California Rubber Magazine - Summer 2019 by Rubber Hockey Magazines

VOLUME 12

ISSUE 10

SUMMER 2019

LITTLE SHARKS KEEPING GAME GROWING IN BAY AREA

Two longtime Anaheim Jr. Ducks youth hockey standouts – Ryan Johnson and Cam York – were selected in last month’s NHL Draft in Vancouver, lending further credibility to the state developing high-level prospects in its ever-growing youth circles

CALIFORNIA PRODUCTS MAKE NCAA, JUNIOR DECISIONS YEAR 4 FAST APPROACHING FOR TAHOE PREP ACADEMY DUCKS, KINGS, SHARKS, GOLDEN KNIGHTS DRAFT FOR FUTURE

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FROM THE EDITOR Dog days of summer mean hockey season right around the corner

on’t get me wrong – I miss hockey season. But nothing beats time with family, some downtime on the home front and food being cooked outside on the grill while the kids are off their phones and in the pool or playing baseball. Summertime is often a time to reflect on the past season and what is to come once we get into late August. And both the reflecting part and looking ahead excite me to no end. Once the season ramps up, the word “busy” doesn’t start to describe what we all go through. But I will say this – I’d rather be busy than the alternative during the winter months. For now, let’s enjoy the last half of summer Matt Mackinder and keep one eye focused on the season ahead. It’ll be here before you know it. Job opening alert for a business development manager for a youth sports club in San Diego County. Requires five years of relevant experience. Send resume to: Wildcats Hockey LLC 2283 Cosmos Ct #A1 Carlsbad, CA 92011 Or email to info@jrreign.com. San Diego native Tanner Kelly, a Michigan State University commit who finished the 2018-19 season with the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, was one of 22 players who participated at the USA Hockey Boys Select 17 Player Development Camp that have been chosen for the 2019 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that will compete Aug. 5-10 at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The tournament will include teams from Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the United States. Good job, Tanner!

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 Rippy

BAY AREA BEGINNERS

On the advancement front, Hermosa Beach native and L.A. Jr. Kings alum Tomas Sholl recently signed an AHL contract with the Texas Stars. Playing last season for the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads, Sholl led all ECHL goaltenders in save percentage and was third in goals-against average during the regular season. He also took the Steelheads to the Mountain Division Final. He was also named to the 2019 ECHL All-Star Classic and earned both ECHL All-Rookie team and All-ECHL Second Team honors. During his junior career, Sholl played two seasons with the NAHL’s Fresno Monsters. Way to go, Tomas! Might AHL hockey be coming to Palm Springs? According to the Seattle Times, the expansion NHL team coming in 2021 has filed an application for an AHL expansion franchise in a new $250 million, 10,000seat arena. “Palm Springs, the idea of a new arena, a thriving community with snowbirds, connected to the other teams in southern California, there were a whole bunch of things that ultimately gave the partnership confidence that this was the right thing,’’ NHL Seattle president and CEO Tod Leiweke said to the Times. “We’re not there yet. All we’ve done is file an application.’’ Earlier this month, the NAHL announced the 24-man roster for Team NAHL that will be competing at the 2019 Sirius Junior Club World Cup, which will be held at the home of the XXII Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia from Aug. 23-31. Forward Andrew DeCarlo (Lone Star Brahmas, Huntington Beach, Jr. Kings, Jr. Ducks) and goaltender Mattias Sholl (Fairbanks Ice Dogs, Hermosa Beach, Jr. Kings) are among the players headed overseas. Enjoy the experience!

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

In partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, the Little Sharks Learn to Play program is designed for children ages 5-9 who have no prior hockey experience and are interested in picking up the sport of hockey. More on Page 13.

ON THE COVER Irvine native Ryan Johnson and Anaheim Hills native Cam York – both longtime Anaheim Jr. Ducks – were chosen by the Buffalo Sabres and Philadelphia Flyers, respectively, at last month’s NHL Draft in Vancouver, B.C. Photo/DJ Harris/THE RINKS

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Feeling A Draft NHL teams once again look to California talent to stock rosters for future seasons By Chris Bayee

ant more evidence that the development model of California youth hockey works? Look no further than the 2019 NHL Draft, which was held June 21-22 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Three California-born and –trained players were selected, including two in the first round, and two of the three played hockey in the state through their 16U years. The headliner was defenseman Cam York, an Anaheim Hills native who was selected 14th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. York became the highest-drafted Californian ever, surpassing Beau Bennett, who went 20th overall in 2010. York was joined by his longtime Anaheim Jr. Ducks teammate and fellow defenseman Ryan Johnson, an Irvine product who was taken with the last pick of the first round (31st overall) by the Buffalo Sabres. Goaltender and Tustin native Dustin Wolf, a longtime Los Angeles Jr. King, was the third Californian taken, going to the Calgary Flames in the seventh round (214th overall). York and Johnson are only the fourth and fifth California-born and – trained players to be taken in the first round and the first since Bennett and Emerson Etem were selected in 2010 at STAPLES Center. The first was another defenseman, Jonathon Blum, who was picked in 2007.

until his family moved to L.A. when he was a Squirt, also played through 16Us with the Jr. Kings before heading to the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2017. He posted respectable numbers backing up current Flyers goaltender Carter Hart during his first season before enjoying a breakout season in 2018-19, leading WHL goalies who played 20 or more games with a 1.69 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage.

