VOLUME 11
ISSUE 10
SUMMER 2018
In their very first NHL season, the Vegas Golden Knights shocked the hockey world by setting numerous regular-season records for an expansion team and then earning a berth in the 2018 Stanley Cup Final, lending further proof that hockey belongs in Las Vegas DEMIN, ST. IVANY HEAR NAMES CALLED AT ‘18 NHL DRAFT
JR. SHARKS’ JANDA LANDS CAHA, NORCAL POSITIONS
THE RINKS GEARING UP FOR MORE HOMESCHOOL HOCKEY
CALIFORNIA TRIO DECIDES ON NCAA DESTINATIONS Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles
Tournament Series
TinseltownHockeyTournaments.com
Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles!
LABOR DAY WEEKEND
August 31-September 3, 2018
Application Deadline: August 10, 2018
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND THANKSGIVING WEEKEND November 22-25, 2018
HOLIDAY WEEKEND
December 27-30, 2018
May 24-27, 2019
PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND
2005 AAA & 2006 AAA (Birth Year) Bantam AA, A & B (Mixed Birth Year) 2007 AAA & 2008 AAA (Birth Year) Pee Wee AA, A, BB & B (Mixed Birth Year) 2009 AAA & 2010 AAA (Birth Year) Squirt A, BB & B (Mixed Birth Year) Mite A, B
February 15-18, 2019
. A, BB, B . Mite A, B . High School . Bantam AA, A, B . Pee Wee AA, A, BB, B Squirt AA/A 16U et Midg AA/A 18U et Midg
For more information, contact tournament director Brian McDonough at (612) 220-4402 or brian@jrkingshockey.com
Registration for all five tournaments is now open!
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FROM THE EDITOR Parents, take the time to enjoy special moments with your kids
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recently experienced somewhat of a milestone as a parent and I’d like to share this with you. My wife, Stephanie, and I have three kids – Ethan (13 next month), Wyatt (11 in September) and Madelyn (8 in October) – and all three are stellar, straight-A students in the classroom and enjoy soccer, softball, bowling and baseball. They don’t play hockey but get plenty of hockey talk and whatnot from their old man. Trust me, they get their fill. Anyway, Ethan recently played his last game of rec baseball as he ages out after this season. Just like that, eight summers have come and gone – and with that lies uncertainty for next season. If he Matt Mackinder puts in the work, can he play for the middle school team? Do we take him to travel baseball tryouts? I’m really struggling with this, to be honest. I have proudly coached Ethan – and the other two – in both sports and have enjoyed it immensely. Sometimes, I look out in the stands or on the sidelines and see parents cheering and encouraging their kids. Sadly, I also see parents buried in their phones and oblivious to what is happening on the field. Parents, you don’t get these moments back with your children. Games don’t take up a lot of time, so I’m begging you, pay attention to your kids. Don’t live with regrets. Show them the attention and adulation that they so rightly deserve because poof, one day, there will be no more practices, no more games, no more pictures to be taken, no more youth. I’m glad my wife and I have always made time to be involved with our kids and while the vast majority of parents I have come across do the same, let’s try and increase that number, shall we? Enjoy the rest of the summer and we’ll see everyone in September! Poway native and former San Diego Jr. Gulls and Anaheim Jr. Ducks standout Eric Wright is changing addresses for next season. Wright, a forward for the Eastern Hockey League’s Walpole Express the past three seasons, has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey this fall at Suffolk University. “Eric had a great junior hockey career with the Express and we are excited to see him make the jump to NCAA hockey next season,” said Express coach-GM Jon Lounsbury. “His passion for the game and compete level are his best asset to help him make an impact next season at Suffolk. There is no doubt in my mind that Eric will have a great college career playing in the NEHC.” Three California natives were recently selected to the 2018 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that will compete in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup next month in Alberta. Forwards Josh Groll (San Diego native, Jr. Gulls, Jr. Ducks) and Nick Robertson (Los Angeles) and goaltender Dustin Wolf (Tustin, Los Angeles Jr. Kings) will represent Team USA. The tournament is an annual event held each August for national under-18 teams from around the world. This year’s event will be held Aug. 6-11 in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, the first time the tournament has been held in North America since 1996. Check out the California connections selected during the NAHL Draft back on June 5 – forward Jonathan Panisa (Irvine, Jr. Ducks, first round, Springfield), forward Patrick Choi (Jr. Ducks, Maryland, second round), defenseman Noah Kim (Fullerton, Jr. Kings, second round, Austin), defenseman Luc Salem (Los Angeles, Jr. Gulls, California Titans, sixth round, Maryland) and goalie Landon Pavlisin (Jr. Ducks, JSerra High School, seventh round, Amarillo). Congrats to all! Finally, the Washington Capitals captured the Stanley Cup last month, and quietly had a player with California ties on the team in former Titans goalie Pheonix Copley, the Caps’ third-string goalie. Copley played for the Titans’ 18U AAA team during the 2009-10 season.
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
BEAR SIGHTING IN CHINA
The California Golden Bears took two teams to China this past spring play in a tournament in Beijing and as part of the closing ceremonies, the players took to the stage to sing for all in attendance. More on the trip on Page 8.
ON THE COVER The Vegas Golden Knights were the Cinderella story of the 2017-18 NHL season, playing as an expansion team and going to the Stanley Cup Final, all while gaining a large fan base and following along the way that is sure to continue for many seasons ahead. Photo/Eric J. Fowler
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#VegasStrong
Expansion Golden Knights rock the NHL with first-year success, journey to Stanley Cup Final behind the Nashville Predators, the top team in the league. Part of that success is the way Gallant holds players accountable and makes ll the Vegas Golden Knights had a year ago was a pseudo-roster of players them want to get better. and prospects. “You know what, it’s always been on my mind as a former player,” said Gallant. A year later and the team is one of the hottest commodities in the NHL after “You feel good about yourself when your coach feels good about you. I mean, I cruising through the regular season and into the Stanley Cup Final, where the Cin- just think guys make mistakes – it’s going to happen in the game. Players don’t derella ride ended watching Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals raise want to make mistakes, but the games would be pretty boring if nobody makes the Stanley Cup. mistakes. No 2-on-1s, no breakaways. You ask your players to go out there, play Vegas coach Gerard Gallant kept his players grounded during the season hard, compete hard. Don’t worry about making a mistake. When you worry about and playoffs and wound up being the Jack Adams Award winner as NHL Coach making a mistake, what happens? You make mistakes. No, you try to be confident of the Year. in your guys. They hold each other accountable. They really do. As a coach, play Even in accepting all the accolades, Gallant always put the credit on his play- your guys, play your players, give them a second chance.” ers. Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin said that as the season wore on, the en“Well, I don’t think you get here if tire team realized it was building someyou don’t use your hockey players,” said thing special in Vegas. Gallant. “We’ve done it from Day 1. Like “I mean, thinking back on it, the first I said, there’s no reason for me not to game in Dallas (a 2-1 win on the road), use them because everybody competes, these guys are going to be good, got a everybody battles, everybody is a part whole ton of firepower,” said Eakin. “It of our team. You’ve been there all year. was a hard game, one of the hardest That’s what we do. Guys compete hard, first games I’ve ever played. But just the work hard. Do your job and you’ll play.” pace of play, the caliber of that team. Gallant also said that even when the We managed to get a win. That’s a good Golden Knights advanced to the chamstart for us. Going forward, obviously pionship series to play Washington, he the home record, played a lot of games kept his team on an even keel. on the road. Going on the road, proving “I don’t read a whole lot, I don’t watch we can win on the road. Then the next the news a whole lot,” said Gallant. “I step was the second half, which always just want to focus on what’s going to tightens up. happen. I think a lot of people said, ‘They “We just kept doing it. It wasn’t like had a great regular season, they had a we were sitting back and looking at it. Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena was packed on a regular basis as the Vegas Golden Knights dominated great team, it’s a great story.’ I think our the NHL’s regular season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. Photo//Eric J. Fowler We just kept doing it. Kept playing hard, players believe that we’re as good as any having fun. Guys would step up at differteam we’re going to play against. The ent times. It’s not like it was just one play L.A. Kings was a veteran team that went and we’re like, ‘Okay, now we’re cona long way in the playoffs, won Stanley sidered a good team.’ You know, at the Cups. It didn’t faze us. We were going to start of the season, we never thought go play them, play them hard, see what we were going to be a bad team. I don’t happens. It wasn’t an expectation of, know if we ever expected we’d be where ‘Let’s go there and try to win.’ It’s, ‘Let’s we are now.” go there and play our game’ – that’s all it After falling in Game 5 of the Stanwas. When we got off to the great start ley Cup Final, Gallant was obviously against them, obviously to sweep a good distraught, but still found a way to be team like L.A. was a big confidence upbeat. builder for us. Then you go on to San We had an outstanding year, but it Jose, another good solid hockey team. doesn’t feel like it right now,” said GalYou look at the teams, there’s that much lant. “I mean, nobody expected us to be between every team in the NHL now. here. We worked hard. We got to the “If you play well, you’re going to have Stanley Cup Final, showed everybody a chance to win. That’s what we believe what we’re made of. in.” “I learned a lot about my team. I think Marc-Andre Fleury, obtained from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, That belief started to go into full swing was a veteran presence and leader in goal, and is signed through the 2021-22 season as well. the guys competed every night. They almost at the start of the season after the Photo//Eric J. Fowler never quit on each other. The few times mass shooting at a country music festival in Las Vegas. The Golden Knights played in the year when we had the couple of tough spells, they were resilient all year all season with a purpose and at times, even raised a few eyebrows. long. They had fun. We had a great time this year. We had an unbelievable home “I remember coming in after a lot of games and looking at each other and say- record. We had unbelievable fans. Every day was fun for us. I mean, let’s face it. ing, ‘We found a way again tonight,’” Gallant said. “Not that we were surprised, it’s We started the season, and there was no expectation for our hockey club. Did just that things are going well for us. Let’s keep the puck luck, whatever is happen- the expectations change going into the playoffs? Sure they did because we had a ing is happening. It was sort of a joke after some games, get on a streak where we great regular season and won the Pacific Division. Again, it was about coming to win five or six in a row, tough teams, good buildings, we just said, ‘We did it again play and enjoying our time and working hard and giving ourselves a chance to win.” tonight.’ It was sort of a joke amongst the coaches. But our team, like I said, they And even with the offseason here and players like forwards James Neal (Caldon’t surprise us anymore. They play hard, play well, give ourselves a chance to gary Flames) and David Perron (St. Louis Blues) leaving as free agents, the Goldwin. That’s all we ask.” en Knights are now a free-agent destination, as evidenced by the team signing The Golden Knights, built with NHL cast-offs, promising young prospects ob- veteran forward Paul Stastny on July 1. tained though the NHL Expansion Draft and cunning trades by general manager “As I look forward, I can assure each and every one of you that the entire Golden George McPhee (also named NHL GM of the Year), finished with a remarkable Knights hockey organization including myself is committed to improving next year 51-24-7 regular-season record and 109 points to win the Pacific Division. The 109 and every year thereafter,” added Golden Knights owner Bill Foley. “We will never points placed the Golden Knights fifth overall in the 31-team NHL – eight points give up and never give in. The Knight always advances and never retreats.” By Matt Mackinder
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CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
CGBHockey.com
For Leibl, daytime job and youth hockey go hand in hand By Matt Mackinder
closely together, and both agree that the club must put the players’ interest first and I think our Jr. Gulls families know that is what we try to do.” Away from the ice, Leibl is an immigration lawyer, a job that actually coincides with youth hockey. “I am very fortunate because my job keeps me very
“I have been involved in the immigration side of hockey for almost 25 years and as a result, many of my uring business hours, Geoff Leibl works to prohockey contacts developed through work reach out to vide for his family. me when there is a player of interest in the San Diego At the rink, Leibl works to provide for his hockey area. It is always fun to get a call from a scout asking family. about a San Diego player, and I do my best to promote Leibl, the president of the San Diego our San Diego prospects.” Jr. Gulls, is entering his third season in Back at the rink, Leibl loves to reflect that role and has also coached numeron how much the Jr. Gulls have grown ous youth teams in the association. Preas a program. viously, he was a coach and executive “Hockey in San Diego is booming with the La Jolla Jaguars before that proand will continue to grow,” said Leibl. gram merged with the Jr. Gulls. “At some point in a hockey player’s caDuring his time with the Jr. Gulls, reer, there may be a need to move on Leibl has seen the program field AAA and I understand that. I am confident teams, have teams that have won state that a player can develop and grow as championships and has sent three teams a hockey player into Midgets while stayto play in the Quebec International Peeing in San Diego. A recent example is Wee Hockey Tournament. Eamon Connaughton, a long time Jr. “One of the things I am most proud Gull who recently advanced to the USA of is the growth of our program. We Hockey National Camp. I am very proud have gone from eight teams to 17 travof Eamon because he understood that el teams, which will include two all-girls it is not as much about where you play teams this season, a first in San Diego,” Geoff Leibl practices immigration law by day and is president of the San Diego Jr. Gulls away from but how much time you spend on your said Leibl. “We do our best to offer a the office, helping to keep growing the game in San Diego and surrounding areas along the way. craft that really determines how good a travel hockey option for almost every lev- Photo/John Hambleton/Hambleton Imageworks hockey player you will become. Instead el and age of player, giving local San Diego players involved in all levels of hockey,” said Leibl. “There is of spending time in the car, he stayed in San Diego an option of staying in town and still playing high-level probably not a day that goes by that I am not working and spent time on the ice and in the gym and it has hockey. A big factor in our growth is the quality of our with someone in the hockey world on an immigration paid off for him.” coaches. We have an excellent coaching staff who matter. It could be an NHL team or agent wanting me So how long will Leibl stay with the Jr. Gulls? bring to the club a wide range of hockey experience, to file for a green card for a player or a college or ju“I will be involved as long as they will have me,” but each of them really care and always try to do what nior coach needing a work visa or a family of a youth Leibl said. “I know it is a cliché, but hockey has given is in the best interests of each of our players. hockey player moving to the U.S. who is in need of me everything I have and I really enjoy being at the rink “Our hockey director, Craig Carlyle, and I work immigration assistance. and being involved in the game.”
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China trip all about the experience for Golden Bears By Justin Apcar-Blaszak
The tournament was well-run, and the competition level was very high. “There were very good teams there and I got exposure to many different styles of play,” said C.J. Armaly, who played Pee Wee AA last season for the Bears. When asked about the 2003 division, Aidan Armaly, who played for the Bears’ Bantam AA team that won CAHA and placed third at Nationals said, “Many of the European teams had a lot of skill and played a
Top Defenseman, Forward, Goalie and Coach. Peter Torsson, head coach of the Bears organization, was he California Golden Bears went West earlier this awarded Best Coach award in the ’03 division, and offseason. Max Abramson, who also played for the Bears’ BanWay West. tam AA team last season, was awarded Top Forward From April 28-May 5, the Golden Bears played in of the ‘03 division. the Olympic City Cup Beijing World Minor Hockey InAfter the awards were handed out, each counvitational Tournament 2018. try was asked to perform an act or to sing a song The tournament had two divisions – 2003 and on stage. All teams chose to sing, and it was a very 2005 – and had teams from all around the unique and entertaining way to conclude an world. The 2003 division had teams from Canamazing tournament. ada, China, Latvia, Russia, Czech Republic, As well as setting up transportation and Germany and the United States. The 2005 difood for the tournament, the BIHA included vision had teams from China, Finland, Russia a few days for sightseeing, including a trip to Czech Republic, Sweden, Germany and the a local high school, the Great Wall of China USA. The Golden Bears represented the Unitand the Forbidden City. At the high school, ed States in each division. the kids interacted with local students playing The tournament started off with an opening basketball and ping-pong, and also got a tour ceremony that was pretty spectacular. It began around the beautiful campus. The Great Wall with two performances from Chinese figure of China was about a 90-minute drive out of skating clubs. After the second performance, Beijing, where players and parents were able the teams were escorted onto the ice behind to hike, take pictures and really enjoy the amazeach country’s flag and skated onto the ice. ing display of one of the world’s most known The 2022 Olympic Committee was then introlandmarks. The Forbidden City is the center Players from the California Golden Bears ventured to the Great Wall of China during of Beijing, where many emperors once lived. duced, and the games began. All the teams stayed at the Landmark Hotel, some downtime at a springtime tournament that ran from April 28-May 5. From the architecture, to the gardens, it was about a 30-45 minute bus ride from the arena. The fast style of hockey.” a surreal feeling being in a place that has been such hotel provided a multicultural assortment of food for Overall, the level of competition in both divisions a landmark to the Chinese culture for so many years. breakfast for the players, coaches and parents attend- was very high, the players were exposed to internaOverall, it was an amazing trip. From the different ing. The Beijing Ice Hockey Association (BIHA) pro- tional competition, and will be able to take this experi- styles of hockey, to learning the history and experivided a multicultural lunch and dinner for the players ence into this upcoming season. encing the culture in China, the BIHA did an amazing and coaches during the tournament. Transportation to The closing ceremony was held in the ballroom at job hosting the tournament, and the California Bears and from the hotel and arena was also set up by the the hotel. The top three teams were awarded med- organization is looking forward to its next venture out BIHA. als and each division had individual awards including West.
