hockey Federation of Russia and the former legendary goaltender of the Soviet Red Army national squad.

“The OneHockey Experience has spanned the globe now,” Fortier said. “The way we spoil our players and families with a festival-like atmosphere at so many destination locations is appreciated by so many in the sport. And our California events are a huge part of that.”

Besides providing the most entertaining events the industry has to offer, OneHockey intends to make history during Christmas school vacation this year as Fortier’s group embarks on setting a Guinness World Record for hosting the largest tournament ever. OneHockey is partnering with the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association to hold the biggest tourney the sport has ever seen during the Holiday Invite 2018, which will be scattered at arenas across the Great Lakes State. Any California or southwest youth hockey programs interested in being part of this world-record hockey happening should register now at www.onehockey.com.

Open to all youth hockey players LAKINGS.COM/PROCOMPETITION CARubberHockey.com

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TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER

USHL, WHL draft success continues for Jr. Kings

By Brian McDonough

A

s one of the premier youth hockey organizations in all of North America, the Los Angeles Jr. Kings regularly attract scouting attention from elite junior leagues.

This past season was no exception.

Eighteen players with ties to the organization were selected in this year’s United States Hockey League (USHL) Draft and Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft, both of which were conducted earlier this month.

“That’s an impressive number, and these kids and their families have worked extremely hard over the past few seasons to earn that recognition; it’s well-deserved,” said Jr. Kings general manager of hockey operations Nick Vachon. “It’s a credit to our club, too - specifically our coaching staff - for helping develop and expose these promising young athletes to higher levels of the game.”

Eight of the players chosen in the WHL draft, which was reserved for 2003-born players, skated for the Jr. Kings’ Bantam Major team that captured California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) state and Pacific District championships this past season.

Those selected from that USA Hockey Youth Nationals-qualifying squad included: forwards Noah Alvarez (Vancouver Giants, 10th round), Arvega Hovsepyan (Kelowna Rockets, eighth round), Parker Murray (Portland Winterhawks, 10th round) and Ean Somoza (Everett Silvertips, 13th round); defensemen Aidan Hreschuk (Prince George Cougars, fifth round), a Boston College recruit, Paul Minnehan (Tri-City Americans, seventh

round) and Ty Murchison (Portland, third round); and Kaelan Taylor (1999) in the seventh round, and forward Cooper Haar (1999) went three picks later, also goaltender Alex Bonrouhi (Tri-City, 10th round).

Forward Easton Armstrong, who played for the Jr. to Dubuque in the seventh round.

Kings’ Bantam AA1 team this past season, was selected Cedar Rapids chose goaltender Garrett Nieto (1998), a Union College recruit, in the 11th round, and by the Regina Pats in the 10th round.

The Victoria Royals picked forward Chris Alexan- the Fargo Force selected forward Tomas Urbanec der, a former Jr. King, in the eighth round of the draft. (1999) in the 18th round.

The USHL and WHL are widely considered two of the Defenseman Spencer Shugrue, another former Jr. top junior leagues in North America.

King, was selected by the Saskatoon No other circuit trumps the USHL Blades in the ninth round. when it comes to developing players The next week, seven players for NCAA Division I hockey, and both with ties to the Jr. Kings, including forward Thomas Stift, who skated have groomed countless players for for the program’s Midget 15U AAA the professional ranks, including the NHL. team this past season, were selectAnd with the promising level ed in USHL Draft. of young talent continuing to funStift was selected in Phase I nel through the Jr. Kings’ pipeline, of the proceedings, which was reVachon expects more of the same served for 2002 birth-year players, in the coming years as it relates exby the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders in posing and advancing its players to the fourth round. higher levels of the game.

In Phase II of the USHL Draft, “From our Mites all the way which took place the next day and was Noah Alvarez, who will skate for the Los open to all junior-age-eligible players, Angeles Jr. Kings’ 16U AAA team this com- through to our Midgets, our kids are six former Jr. Kings were selected. ing season, was one of 18 players with ties getting the best coaching out there, In the second round, the Des to the organization selected in this year’s and that makes a huge difference,” Moines Buccaneers picked forward USHL and WHL drafts. said Vachon, whose program also Nathan Burke (1998-born), a St. Cloud State Universi- produced 12 USA Hockey National Select Camp invity recruit, while the Omaha Lancers landed forward An- tees this season. “But, in the end, it’s the players and dre Ghantous (1998) in the third round. their families putting in all the hard work and sacrifice and The Dubuque Fighting Saints selected defenseman truly earning their success.”

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SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

Half-dozen Jr. Sharks girls make NCAA, ACHA commitments

By Matt Mackinder

T

he San Jose Jr. Sharks continue to churn out players for the women’s college ranks.

Recently, four players from the Jr. Sharks’ 19U AA girls team and two more from the girls high school squad announced their college destinations for the 2018-19 season.

Forwards Angelina Cruzal (Buffalo State University, majoring in English and Writing, minoring in Photography) and Sierra Donahue (Suffolk University, Psychology) and forward-defenseman Kiley Searles (Suffolk, PreLaw) played on the national runner-up 19U AA team this past season and are off to NCAA Division III schools, while forward Celine Long (University of Colorado-Boulder, Biology and Integrated Physiology) also played on the 19U AA team and is heading to an ACHA D-I institution.

Forwards-defensemen Terynn McNairnie (Biology with an Emphasis in Exercise Science) and Kaitlyn Zaballos skated for the high school team in 2017-18 and both will play ACHA D-I hockey at second-year Grand Canyon University.

“Overall, one of the most important things with all these kids is that they are all homegrown, from our area or within our program,” said Jr. Sharks high school hockey and girls-women’s coordinator Amanda Long. “A couple of them when they were younger started in other spots and a couple started a little later than others, but it’s remarkable for us to see them start when they were playing 8U and playing all the way through our program.

“These schools are starting to recognize us as one

of the top programs in the West and I take great pride in that. None of this happens easily – we still have to put in the work and the time, and we’ll keep doing that. The great thing is seeing these kids not only develop as a hockey player, but also into a young lady.”

Long also discussed each of the six commitments and what they have meant to the Jr. Sharks over their time in the association.

Cruzal: “It’s been great to see her come from playing with the girls at a young age and then transitioning back after playing with the boys for a couple seasons. She did the right thing in making the transition back to girls hockey and has done a great job of finding a spot for herself there.

She’s got great hands, a good shot and is very much a finesse player.”

Donahue: “She’s just such a hardworking kid who doesn’t complain about stuff. She just puts her head down and just goes. She backchecks hard, she forechecks hard, she grinds in the corners. She’s a player that sums up what our program is about. It’s been neat to see her grow since the first time I coached her at 12U.” Searles: “I have fond memories of her when she was really young. She told me she wanted to play for the

Olympic Team. I love that attitude when these kids have big dreams and big goals and a passion for the game.

Kiley has come such a long way since then, overcoming many obstacles.”

Long (no relation): “Celine came to our program as a teenager and I quickly saw potential in her when I was coaching our 16U team. She was playing 14U at the time and played some games with us. She definitely stepped up her game big time and the progress she made in such a short amount of time is huge.”

McNairnie: “She had dreams and goals of playing in college and I told her she needed to find the program that would put her there. She made the decision to join our program, which was her first year playing travel hockey, and she loved it.”

Zaballos: “She was one of our veteran players on our high school team this season.

She had approached me at one point regarding the college hockey process and she took it upon herself to find an opportunity that worked for her school and hockey goals. She’s found a good spot for herself and I think she is very excited to go.” The San Jose Jr. Sharks continue to churn out players for the women’s college ranks.

SJJrSharks.com

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California D-man Demin could shine at June’s NHL Draft in Dallas

By Chris Bayee

T

here is a distinct defensive flavor to the top prospects from California for June’s NHL Draft in Dallas.

Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) defenseman Slava Demin, a 2000 birth year, was rated No. 40 among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its final rankings of the season.

Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) defenseman Jack St. Ivany, a 1999, was rated 119th. Michigan State University center Patrick Khodorenko, a late 1998, was rated 127th.

The 6-foot-2, 187-pound Demin entered the RBC Cup, Canada’s Junior A championship series, with 52 points, including 11 goals, in 77 total games.

That was an increase of 20 points over his rookie season for Wenatchee.

“As an offensive defenseman, he’s a heck of a prospect,” a rival coach said of the former Anaheim Jr. Duck and Wildcat, who has signed a National Letter of Intent to play at the University of Denver starting in the fall. “He’s going to have a great college career and probably a good pro career after that.

“The defensive side to his game needs to catch up, but he’s young and that should come.”

The 6-foot-3, 198-pound St. Ivany went from 10 points in his first season of junior to 39 in 57 USHL games this season. The longtime LA Jr. King and LA Select is committed to Yale University for the 2019-20 season.

Khodorenko, who played for several clubs, is among the Californians who are already playing college hockey that have a chance to be selected. The 6-foot, 206-pounder had 32 points (13 goals) in 36 games as a sophomore for the Spartans.