York lives up to the hype York’s selection in the first round was all but a given. He was rated the No. 12 North American skater in the final NHL Central Scouting Service rankings and had been talked about as a top U.S. prospect for the past three years. He and his NTDP cohort filled stat sheets and won games in bunches this past season. The 6-foot, 175-pound York enjoyed a breakout season with 65 points (14 goals) in 63 games with the Under-18 Team, added another 16 points in 15 international games and seven more points in 16 games against college foes. That’s 88 points in 94 games overall. York also set an NTDP record with a seven-point game in mid-January that included a hat trick. He also helped Team USA to a bronze medal at the World Under-18 tournament, leading all defensemen with 11 points and a plus-13 rating. “Hearing my name get called was special but spending time with all my teammates who got drafted as well, Different paths, same result celebrating with them was probably The trio of 2001 birth years took the most memorable for me,” York three very different paths before said. “We worked extremely hard. To hearing their name called. see everyone be drafted, I know evYork played for the Jr. Ducks eryone’s happy. To see it all pay off, it through Bantams then spent two seawas super cool for all of us.” sons at the prestigious U.S. National York is lauded for his hockey Team Development Program (NTDP), sense, skating, passing and shot where he was part of a cohort that release. How does he foresee that had eight players selected in the first fitting in the hardscrabble culture of round – a record for one organization the City of Brotherly Love? at the draft. He will play NCAA Divi“I’m super happy to be a Flyer,” sion I college hockey at the UniversiYork said. “I think my playing style ty of Michigan starting in the fall. is perfect for their system. The fans Johnson played for the Jr. Ducks are passionate. They want to win, through the 2017-18 season and also and they’re going to let you know played high school hockey for Sanhow they feel. It’s exciting. I’m sure ta Margarita Catholic in the Anaheim there’s a lot of obstacles, but I’m reDucks High School Hockey League, ally looking forward to it.” helping the Eagles win the second Ryan Johnson and Cam York both heard their name called on June 21 at the 2019 NHL Draft, Ryan Johnson, whose team faced of their three USA Hockey national which was staged north of the border in Vancouver, British Columbia. Photo/DJ Harris/THE RINKS York’s this season in a USHL game, championships in the process. He then helped the Sioux Falls Stampede win has no doubts that his longtime friend has what it takes to succeed in the the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Clark Cup championship this pro game. spring. He will play college hockey at the University of Minnesota – the same “He plays a solid game in all phases,” Johnson said. “He stood out against school his father Craig starred at in the early 1990s – starting in the fall. us. He’s a top ‘D.’” “We’re pretty excited – not just for the Jr. Ducks – but for youth hockey in California,” said Art Trottier, the Jr. Ducks president as well as the vice The son also rises president of THE RINKS. “These are two players who started with us as Ryan Johnson was the only one of nine Americans taken in the first round Mites. Ryan stayed in California until this season, demonstrating you don’t who didn’t play for the NTDP. His progression during his first year of junior have to leave the state to develop. hockey put him squarely on scouts’ radar. “To have two players taken in the first round of an NHL draft – who would He went into the draft rated the 33rd North American skater, projecting have thought?” Wolf, who played for the Santa Clara Blackhawks and Cupertino Cougars Continued on Page 10 6

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California teams, Vegas all plan for future at NHL Draft By Matt Mackinder

ver the June 21-22 weekend, the NHL Draft was staged in Vancouver, B.C., with all three California teams and the Vegas Golden Knights stocking up for the future. The Anaheim Ducks selected seven players, the Los Angeles Kings nine, San Jose Sharks five and the Golden Knights a total of eight prospects. The Ducks chose forward Trevor Zegras (U.S. NTDP, first round, ninth overall), forward Brayden Tracey (WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors, first round, 29th overall), former Los Angeles Jr. Kings defenseman Jackson LaCombe (USHL’s Chicago Steel, second round, 39th overall), defenseman Henry Thrun (U.S. NTDP, fourth round, 101st overall), forward Trevor Janicke (USHL’s Central Illinois Flying Aces, fifth round, 132nd overall), defenseman Will Francis (USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, sixth round, 163rd overall) and defenseman Mathew Hill (OHL’s Barrie Colts, sixth round, 183rd overall) in Vancouver. “I really wanted to go to whatever team wanted me the most,” Zegras said. “I’m thrilled with Anaheim. I’m really happy to be a Duck.” “I can’t describe it,” Tracey added. “Something special having my family there. It’s really emotional. I play with a big heart. I have a big chip on my shoulder, and I can produce offensively.” The Kings also had two first-round picks, selecting forward Alex Turcotte (U.S. NTDP) fifth overall and Swedish defenseman Tobias Bjornfot (Djurgarden) 22nd overall. “I can’t even believe it; I am at a loss for words,” said Turcotte, whose uncle, Jeff, coaches with the Jr.