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Demin, St. Ivany see NHL Draft dreams realized in Dallas By Chris Bayee
hockey five seasons ago. “This is really special for Slava, and for the ot only did California’s defense not rest, it add- club,” Jr. Ducks director of coaches Craig Johnson ed to its legacy when two more members of the said. “He’s a really great hockey player and a terrific blue line fraternity were chosen on Day 2 of the NHL young man.” Draft in Dallas on June 23. Demin was one of the BCHL’s top-scoring deFormer Anaheim Jr. Ducks fensemen, putting up 45 defenseman and Cypress napoints in 57 regular-season tive Slava Demin and ex-Los games and adding seven Angeles Jr. Kings blueliner more points during the Wild’s and Manhattan Beach prodextended playoff run, which uct Jack St. Ivany were seended in the RBC Cup, Canlected in the fourth round by ada’s Junior A championship. the Vegas Golden Knights His season barely endand Philadelphia Flyers, reed when the Golden Knights spectively. came calling. Both emerged during “It’s an unbelievable extheir second season of juperience,” Demin said. “You nior hockey, Demin with the only get this experience once Wenatchee Wild of the BCHL in your life. and St. Ivany with the Sioux “Vegas was up there in the Falls Stampede of the USHL. Stanley Cup Final, so it’s just Demin, who was taken 99th super cool to be part of an overall, is a 2000 birth year organization that has done so who will play at the University well right from the get go.” of Denver in the fall, while St. At 6-foot-2 and 190 Ivany, who went 112th, is a Cypress native Slava Demin put up big numbers this pounds, Demin boasts a fluid 1999 who is headed to Yale. past season with the BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild and skating style, a high hockey Demin helped Wenatchee helped the club to a pair of championships along the IQ and excellent passing and win the Fred Page Cup as the way. Photo/Wenatchee Wild shooting ability. BCHL champions as well as the Fred Doyle Cup His time with the Jr. Ducks “really helped me befor capturing the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s cause I was exposed to really good coaching and Pacific Region. He also became the first Jr. Ducks a program that was starting to put so much money player to be drafted since the club returned to Tier I into player development,” he said. “Also, being able
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to play against some of the top kids in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League helped a lot.” Demin played for the U.S. Select 18 Team at the prestigious Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup last August, a nod that enhanced his draft stock. But he was quick to give credit where credit is due. “Both of my parents have been a huge impact,” he said. “Both of them did whatever they had to do to make sure I was always having fun at the rink. I wouldn’t be here without them.” While Demin was drafted in his first year of eligibility, this was St. Ivany’s second. “I went into it with an open mind,” St. Ivany said. “It wasn’t the end of the world if I didn’t get drafted, but there are no guarantees if you do. “The way it worked out was exciting, and it was a good moment for my family and me.” St. Ivany cited two factors in his ascent onto scouts’ radar. One, he was more familiar with the USHL, and it showed with 36 points in 54 games after 10 points in his first season. The other was his offseason training. “He is super smart,” said Jack Bowkus, who coached St. Ivany for two seasons with the Jr. Kings. “He’s good defensively, but he’s also pretty talented on offense. His skating has improved a lot. You knew he had a future in hockey because of how hard he trains. He’s also a really good person.” The Jr. Ducks and Jr. Kings took a lot of pride in knowing both players remained in California through their Midget 16U seasons. “It shows you can stay here and still succeed,” noted Bowkus.
Ducks, Kings, Sharks re-stock in Dallas at NHL Draft By Matt Mackinder
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ll three California-based NHL teams ventured to Dallas at the end of last month to take part in the 2018 NHL Draft and the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks all came home feeling satisfied with their selections. The Ducks drafted seven players, the Kings took seven as well and San Jose chose five players during the seven-round process. Anaheim started their picks with forward Isac Lundestrom being the 23rd overall pick in the first round. The Sweden native recorded 15 points in 42 games with Lulea HF in the Swedish Hockey League during the 2017-18 season. In the second round with the 54th overall pick, the Ducks selected center Benoit-Olivier Groulx from the Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL), followed by Chicago Steel (USHL) forward Blake McLaughlin in the third round (79th overall), Czech Republic goaltender Lukas Dostal in the third round (85th overall), Minnesota high school forward Jackson Perbix in the fourth round (116th overall), Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL) goalie Roman Durny in the fifth round (147th overall) and Charlottetown Islanders (QMJHL) defenseman Hunter Drew in the sixth round (178th overall). “Really happy with our selections,” Ducks director of professional/amateur scouting Martin Madden said. “We’re definitely much deeper down the middle now. We’re really happy with Benoit-Olivier in the second round. We added two really skilled kids in the third round. We wanted to add some depth in net. Both kids are legitimate prospects. Two really
good athletes who have performed really well on the The Kings did not have a seventh-round pick as international stage.” they traded the pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning After selecting Finnish forward Rasmus Kupari to acquire forward Boko Imama back on May 31, in the first round (20th overall), the Kings continued 2017. the draft on Saturday by adding six more players. With the 21st overall selection, the Sharks select“In the NHL, you certainly need to be fast, you ed Guelph Storm (OHL) defenseman Ryan Merkley. need to be skilled, you need to Merkley recorded 67 points be competitive and you need (13 goals, 54 assists) in 63 hockey sense,” said Kings games with the Storm in 2017director of amateur scouting 18. He led all Guelph bluelinMark Yannetti. “We filled ers and ranked third amongst a lot of those needs (at the all OHL rearguards in points. draft).” “We spent quite a bit of In addition to Kupari, the time on him – he’s a unique Kings also drafted forward kid, high-end skill, high risk, Akil Thomas from the Nihigh reward,” said San Jose agara IceDogs (OHL) in the GM Doug Wilson. “He’s a second round (51st overall), competitor and has the abilforward Bulat Shafigullin ity to be a difference maker. from the Nizhnekamsk NeftWhen the game is on the line, ekhimik (KHL) and the MHL he wants the puck.” (Russian junior league) in the San Jose also added Swedthird round (82nd overall), ish forward Linus Karlsson in Owen Sound Attack (OHL) the third round (87th overall), forward Aidan Dudas in the Wenatchee Wild (BCHL) forfourth round (113th overall), ward, BCHL MVP and UniverSt. Cloud State University sity of North Dakota commit (NCAA) goalie David Hrenak The Los Angeles Kings chose dynamic Niagara Ice Jasper Weatherby in the Dogs (OHL) forward Akil Thomas in the second in the fifth round (144th over- round (51st overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, which fourth round (102nd overall), all), Swedish forward Johan was staged last month in Dallas. Photo/Terry Wilson/ Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (QMSodergran in the sixth round OHL Images JHL) goalie Zach Emond in (165th overall) and Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) the sixth round (176th overall) and University of Masgoalie Jacob Ingham in the sixth round (175th over- sachusetts (NCAA) forward John Leonard in the all). sixth round (182nd overall). CARubberHockey.com
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Bruyere, Campbell, Laing honored Thousand Oaks native Moore wins with annual USA Hockey awards AHL championship with Marlies By Matt Mackinder
By Phillip Brents
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trio of individuals involved with California youth hockey was recently honored by USA Hockey at its Annual Congress, which was held last month in Colorado Springs. Jaime Campbell and Steve Laing were named the Excellence in Safety Award winners, while Larry Bruyere took home the Walter Yaciuk Award. The Excellence in Safety Award recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to make hockey a safer game for all participants, while the Walter Yaciuk Award is presented to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution as a volunteer. Campbell is the player safety and concussion representative for USA Hockey’s Pacific District. She is also a seven-year director for CAHA, serving as director of member services, administrator of the background and screening compliance program, and has been the SafeSport coordinator for both Northern and Southern California. Currently a director with USA Hockey’s Pacific District, Laing is also involved with USA Hockey’s Legal Council, SafeSport, High School Section and Youth National tournaments. Laing previously served as president of CAHA from 2009-16 and was instrumental in the establishment of the first statewide concussion awareness program. He also played a key role in the implementation of the elimination of body checking in the 12U youth classification and the head contact rule. Bruyere has devoted more than 40 years to USA Hockey as a coach, manager and founder. Since moving to California in 1974, he has coached at every level from 8U to college. In 1983, he made his coaching debut with the California Golden Bears, a position he held for five years. He then transitioned to head coach at USC and was also the general manager of the NAHL’s Lytes Rustlers in 1987, where he served for 11 years. In 1990, he founded and coached the West Valley Wolves association for seven seasons. Two years later, Bruyere founded the Valencia Express, and coached the 12U and 16U teams from 2000-07. He also coached the Channel Islands Riptide 12U and 16U teams from 2009-14. Bruyere was honored as the Western Region Coach of the Year for the Pacific District in 2015.
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he AHL’s Calder Cup championship trophy is smaller than the NHL’s Stanley Cup, but heavier than it looks to those who have had the opportunity to hoist it in victory. Thousand Oaks native Trevor Moore will have his name etched in hockey history after helping lead the Toronto Marlies to their first Calder Cup championship on June 14 following a 6-1 Game 7 victory over the Texas Stars. Moore picked up an assist in front of a sellout crowd of 8,818 inside Ricoh Coliseum. He was understandably beaming when interviewed after the game on Marlies TV. “It’s amazing,” said Moore, who appeared in all 20 of the Marlies playoff games. “We have such a special group of guys, such a resilient team. I couldn’t ask to be reunited with this group of guys.” Despite being just a second-year pro, Moore turned out to be one of the Marlies’ top contributors in the team’s championship run with 17 points (six goals, 11 assists). Moore has come a long way after signing with the Maple Leafs in 2016 after playing three years at NCAA Division I University of Denver. “I just wanted to make an impression in camp as a rookie,” Moore explained. “Never did I think it would wind up with a Calder Cup two years later. This is pretty special. “The game at the pro level is definitely faster, space closes quicker, you’ve got to make plays faster. It’s a learning curve. The guys are closing in on you faster. They’re hitting you a little harder, so you’ve got to make that play faster.” Maintaining a positive attitude and keeping true to reaching the end goal were instrumental in his ongoing development. “There’s going to be a lot of obstacles in hockey and life,” Moore said. “You’ve got to keep working hard and have a good support staff. When things have got hard this year, I’ve had someone to lean on. You’ve got to just keep powering through things.”