Another is University of Minnesota forward Brannon McManus, a 1999 who played for the LA Selects, and goes 5-10 and 180. McManus had nine points as a freshman for the Gophers after two solid seasons in the USHL and a couple of spectacular ones (120 and 86 points) at Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep in Minnesota.

There were six players with ties to the state selected at the 2017 draft.

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

Great Park ICE, Five Points Arena opening this November

By THE RINKS Staff

“I

f you build it, they will come!”

With hockey in Southern California bursting at the seams, the sport faces one problem hindering its growth – there is not enough ice to keep up with the demand.

“What’s limiting the participation in all of our (hockey) programs that we have is availability of ice time,” said Anaheim Ducks owner Henry Samueli. “All of our leagues are jammed from morning to night. We can’t grow any of these programs any further without additional ice capacity.”

To address the problem, last year the Anaheim Ducks announced the plans to introduce a four-sheet ice facility at the Great Park in Irvine. Samueli and his wife, Susan Samueli, joined on stage by Ducks CEO Michael Schulman and Irvine mayor Donald P. Wagner, helped kick off construction of the 280,000 square-foot complex, dropped the first ceremonial puck for the Great Park ICE and Five Points Arena at the facility’s groundbreaking ceremony.

The sports complex will be the official practice facility of the Ducks and is set to be the largest of its kind in California – and one of the largest in the country.

While the day helped to stir up the buzz and ex-

citement for the future of Southern California hockey, it was only a start.

“Today’s good,” Wagner told the crowd back in Feb. 2017. “Today’s the ice-breaking, today’s the groundbreaking, but really make sure you come back when we cut the ribbon on this absolute-

ly fantastic facility in 2018.”

Fast forward to today, and that ribbon-cutting ceremony is closer than ever. Scheduled to open later this year, the area looks much different today than it did just a year ago. Up is the building’s framework and roof making it visible from the always-busy

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I-5 freeway. Inside, the facility has begun to take shape, with each of the rinks outfitted for grandstands and locker rooms. Completion is expected within a matter of months and the projected opening is this coming November.

“It is really hard not to get excited when you see the progress that’s been made,” said THE RINKS director of marketing Jesse Chatfield. “On the day the complex broke ground, we couldn’t wait to start playing. I think we all wanted to see the building up the very next day, so it has been great to see each step of the process get completed. Looking at it now, you realize how close we are to introducing four new sheets to an area that desperately needed it.

“Sometimes, that November date still seems far away, but each time we make a visit to the site, the reality is that November is much closer than it seems.”

The $100 million complex will offer a variety of ice sports, including youth and adult hockey, figure skating, broomball, curling, sled hockey and public skating.

Meanwhile, the Five Points Arena will have a seating capacity of 2,500 spectators, making it an ideal location for big games, competitions and tournaments, including the 2019 USA Hockey Girls Tier I National Championship next April.

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Junior leagues drop a 10-spot on Jr. Ducks during May drafts

By Chris Bayee

A

total of eight current and former Anaheim Jr. Ducks players were selected in the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Phase I and II Drafts on May 7-8, while two more went in the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Bantam Draft on May 3.

Defenseman Kobe Pane was picked in the Phase I draft by Central Illinois in the 10th round (145th overall). Pane was a member of the Midget 16U team that won bronze at the Tier I USA Hockey Youth Nationals last month and had 19 points in 36 Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) games.

Seven more players were selected in the Phase II Draft, including forward Andre Ghantous, whom Omaha picked in the third round (35th overall). Ghantous scored 58 points for Trail (BCHL). Forward Patrick Choi was selected in the ninth round (147th overall) by Omaha. Choi had 56 points (24 goals) for Syracuse of the NCDC. Goaltender Garrett Nieto went in the 11th round (168th) to Cedar Rapids.

Nieto had a 25-7-2 record with a 2.00 GAA and a .929 save percentage for Janesville (NAHL).

Defenseman Nolan McElhaney went to Muskegon in the fourth round (58th overall) and forward Cooper Haar was taken by Dubuque in the seventh round (108th overall). McElhaney had 47 points in 32 games for Cushing Academy, while Haar had 33 points for Bismarck (NAHL).

A couple of Pane’s teammates were also taken – forward Joseph Harguindeguy by Muskegon in the 14th round (222nd overall) and forward Jonathan Panisa

by Central Illinois in the 15th round (229th overall). Harguindeguy had 35 points in 36 T1EHL games, while Panisa had 26 points in 36 games.

In addition, the WHL selections were forward Benjamin Palmerscheim, who was taken by Kamloops in the eighth round (176th overall) and former Jr. Ducks defenseman Ross Roloson, who went in the 10th round (200th overall) to Victoria.

JrDucks.com

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HOCKEYSHOT

Synthetic Ice Skating Series - Part 3 of 3 – Stops

W

elcome back to the Synthetic Ice Skating Series!

In Part 3, HockeyShot Skating Sensei Jim Vitale and Bench Boss Jeremy Rupke explain the very important skill of stopping.

As every hockey player knows, this frozen sport is very fast and there are a lot of stops and starts. We hope you pick up a few things from this article that will improve your game on the ice and have you spraying the goalie in no time. * Just kidding. Please don’t do that. * Let’s get started: Vitale believes that “stopping is more of a state of mind than it is a physical activity.”

Players who have trouble stopping panic when they feel the ice pushing against them. This can send you into a panic with the brain not recognizing what is occurring, but you can learn to master the ice by learning how to stop properly.

Getting low as you stop is the most important first step because it allows you to gain control of the natural forces surrounding you. Dropping your weight makes your blades sink into the ice. It’s the pressure you need to counter-balance the force of the ice pushing against your feet.

When Vitale is coaching youth hockey players on how to properly stop, he gets them to stop and then to swivel to maintain proper balance. Pivoting is a great way to train your balance to know how to stop on the ice.

T h e trick is to do both at the same time.

Jim stresses the importance of not getting discouraged, because most will not be good at both ways, at

least initially.

Rupke, being a man of many reviews had to ask: “How much does stopping on Synthetic Ice relate to stopping on real ice?”

Vitale’s response: “You can really come to a full stop with the same type of resistance. The main difference is getting started again, which is about 15 percent friction compared to 10 percent once you get moving.”

This concludes our three-part Synthetic Ice Skating Series!

We would like to thank Jim Vitale from Vital Hockey Skills for leading this program. He has been coaching for over 25 years and has run successful hockey camps for years to improve hockey players’ training and skills to develop them for the next level.

We hope you enjoyed reading the last three issues, and we look forward to sharing more hockey tips with you in July!

Remember, for all the best hockey training products, including Synthetic Ice - Revolution Tiles and Extreme Glide Synthetic Ice, visit www.HOCKEYSHOT.com

www.HockeyShot.com

FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS $150+ USE PROMO-CODE: FREESHIP1

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NEVADA REPORT ECHL summer meetings, job fair Expansion Golden Knights wow coming to Las Vegas next month NHL with record-breaking season

By Matt Mackinder

By Phillip Brents

T

T

he ECHL is coming to Las Vegas.

While a second pro hockey team heading to Nevada isn’t happening, the ECHL summer meetings will be held in Las Vegas from June 18-22 at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino.

The event will host the League’s Board of Governors’ meeting, presidents and general managers’ meeting, seventh annual ECHL “Get Your Start in Sports Sales” career fair with TeamWork Online, the CCM/ECHL vendors’ showcase and two days of sales, marketing and communications meetings.

“Building off the rebranding success of last year’s meetings, we look forward to continuing to extend the reach of our meetings to the hockey community,” said ECHL COO Ryan Crelin. “To help us take this to the next level, we have partnered with Fevo, which is the perfect platform for this event.

“Through Fevo’s social amplification technology, we are able to invite all of our guests to join our event with the click of a button – just like our fans do for our games.”

The ECHL summer meetings will see participants from all 27 ECHL member teams, as well as representatives and guest speakers from other hockey leagues throughout North America, including the Southern Professional Hockey League, United States Hockey League, National Women’s Hockey League, American Hockey League and NHL. “ECHL games are best enjoyed with friends and we’re empowering fans to pay for their tickets, invite friends and enjoy the game together in three simple clicks. No longer does one person have to take on the cost for everyone in their group,” said Ari Daie, CEO and president at Fevo, the presenting sponsor of the five-day event. “We are digitizing existing assets like pictures on the ice or scoreboard messages for the first time and enabling teams to generate buzz that leads to the group going viral. Our partners also get a better understanding of who is coming to their events and who is bringing out the most friends.”

he Vegas Golden Knights shocked the hockey world by setting a seemingly unending list of records in 2017-18 for an NHL expansion team.

The Golden Knights, built with NHL retreads, promising young prospects obtained though the NHL Expansion Draft and cunning trades by general manager George McPhee, finished with a remarkable 51-24-7 regular season record and 109 points to win the NHL’s Pacific Division and get to the Western Conference Final in just their first year on the ice.

The 109 points placed the Golden Knights fifth best overall in the 31-team NHL – eight points behind the Nashville Predators, the top team in the league.