Kings. “I am just so excited. I am happy they believe in me and I can’t get wait to get to camp.” “Bjornfot is a two-way, strong skating defender,” said Kings head European scout Christian Ruuttu. “He can play the power play and penalty kill and is a leader on his team highlighted by the gold medal this past spring, the first gold medal Sweden has won in

Los Angeles Kings prospect Arthur Kaliyev put up 51 goals and 102 points for the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs during the 2018-19 season. Photo/Brandon Taylor/OHL Images

the Under-18 Worlds. Each player we talked to about Tobias was him being a leader on their team. He is a special character player as well.” Los Angeles also scooped up forward Arthur Kaliyev (OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, second round, 33rd overall), forward Samuel Fagemo (Frolunda HC, second round, 50th overall), goalie Lukas Parik (Liberec, third round, 87th overall), defenseman Jordan Spence (QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats, fourth

round, 95th overall), defenseman Kim Nousiainen (Kalpa, fourth round, 119th overall), defenseman Braden Doyle (Lawrence Academy, sixth round, 157th overall) and forward Andre Lee (USHL’s Sioux Falls Stampede, seventh round, 188th overall). San Jose chose defenseman Artemi Kniazev (QMJHL’s Chicoutimi Sagueneens, second round, 48th overall), forward Dillon Hamaliuk (WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, second round, 55th overall), forward Yegor Spiridonov (Magnitogorsk, fourth round, 108th overall), forward Timur Ibragimov (St. Petersburg, sixth round, 164th overall) and defenseman Santeri Hatakka (Jokerit, sixth round, 184th overall). The Golden Knights kicked off the draft taking forward Peyton Krebs (WHL’s Kootenay Ice) in the first round (17th overall). “It’s surreal; I was trying to hold in the tears,” Krebs said. “It’s a special moment for me and my family and I’m just really thankful to be able to be blessed by the game and I’m just very excited to get to know Vegas and all it has to offer, so I’m very excited.” Vegas also drafted defenseman Kaedan Korczak (WHL’s Kelowna Rockets, second round, 41st overall), forward Pavel Dorofeyev (Magnitogorsk, third round, 79th overall), defenseman Layton Ahac (BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings, third round, 86th overall), forward Ryder Donovan (USHL’s Dubuque Fighting Saints, fourth round, 110th overall), goaltender Isaiah Saville (USHL’s Tri-City Storm, fifth round, 135th overall), forward Marcus Kallionkieli (USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers, fifth round, 139th overall) and forward Mason Primeau (OHL’s North Bay Battalion, fifth round, 141st overall) in Vancouver. CARubberHockey.com

SAN DIEGO JR. GULLS

Jr. Gulls grads excelling at all levels of college game By Matt Mackinder

laying for the San Diego Jr. Gulls opens up different paths for players to take once their youth hockey career comes to an end. Going into the 2019-20 season, several former Jr. Gulls will dot college hockey rosters at all levels of the game. Nate Kallen is a senior captain at NCAA Division I Ferris State University, while Jack Gates is entering his junior season at Colorado College. At the NCAA D-III level, Nick Schultze is now a sophomore at Tufts University and Kyle Rimbach will be a senior at St. Olaf College. Three more players – P.J. Smigliani (UCLA), Aaron Mayer (San Diego State), Cameron Wojnicki (Grand Canyon University) – are excelling at ACHA schools. “Above all else, the Jr. Gulls program is a culture of development and putting the kids first,” said Noah Babin, a longtime Jr. Gulls coach and University of Notre Dame and USA Hockey’s NTDP graduate. “Our primary concern is the kids improving, not championships won. The coaches are not in it for anything other than seeing the kids progress and I think that is seen through many of the players who have moved on.” “The Jr. Gulls helped me tremendously in my development mainly because I was able to train close to home in San Diego and not have to travel two hours north to LA,” said Kallen. “The program has really grown since I was there.” Gates said the Jr. Gulls “make you feel part of a family.”