AUGUST 5 - 11, 2018
Open to all youth hockey players ages 5 - 15 CARubberHockey.com
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TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER
Jr. Kings look forward to new season with excitement By Brian McDonough
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here isn’t any question the entire Los Angeles Jr. Kings organization hit one of its highest notes during the 2017-18 campaign, and it can’t wait to ride that winning wave into the new season. “Both on the ice and administratively, it was without a doubt a year everyone within our club should be proud of,” said Jr. Kings general manager of hockey operations Nick Vachon. “We accomplished so much on so many levels.” The signature highlight came during the California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) Tier I State Championships when all seven Jr. Kings teams celebrated titles. With the sweep, the program staked claim to the unprecedented feat of winning every age division at the event in a single season. The Jr. Kings’ Bantam Major team parlayed its state championship into a Pacific District title to earn a berth to the USA Hockey Tier I National Championships, while the club’s Squirt BB1 team took home a CAHA state title. The program’s accolades continued into the offseason when a number of current and former Jr. Kings were selected in elite junior league drafts, along with being invited to prestigious USA Hockey Select camps and tournaments. And, in addition to witnessing a handful of alumni make their NHL debuts and commit to NCAA Division I schools over the course of the season - and one, Cayla Barnes, win an Olympic gold medal - former Jr. King and Yale University recruit Jack St. Ivany was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in June’s NHL Draft (see more on St. Ivany
guide the program’s Bantam AA1 squad. Kyle Calder, who on Page 9). “To see so many of our teams have success and then played eight-plus seasons in the NHL, including two with the so many of our players and former players recognized is Kings, will lead the Jr. Kings’ Bantam AA2 team, and Maik rewarding to say the least, and deserving because of all Tatavosian has the reins of the Pee Wee AA1 squad. Pitchthe hard work they’ve put in over the last few years, along er will guide the Pee Wee AA2 contingent. The Jr. Kings’ A, BB and B coaches include: Tony Rudy with the commitment and support of their families,” said Vachon. “I’m nothing but confident this coming season will (Bantam A); Jeff Bain (Pee Wee A1 and Mite B2); Sam Graham (Pee Wee A2); Chet Carlbom (Pee Wee BB); yield more of the same.” The 2018-19 campaign unofficially got underway over Ryan Santana (Pee Wee B); Dimitri Voulelikas (Squirt A1); former Kings goaltender Jathe spring with three spirited trymie Storr (Squirt A2); Joe Conout weekends that yielded 25 solazio (Squirt BB1); Shane teams: seven at the Tier I (AAA) level; five at Tier II (AA); and 13 at McColgan (Squirt BB2); Beebe the A/BB/B levels. (Mite A1); Stephane Desjardins (Mite A2); and Kemp (Mite At Tier I, Barry Dreger will B1). once again lead the program’s “In my opinion, these guys 18U team, while Jeff Turcotte separate our club from any other,” will serve as head coach of the said Vachon. “They have so much 16U squad. Jaro Modry, an asexperience and a passion for both sistant coach with the American Hockey League’s Ontario Reign Nick Vachon, the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ general man- hockey and teaching and, most importantly, do things the right - the Los Angeles Kings’ top affil- ager of hockey operations, holds high expectations way, both on and off the ice.” iate - will guide the Jr. Kings’ 15U for his program heading into the 2018-19 season. And with a new hockey season already on the horizon, AAA team. Shawn Pitcher will lead the organization’s Bantam Vachon is also quick to credit the Kings and El Segundo’s Major (2004) team, and Jack Bowkus will have the reins Toyota Sports Center - the Jr. Kings’ home base and pracof the Bantam Minor (2005) club. Brett Beebe will guide tice facility of the NHL club - for their continued support. the Jr. Kings’ Pee Wee Major (2006) squad, and Turcotte “It’s huge and another reason we’re able to take our will lead the Pee Wee Minor (2007) team. club to new levels year after year,” said Vachon. “What At Tier II, John Kemp will serve as head coach of they do to help enhance our players’ and families’ Jr. Kings the club’s Midget 16U AA team, while Erik Lektorp will experience is second to none.”
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SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS
Jr. Sharks’ Janda adds to duties with CAHA, NorCal roles a season with the Springfield Jr. Blues and then returned to San Jose for the 2013-14 season. Since his return, ike Janda is already the San Jose Jr. Sharks’ director Janda has coached 14U AAA, 15U AAA, 16U AAA, of coaches and player development and the club’s 18U AAA and 12U AA. He has also served as the player 16U AAA coach, but when you have the passion to be advancement coordinator for the program’s families. involved in the game, that isn’t enough. But this fall when he adds the CAHA and NorCal jobs Janda will be taking on additional roles next season to his list of duties, Janda sees nothing but positives for all as coach-in-chief for the California Amateur Hockey involved moving forward. Association (CAHA) and the director of coaches for “I don’t foresee any problems, to be honest with the Northern California Junior Hockey Association you,” Janda said. “I am heavily involved with CAHA (NorCal). and NorCal already and these roles will give me “I always wanted to teach, whether it be hockey more of a leadership position.” or something else, but never in my wildest dreams Until then, even in the dog days of summer, did I imagine I would be in California,” Janda said. Janda is keeping busy, on and off the ice. “Even when I moved here, I didn’t think I would be “We currently have two rinks under construction, here this long, but I genuinely love what I do and so it has been a quiet summer around the rink, but the people I work with. It’s an honor to work for the I have been keeping busy with camps during the Sharks and serve all of NorCal as we strive to grow day,” explained Janda. “We have wrapped up our hockey.” Sharks Summer School Camp and will begin our Having just been appointed to the CAHA and AAA Development Camp later this month.” NorCal positions in recent weeks, Janda said he is And as hockey continues to grow in California, still “ironing out the details” for both roles. especially at the youth level, Janda is elated to be “At this time, I know I will be doing some part of the steady boom across the state. coaching development for both entities and running “We are constantly growing and adding players Mike Janda is a leader and coach with the San Jose Jr. Sharks and soon, will the NorCal Select Camp in December,” said Janda. be utilizing those skills with the CAHA and NorCal youth associations. Photo/ to our programs in NorCal,” said Janda. “We have “I look forward to spreading out and helping our Dean Tait/HockeyShots seen a lot of players have success in the past, but coaches in NorCal and the state improve so we can see do things. We are constantly striving to make Jr. Sharks the biggest success we have right now is the number more California players have success at the national level.” hockey better but also to improve all of NorCal.” of 6U and 8U players registered in NorCal. We want to Janda played NCAA Division I hockey at the Rochester His first season in the Bay Area, Janda was with the Jr. continue to grow the game and foster a love for the game. Institute of Technology in New York from 2007-11, going Sharks’ 16U and 18U AAA teams as an assistant coach. As coaches, our job is to make the game fun and return to the Frozen Four in 2010. After graduation, he wound He then moved to Springfield, Ill., to coach in the NAHL for players every year.”