Only the Predators and the Winnipeg Jets (114 points) had better records in the Western Conference than Vegas. Only the Tampa Bay Lightning (113 points) and Boston Bruins (112 points) had better records in the Eastern Conference than the Golden Knights.

Vegas won its inaugural NHL game – a 2-1 win over the host Dallas Stars – and set a league record for an expansion team by winning its first three games of the season. The Golden Knights set another league record for an expansion team by winning eight of its first nine games.

Other records by an expansion team followed: The team won eight consecutive wins from Dec. 14-Jan. 2 and recorded 34 wins in its first 50 games.

On Feb. 21, the Golden Knights recorded the most points in an inaugural season with 84.

On March 26, Vegas became the first team since the Edmonton Oilers and Hartford Whalers (refugees from the World Hockey Association) to make the playoffs in their first year.

On March 31, the Golden Knights became the first true expansion team in the four major sports to win its division in its inaugural season. The team had led the Pacific Division since Dec. 23.

The Golden Knights averaged 18,042 fans in the regular season – 103.9 percent of capacity.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Preparing for hockey tryouts: What you need to understand T

ryout season can be almost as stressful as the regular season.

Players are jockeying for positions, coaches are searching for the right players to fill their squad and parents are trying to understand what would be best for their son or daughter. Leading up to tryouts, there are things players can do to make sure they are as prepared as possible for a good showing when the time comes.

Understanding your strengths and weaknesses is a big key in Chris Phillips deciding how to prepare to compete at your best during this time of year. Speak with past coaches and coaches you wish to play for and get their opinion on what you need to work on. During pre-draft skates, compare yourself to some others. Look at what you feel you are good at and what you feel others may be better at. This will give you a good look at your strengths and weaknesses.

Now it’s time to work specifically on your weaknesses to make them your strengths.

It may be your skating that needs improvement or your shooting or stickhandling that needs to be fine tuned. Schedule a lesson to work on these things to improve your game, but don’t think the lessons alone will make you better. You will need to work at it on your own. Go to public skate or stick time to hone your skills, stickhandle in the garage or go shoot at a local roller rink or home net. These are all ways to make your self better and, believe it or not, are done by most high-level players.

The next thing is to get stronger and faster off the ice. Whether you get involved with a formal off-ice program or start doing some strength and speed work on your own, this will be a big factor on your success.

The tryout season can be stressful, but take a deep breath and put in the work to be prepared to compete at your best.

Chris Phillips is a certified athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist and owner of Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Southern California. Chris was the athletic trainer for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, Washington Capitals and 2002 Team USA Men’s National Team.

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ST. MARY’S HIGH SCHOOL

Leadership at St. Mary’s starts with Brusa, Lichter

By Matt Mackinder

J

im Brusa and Adam Lichter are two esteemed individuals at St. Mary’s High School in Stockton that hold down heightened positions.

Brusa is the school’s president, while Lichter serves as the school’s athletic director.

And both are 100 percent on board with not only the school’s motto of “Be who you are and be that well,” but also with the up-and-coming hockey program being headed up by Derek Eisler.

“Athletics are a key component to a well-rounded student in which we prepare here at St. Mary’s,” said Lichter. “They are a platform for our students to learn valuable lessons not only in sports, but life in general.

While striving to win, students learn about spirituality, discipline, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship – all of which contribute to their development to become the best version of themselves.

“To be successful in athletics you need to learn from failures and be gracious winners.”

Brusa noted that the hockey program will allow the school to provide San Joaquin County with numerous opportunities, among them the chance to grow the game alongside SMG Stockton, the Stockton Colts Hockey Club and the AHL’s Stockton Heat.

“It will allow local kids to stay close to home rather than moving away to academy programs or getting in the car after school to travel an hour or two one way to club programs in the Bay Area or Vacaville,” Brusa said. “It also allows us to meet a niche in hockey that is

not really being provided in club hockey by building a program that can compete at the AAA level. Tying our school’s mission and hockey together allows students and parents to have confidence that school comes first.

They won’t be missing a lot of school time to play hockey. Hockey, like all sports at St. Mary’s, must put the student first.”

Tuition at the school and hockey costs allows St. Mary’s to compete financially and have a big advantage

Jim Brusa

Adam Lichter

over other hockey academies in cost. Brusa said tuition costs are half the cost of other schools that provide hockey.

“St. Mary’s is a 140-year-old institution that has been built on Christian values and providing a college prep opportunity,” said Brusa. “Today, academics don’t always get much press compared to athletics, but it is academics and our faith that separate us from all the other schools.”

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On the hockey end of the spectrum, Lichter said Eisler is the right person to lead the program out of the gate.

“With any successful team, you need a leader that sets the foundation for the program and it is our mission to find a coach who will honor the values of the school,” Lichter said. “Finding a successful coach that will be a mentor to our student-athletes is a priority of St. Mary’s and the athletic department. I feel we have found the perfect fit with Derek Eisler. His 30 years of coaching experience has taken him from youth hockey to junior hockey to the pros and to international teams – talk about an impressive resume. Most importantly, though, Derek is a family man who cares about the well-being of his players and is genuinely passionate about the sport.”

“I learned long ago that great teams and programs are built by people,” added Brusa. “It’s the people that make a program. Derek Eisler is that person.”

As St. Mary’s is a Christian values-based institution, Lichter said that above all else, spirituality will also be the top priority at the school.

“We live by the words of St. Francis De Sales – ‘Be who you are and be that well,’” said Lichter. “We also utilize the John Wooden pyramid of success when working with our athletes as well as coaches. The pyramid emphasizes several key points and at the base of the pyramid is hard work, friendship, loyalty, cooperation and enthusiasm. The time we invest in our coaches as well as our student-athletes is crucial.

“Our faith is our foundation here at St. Mary’s High School.”

Saddleback College returns to WCRHL, wins national title

By Phillip Brents

T

welve teams from the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) competed at the 2018 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) national championship tournament April 1115 in Fargo, N.D. The Junior College Division championship game turned out to be an all-California matchup as Saddleback College edged West Valley College, last year’s national champion, 3-2, in comeback fashion to claim bragging rights to this year’s national championship title.

“It was a great weekend in Fargo,” explained Saddleback club president George Godinez, who earned the first star award in the national championship game with a hat trick.

“West Valley and our school were the strongest teams in the JC Division. We did not want to go home early empty-handed.”

The Gauchos now have a national championship banner to bear witness to the team’s successful return to active status following a three-year hiatus.

“The Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League is excited and proud to have the last two Junior College national champions,” WCRHL director and NCRHA executive director Brennan Edwards stated.

The two California teams were the favorites coming into the tournament, so it was no surprise when they met in the title game.

West Valley took a 2-0 lead on a pair of power-play goals by Matt Swanson before Saddleback began to chip away, getting two goals from Godinez in the second period and the game-winner from Godinez on a power play in the third period.

“During the national anthem, you could see the differences on the rosters, with Saddleback having about twice as many players,” Edwards noted. “This proved to be the difference down the stretch as a short bench can only last so long.”

“Unfortunately, we came to Fargo with only seven skaters as one of our players could not make it last minute,” Swanson added. “Saddleback is a fast team and we just could not make it happen in the third

Southern California’s Saddleback College celebrated its return to active playing status by winning the Junior College Division national champion title at April’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championship tournament in Fargo, N.D.

period. It was a good game with lots of battles, but we came up short.”

Five teams competed in this year’s JC Division in Fargo.

West Valley edged Saddleback 3-2 in overtime to finish first in the round-robin standings with a 4-0 record while Saddleback finished second with a 3-00-1 record.

In the semifinals, Saddleback defeated third-

seeded Henry Ford College from Dearborn, Mich., 6-2, while West Valley eliminated fourth-seeded St. Louis Community College 8-1.

The championship game matchup was the fourth meeting between the WCRHL rivals on the season.

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

Godinez’s second goal, a power-play marker set up by Jared Smer and Ruslan Patterson, came with five seconds to play in the second period.

Riley Hummitsch and Jackson Faught drew the assists on what proved to be the game-winning goal with just under four minutes to play in the game.

Leks Zendejas stopped 19 of 21 shots to post the win between the pipes.

The Vikings had scored a pair of power-play goals in tipping Saddleback in overtime in the round-robin.

“Both West Valley and our team played a very calm and possession game,” Godinez assessed. “I think penalties are what killed both of the schools. They capitalized on two power-play goals (in the roundrobin) and so did we (in the final).

“Overall, it was a fast, hard-fought, patient game and I just happened to be in the right position to score the goals for my team. It was a very surreal moment when the clock was winding down and the buzzer went off.”

Faught led Saddleback (16-5-0-1 overall) in season scoring with 32 points, followed by Hummitsch (28 points), Godinez (23 points), Patterson (22 points) and Spencer Gaalaas (21 points).

Joseph Kubani led West Valley (13-6-0-3 overall) in season scoring with 56 points, followed by Swanson (55 points).

WCRHL teams show their mettle at collegiate nationals

By Phillip Brents

S

uccess by teams from the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) was apparent throughout this year’s 54-team National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) national championship tournament.