“Every coach knew every player and every player, no I’ll always remember.” “The biggest changes that I can see from the exposure matter the division, supported one another, whether it be older guys helping out in camps or practices or younger I’ve had with the program and my past coaches is the fact guys cheering on the older teams,” said Gates. “Being that we’ve grown to now have women’s hockey teams,” born and raised in San Diego, I’m very hopeful that the Wojnicki said. “I actually played alongside female players Jr. Gulls organization is going in a very good direction for like Keely Moy (now at Harvard University). It’s cool to see that they have expanded in that way and opened up new the future.” Schultze noted that the development he experienced opportunities for young female players in the area.” Two of Smigliani’s UCLA teammates – Matt Bodhan with the Jr. Gulls was second to none. and Billy Zegras – are former Jr. “I learned a lot about the Gulls. game and developed my skills “The Jr. Gulls program has a lot thanks to the coaches I’ve grown considerably since my had throughout my years as a Jr. days there,” Smigliani said. “My Gull,” Schultze said. “The Jr. Gulls sister, Samantha, who is three program has grown a lot since years younger than me, also I’ve played with the program. played with the Jr. Gulls at a There are more and more players time when she and one other girl coming out of the program and (Tanner Gates, Jack’s younger playing high level junior and sister) were the only two girls on college hockey.” According to Rimbach, the Jr. San Diego Jr. Gulls graduate Nate Kallen will serve as the Bantam AAA team, and often Gulls coaches and players add to team captain for Ferris State University during the 2019- the only two in the rink.” 20 season. Photo/SFerris State Athletics Smigliani and Gates are now the prestige of the association. “I was able to be pushed not only by coaches but also playing NCAA Division I hockey at Colgate University. “Playing for the Jr. Gulls really opened my eyes to just by players who were extremely dedicated to the game,” Rimbach said. “These guys put in the extra work and that how competitive hockey is outside of California,” Mayer inspired me to work even harder. Ultimately, that extra time said. “The program has really expanded its competitive side, now having multiple AA and AAA teams at different led me to college hockey.” Wojnicki said playing for the Jr. Gulls was “something levels.”

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California Dreamin’

Six players with ties to the Golden State become NHL property in Vancouver at annual draft Continued from Page 6

wants a 6-foot-3 goaltender.” Four picks from the end of the draft, Calgary called, and Wolf was delighted an NHL team was willing to take a chance. In addition to substantial production, the

downfall in golf.” Wolf, who knows York and Johnson well from years of CAHA battles and offseason hockey teams, said he wouldn’t be where he’s at without the coaching he received while at the Jr. Kings. Just as York and Johnson benefited from playing for ex-NHLers, Wolf primarily played for Nelson Emerson, Rob Blake and Pat Brisson. “I played for some great coaching staffs throughout my six or seven years with the Jr. Kings,” Wolf said. “I had a great opportunity to get better. The Jr. Kings have a strong track record with players going to juniors, college and the pros.”

to an early second-round selection. However, his play down the stretch, and particularly in the Clark Cup playoffs, enhanced his standing. Johnson, who boasts exceptional skating ability and hockey sense, started the season as the Stampede’s youngest player and finished with their best plus-minus rating (plus24) and second most points by a defenseman (25) during the regular season. He was named to the USHL’s All-Rookie First Team and then added eight points in 12 postseason games, including a goal and an assist in Sioux Falls’ decisive Clark Cup win. “He’s extremely talented, extremely skilled. When we played him, you could tell that,” York said. “He moves the puck really well, he’s a really good skater, he has what it takes to play at the next level. I’m really excited to see what he does next year.” Johnson’s selection also gave him family bragging rights – should the soft-spoken defender ever resort to that tactic – over his father, who was taken 33rd overall by the St. Louis Blues in 1990. Ironically, that draft also was held in Vancouver, though Craig Johnson did not attend the event. Johnson, who fashioned a 14-year pro career – mostly with the Los Angeles Kings – for many years was known as one of the players L.A. received back from the Blues when they traded Wayne Gretzky in 1996. He has been the Jr. Ducks’ director of coaches and, Arcadia native Nick Robertson compiled 27 goals and 55 points in 54 along with Scott Niedermayer, the coach of games during the 2018-19 season for the Ontario Hockey League’s Peterthe 2001 birth year team. He also is a player borough Petes. Photo/Terry Wilson/OHL Images development coach for the Kings. “I was incredibly proud to watch Cam and Ryan get selected in the first round,” Craig Johnson said. “The boys grew up playing together on the same teams. It was definitely a special night.” Added Ryan Johnson: “The whole weekend was exciting. Just being able to be there was special. Being able to share with my family made it extra special. Cam and I ran into each other multiple times. He was excited, too, and enjoying it with his family.”

Red, White and Blue history All three have competed internationally as well. In addition to the World Under-18 Championships, York in 2018 helped Team USA claim silver in the Under-18 Men’s World Challenge, leading all defensemen in the tournament with six assists. He has helped the U.S. to gold at the Five Nations Cup, the Four Nations Cup and the World Under-17 Challenge. Johnson also has represented Team USA on multiple occasions. He was part of the U.S. team that won gold at the Five Nations Cup in the summer of 2017, and he also won gold at the World Junior A Challenge in Bonnyville, Alberta, this past December. Wolf was a member of the 2018 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team that competed in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. “That was a great experience,” Wolf said. “It really started what has been an incredible year.”