By Matt Mackinder
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up in San Jose. “When I first got to the Jr. Sharks in 2011, I believe we had 20 teams,” said Janda. “This season, we will field 32 teams. As you can see, our club continues to grow by numbers every year and our in-house program has stayed strong. We have a fearless leader in Curtis Brown and our goal is to pioneer youth hockey and be the first to
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
TAHOE PREP HOCKEY ACADEMY
The Charm
Year 3 looking very much on the bright side for Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy By Greg Ball
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he summer months may be a time for young hockey players to get away from the ice, enjoy some other sports or activities and relish the freedom of being out of school, but for coaches and administrators, it’s time to grind. Without daily practices and games to occupy their attention, they look at these months away from the ice as an opportunity to continue building their foundation, plan for the future and keep their overriding mission of developing hockey players squarely in their sights. At the Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy, that’s exactly what president and hockey director Leo Fenn, athletic director Mike Lewis and their staff and board of directors are doing from June through August. Because the academy is equally as focused on its student-athletes’ academic progress as their hockey development, there’s even more to be done. And as the academy approaches its third full school year and hockey season, a look back to some of its early accomplishments and what’s in store for the future “shows a great deal of promise for the years to come,” Lewis said. Earlier this year, Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy reached a significant milestone when it graduated its first class of seniors. Seven studentathletes received diplomas and have set their sights on pursuing higher education, junior hockey or both. Those who feel like an additional year of development will help them on the ice can add on a post-grad year in Tahoe in an effort to prepare themselves for the challenge of Tier I or Tier II junior hockey. Fenn emphasized how important the educational aspect of the academy is. Tahoe is not a “hockey factory,” but rather an environment where exceptionally motivated student-athletes can acquire the skills necessary to improve on the ice while also developing a foundation for their education and a lifetime of learning. “We’re extremely proud to have graduated seven seniors from the Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy as part of our inaugural class of student-athletes this spring,” said Fenn, who also coaches Tahoe’s varsity team. “All of these fine young men embody the character and integrity upon which our academy was founded and that it strives to live up to each and every day. “A challenging academic program will always be a core value of the academy, and seeing our players remain dedicated to their studies as well as their athletic goals only reinforces our belief that their time here in Lake Tahoe is setting themselves up for bright futures.” On the hockey front, the academy has made significant strides since opening its doors in the late summer of 2016. Tahoe will again ice two teams for the 201819 season - a varsity squad that will play in the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League and a prep team
for older and more advanced players that will compete in the newly formed NAHL Prep League. With the prep team having been accepted into the prestigious NAHL Prep League, a natural path has been laid for Tahoe’s players to compete at the next level, whether that’s in the NAHL, in another junior league, or at the college level. “Several incoming recruits have
been identified as highly sought-after prospects for the NAHL, Canadian Junior Hockey League and United States Premier Hockey League,” said Lewis, who coaches Tahoe’s prep squad. “In our short amount of time being established, Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy has established significant relationships with coaches and scouting directors with various organizations across North America that should greatly assist our efforts of moving players onto the next levels.” Of course, as Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy grows in reputation and status, it will also grow in enrollment
and interest from all corners of the country and beyond. Lewis said the academy has signed approximately 25 new student-athletes to join the Tahoe family this year, with players coming from all over North America. To address the large amount of interest from players from other countries, 2018 will mark the first time that the academy has accepted international applications. And the young men who are suiting up in the academy’s signature purple and white sweaters and living on the shores of Lake Tahoe aren’t just ordinary hockey players and students. “This incoming class of players really highlights the quality of talent that is being developed here in Tahoe,” Lewis said. “There are multiple Tier I players, guys who have been the leading scorers on their teams, and even in their leagues, plus team captains, national championship participants and honor roll students.” From a concept that developed in their minds and on cocktail-napkin sketches to a thriving international academy that is developing some of the strongest students and hockey players anywhere, Fenn and Lewis know that the foundation they worked so hard to build is starting to bear fruit and will continue to do so in the years to come. Since opening nearly two years ago, Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy has doubled in size from one team to two, has built a top-ofthe-line locker room at its temporary home rink, has opened the doors to a dormitory that would make many college players jealous and has signed an affiliation agreement with the USPHL’s Potomac Patriots, among a number of other milestones. More student housing and a new rink are in the plans for coming years as the academy’s 16-acre campus is built out. Even with the long-term and intermediate goals often needing to be pushed to the forefront to keep everything on track, the team at Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy never loses sight of its ultimate goal - giving their student body the tools to succeed in academics and hockey. “The goal each season is to continue to challenge ourselves to produce better, more effective ways to help our student-athletes grow, both on the ice and off,” Lewis said. “As the 2018-19 school year and hockey season are fast approaching, we’re excited about the incoming class of student-athletes who will be representing TPHA. We feel that we have proven in the academy’s first two seasons that our development model works for Tier II and Tier I players looking to increase their skill sets, and by sticking to this model, we’re confident that we’ll continue to develop players who make the most of their abilities and potential.”
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ANAHEIM DUCKS
Time to gear up for Homeschool Hockey with THE RINKS By THE RINKS Staff
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or many families, August is a month where heading back to school seems to be all that anyone can talk about. Whether it’s going back-to-school shopping and getting new supplies for the upcoming year, or trying to squeeze in every extra second of sleep or those last few days at the beach, most kids in Southern California are preparing for that first day of school in one way or another. THE RINKS homeschool families, however, know that while the majority of kids are headed back to school, it’s time for them to get back on the ice with THE RINKS. THE RINKS offer a variety of programs specifically tailored towards homeschool families, with Homeschool Learn to Play, Learn to Skate, Homeschool Hockey Initiation and Homeschool Skating sessions. THE RINKS’ homeschool classes are often scheduled during weekdays in the late morning or early afternoon and offer all participating families a fun and enjoyable opportunity to meet other homeschool families and learn how to ice skate and play hockey. Tanner Privia, who plans and operates the homeschool programs at THE RINKS, is excited about the growth. “Our homeschool initiatives have continued to grow
and gain momentum over the past few years,” said Privia. “Last year alone, we saw over 600 homeschool participants join THE RINKS in each program.” Now an approved vendor for 12 charter schools across Southern California and Orange County, families are able to use funds given to them by the school to participate in
THE RINKS’ homeschool programming. “Becoming an approved vendor has been great not only for THE RINKS, but for our customers as well,” Privia said. “We have numerous families that belong to approved charter schools, with several more close to being approved. Everyone knows hockey and skating can be-
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come very expensive sports to participate in, especially at the higher levels. Our approved vendor status really helps to alleviate some of the financial burden for those families.” In addition to being approved vendors for these schools, THE RINKS also offer discounts to homeschool families on all homeschool programming. THE RINKS have expanded its homeschool program offerings since homeschool programming started in Nov. 2014, resulting in over 2,000 homeschool families participating in THE RINKS homeschool programs. With THE RINKS – Great Park ICE opening at the end of the year, THE RINKS will be able to expand their homeschool programming into this state-of-the-art facility just off the 5-freeway in Irvine and better accommodate homeschool families in South Orange County. In addition to growing homeschool programming, the four-sheet facility will allow THE RINKS an opportunity to expand all programming and provide all youth hockey players and figure skaters in Orange County more outlets to compete and develop their skills. As THE RINKS continues to grow and expand homeschool programming, all homeschool families within Southern California and Orange County are encouraged to make a trip out to THE RINKS. For questions about THE RINKS’ homeschool programs, visit www.therinks.com/homeschoolprograms or contact Tanner Privia at tprivia@therinks.com.
ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Groll second Jr. Ducks player in two years chosen for U18 Selects By Chris Bayee
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or the second summer in a row, the Anaheim Jr. Ducks had a player selected to USA Hockey’s Under-18 Select Team. Forward Josh Groll, who played for the Jr. Ducks 16U AAA team that reached the semifinals at USA Hockey Youth Nationals in April, was one of 23 players chosen for Team USA’s entry at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which will take place Aug. 6-11 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. The tournament features the top Under-18 teams in the world. Jr. Ducks alum Slava Demin, a fourth-round selection by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2018 NHL Draft, made the U18 Select Team last summer. “I’m really excited and happy for the opportunity, but it’s also really surreal,” said Groll, who committed to the University of Michigan last season. “I had no indication it was coming, but I was hopeful.” Groll was among eight players with ties to the Jr. Ducks at USA Hockey’s Boys Select 17 camp, a group that included defensemen Ryan Johnson, Nicholas Kent and Jerrett Overland, goaltender Tyler Shea and forwards Joseph Harguindeguy, Jackson Niedermayer and Ethan Wolters. Johnson, who was on Team USA’s gold medal-winning team at last summer’s U17 Five Nations Cup with Groll, was unable to participate due to a leg injury. All but Kent were part of this past season’s 16U team, co-coached by Alex Kim and Craig Johnson. “It was a good year, and the coaches and my teammates pushed me into a good position for this summer,” Groll said. “The coaches helped me prepare for these camps and get me to the level where these opportunities would come up.” Johnson said Groll often provided a spark for the team. “Josh was a big part of it,” said Johnson, also the Jr. Ducks’ director of coaches. “When you bring that work ethic and intensity to practice every day, others respond.”
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HOCKEYSHOT
Are you a ‘get’ or ‘give’ type of hockey player? By HockeyShot Mental & Emotional Coach John Haime
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he past number of months, I have worked with many teams helping to get everyone on the same page, working to establish an agreed upon culture and help to identify any issues that could be preventing the team from maximizing individual abilities. A major part of this is the attitude of the player and how well they fit into the team concept. One exercise we do is identifying “get” and “give” players and how the two very different attitudes impact the team and the team’s results. What is a “Get” or “Give” Player? Some athletes are primarily focused on what they get for themselves (“what do I get”) within the team structure. They want to know if they get to start, can they always be on the top line, they want to play more minutes, receive all the awards, give less effort, show up to practice when they want and anything else that benefits them over the team. Now, there are others who have a “what can I give” approach. They are focused on giving – what they get is not the priority. These players give their best effort in practice, training and games, give the team a good example of behavior, have a positive attitude, give other players a chance to make plays, sacrifice for the better of the group, have a coachable attitude and anything that helps the team over themselves.