Eight teams from California and four from Arizona represented the WCRHL April 11-15 in Fargo, N.D. Eight of the 12 teams won at least one playoff game, with two teams – Southern California’s Saddleback College and Northern California’s West Valley College -- meeting in the Junior College Division championship game.

“There were some great results in round robin, especially in Division I and Division II,” explained Brennan Edwards, who serves as both WCRHL director and NCRHA executive director. “Division III was tough, even for the top two WCRHL Division III teams, as the top three teams (on the national level) are very good.”

The University of Arizona (Division I), UC Santa Barbara (Division I), Northern Arizona University (Division II), University of Arizona (Division II), Cal Poly Pomona (Division II) and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (Division III) all won at least one playoff game.

NAU advanced as far as the Division II semifinals while ASU (Division I and Division III), UC Santa Barbara, Arizona, Pomona and Cal Poly each advanced as far as the quarterfinals in their respective divisions.

Saddleback defeated West Valley to win this year’s JC Division title.

NAU ended its run with a loss to the Rochester Institute of Technology, the eventual Division II champion, while UC Santa Barbara ended its run with a loss to Lindenwood University, the eventual Division I runner-up.

Pomona ended its season with a 4-3 loss to Fargo, including a perfect 3-0 record in pool play prior to Northeastern, the eventual Division II runner-up. the elimination rounds.

“Cal Poly Pomona is a gritty team, and they get the “UCSB did great in pool play and defeated a very job done,” Edwards noted. “They had a big playoff win good West Chester team 6-2 in their first playoff game,” against Denver (7-1 in the first round) and also a big Edwards said. “After that, they ran into Lindenwood, playoff win against San Jose State (2-1 in the Sweet the eventual runner up. UCSB scored first in the game Sixteen), and they only against LU, but Lindenwood lost to Northeastern (in the took over from there and quarterfinals), the eventual scored five goals to win runner up, by one goal. the game (5-2). Running “They are often outshot, two lines against a LU team but their goaltender plays a that is three lines deep is strong game and their main tough to overcome and goal-scoring is capitalizing gets harder throughout the on turnovers, not just due to game.” throwing more shots on the Alta Loma native Trevor net, so they convert their Riffey helped guide high quality chances – a NAU deep into this year’s smart team, well coached, tournament with 14 goals disciplined as well.” and 18 points in six games.

Pomona’s Derrick “They (the Lumberjacks) Rosas topped Division II have the biggest, deepest in pool-round scoring with bench of all WCRHL six goals and 12 points in Division II teams and they three games. He finished went deep into the playoffs, the Broncos’ six games in as they should have,” Fargo with eight goals and Edwards noted. “Losing to 20 points, including five Cal Poly Pomona proved to be one of the pleasant surprises from the national champion RIT the Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League as the Broncos adpoints in the playoff win vanced as far as the Division II quarterfinals at April’s National by a score of 6-3 is nothing over Denver.

Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championship tour- to hang your head at, and UC Santa Barbara, nament in Fargo, N.D. Photo/NCRHA it seemed that they threw paced by WCRHL scoring wizard Kevin Mooney (who everything they could at the net. They’ll be graduating collected seven goals and 17 points in five games at this some top talent, but hopefully getting some new blood year’s NCRHA tournament), compiled a 4-1 record in to continue the NAU tradition.”

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2017-18 CALIFORNIA/NEVADA ALUMNI E-mail all additions, deletions and corrections to alumni@rubberhockey.com

CALIFORNIA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Chase Balisy (Fullerton) – Florida Panthers Beau Bennett (Gardena) – St. Louis Blues Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Winnipeg Jets Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Chicago Blackhawks Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor) – Colorado Avalanche Nic Kerdiles (Irvine) – Anaheim Ducks Alec Martinez (Santa Clara) – Los Angeles Kings Stefan Matteau – Vegas Golden Knights !

Kevan Miller (Los Angeles) – Boston Bruins Matt Nieto (Long Beach) – Colorado Avalanche Andrew Oglevie (Fullerton) – Buffalo Sabres Gustav Olofsson – Minnesota Wild !

Brooks Orpik (San Francisco) – Washington Capitals Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators Nolan Stevens – St. Louis Blues % Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – Buffalo Sabres Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild * AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Sena Acolatse (Hayward) – Providence Bruins Mitch Callahan (Whittier) – Bakersfield Condors Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) – San Jose Barracuda 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 Miles Koules (Los Angeles) – Cleveland Monsters Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim) – Iowa Wild Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Marlies Tyler Moy (San Diego) – Milwaukee Admirals Brett Sterling (Los Angeles) – Chicago Wolves Scooter Vaughan (Placentia) – Chicago Wolves Evan Weinger (El Segundo) – San Jose Barracuda ECHL Kyle Bigos (Upland) – Jacksonville IceMen Dennis Brown (Cypress) – Tulsa Oilers Matt Caito (Coto de Caza) – Rapid City Rush Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) – Fort Wayne Komets Chase Golightly (Temecula) – Reading Royals Ben Greiner (Newport Beach) – Norfolk Admirals Garrett Haar (Huntington Beach) – Utah Grizzlies Dennis Kravchenko (San Clemente) – Fort Wayne Komets Matt Leitner (Los Alamitos) – Manchester Monarchs Brandon Marino (Riverside) – Brampton Beast Michael McNicholas (Manhattan Beach) – Indy Fuel Darren Nowick (Long Beach) – Kansas City Mavericks Sean O’Rourke (Alta Loma) – Kalamazoo Wings Austin Ortega (Escondido) – Utah Grizzlies Zach Pochiro – Allen Americans % Scott Savage (San Clemente) – Jacksonville IceMen Eric Shand (San Dimas) - Atlanta Gladiators Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Adirondack Thunder Justin Woods – Jacksonville IceMen + SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE David Gandara (Canyon Lake) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Daniel Gentzler (Hermosa Beach) – Macon Mayhem Brendan Jensen (El Granada) – Evansville Thunderbolts Taylor Love (Mission Viejo) – Fayetteville Marksmen Mitchell Mueller (Bakersfield) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Jeff Sanders (San Jose) – Macon Mayhem Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) – Mississippi RiverKings John Siemer (Baldwin Park) – Macon Mayhem Matt Zenzola (San Diego) – Fayetteville Marksmen FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Justin Apcar-Blaszak (Valley Village) – Carolina Thunderbirds Daniel Chang (Woodland Hills) – Carolina Thunderbirds Josh Colten (Los Angeles) – Port Huron Prowlers Matt Graham (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Branden Parkhouse (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Sean Reynolds (Covina) – Danville Dashers EUROPE Taylor Aronson (Placentia) – Germany Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Russia Anthony Caruso (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Sweden Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) – Switzerland Emerson Etem (Long Beach) – Switzerland Shane Harper (Valencia) – Russia Josh Harris (Torrance) – Sweden Ryan Hollweg (Downey) – Czech Republic Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) – Russia Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) – Sweden Colin Long (Santa Ana) – Italy Kyle MacKinnon (Walnut) – Germany Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) – Sweden 22

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Brian Salcido (Hermosa Beach) – Sweden Liam Stewart (Hermosa Beach) – United Kingdom C.J. Stretch (Irvine) – Germany Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) – Austria Casey Wellman (Brentwood) – Russia Matt White (Whittier) - Germany NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaliya Johnson – Boston Pride $ Kourtney Kunichika (Fullerton) – Buffalo Beauts Elena Orlando (Chico) – Connecticut Whale CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Elizabeth Aveson (West Covina) – Boston Blades Chelsea Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Boston Blades Rachel Llanes (San Jose) – Kunlun Red Star

Kayla Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – St. Lawrence University Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – St. Lawrence University Tia Stoddard (La Mesa) – Clarkson University HOCKEY EAST Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) – Boston College Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) – University of New Hampshire WCHA Tatum Coats (Lakewood) – St. Cloud State University Leila Kilduff (San Jose) – Minnesota State University Annie Pankowski (Laguna Hills) – University of Wisconsin Aubrey Pritchett (Orange) – St. Cloud State University

COLLEGE HOCKEY

D-I INDEPENDENT Anna Estes (Whittier) – Post University Gabby Monaco (La Verne) – St. Anselm College Kalena Mueller (San Ramon) – Post University

NCAA DIVISION I – MEN

NCAA DIVISION III – MEN

ATLANTIC HOCKEY Chris Buchanan (San Jose) – Bentley University Jake Hamacher (Corona) – Rochester Institute of Technology Trevin Kozlowski (Valecia) – U.S. Military Academy Trevor Maruya (Westchester) – U.S. Military Academy Jared Pike – American International College % Blake Weyrick (Los Angeles) – Canisius College

CCC David Anderson (Stevenson Ranch) – Nichols College Matt Audet (Campbell) – Western New England University Paul Boutoussov (Dana Point) – Salve Regina University Adam Canepa (Santa Cruz) – University of New England Cody Foster (Saugus) – Becker College Garrett Geane (Fullerton) – Wentworth Institute of Technology Carter Horwitz (Tustin) – Endicott College Evan Nyhus (Dove Canyon) – Nichols College Haroutiun Sarkisian (Encino) – Nichols College Evan Schmidbauer (San Diego) – Salve Regina University Joseph Thielen (Huntington Beach) – Curry College