Notable Two other defensemen who played a season of Bantam for the Jr. Kings also were selected in the second round. Jackson Lacombe was selected 39th overall by the Anaheim Ducks, while Drew Helleson was picked 47th overall by the Colorado Avalanche. Lacombe, a Minnesota recruit, spent the past four seasons at Shattuck St. Mary’s Prep in his native Minnesota, putting up 89 points One howl of a season in 54 games last season. When Wolf would be drafted was open Helleson, who will play at Boston College, to a bit of debate. His numbers suggested was an NTDP teammate of York’s the past at least a mid-round pick, and he entered two seasons after two seasons at Shattuck. the draft as the 12th-ranked North American He had 26 points in 71 games this past seagoaltender on the heels of his lights-out season. son for the Silvertips. A sixth player with ties to California, left “I had more of an opportunity,” Wolf said. wing Nick Robertson, who was born in Ar“I took it and ran with it. I tried to improve evcadia and played for the Pasadena Maple ery aspect of my game.” Leafs as a Mite and Squirt, also was taken But scouts apparently were drawn to anin the second round (53rd overall) by Toronother measure: 6 feet. In a landscape increasto. Robertson had 55 points in 54 games for ingly inhabited by giants in the crease, Wolf Peterborough of the Ontario Hockey League. got overlooked. All six players are among the 44 invited to “It was definitely a crazy week and week- Dustin Wolf, a Los Angeles Jr. Kings graduate, was selected by the Calgary end,” he said. “Going into Day 2 of the draft, Flames in the seventh round at last month’s NHL Draft in Vancouver, British USA Hockey’s World Junior Summer Showcase from July 26-Aug. 3 in Plymouth, Mich. my agent and I suspected I could go any- Columbia. This is the first step in the process of selecting where from Rounds 2-5. After that, I wasn’t feeling Flames also got a supreme competitor. “My competitiveness is through the roof,” the U.S. National Junior Team that will compete in so hot, and it got nerve wracking. “By the middle of the seventh round we were Wolf said. “I take everything seriously, which the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship in the asking, ‘What’s going on?’ I guess every team helps in most things. Well, sometimes it’s a Czech Republic at the end of the year. 10

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

2019

SUMMER

LAKINGS.COM/KINGSCAMP CARubberHockey.com

s s -

TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER

New season brings excitement for Jr. Kings, Lions By Brian McDonough

ince their inception in 2002, the Los Angeles Jr. Kings have succeeded in their tireless efforts architecting an elite reputation in the youth hockey community worldwide. And thanks to the additional support and amenities recently provided by the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and El Segundo’s Toyota Sports Performance Center (TSPC) - the Jr. Kings’ and LA Lions’ home facility and also the official training facility of the Kings and their American Hockey League affiliate, the Ontario Reign more sunny days are surely on the horizon. “I feel like we’ve built a culture here in recent years where there’s a true sense of community amongst all our players, families, coaches, staff and our rink, both on and off the ice, and to me that’s special,” said Jr. Kings general manager of hockey operations Nick Vachon. “And I think that pride and respect we have for each other and support we show one another makes a big difference when it comes embracing the overall experience of putting on a Jr. Kings or Lions sweater.” This past season, the Jr. Kings skated to four Tier I state championships at the 16U, 13U, 12U and 11U levels and perhaps the club’s crowning achievement was put forth by its 12U AAA team, which won the famed Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament championship becoming only the second California-based squad to win the title in the event’s highest division in its 60year history. A number of AA, A, BB and B teams also experi-

enced plenty of success in 2018-19. “We have so many good things working in our favor,” said Vachon. “From the expanded resources available to us at TSPC to our always-incredible coaching staff to our seamless administrative support team, in my opinion the club overall has never been in a better place.” The 2019-20 campaign unofficially got underway

The Los Angeles Jr. Kings and LA Lions pride themselves on their experienced, well-connected coaching staff, which includes Jr. Kings 14U AAA head coach Jack Bowkus.

over the spring with three spirited tryout weekends that yielded an anticipated 34 Jr. Kings and Lions teams: seven at the Tier I (AAA) level; seven at Tier II (AA); and 20 at the A/BB/B levels. At Tier I, Chase Souto will lead the program’s 18U team, while Mark Hardy will serve as head coach of the 16U squad. Kyle Calder will guide the Jr. Kings’