Why You Must Be a “Give” Player There are many advantages to be a give player. Here are a few reasons: . Every coach looks for the “what can I give” athlete for their team - coaches look for reasons not to select the
“what do I get” athlete . It’s far more fun to be on a team with “what can I give” athletes - the culture is more honest, humbler and teammates generally trust each other . It’s a funny thing in life that the more you give - the more you seem to get back - so a player who gives also “gets” in return
What is the Result of a “What Can I Give” Culture? The best example of a culture of giving in sports is the New Zealand All Blacks - rugby’s most successful team in history with an 86 percent winning percentage. Their “sweep the sheds” culture and attitude not only promote an honest, high performing, family environment, but they also win. After every game, the All Blacks players sweep the locker room of every last piece of grass, tape, and mud. They take responsibility for leaving the locker room the way they found it. No one looks after the All Blacks - they look after themselves. They also strive to leave “the shirt” in a better place than they got it when they eventually leave the program. They are not there to “get,” they are there to “give.” Are you a “get” or “give” player? If you are a “get” player, you may consider what it might take for you to become a more “give” player. You may be surprised that a transition to a “give” player may help you “get” exactly what you want For all the best hockey training products, including Synthetic Ice – Revolution Tiles and Extreme Glide Synthetic Ice, visit www. HOCKEYSHOT.com.
www.HockeyShot.com
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
NEVADA REPORT
Vegas picks up eight solid prospects at 2018 NHL Draft By Matt Mackinder
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he Vegas Golden Knights made eight selections during last month’s NHL Draft in Dallas, all on the second day after trading their first-round selection at the trade deadline to the Detroit Red Wings for forward Tomas Tatar. With their first pick, the Golden Knights took Russian forward Ivan Morozov in the second round (61st overall). Morozov played for Khanty Mansiysk in the Russia junior leagues last season and also posted five points in five games with Team Russia at the 2018 IIHF Under-18 World Championship. He scored 11 goals and added 12 assists in 30 games for Mamonty Yugry before joining Khanty Mansiysk. He says he models his play after Washington Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov. Then in the fourth round (99th overall), Vegas scooped up Cypress, Calif., native and Anaheim Jr. Ducks grad Slava Demin, a defenseman who has played the past two seasons for the BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild. Demin scored nine goals and dished out 36 assists for 45 points in 57 games with the Wild in 2017-18, adding two goals and five assists in 20 playoff games for Wenatchee. He is committed to play at the University of Denver next season. “It’s an unbelievable experience,” said Demin. “You only get this experience once in your life, so it’s pretty cool to go through it. Going to Vegas, it’s a new organization and they had an unbelievable season. They were up there in the Stanley Cup Final, so it’s just super cool to be part
of an organization that has done so well right from the get “I was just out actually getting a bite to eat with go. Seeing their players from the expansion draft and what one of my buddies,” Kruse said. “I was watching the they want in their players. It’s unbelievable.” draft there, I saw my name pop up, he was kind of Sixteen picks after Demin, the Golden Knights select- freaking out and my stomach kind of dropped. Then ed Lincoln Stars (USHL) forward Paul Cotter, a Michi- just seeing Vegas and what they’ve done this year, I gan native (Canton) who finished fourth in scoring for the couldn’t be any happier.” Stars in 2017-18 with 39 points in Windsor Spitfires (OHL) de51 games. He also led the Stars in fenseman Connor Corcoran was playoff scoring with four goals and next at pick No. 154. He anchored four assists in seven games and is the blue line for the Spitfires in committed to play at Western Michi2017-18 while accumulating three gan University in 2018-19. goals and 21 assists. “I’m kind of speechless at this “It’s something you dream of point,” said Cotter. “I think it’s pretty as a little kid and this moment will much the same thing for everybody, stick with me forever,” Corcoran but it’s especially special to be a part said. “Especially having my family of Vegas. They speak for themselves (in Dallas), it’s just awesome havwith them being an expansion team ing them by my side and them getand their first year having so much ting to experience it as well.” Salisbury Prep defenseman success. I’m crazy excited to hopeand Quinnipiac University commit fully get started and enjoy the proPeter Diliberatore went in the cess from here on out.” sixth round (180th overall), saying The Golden Knights stayed in afterwards that it was “a surreal Michigan with their first of two fifthConnor Corcoran manned the back end for round picks in Saline native and the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires in 2017-18 and feeling.” Also in the sixth round (185th Bowling Green State University for- wound up a fifth-round pick of the Vegas ward Brandon Kruse, who went Golden Knights at the NHL Draft last month overall), Vegas chose Baie-Comeau Drakkar (QMJHL) defensem135th overall. Kruse skated in 41 in Dallas. Photo/Terry Wilson/OHL Images games as a freshman at BGSU, collecting 33 points and an Xavier Bouchard before rounding out the draft was named to the All-WCHA Rookie Team after finishing with London Knights (OHL) goalie Jordan Kooy in the seventh round (208th overall). fifth overall in scoring among NCAA freshmen.
FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Take note: What every team should have in their first aid kit W
hen an athletic trainer isn’t available for your sports team’s practice or game, it’s imperative that a quality first aid kit and someone with general knowledge of first aid be present. The following is a list of items suggested by Compete Sports Performance and Rehab’s certified athletic trainers to be Chris Phillips contained in each team’s first aid kits. These kits should be on hand and easily available at all team functions. It is also suggested that the kits be on the bench during games and practices. The kits should be checked frequently to ensure they are well stocked. You should have 10 rubber gloves, 10 4x4 gauze pads, 10 antiseptic/alcohol pads, 10 antibiotic cream packets, one pair of bandage scissors, five instant cold packs, one box of miscellaneous Band Aids, two Ace wraps, two rolls of elastic tape, one CPR mask, 10 Ziploc bags for ice, one first aid and CPR guide, one shoulder sling, one SAM splint (flexible foam and aluminum splint), two rolls of clear flexible tape and two rolls of under wrap. These types of kits can be found in most pharmacies and many sporting goods stores or online Please check contents of kits prior to purchasing to make certain you have everything needed. These kits are just a suggestion and having a certified athletic trainer on hand is the best way to ensure the safety of your athletes. 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
Oak Park Ice Rink a key component to St. Mary’s program By Matt Mackinder
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hen the St. Mary’s High School program takes the ice this fall, the team will be calling the Oak Park Ice Rink its home arena. Located in Stockton, the arena is one of the busiest rinks in all of Northern California and is operated by SMG. “SMG is excited to be working with St. Mary’s High School as they launch their hockey program,” said SMG Stockton general manager Kendra Clark. “Hockey has been an integral part of the Stockton community and it’s exciting to see the support take it to this level.” And while lots of attention gets put on hockey in Southern California, Clark is hoping that SMG and St. Mary’s can forge a new niche in Stockton and the surrounding communities. “Hockey has a strong heritage in Northern California with the San Jose Sharks being a powerhouse in the Bay Area,” said Clark. “Most notably, hockey has grown tremendously in the Stockton community starting with the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder in 2005 and now the Stockton Heat of the AHL. Over the past 10 years, this has translated into Stockton becoming a hockey town and youth hockey growing exponentially with now over 12 teams playing out of the
Oak Park Ice Rink.” Derek Eisler, who is spearheading the St. Mary’s hockey program, is elated with the notion of calling Oak Park Ice Rink home. “Oak Park is a really good building that shows the resilience of the community of Stockton,” Eisler said. “SMG has done a great job with upkeep and cleanliness of the building and is very goal-oriented
forming arts centers, theaters and specific-use venues such as equestrian centers. In Stockton, SMG currently manages the Oak Park Ice Rink, Stockton Arena, Bob Hope Theatre, Stockton Ballpark and Stockton Downtown Marina. At the end of the day, Clark feels creating the relationship with St. Mary’s is one that oozes potential. “SMG looks forward to being a partner with St. Mary’s High School,” said Clark. “As community leaders in Stockton, this is a win-win for both entities.”
Get to know the Oak Park Ice Rink:
about all ice sports in Stockton.” As for SMG’s background in hockey, the company has been going strong for more than 40 years. A world leader in venue management, marketing and development, SMG was founded in 1977 with the management of its first facility, the Louisiana Superdome. SMG soon grew to manage convention centers, exhibition halls and trade centers, arenas, stadiums, per-
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California NAHL products make future plans to play NCAA hockey By Matt Mackinder
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hree more California natives will skate for NCAA teams next fall. Trabuco Canyon native Jake Rosenbaum is off to the reigning NCAA Division I national champion University of Minnesota Duluth, while Simi Valley product Connor Chilton has committed to play for NCAA Division III Aurora University and Goleta’s Jayson DiMizio will play for NCAA D-III Trine University. All three played in the NAHL last season – Rosenbaum on the blue line with the Minot Minotauros, Chilton up front with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs and DiMizio with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays’ forwards. Rosenbaum, a former standout with Santa Margarita Catholic High School and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, went on to post six goals and six assists in 38 regularseason games with the Minotauros, who went all the way to the Robertson Cup national championship game in May. As for his future plans, the 21-year-old Rosenbaum said he chose UMD “because of their outstanding hockey reputation, the high-level coaching staff, and the number of players they move onto professional hockey, which is my ultimate goal.” Chilton, also 21, is another great example of an NAPHL to NAHL to NCAA ladder of development success story. During the 2017-18 season in Fairbanks, Chilton had 22 points (four goals, 18 assists) in 43 regular-season games. Prior to playing in the NAHL, Chilton spent five seasons playing for the California Titans. During the 2015-16 season, Chilton led the NAPHL 18U Division and the Titans in scoring. In 25 NAPHL regular-season games that season, Chilton recorded a league-leading 44 points (17 goals, 27 assist). “I am very excited to start college next year at Trine University,” said DiMizio. “I picked that school because I loved the campus, it has a subject that I want to major in, and I have an awesome teammate (Garrett Hallford) that is coming with me.” The 20-year-old DiMizio played 58 games with the IceRays during the 201718 season, posting 13 goals and 11 assists for 24 points. He is also an alum of the Titans, having played for the 14U team during the 2011-12 season.