BIG TEN Will Johnson (Santa Barbara) – University of Wisconsin Patrick Khodorenko (Walnut Creek) – Michigan State University Brannon McManus (Newport Beach) – University of Minnesota Dakota Raabe (Capistrano Beach) – University of Michigan Jake Slaker (San Diego) – University of Michigan ECAC Max Becker (Orange) – Princeton University Arthur Brey (Yorba Linda) – St. Lawrence University Brett Gervais (Corona) – Clarkson University Alec McCrea (El Cajon) – Cornell University Alec Mehr (Los Angeles) – Brown University Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Brown University HOCKEY EAST Niko Hildenbrand (Vacaville) – University of Massachusetts Matt O’Donnell (Fountain Valley) – University of Vermont Nikolas Olsson (Escondido) – Boston University Ryan Ruck (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Eetu Selanne (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Ryan Tait (Santa Clarita) – Providence College Josh Wilkins – Providence College % NCHC Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) – University of Denver Lawton Courtnall (Westlake Village) – Western Michigan University Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) – University of Denver Grant Gallo (San Diego) – University of Nebraska-Omaha Jack Gates (Oceanside) – Colorado College Robby Jackson (Alameda) – St. Cloud State University Ben Lown (Newport Coast) – Miami University Tyson McLellan (San Jose) – University of Denver Patrick Newell (Thousand Oaks) – St. Cloud State University Ryan Orgel (El Segundo) – University of Denver Rourke Russell (Long Beach) – Miami University Ryan Siroky (Manhattan Beach) – Miami University Brian Williams (San Diego) – Colorado College WCHA Niko DellaMaggiore (Gilroy) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Brendan Harris – Bemidji State University + Nate Kallen (San Diego) – Ferris State University Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach) – Northern Michigan University Nicholas Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Minnesota State University Tyler Rockwell (San Jose) – Michigan Tech University Ethan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Bemidji State University Filip Starzynski – Northern Michigan University %

MASCAC Connor Cooley (Simi Valley) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Khalil East (Los Angeles) – Worcester State University Drake Longaker (San Jose) – Plymouth State University Cameron Mack (Long Beach) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Connor McPherson (Lancaster) – Fitchburg State University Kyle Orgel (El Segundo) – Plymouth State University Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills) – Worcester State University Nicholas Short (Los Angeles) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Cody Slocum (Temecula) – Worcester State University MIAC Peter Barral (Berkeley) – Bethel University Don Carter (Antioch) – Hamline University Noah Griffith (Bakersfield) – Concordia University Chandler Madry (Bakersfield) – Augsburg College Dallas Marvin (Newbury Park) – Bethel University Nick Nast (Oxnard) – St. Mary’s University Kyle Rimbach (Encinitas) – St. Olaf College Cole Souto (Yorba Linda) – St. John’s University Alex Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University Christian Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University J.T. Walters (Escondido) – Gustavus Adolphus College NCHA Rock Boynton (Lomita) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Lonnie Clary (Riverside) – Marian University Zach Feldman (San Diego) – Lake Forest College Kyle Gonzalez (Chino Hills) – Northland College Curran Klein (Palm Desert) – Finlandia University David Marabella (Clovis) – Milwaukee School of Engineering James Mathias (Ontario) – Marian University Connor Melton (Chico) – Northland College Danny O’Donnell (Ventura) – Aurora University Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) – Aurora University Chris Timm (Dublin) – Trine University Nick Trefry (Upland) – Northland College Quinton Wunder (Simi Valley) – Lake Forest College

CHA Hannah England (Simi Valley) – Penn State University Lillian Marchant (Tustin) – Lindenwood University Baylee Trani (Huntington Beach) – Rochester Institute of Technology

NEHC Coby Downs (Montclair) – Norwich University Conor Ferrera (Trabuco Canyon) – University of Southern Maine Keenan Haase (Mission Viejo) – New England College David MacGregor (Azusa) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Ryan Ng (Manhattan Beach) – Castleton State University Bryce Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – New England College Adam Papayoanou (Valencia) – University of Southern Maine Will Platt (San Francisco) – New England College Mark Shroyer (Fresno) – Castleton State University Corey Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Castleton State University

ECAC Katherine Beaumier – Clarkson University $ Bailey Bennett (Gardena) – Colgate University Hana DeClerck (Menlo Park) – Brown University Keiko DeClerck (San Jose) – Princeton University Kara Drexler (Manhattan Beach) – Yale University Kendra Farole (Irvine) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lydia Grauer – St. Lawrence University $ Christina Kao (Huntington Beach) – Yale University Keely Moy (San Diego) – Harvard University

NESCAC Nick Balboa (San Francisco) – Tufts University Ryan Glantz (Tarzana) – Connecticut College Chad Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Tufts University Evan Johnson (Huntington Beach) – Williams College Sean Lawrence (Granite Bay) – Colby College Marcus Mollica (Dove Canyon) – Williams College Sean Ross (San Diego) – Wesleyan University Oliver Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Tufts University Theo Tydingco (Newark) – Wesleyan University

NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

NORTHEAST-10 Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce University SUNYAC Max Blitz (Chino Hills) – Fredonia State University Mike Freeman (Rancho Cucamonga) – Fredonia State University Paul Fregeau (Los Angeles) – Cortland State University Doc Gentzler (Manhattan Beach) – Brockport State University Carson Kelley (Portola Valley) – Geneseo State University Jasper Korican-Barlay (Oakland) – Fredonia State University Sean Lincoln (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Brockport State University Luke Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Fredonia State University Zac Sikich (Oak Park) – Brockport State University Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) – Potsdam State University UCHC Cory Anderson (Bakersfield) – Manhattanville College Andrew Frojelin (San Jose) – Manhattanville College Brian Hodges (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University Manuel Mancha (Rosemead) – Chatham University Aaron Murray (Chino) – Stevenson University T.J. Sneath (Chino) – Lebanon Valley College Felix Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Lebanon Valley College Jordan Watt (Riverside) – Stevenson University Chase Wilson (Riverside) – Lebanon Valley College Colin Woods (Yorba Linda) – Stevenson University WIAC Nicholas Klishko (San Diego) – University of Wisconsin-Superior D-III INDEPENDENT Devin Day (Fontana) – Post University Alec Grollman (Laguna Niguel) – Bryn Athyn College Kyle Matsumoto (Walnut) – Canton State University NCAA DIVISION III – WOMEN COLONIAL HOCKEY Madison Maloney (Clovis) – Becker College Cameron Payne (Rancho Cucamonga) – Becker College Ally Stout (Stockton) – Canton State University Anastasia Thompson (Riverside) – Becker College Jensen Wurm (Arvada) – Nichols College MIAC Valerie Brown (San Martin) – St. Thomas University Jessica Jones (El Cajon) – St. Mary’s University NCHA Jacqueline Audet (Campbell) – Lake Forest College Rachael Goodrow (Rancho Santa Margarita) – St. Norbert College Abby Kolek (San Marcos) – Finlandia University Julieana Tarantino (San Diego) – Lake Forest College NEHC Alexandra Anderson (San Anselmo) – Salve Regina University Taylor Chisholm (Discovery Bay) – Salve Regina University Maria Coleman (Garden Grove) – Salve Regina University Mackenzie Kennedy (Brea) – Plymouth State University Brooke Maggy (Alhambra) – Plymouth State University Maisie Tatum-Borich (Newport Beach) – New England College Tara Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – New England College NESCAC Colleen Castro (Redwood City) – Wesleyan University Kai-Lilly Karpman (Playa del Rey) – Trinity College Candace Lu (Studio City) – Williams College Alicia Nickolenko (Encinitas) – Wesleyan University Sarah Takahashi (Pleasanton) – Wesleyan University Emily Williams (Fallbrook) – Hamilton College NEWHL Emily Burke (San Jose) – Potsdam State University Bri Carroll – Buffalo State University $ Eva Kristof (Pleasanton) – Cortland State University Justine Silva (El Monte) – Buffalo State University Laura Thacker (San Jose) – Oswego State University Samantha White (Oceanside) – Potsdam State University Olivia Wilburn (Stockton) – Cortland State University UCHC Mary Deyell (Glendale) – King’s College Devyn Gilman (Yorba Linda) – Elmira College Bella Hanson – Elmira College $ Victoria Lahey (Redwood City) – Lebanon Valley College Kristi Peters (Newport Beach) – Manhattanville College Savannah Sommers (Corona) – Stevenson University Amy Templeman (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Lebanon Valley College Tristen Tolan – Elmira College $ CANADIAN UNIVERSITY Keanu Yamamoto – McGill University %

JUNIOR HOCKEY ALBERTA JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Sam Anzai (Los Angeles) – Drayton Valley Thunder Michael Boutoussov (Anaheim) – Drayton Valley Thunder John Elliott (Lakewood) – Drayton Valley Thunder Landon Pavlisin (Orange) – Camrose Kodiaks Lucas Yovetich (Los Angeles) – Fort McMurray Oil Barons