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15U AAA team. Jack Bowkus will lead the organization’s 14U (2005) team, and Brett Beebe will have the reins of the 13U (2006) club. Jeff Turcotte will guide the Jr. Kings’ 12U (2007) squad, and Shawn Pitcher will lead the 11U (2008) team. At Tier II, Sean Hoang will serve as head coach of the club’s Midget 18U AA team, while Ray Macias will guide the program’s Midget 16U AA1 squad and Erik Lektorp the 16U AA2 team. Maik Tatavosian will lead the Jr. Kings’ 14U AA1 team, and Sam Graham has the reins of the 14U AA2 squad. Jeff Bain will guide the 12U AA1 contingent, and Chris Benoit the 12U AA2 team. The Jr. Kings’ A, BB and B coaches include: Tony Rudy (14U A1); Chet Carlbom (14U A2 and 10U B); Brennen Fobel (12U A1); Turcotte (12U A2); Joe Consolazio (12U BB); Andrew Stone (10U A1); Beebe (10U A2); Dimitri Voulelikas (10U BB and 8U B1); Stephane Desjardins (8U A1); Tatavosian (8U A2); Derek Johnston (8U A3); and Bain (8U B2). Set to enter their fifth season, the Lions expect to ice six teams this season: 14U AA (Benoit); 12U A (Brooke Maggy); 12U AA1 (Stone); 12U AA2 (Richard Gomez); 10U A (Justin Louis); and 8U A (Bill Mendes). Graham will lead the Lions’ 6U learn-to-play program. “It truly is one of the strongest components of our club and will continue to be next season and beyond,” Vachon said of the Jr. Kings’ and Lions’ core of coaches. “We have a lot to look forward to heading into the fall.”

SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

Bay Area Boom

Little Sharks continuing to grow youth game in San Jose, around local Bay Area By Matt Mackinder

n yet another sign that the game of hockey continues to grow in Northern California, the Little Sharks Learn to Play program is not only seeing exponential growth in San Jose, but also in surrounding communities. In partnership with the NHL and NHLPA, the Little Sharks program is designed for children ages 5-9 who have no prior hockey experience and are interested in picking up the sport of hockey. Through fun, ageappropriate lessons, Little Sharks creates a positive first-time hockey experience for all participants. For a one-time fee of $175, participants receive head-to-toe hockey gear, six one-hour on ice lessons, a one-year USA Hockey membership, a ticket to an upcoming 2019-20 San Jose Sharks home game and membership to the 201920 FINatical Kids Club. Starting out at Solar4America Ice at San Jose, the program currently runs in 10 rinks in the Bay Area and has recently expanded to include Vacaville Ice Sports and Skatetown Ice Arena in Roseville. The Little Sharks program runs two times a year, and Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa is planning on joining for the spring 2020 session. Part of what makes the Little Sharks run so smoothly is the fact three Sharks alumni – Scott Hannan, Mark Smith and Tom Pederson – are associated with the program. The alumni serve as the head coach at each Little Sharks class (with the exception of Vacaville and Skatetown, due to distance). Hannan is typically the lead instructor at Solar4America Ice at San Jose classes. “I think the most gratifying part about being involved in the Little Sharks program is seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and the enjoyment they get from playing hockey,” Hannan said. “I enjoy seeing the kids around the rink in the following years playing hockey and the impact the program has had in getting kids into the sport. “As a former Sharks player and as a father, I understand the importance of sports for kids. The game of hockey has taught me so much, not just in sports, but in life. I enjoy having a positive influence and possibly getting some kids to enjoy the game of hockey as much as I did growing up.” Solar4America Ice at San Jose has participated in Little Sharks since it began in the spring of 2015. Since then, Solar4America Ice at San Jose has hosted 21 classes, including a girls-only Little Sharks class, and has seen a total of 925 kids come through

the program at this location alone. Overall, Little Sharks has seen more than 2,700 kids participate in the program. “For me, the most gratifying thing about Little Sharks is being able to see these kids experience hockey for the first time,” Smith said. “When you see a kid realizing how fast they can go, and how fun it is to shoot something as hard as they can without worrying about getting in trouble, it’s a real eyeopener for a lot these kids that don’t get that release in today’s structured world. I get to encourage that self-confidence, and in just six weeks, you can actually see their personalities change. It’s pretty amazing what this sport can do. “Hockey is so different from any other sport and unfortunately, it’s tough to get involved because of the cost and uncertainty that new hockey parents have. This program breaks down those barriers, it allows them to experience the game, and allows these

kids to try it out and see if it’s something that they would like to pursue. For new parents to hockey, it’s an easy entry point, and an opportunity to learn what hockey is all about without a huge commitment.” The Bridge Series program, a 10-session continuation program created specifically for Little Sharks, runs at the conclusion of Little Sharks and every time the organization has run it, there are approximately 90100 kids split into two groups. From there, the players join the house league or go to the regularly-scheduled learn-to-skate classes that are run year-round. The series will help those participants “bridge” the gap from learn-to-play classes to the league practices. It will allow them to gain a little more confidence and work on their fundamental skills at the appropriate pace. At the completion of the Bridge Series, the goal is that most participants should be able to join the winter season that starts up on-ice in September. Hannan said watching the game sprout on the