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Twenty-Five Alive NARCh Finals remain golden in 25th anniversary season on the floor By Phillip Brents
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not competing (in the event) that jumped on teams.” Championship awards were handed out in the Mite (10U), Midget (18U), Pee Wee (14U) and Division 1 (24U) age groups as the tournament gained momentum. Division winners included the Pama Cyclones Blue 08 (Mite Platinum), Labeda Jets (Mite Gold), Renegades 07 (Mite Silver), Bulldogs Black (Mite Club), Tour Roadrunners (Midget Platinum and Division 1), Revolution Black 99 (Midget Gold), NCR Konixx Elite (Midget Silver), Konixx Outcasts (Midget Club), L.A. Winterhawks (Pee Wee Platinum), Militia Grey (Pee Wee Gold), Nor Cal Jokers (Pee Wee Silver) and Kamagraf (Pee Wee Club)
opportunity to play roller together. “The kids really enjoyed this tournament. NARCh president Daryn Goodwin, colleague Alex Morrison and staff do a fantastic job running this huge event. We are very grateful to participate every year.” The Winterhawks 14U group, coached by Gasseau and Eric Somoza, has been playing ice and roller together for many years. The team’s ice hockey chemistry seems to drive the team in roller hockey. “They really enjoy playing and hanging out together,” Gasseau said. “It has been a pleasure for coach Eric Somoza and I to see them grow up and witness their success as a team. They do understand the definition of being a good teammate. We look forward to entering the 16U division next year.” The last two days of competition featured medal games in the Cub (6U), Atom (8U), Men’s Gold, Men’s Silver, Men’s Bronze and 30& Over divisions. Division champions included OC Marvel (Cub), Bauer Renegades (Atom Platinum), Bulldogs Blue (Atom Gold), Temecula Warriors (Atom Silver), Labeda Pama Shakers (Men’s Gold), Mavin Tribe (Men’s Silver), Roadrunners More Beef (Men’s Bronze) and Konixx (30 & Over).
ver the past quarter-century, NARCh has seen many of its alumni represent inline hockey at its highest level of international play as well as develop into bona fide NHL players and populate the ranks of minor pro hockeydom. The tournament, which maintains a high profile on all social media platforms, continues to turn out highlight reel action in the 21st century. The 25th NARCh West Coast Finals faced off June 21-July 1 at THE RINKS-Irvine Inline with an entry list topping 210 teams and 582 games spread over 11 days. Teams came from three continents, nine U.S. states and one Canadian province. California teams once again collected a hefty haul of shiny hardware. The first set of championship trophies were handed out in the Squirt (12U), Bantam (16U), Junior (21U), Girls (14U), Women’s and Men’s Pro divisions. Division winners included the Angry Ducks (Squirt Platinum), North Shore Zulu (Squirt Gold and Bantam Platinum), Konixx Outcasts (Squirt Silver), Militia White (Squirt Club), Farm Tough (Bantam Gold), West Coast Top individuals Warriors (Bantam Silver), AKS 01 The skills competition proved (Bantam Club), Konixx/Grasshopper absurdly popular. More than 75 entrants (Junior Platinum), Grasshopper took part in the 8U Division alone, Gamewear (Junior Gold), Bulldogs which took two hours to complete. (Girls 14U), Pama Labeda Golden Awards were presented in fastest Knights (Women’s Platinum and The L.A. Winterhawks captured the Pee Wee Platinum Division title at the 2018 NARCh West Coast skater, top sniper and top goaltender Men’s Pro/Platinum), Mavin Mavericks Finals with a 7-0 record. Photo/NARCh categories in 15 divisions. (Women’s Gold) and Tour Mudcats (Men’s Platinum). The Cyclones and Winterhawks proved to be the Bauer Renegades’ Diego Gutierrez (Atom NARCh president Daryn Goodwin said the Pro/ class of their respective divisions. Platinum) led all division high scorers with 33 points Platinum division was not originally planned for the The Cyclones finished the tournament 5-0, capping while North Shore Zulu’s Michael Harroch (Bantam West Coast Finals but developed as a surprise as 13 their championship with a 6-3 win over the Militia Grey. Platinum) paced all top goaltender award-winners with teams registered for the event with a horde of highThe Winterhawks finished the tournament with a .975 save percentage. profile players in tow. a 7-0 record by posting an 8-0 championship game “With no prize money at this event, I expected it victory against Wisconsin’s Farm Tough. Next up to be a Platinum Division with a few pros sprinkled “It was a great ride,” Cyclones coach James For many teams, the summer championship season in to keep in shape,” Goodwin noted. “I was wrong. Gasseau said. “Many thanks to our parents, our was just getting started. The NARCh East Coast Finals There were 5-6 legitimate pro teams. In fact, a few wonderful team manager Tracy Stickney and thank wrap up July 12-22 at The Cooler in Alpharetta, Ga., teams were better pro teams than they usually were you to Pama Cyclones president Eddie Limbaga followed by the State Wars 14 United States Hockey because there was an influx of guys from other teams for supporting us and providing our ice team the Championships July 25-Aug. 6 in St. Peters, Mo.
Bleed by example is key message behind GBPH inline event
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he 12th annual Give Blood Play Hockey inline hockey charity tournament is set to roll out Oct. 18-21 at THE RINKS-Irvine Inline. The event celebrated it 11th anniversary last year by raising $165,018 and collecting 495 pints of blood. Those numbers hiked the organization’s total charitable donation to $916,500.68 and 3,068 pints since the tournament’s inception in 2007. Give Blood Play Hockey organizers are expecting to surpass the $1 million mark this year in donations to Children’s Hospital of Orange County, the organization’s primary beneficiary. It’s been a labor of love and the fight to eradicate pediatric cancer is not over. Tournament co-founder Mary Quayle, who started the GBPH event as a community service project while still in high school as a way to help “pay forward” blood used during her grandfather’s battle against cancer,
stressed the need for blood donations year-round, not just during the tournament weekend. Participating teams can now receive free registration for the upcoming event through a new promotion: Host A Drive. Teams can host a blood drive and if they collect 40 or more pints the $550 registration fee is waived. Teams can contact the LifeStream Blood Bank (Lstream.org) for information on how to set up a blood drive. LifeStream’s regional development coordinator Tony Holder noted some sobering figures: Every two seconds someone needs blood, and 25 percent of the population will require a blood transfusion once in their lifetime. In fact, all patients at CHOC undergoing cancer or
leukemia treatment require blood products. One third of the U.S. population can donate blood but only five percent do, Holder noted. “Thirty percent of our blood supply comes from high schools and from June through August, we lose that supply,” Holder said. “Emergencies and surgeries do not take the summer off, so we need extra community support during this time frame.” For information or to register for the event, visit the website at www. givebloodplayhockey.org. GiveBlood PlayHockey is also on Facebook. - Phillip Brents CARubberHockey.com
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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 Eric Comrie (Newport Beach) – Winnipeg Jets Chase De Leo (La Mirada) – Anaheim Ducks Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Chicago Blackhawks Rocco Grimaldi (Rossmoor) – Nashville Predators Nic Kerdiles (Irvine) – Winnipeg Jets 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 + 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 Justin Woods – Manitoba Moose + 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 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 Dylan Vander Esch (San Jose) – 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 Beau Bennett (Gardena) – Belarus 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 Cory Kane (Irvine) – Russia Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) – Russia Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) – Sweden Colin Long (Santa Ana) – Italy 22
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Kyle MacKinnon (Walnut) – Germany Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) – Sweden 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
Christina Kao (Huntington Beach) – Yale University Keely Moy (San Diego) – Harvard University Kayla Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – St. Lawrence University Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – St. Lawrence University Tia Stoddard (La Mesa) – Clarkson University
Oliver Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Tufts University Theo Tydingco (Newark) – Wesleyan University
HOCKEY EAST Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) – Boston College Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) – University of New Hampshire
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
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 $
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
NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN
NORTHEAST-10 Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce 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
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WCRHLers honored on collegiate inline All-American teams By Phillip Brents
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he National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) announced its 2017-18 All-American team on June 7, highlighted by selections for Most Valuable Player, Most Valuable Goaltender and Playmaker Awards in each division. Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) teams were well represented. Saddleback College celebrated its return to WCRHL play by winning the Junior College Division championship at April’s national championship tournament in Fargo, N.D. The Gauchos defeated fellow WCRHL rival West Valley College 3-2 in the national championship game. Fifteen players between the teams received prestigious All-American recognition. All five players on the JC Division First Team hailed from the two California finalists: Jackson Faught, Riley Hummitsch and Leks Zendejas from Saddleback and Joe Kubani and Matt Swanson from West Valley. Zendejas earned the JC Division Most Valuable Goaltender Award while Swanson received the JC Division Playmaker Award. Zendejas went 3-0-0 at the national championship tournament with a 0.67 goals-against average, two shutouts and a .951 save percentage while Swanson collected 12 goals and 19 points in six playoff games. “I was excited and honored to have received that award – it was all teamwork,” Zendejas said. “I was lucky to have a great, solid squad in front of me. Most of us have been friends for a long time and they had my back, and I had theirs.” Saddleback club president George Godinez, who scored a hat trick in the division championship game, re-
ceived notoriety as the JC Division Most Valuable Player. Team All-American Division II honors for helping an under“It means a lot to be named MVP on the NCRHA rated Broncos team advance to the division quarterfinals. All-American team,” Godinez noted. “Words can’t really NAU’s Daniel Diaz and Trevor Scott both earned Diexplain it. It’s so surreal. I honestly did not expect it. Glad vision II All-American honorable mention recognition along that some of my teammates made the team as well. We with the University of Arizona’s Ben Jackson, Pomona’s had a lot of hard-working skaters this season. Winning Trevor Cochran and Derick Rosas, and San Jose State the national championship wouldn’t University’s Jacob Hickey and Pehave been possible without all the ter Simonsen. guys putting in the hard work and Arizona State University, which effort on and off the rink.” made history with WCRHL Division Saddleback’s Ruslan PatterI and Division III titles in the same son and West Valley’s Jose Vinseason, was not left out in the cent Sy each were bestowed with All-American decorations. Second Team All-American honors. In a show of respect, the Sun Honorable mention All-AmerDevils received honorable mention ican honors went to eight players: honors for participating in the lonSaddleback’s Spencer Gaalaas, gest game in NCRHA history — a Seth Martin, J.P. Merrick and five-overtime loss to Grand Valley Jared Smer and West Valley’s State University in the Division I Christian Acosta, Nick Lopes, quarterfinals. James McGaughey and Tyler Additionally, ASU’s Ryan CotMcPherson. ton and Wes Fry were singled out Northern Arizona University for individual honorable mention graduate Trevor Riffey received honors as was UC Santa Barbara’s multiple decorations for leading the Saddleback College’s Leks Zendejas earned rec- Kevin Mooney. Lumberjacks to the Division II Final ognition as the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Mooney racked up 50 goals Association’s Junior College Division Most ValuFour, their best NCRHA finish. Be- able Goaltender for the 2017-18 season. and 110 points in 30 games to cap sides being named a First Team Dian amazing season for the NCRHA vision II All-American, he also received recognition as the quarterfinalist Gauchos. winner of the 2018 Nationals Division II Playmaker award. Six players received Division III All-American honorable Riffey, an Alta Loma native, collected 57 goals and 80 mention recognition: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Jake points in 25 games this season, including 27 goals and Mandel and Ryan McMullen, West Valley College’s 37 points in 10 playoff games. Joseph Furtado and Justin Furtado, Pomona’s RichCal Poly Pomona’s Mitchell Palafox earned Second ard Cota and ASU’s Clay Heinze.