Luke Richesin (Clovis) – Great Falls Americans Owen Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Granite City Lumberjacks Jacob Takashima (Torrance) – Willmar WarHawks

BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Brandon Bergado (San Jose) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Daniel Chladek (Anaheim) – Wenatchee Wild Slava Demin (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Zak Galambos (Walnut Creek) – Wenatchee Wild Andre Ghantous (Glendale) – Trail Smoke Eaters Nicholas Kent (Ladera Ranch) – Wenatchee Wild Gregg Lee (Aliso Viejo) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jack Lippis (Mission Viejo) – Coquitlam Express Jacob Modry (El Segundo) – Wenatchee Wild Luc Salem (Los Angeles) – Prince George Spruce Kings Chad Sasaki (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Paul Selleck (Laguna Hills) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles) – Wenatchee Wild Julian Timba (Oceanside) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Jared Turcotte (Moorpark) – Chilliwack Chiefs Drake Usher (Upland) – Wenatchee Wild Jackson Wozniak (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild

QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Matthew Boucher (Los Angeles) – Quebec Remparts

CENTRAL CANADA HOCKEY LEAGUE Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) – Pembroke Lumber Kings EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Hayden Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Tanner Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Dakota Delbridge (Tracy) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Ethan Gill (Santa Clarita) – New England Wolves John Grealish (Bakersfield) – Boston Jr. Rangers Nicholas Harris (Glendale) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Shawn Horner (Santa Clara) – New Hampshire Avalanche Eric Phillips (Orange County) - Walpole Express Bryan Verna (Lake Forest) – New England Wolves Eric Wright (San Diego) – Walpole Express GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Christopher Maghakian (Santa Clarita) – Northumberland Stars Spencer Taylor (Venice) – Tillsonburg Hurricanes Jarrett Townsend (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Northumberland Stars KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Trevor Dilauro (Huntington Beach) – Spokane Braves Campbell Jackson (Hermosa Beach) – Spokane Braves NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Jake Acton (Livermore) – Corpus Christi IceRays Nathan Burke - Aberdeen Wings % Connor Chilton (Simi Valley) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Jared Christy (Cypress) – Odessa Jackalopes Jayson Dimizio (Goleta) – Corpus Christi IceRays Josh Fricks (Laguna Niguel) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) – Bismarck Bobcats Austin Koss (Huntington Beach) – Minot Minotauros Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Janesville Jets Luke Robinson (Dublin) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco) – Springfield Jr. Blues Nick Schultze (San Diego) - Springfield Jr. Blues Evan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Odessa Jackalopes Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside) – Corpus Christi IceRays Matthew Wiesner (Newport Beach) – Northeast Generals Conor Yawney (Anaheim) – Corpus Christi IceRays Dante Zapata (Huntington Beach) – Austin Bruins NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Ian Acuna (Glendora) – Peoria Mustangs Riley Anderson (Bishop) – Helena Bighorns Griffin Briquelet (Huntington Beach) – Oswego Stampede Matthew Brown (Woodland Hills) – Maine Wild Nick Castro (Redondo Beach) – Granite City Lumberjacks Brandon Chapin (Santa Clara) – Atlanta Capitals Ryan Cortez (Norco) – Long Beach Sharks Trent Cowden (Simi Valley) – Great Falls Americans Luc Cross (Anaheim) – Helena Bighorns Dylan Davenport – EvaLansing Wolves % Mason Evans (Danville) – Point Mallard Ducks Michael Fary (Anaheim) – Great Falls Americans Jacob Fisher (Danville) – Northeast Generals Ryan Gridley (Santa Monica) – Binghamton Jr. Senators Tyler Hawk (Palos Verdes) – North Iowa Bulls A.J. Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Hayden Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Kellen Ireland (Turlock) – Texas Brahmas Christian Kazoleas (Irvine) – Louisiana Drillers Morgan Kelly (San Jose) – Northeast Generals Ben Kottmeier (San Mateo) – Helena Bighorns Malik Lamotte Stokes (Anaheim) – Oswego Stampede Jett Larson (Rancho Mirage) – North Iowa Bulls Michael Lempiainen (Corona) – New England Stars Carson Murison (Half Moon Bay) – Texas Brahmas Luc Meier (Laguna Beach) – Long Beach Sharks Hunter Norris (Mission Viejo) – New England Stars Tristen Poliseno (Valencia) – Alexandria Blizzard Ty Proffitt – Yellowstone Quake + Jack Radley (San Diego) – Peoria Mustangs

ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Robertson (Los Angeles) – Kingston Frontenacs Nick Robertson (Los Angeles) – Peterborough Petes

SUPERIOR INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Rob Ivy (Bermuda Dunes) – Fort Frances Lakers SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Ryan Gil (Huntington Beach) – Battlefords North Stars Evan Plotnik (Capistrano Beach) – Melfort Mustangs Maxim Sidelnik (Los Angeles) – Estevan Bruins Connor Smith (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Battlefords North Stars Egan Wolford (San Jose) – La Ronge Ice Wolves UNITED STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Vincent de Mey (Brentwood) – Muskegon Lumberjacks Cole Guttman (Los Angeles) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Rory Herrman (Poway) – Green Bay Gamblers Jack St. Ivany (Manhattan Beach) – Sioux Falls Stampede Cam York (Anaheim Hills) – U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Alex Allen (Morgan Hill) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Aaron Aragon (Whittier) – Northern Cyclones (NCDC) Lucas Bachofner (Los Angeles) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Jackson Baughman (Windsor) – Eugene Generals (Elite) Nash Berkowitz (San Jose) – Eugene Generals (Elite) Ethan Bock (Upland) – Boston Jr. Bruins (Premier) Guillaume Bose (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Bradley Budman (Foothill Ranch) – South Shore Kings (NCDC) Anthony Capraro (Hacienda Heights) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Nikolai Cherednichenko (Berkeley) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Takato Cox (Redondo Beach) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC) Evan Cronkhite (Aliso Viejo) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Ryan Danner (San Jose) – Ironwood Fighting Yoopers (Premier) Sean Dickson (Millbrae) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Tyler Dill (South Lake Tahoe) – Charlotte Rush (Premier) Dante DiNapoli (Moss Beach) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Dylan Dix (Scotts Valley) – Northern Cyclones (NCDC) Justin Dixson (Sunnyvale) – Boston Jr. Bruins (NCDC) Thomas Dyreng (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Dillon Foster (Saugus) – Eugene Generals (Elite) Luc Fox (Valencia) – Richmond Generals (Elite) Donovan Garcia (San Jose) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) John Garrity (Dublin) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Dylan Gluck (San Juan Capistrano) – Tampa Bay Juniors (Premier) Joshua Harburn (San Ramon) – Boston Jr. Bruins (Elite) Jonathan Holguin (Fresno) – Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (Elite) Blake Howard (Coto de Caza) – New Jersey Rockets (NCDC) Adam Husley (Bakersfield) – Atlanta Knights (Premier) Wiggle Kerbrat (Laguna Niguel) – Rochester Monarchs (NCDC) Mason Kohn (San Diego) – Boston Jr. Bruins (Premier) Georg Landro (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) Justin Lebouef (Canyon Country) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Jason Lee (Thousand Oaks) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Tyler Levine (Laguna Beach) – Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC) Wyatt Light (Manhattan Beach) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Mike Lopez (Bakersfield) – Atlanta Knights (Elite) Collin Markoski (Corona) – New York Aviators (Premier) Luis Mendoza (Newark) – Daytona Racers (Premier) Josh Morrison (San Diego) – Minnesota Moose (Premier) Nick Nakagawa (Los Angeles) – Daytona Racers (Premier) Matthew Newberger (Lake Tahoe) – Palm Beach Hawks (Premier) Ryan Newman (Bakersfield) – Charlotte Rush (Elite) Daniel Nikiforov (Roseville) – Minnesota Blue Ox (Premier) Geno Norraik (Northridge) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Robert Norwalk (Fremont) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Nicholas Peterson (Stockton) – Palm Beach Hawks (Elite) Nick Privitera (Sun Valley) – Steele County Blades (Premier) Brandon Putman (Redondo Beach) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Dylan Robello (San Jose) – Florida Eels (Premier) Brendan Schulte (Fullerton) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Jordan Shepherd (Bakersfield) – Connecticut Nighthawks (Premier) Ryan Sheridan (Mission Viejo) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jack Sitzman (Redondo Beach) – Jersey Hitmen (NCDC) Jered Stevenson (Tracy) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Mischa Subotin (San Jose) – Syracuse Stars (Premier) Taylor Urch (Anaheim) – Richmond Generals (Premier) Tristian Waechter (Fairfield) – Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Jack Walsh (Oceanside) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Jack Walters – New York Aviators (Premier) !