West Coast, especially in the Bay Area, has been an amazing ride, and one he sees only getting bigger and better. “Seeing the Little Sharks Program grow since the start is a testament to the positive influence the Sharks organization has had on the local community,” said Hannan. “Both the Sharks Foundation and the Sharks Alumni Foundation actively participate and give back to local sports. The sky is the limit for hockey in Northern California and I see the Little Sharks program being a leader for getting kids and families to enjoy the game of hockey and maybe bleed a little teal long the way.” “I think growing the sport of hockey in the Bay Area helps everyone,” added Smith. “I feel there are a lot of kids that grow up here that don’t get a chance to understand what discipline is. This just compounds as you get older and leads to much bigger problems down the road. Discipline helps you to focus, provides you with goals, and allows you to accomplish them, giving you self-confidence and a feeling of purpose. Hockey is a sport that demands discipline. By giving kids the chance to learn that art and discover how good it feels to overcome obstacles, you’re not just helping them become a better athlete, you’re helping them become a better person, which benefits everyone. “It’s pretty amazing to see the program grow so quickly. We’ve added more classes to the same locations, as well as expanded to new cities in just three years. I think the low barrier to entry is the key. We see a lot of families being referred from graduate families, as well as multiple siblings going through the program.” Moving forward, the clear goal of the Little Sharks is to keep giving the area youngsters a fun and enlightening introduction to the game of hockey. “We want to pass on the wealth of hockey knowledge we’ve amassed over our lives to a new generation,” Smith said. “It’s quite a niche area of expertise, but the real value of hockey, from what I’ve learned, is the way it translates into the real world. The confidence and self-awareness, the interaction with teammates and learning to work hard and as a group are skills it takes to be successful in anything. “You get to learn all of these traits by just having fun. You don’t even know you’re doing it.”

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L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE

Warr takes ahold of coaching reins at West Ranch High By Greg Ball

or Scott Warr, stepping into the role of head coach for the West Ranch Wildcats has been a natural transition. Named to the position this spring, he has been part of the program since it started with the debut of the L.A. Kings High School Hockey League (LAKHSHL) during the 2015-16 season, and he couldn’t be more excited about taking the next step leading the varsity program. “I wouldn’t say I’m feeling any pressure because I’ve been involved with the program since Day 1,” Warr explained. “The team we have this year has sort of a mix of older guys and some younger guys coming in who will need to prove themselves. I think we’re going to have a lot of talent. I’m looking forward to some great things this season.” Warr started as an assistant coach with West Ranch’s varsity team, and when the program added a junior varsity squad, he took over as that group’s head coach. Last year, he returned to the varsity as an assistant, and he was eager to take over the top job when the position became available this spring. He’s familiar with all program’s returning players on both the varsity and junior varsity teams and expects that to make a huge difference in his ability to hit the ground running. “I think it’s going to be a really good fit, especially with the coaching staff, because we’re all on the same page with everything we want to achieve,” Warr said.

“It’s the same with the kids, too. The older players have been around long enough to know what we want to do, and I think they’ll be great mentors for the younger kids as well.” Warr will be assisted on the varsity squad by Jeremy Visutsiri and works closely with JV head coach Matt Keef and his assistant, Dylan Matanzo. He said his coaching style brings a lot of discipline

Scott Warr has been coaching with the West Ranch Wildcats since the 2015-16 season.

to the ice - setting clear expectations and then following through to make sure players meet them. “I make sure we always remember that this is high school hockey and we’re working with student-athletes,” he said. “We make sure that the kids understand that there’s a structure in place as soon as they arrive at the JV level and that there are certain expectations that come with wearing the West Ranch colors. That way, once

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they get to the varsity level, they’re used to the way we do things and what we expect out of each player.” The Wildcats’ varsity team is coming off a difficult season in which they went 5-11, but is looking forward to the opportunity to turn things around. They were 7-8-1-1 in 2017-18, and the season before that finished second in the regular-season standings at 13-2-1-0 and played in the league semifinals. While Warr is working to help get the program back to its winning ways, he also keeps it in the front of his mind that teaching life lessons to his players is his most important role. “I own my own company, so I use a lot of my experience in business and bring it to the team,” Warr said. “I tell them to treat hockey like a job - if you don’t show up to your job, you’re going to get fired. We treat it like real life. We want to give them a sense of responsibility, so we prepare them for life after hockey because not all these kids are going to continue playing hockey competitively after high school. “That approach from the coaching staff has been a tradition at West Ranch, and I’m just trying to carry that on as I move into the head coach’s shoes. We’re bound and determined to continue the traditions we’ve built here in our short history, and I’m excited about the opportunity to play a role in that.” Also of note in the LAKHSHL, roster spots are available on many of the league’s eight varsity and eight junior varsity teams. Interested players should inquire with the team in their area.