Bulldogs have great showing at AAU West Coast Nationals vision high scorers with 13 points while the Bulldogs Blue’s Titus Voong (10U Tier 1) paced all division top goaltender award-winners with a .902 save percentage. Many teams that competed at May’s AAU West Coast Nationals also competed at the 2018 AAU Junior Olympic Games, which were also held at the Co-
(10U-AA), AKS Red (14U-A Tier 1), Silicon Valley Quakes (14U-A Tier 2), Team Australia (14U-AA), he Bulldogs Hockey Club certainly made its presAngry Ducks (14U-AAA), Team Mexico (18U-A), ence felt at its home rink by collecting three gold Sin City Barons (18U-AA), High Rollers (18U-AAA), and five silver medals at the 2018 Amateur AthletWindward (23U), Pama Golden Knights (Women’s ic Union (AAU) West Coast Nationals inline hockey Tier 1) and Labeda Jets (Women’s Tier 2). tournament May 26-28 at THE RINKS-Corona Inline. Devin Rud and Caleb Gorey each notched hat Bulldog teams won titles in 6U, 12U and 16Utricks to lead the Renegades past OC Marvel, 11AA divisions while posting runner-up finishes in the 3, in the 10U-A Tier 1 final while Seth Davis record10U Tier 1, 10U Tier 2, 12U, 18U-A and 18U-AA ed a hat trick in the High Rollers’ 7-6 win over Team divisions. Hawaii KIHA in the 18U-AAA final. “We had eight teams play for championships, Ezrah Porter’s hat trick helped AKS Red dea great testament to the kids and parents for their feat the Half Moon Bay Cougars, 8-3, in the 14U-A hard work over the course of the season,” explained Tier 1 final while Gino Rossetto’s hat trick helped Bulldogs age group coach Ben Barrett, who also propel the Quakes past the Bulldogs Black, 9-2, to served as tournament director. “I think our teams win the 14U-A Tier 2 final. were all playing at their best and were being reThe AAU West Coast Nationals also served warded for their hard work and dedication all year.” as a launch pad for the U.S. junior men’s national A total of 44 teams participated at the West team that competed at the 2018 International RollCoast Nationals, with championship trophies er Sports Federation (FIRS) inline hockey world awarded in 14 sub-divisions. championship tournament July 14-21 in Roana, Division champions also included the Labeda Italy. Jets (8U and 10U Tier 1), OC Marvel (10U Tier The Team USA junior men’s national team won the Men’s Gold division With 12 of the 14 players on the U.S. junior 2), AKS Red (14U-A), Angry Ducks (14U-AA), AKS title at the recent AAU West Coast Nationals event at THE RINKS-Co- men’s national team hailing from California, par01 (16U-A), San Diego Stingrays (18U-A), Revo 99 rona Inline. ticipating in the AAU West Coast Nationals thus (18U-AA), Mavin Mavericks (Women’s), Team USA rona Inline facility July 5-15. served the purpose of a pre-event training camp. (Men’s Gold) and Smith Bros (Men’s Silver). The 11-day, 294-game July event featured 22 di“Most of our players are California kids, so we al“This year’s AAU West Coast Nationals had some visions highlighted by a youth club tournament, inter- ready have some good team chemistry and camaraof the closest games and divisions in recent memo- national youth club tournament and adult club tourna- derie,” Team USA coach Steven Boddy explained. ry,” Barrett said. “We had games go to overtime and ment. Teams were drawn from throughout the world. “We had the majority of the players down here for the shootouts and so many upsets during the playoffs. The opening weekend featured championship fi- AAU West Coast Nationals and were able to have It’s always great to see these games and outcomes nals in 13 sub-divisions. the team play in the Men’s division. They played really during our bigger events.” Winners included the Renegades 07 (10U-A Tier well all tournament and ended up beating a good Rink The Bulldogs Blue’s Seth Morris (12U) led all di- 1), Bulldogs Black (10U-A Tier 2), Bulldogs Blue Rat team in the final.” By Phillip Brents
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
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SCOOTER VAUGHAN
Position: Defenseman, Chicago Wolves (AHL) Hometown: Placentia Last Amateur Team: University of Michigan (NCAA D-I) Youth Teams: In-house in Anaheim, California Wave California Rubber: You recently received the AHL Man of the Year Award for your charitable work and community involvement. Where does that rank among your many career accomplishments? Scooter Vaughan: It’s probably at the top of the list. I didn’t understand the magnitude at the time I won. It goes back to my parents (Charles or “Skip” and Orian) – we’re a people-first family. We’ve always been involved in charitable work. There are roughly 1,400 hockey players in the NHL and AHL. There’s not much difference in hockey if you’re not a Sidney Crosby or Connor McDavid, so you’ve got to establish yourself in the community. We are fortunate to play a sport. The least I can do is try to help people who want to get involved in the game or just need help. It’s nice to get recognized, but that’s not why I do it. CR: You have a variety of interests outside of hockey. What sparked those? SV: My mother was very keen on me being cultured. She made a point when we went to New York to take me to see a play, see the Museum of Natural Science, things out of the ordinary of the typical beach life. I love surfing, but I did a lot of cool, off-thebeaten-path things as a kid. My mom is a lawyer and my dad is a chemical engineer for Pepsi. They’re the two hardest working people I know. CR: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up? SV: When we were Pee Wees, our 1989 team coached by Jack Bowkus was known as the Westminster Wave. We went to Silver Sticks in Toronto and beat all sorts of teams that were phenomenal. There is a Westminster in Ontario, and people thought we were from there because “no way a team from California was that good.” We changed our name to California Wave so people knew where we were from. CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving California? SV: There are a few things. Winning a NAHL title and being coached by (current Lightning coach) Jon Cooper. But my junior year in college, our top two goalies got hurt, and we won out every game with our third-string goalie – my roommate Shawn Hunwick. We then went to Michigan State and swept Sparty to go to the CCHA tournament, which we won and kept Michigan’s 20-plus year streak of going to the NCAA Tournament alive. CR: Who have been the biggest influences on you, on and off the ice? SV: My parents were very into me being my own person and finding my own path. Jack Bowkus was my first AAA coach and I wouldn’t be anywhere without him. He’s one of the finest coaches I’ve had. CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant? SV: In-N-Out. They’re in San Antonio and Austin now, so I can get it during the AHL season. Del Taco is another California delicacy. CR: If you weren’t playing pro hockey, what do you think you’d be doing? SV: I’m already doing things that will lead into my career post hockey. There is the Kids for Camps charity. We pay for the camp, they just have to find transportation. That’s a big passion for me. I’m also into real estate and have a Christmas company called Swaggy Clause. I definitely will not work for someone unless it’s a friend. Camps give kids hope and inspiration. It’s not just hockey camps, it could be band camp, YMCA camp. Photo/Ross Dettman Photography/Chicago Wolves
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California Rubber Hockey Magazine
- Compiled by Chris Bayee
www.WSHL.org