Nick Wardstrom (Discovery Bay) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Chad Watt (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Blake Bargar (Torrance) – Seattle Thunderbirds Hunter Campbell – Calgary Hitmen % Jake McGrew (Orange) – Spokane Chiefs Carl Stankowski – Seattle Thunderbirds # Keoni Texeira (Fontana) – Portland Winterhawks Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) – Vancouver Giants Dustin Wolf (Tustin) – Everett Silvertips Kailer Yamamoto – Spokane Chiefs %

WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Aguirre (West Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Tristan Ayoubi (Orange) – Long Beach Bombers Leon Biller (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Domenic Bosetti (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Ryan Brown (South Lake Tahoe) – Seattle Totems Rhett Bruckner (Huntington Beach) – Phoenix Knights Christian Bundschuh (Newport Coast) – Utah Outliers Declan Curtis (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Carter Dahl (Fresno) – Colorado Jr. Eagles Lucas Demsar (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Icemen Quinn Deshler (Hawthorne) – Ontario Avalanche Conner Duffy (Orange County) – Ontario Avalanche Easton Easterson (Canyon Country) – Tahoe Icemen Ryan Favilla (Garden Grove) – Ontario Avalanche Sage Fleming (Costa Mesa) – Ogden Mustangs Nicholas Gary (Palo Alto) – West Sound Warriors Daniel Goodwin (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Ben Greenlee (San Jose) – San Diego Sabers David Grindstaff (Sacramento) – San Diego Sabers Nickolai Gruzdev (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Joseph Hebert (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Samuel Hernandez (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Jason Hickman (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Keshawn Hopkins-Scott (San Diego) – Phoenix Knights Taylor Jolly (Saugus) – Cheyenne Stampede Max Kamper (Aliso Viejo) – El Paso Rhinos Cody Key (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Thomas King (Ontario) – Ontario Avalanche Gabel Longshore (Davis) – Tahoe Icemen William Ma (Orange County) – Ontario Avalanche Jacob Mabaquaio (San Diego) – Bellingham Blazers Kyler Mackay (Corona) – San Diego Sabers Jeremy Malm (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Daylon Mannon (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Tate Martishius (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Parker Moskal (San Diego) – Long Beach Bombers Luke Ormsby – Everett Silvertips % Cole Parker (San Diego) – San Diego Sabers Michael Perez (Fresno) – West Sound Warriors Joseph Piroli (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Bailey Prouty (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Brett Ruiz (Ontario) – Ontario Avalanche Dylan San Agustin (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Kane Toriumi (Westlake Village) – Utah Outliers Tanner Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – Tahoe Icemen Jeremy Van Dyke (Corona) – Ontario Avalanche

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 Eric Yagubyan (Burbank) – Tilton School Billy Zegras (San Diego) – The Berkshire School

PREP SCHOOL Alan Austria-Garcia (Redwood City) – Tahoe Hockey Academy 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 Corey Eaton (San Marcos) – Tilton School 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 Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton 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 Lily Humphrey (Huntington Beach) – New Hampton School Nathan Katzaroff (Anaheim) – Milton Academy Indigo Kinzey (Pacifica) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Matt Kors (Los Angeles) – Shawnigan Lake School Alexander Krause (Calabasas) – Loomis Chaffee 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 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 Jayden Price (Coto de Caza) - Shattuck-St. Mary’s Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) – Loomis Chaffee 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

CHA Sarah Robello (Las Vegas) – Mercyhurst University

NEVADA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) – Minnesota Wild AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Gage Quinney (Las Vegas) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins ECHL Chris Francis (Las Vegas) – Quad City Mallards Ross McMullan (Las Vegas) – Wheeling Nailers Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas) – Allen Americans Cory Ward (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs EUROPE Bryce Reddick (Las Vegas) - United Kingdom SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Derek Sutliffe (Las Vegas) – Mississippi RiverKings CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Megan Myers (Las Vegas) – Boston Blades COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ECAC Joe Sullivan (Las Vegas) – St. Lawrence University WCHA Brendan Harris (Henderson) – Bemidji State University D-I INDEPENDENT Dominic Garcia (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University Joey Raats (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

NCAA DIVISION III – MEN CCC Alec Mono (Las Vegas) – Curry College NESCAC Brenden Russ (Las Vegas) – Connecticut College UCHC Eric Williams (Henderson) – Chatham University D-III INDEPENDENT Tanner Todd (Henderson) – Bryn Athyn College JUNIOR HOCKEY EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Gage Roberts (Las Vegas) – Valley Jr. Warriors NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Allegrini (Las Vegas) – Kenai River Brown Bears Seth Bergeron (Las Vegas) – Philadelphia Rebels NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Vito Carlo (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Dylan Davenport – Lansing Wolves @ Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) – College Station Spirit Josh Kirk (Henderson) – Missoula Jr.. Bruins Gunner Moore (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Cameron Zucker (Las Vegas) – Lansing Wolves QUEBEC MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney (Las Vegas) – Saint John Sea Dogs UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Michael Cichy (Las Vegas) – Wisconsin Muskies (Premier) Hayden Knight (Las Vegas) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Spencer Poscente (Las Vegas) – Wisconsin Muskies (Premier) WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Jake McKenna (Las Vegas) – Valencia Flyers Jackson Oleson (Stateline) – Tahoe Icemen Gabriel Testa (Las Vegas) – Fresno Monsters % former LA Jr.. King + former California Titan * former LA Select ! former San Jose Jr. Shark

# former Anaheim Jr. Duck $ former Anaheim Lady Duck @ former Nevada Storm

CARubberHockey.com

23

Rebranded LA Kings Burbank Sports Center starts new era ball hockey teams.

The rink is working with the Kings on a branding contract with both the ice and roller facilities to help launch youth roller and ball hockey programs.

The facility currently offers Learn to Play programs and free youth pick up hockey on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

tem,” Serianne said. “We just recently added a new scoreboard and will also be upgrading the he LA Kings Burbank Sports Center opened its bleacher seating with some shading.” doors on Feb. 3 following a change of ownerSeriane said the three- to five-year plan with the ship and rebranding, allowing residents in the San City of Burbank is to have a roof constructed over Fernando Valley to keep playing the sport they the rink and the installation of new flooring. love, whether it be inline or ball hockey.

“With the help of the LA Kings, we are addNew rink owners Dave Serianne and Scott ing to that mix and launching a youth ball hockey Floman also own the LA Kings Valley Ice Center, Upgrades program that we’re really excited about,” Serianne a two-ice sheet facility located in nearby Panorama Both Serianne and Florman have more than 25 said. “Most of us who all play hockey grew up playCity, about 10 miles from the Burbank rink’s loing street hockey out in front of the house or in cation in Ralph Foy Park. the driveway.

The addition of the outdoor rink complements “The fact that the sport of ball hockey is Serianne and Floman’s ice hockey facility and it played on feet, it eliminates skating, and bridges also opens the door to a new legion of potential the gap of skill sets associated with ice and rollfans for the Kings, one of the region’s iconic proer hockey. It also gives parents an opportunity fessional sports franchises. to put their young kids in the game of hockey Just two years ago, the Burbank rink – first before having financially committing to the costs built in 1997 – was earmarked for demolition associated with ice or roller hockey.”

Along with youth and adult leagues, the new due to the deterioration of the original dasher owners said one of their goals is to create an boards. elite ball hockey league for advanced ice and “From the moment we learned about the oproller players to play during their offseason. portunity to try and become the new operators of the Burbank roller facility at Ralph Foy Park, we “If you are a hockey fan or someone just lookgot very excited,” Serianne said. ing for a great workout, ball hockey may be just Under the new management, repairs and up- The recently reopened and rebranded L.A. Kings Burbank Sports Center what you are looking for,” Serianne said. will provide San Fernando Valley residents with new and exciting opgrades to the facility are ongoing.

“Our ultimate goal is to have arena soccer “We are extremely pleased with the turnout tions for inline and ball hockey. (futsal) and box lacrosse, along with our inline for our first season,” explained Serianne, who is years of experience in the roller and ice hockey in- and ball hockey programs,” Serianne said. “We originally from Niagara Falls, N.Y. dustry. They continue to look for new ways to help have been in discussions with local soccer and lacrosse coaches and there is a positive buzz in the The Burbank rink has always been popular with grow the game. adults and remains so. The outdoor facility has “Our plan is too get through this first 10-game air.”

The LA Kings Burbank Sports Center is located already registered nearly 40 adult roller hockey season, and in late May will demo the existing teams, from beginner to advanced, and five adult boards and replace them with a new board sys- at 3211 W. Victory Blvd. in Burbank.

By Phillip Brents

T

California inline teams gearing Casey Strale Foundation keeps up for AIHL national tournament rolling, raises more than $160,000

By Phillip Brents

By Phillip Brents

T

T

he American Inline Hockey League (AIHL) will hold its 2018 national championship tournament May 18-20 at the Northeast Racquet Club in Philadelphia. Four teams from California and one from Arizona will represent the West Coast.

The Pacific North Division’s three qualifiers include the Nor Cal Jawz (Elite Division), Nor Cal Revolution (Tier 1 Minor Division) and Marina Mantas (Tier 2 Minor Division).

The Pacific South Division’s two entrants include the Arizona Outcasts (Elite Division) and Mavin Mafia (Tier 1 Minor Division).

The Pacific South and Pacific North regional qualifiers took place April 21-22 in Corona and Oakland, respectively.

All series were best-of-three.

The Jawz defeated the Silicon Valley Quakes by scores of 8-2 and 8-7 to capture the Pacific North Elite title while the Outcasts swept the Las Vegas Dragons by scores of 4-2 and 6-5 (in overtime) to win the Pacific South title.

In the Pacific North Tier 1 Minor Division Finals, the Revolution eliminated the Jawz in three games while the Mafia topped the Mavin Tribe 2-1 in a deciding overtime matchup to win the Pacific South title.

The Pac North Division featured eight teams for the 2017-18 season – four teams in each of the Elite and Minor divisions: The Revolution, Mantas and Jawz fielded teams in both divisions.

The Pac South Division featured six teams in the Elite Division and eight teams in the Minor Division (subdivided into Tier 1 and Tier 2). The Outcasts, Rocket Flex Purple, Dragons, Rocket Flex Yellow, Mavin Clippers and Mavin Mayhem competed in the Elite Division.

The format at the AIHL national championship tournament will include an opening day of round-robin competition between the four regional qualifiers, a second day of best-of-three semifinals and a final day of best-of-three championship finals.

“We are bringing our best team to nationals this year and we know that there should be no reason to not come home with the championship cup,” Outcasts goaltender Clay Taylor said.

24

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

he date already has been set for the 2019 Casey’s Cup Iceman charity tournament: April 13 at THE RINKS-Irvine ICE at Great Park.

It’s not too early to mark the fundraising event on your calendar.

The popular three-on-three cross-ice tournament is named in memory of Casey Strale, an avid ice and roller hockey player (with an outsized love for sports), who died from a rare form of cancer at age 16 back in June 2013.

His memory has been kept alive by the ice hockey tournament and also by the annual Give Blood Play Hockey inline tournament. The GBPH tournament takes place in the fall; Casey’s Cup takes place in the spring.

Though no ice tournament took place this year, funds continued to be raised in his name through the annual Tasting It Forward for Cancer Research event held by the Casey Strale Foundation. This year’s event took place April 8 at the Orange Coast Winery in Newport Beach and raised $11,400.

This was the second annual tasting event.

Three ice hockey tournaments took place from 2015-17.

Combined, the Casey Strale Foundation has raised more $160,000 for the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), an affiliate of the City of Hope, in support of its work on adrenal cortical carcinoma, the disease that claimed Casey’s life.

Funds are generated for cancer research, treatment and quality of life for patients.

“Casey was all about passion and inspiration,” explained Casey’s mother, Traci Strale. “He did not want to be the kid with cancer. He just wanted to be a normal kid and not dwell on his illness.

“Hockey was his first love. When he was in the rink, there was no cancer. No pain.

No worries. Just a boy, a stick, a puck and a net. Casey was an inspiration to others to find your passion and live your life large.”

CARubberHockey.com

25

MATT NIETO

Position: Forward, Colorado Avalanche Hometown: Long Beach Last Amateur Team: Boston University (Hockey East) Youth Hockey Teams: South Coast Sabres, Paramount Panthers, Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Long Beach Ice Dogs, LA Hockey Club California Rubber: How gratifying was this season in Colorado with a team that exceeded many people’s expectations?

Matt Nieto: I was given a pretty good opportunity there. It was really nice and I took advantage of it. We had a great atmosphere throughout the season and the playoffs.

CR: Do you have a favorite memory from your time playing hockey in California?

MN: It would have to be all my years with LA Hockey Club. We had such a good team and so many good players who went far in the game. That made it fun every day. We competed hard every day. It was all led by Sandy Gasseau. He was huge for my game, and he really took me to the next level. We’re still close friends to this day.

CR: Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the game after leaving California?

MN: My time on the U.S. National Team Development Program was a lot of fun.

What was special about that was all the guys on the team were the same age.

We spent two years together working hard every day toward a common goal – the Under-18 World Championships. We were fortunate enough to win that.

All our hard work paid off.

CR: This season, you tallied your first NHL hat trick. Talk about that.

MN: That was an awesome experience. The guys were all happy for me. A lot of guys go their whole careers in the league without having a hat trick.

CR: What is your offseason routine like?

MN: After a few weeks off, I ease back into the gym. A pretty typical summer includes training a lot, then later in the summer getting on the ice and doing some skill work with Alex Kim. I’m also getting married this summer, so I’m super excited about that. We got engaged last summer.

CR: What piece or pieces of gear are you most particular about?

MN: I’m really simple about equipment. I wear the same stuff I got when I first started out in the league – same shin pads, same shoulder pads. It’s the same thing with the stick. I know what I like but I never change from it.

CR: When you’re home in the offseason, what is your favorite place to eat?

MN: In-N-Out. We don’t have them in Colorado. I take advantage of that. There’s tons of great places in SoCal. There’s a Mexican place I like called Javier’s in Newport Beach. Those are the ones I miss the most during the season.

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

MN: My favorite player was Paul Kariya when I was a kid. I used to watch Ducks games all the time when he and (Teemu) Selanne were together. I loved the way he played. When I was watching him, I was a smaller player. He was so much fun to watch.

CR: What is one thing that might surprise people about being an NHL player?

MN: I think the hardest thing is the grind of it. It sounds easy when you just hear we take chartered planes, play games and eat nice meals. But the grind and how hard you have to work, it really takes a toll on you. These players whose teams are still in the playoffs, their bodies are broken down, and they’re battling through it. They’re going to war every other night and I guarantee you they’re all hurting.

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

MN: I would either want to be doing something in finance or nutrition, helping athletes with sports nutrition. I like reading up on the latest things that are healthy and good for recovery.

Photo/Michael Martin/NHLI via Getty Images

26

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Chris Bayee

www.WSHL.org

“Make no mistake about it, skating is the most important skill in the game of hockey. Tim Driscoll and his team know how to teach Power Skating to players of all ages and abilities.”

Tim Burke Director of Scouting, NHL San Jose Sharks

PROGRAM

J U LY 2 - 1 3 , 2 0 1 8

In partnership with

The Los Angeles Jr. Kings are excited to announce a partnership with Driscoll Skating & Skills, which will conduct a two-week power skating-centric skills program in July at Toyota Sports Center (El Segundo) and THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE (Lakewood).

This program is for all youth hockey players.

Players need not be associated with LA Jr. Kings to enroll!

• BOTH LOCATIONS WILL HOST A YOUNGER GROUP (MITES THROUGH PEE WEES) AND AN OLDER GROUP (PEE WEES AND OLDER) • EACH CLINIC WILL FEATURE 10 TWO-HOUR SKILLS SESSIONS LIMITED TO 30 PLAYERS WITH THE PLAYER-TO-COACH RATIO A MAXIMUM OF 6-TO-1.

Jr. Kings players who played at the Tier I (AAA) level during the 2017-18 season will be given first priority for registration. All other players will be treated on a firstcome, first-served basis. All players may enroll now at driscollhockey.com Please choose the Toyota Sports Center or THE RINKS Lakewood ICE tab as appropriate.

CL IN IC DAYS|DATES, VE N U ES | TI M ES Week #1: Monday, July 2 | Tuesday July 3 | Thursday, July 5 Friday, July 6 | Saturday, July 7, 2018 Week #2: Monday - Friday, July 9-13, 2018 Clinic I: THE RINKS Lakewood ICE

Clinic III: Toyota Sports Center

7:45 AM-9:45 AM (Mite through Pee Wee)

12:45 PM-2:45 PM (Mite through Pee Wee)

Clinic II: THE RINKS Lakewood ICE 10 AM-Noon (Pee Wee & Older)

Clinic IV: Toyota Sports Center 3 PM-5 PM (Pee Wee & Older)

REGISTER AT

DRISCOLLHOCKEY.COM POWER SKATING FOR HOCKEY PLAYERS

INSTRUCTORS

C AM P I NFO & SCHEDU LE

TOYOTA SPORT CENTER | THE RINKS-LAKEWOOD ICE

• • • • • •

TIM DRISCOLL GREG GALLAGHER ERIK LEKTORP JUSTIN MANSFIELD BRANDON MCNALLY RYAN SANTANA

“We’re extremely fortunate to welcome Driscoll Skating & Skills to Southern California this summer for what promises to be a rewarding developmental experience. Their presence marks a unique and valuable opportunity for our players to take advantage of some of the best skating instruction in all of North America right in our own backyard.”

- Jr. Kings Chairman of the Board Steve Yovetich “We’re thrilled to partner with such an esteemed youth program in the Jr. Kings, and firmly believe our teachings and curriculum will greatly enhance the skating skills and technique of every single player that joins us on the ice. My coaches love to teach power skating and we’re in complete agreement that skating is the most important skill in the game of hockey. Skating is our passion and we’ve designed a curriculum that we deliver in a positive, hockey-rich environment.”

- Driscoll Skating & Skills Director Tim Driscoll