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

Ducks host blind hockey days at The Rinks-Irvine Inline By THE RINKS Staff

“H

ockey Is For Everyone” has become more than just a month-long initiative by the NHL – it’s now a motto that the league strives to support on a year-long basis. The Anaheim Ducks and THE RINKS have embraced this motto by introducing or helping existing disabled hockey programs in the special hockey, sled hockey and Warrior Hockey disciplines. However, on June 22, they dipped into the blind hockey discipline when they hosted the first introductory blind hockey clinic at The Rinks-Irvine Inline. The clinic, which saw over 20 blind athletes attend, was hosted as a street hockey clinic to get participants familiar with fundamentals such as stickhandling, shooting, and passing before taking to the ice and learning how to skate at the next event on Saturday, July 27 at Great Park ICE. The events and the potential of an established blind hockey program in Southern California have been backed by Blake Steinecke, a forward for the U.S. Blind Hockey Team. Steinecke, who was the head coach and main spokesperson at the first event, grew up regularly playing ice and roller hockey while growing up in San Marcos before he began to have trouble with his vision. “Everybody has their own story and everybody’s going through something,” Steinecke said. “There’s often a lot we can’t see that’s going on with someone.” During the summer before his junior year of high school, he noticed some minor blurriness in his right

eye, but nothing he considered alarming. He wasn’t even sure a trip to the doctor was necessary, but follow-up testing revealed Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, a rare condition that typically begins in a person’s teens or 20s and by his senior year of high school, Steinecke had lost his central vision in both eyes. Although at first, he wasn’t excited to play hockey after losing his vision, he quickly rediscovered his passion and has seen that passion grow as he looks to help build the sport. “It was great to be out there and see other blind

athletes interested in the sport I loved to play growing up and now for the national team,” said Steinecke. “I am excited to share my passion for hockey and hopefully help establish one of the first hockey programs in Southern California for blind athletes.” “It just made sense to help Blake and help start to

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establish blind hockey clinics for athletes in Southern California,” added Tanner Privia, marketing associate for THE RINKS. “Our organization has always had the support from management down to help grow all disciplines of hockey. Whether we introduce new players to the sport of hockey, help low-income families with financial support to play hockey, or one of the disabled segments of hockey grow, we are always excited and looking to help grow the game of hockey for everyone. “We have already made large steps in the sled hockey and special hockey disciplines and are very excited to help start this program.” For those unfamiliar with blind hockey, it is the same fast-paced sport of hockey with a few modifications. The most significant modification is that the sport features an adapted puck that makes noise and is both bigger and slower than a traditional puck. Players’ levels of vision range from legally blind – approximately 10 percent vision or less – to totally blind. Typically, totally blind athletes play goal, lower-sighted athletes play defense, while the higher-sighted athletes play forward. If you are interested in checking out blind hockey or know any blind athletes that are looking to play hockey, the Anaheim Ducks and THE RINKS will be hosting another free clinic at Great Park ICE on July 27. Unlike the first event that was primarily street hockey based, the clinic will take place on the ice as the new participants look to continue their hockey development. For more information or to register for the free upcoming event, visit www.anaheimducks.com/blindhockey.

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Jr. Ducks, Lady Ducks cap strong 2018-19 campaigns in style By Chris Bayee

he 2018-19 season will be a tough one to top for the various entities under the umbrella of the Irvine ICE Foundation Amateur Hockey Association and their alumni. Those include the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Lady Ducks. Any discussion has to begin with the opening of the state-of-the-art Great Park ICE four-sheet facility in Irvine at the beginning of 2019. The venue played host to CAHA and Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League (ADHSHL) games as well as various tournaments, including the USA Hockey girls Tier I Nationals in early April. It also serves as the Anaheim Ducks’ practice facility. The Jr. Ducks accomplished several notable firsts, not the least of which was having two of their alumni – defensemen Cam York and Ryan Johnson – selected in the first round of June’s NHL Draft. The Jr. Ducks also qualified a club-record five teams (14U, 16U and 18U at Tier I and 16U and 18U at Tier II) for the USA Hockey National Tournament. The club also had four more alumni make Division I college commitments, bringing its total since the 2014-15 season to 21. The latest group included York (Michigan), Jackson Niedermayer (Arizona State) and Jonathan Panisa and Ethan Wolthers (both to UMass). In addition to playing host to Nationals, the Lady Ducks also had at least six more players make college commitments, giving the program more than 125 in its 20 years. And one of its alumni, Annie Pankowski, not only finished her illustrious college career in style by captaining Wisconsin to an NCAA championship, but she scored the golden goal for Team USA in the Women’s World Championship in April. For good measure, ADHSHL member Santa Margarita won its second consecutive national championship, and third in five seasons. JSerra won the 1A CAHA title, while St. John Bosco captured the 2A crown.

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HOCKEYSHOT

Jack Hughes’ training earns him top pick in NHL Draft By HockeyShot Staff

hances are you have already heard of Jack Hughes – younger brother to Quinn Hughes, chosen No. 7 by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2018 NHL Draft, and older brother to Luke, a prospect for a first-round selection in the 2021 NHL Draft. Like HockeyShot, this family legacy has come through lots of hard work and humble beginnings, from shooting puck holes in the drywall as kids to training on their very own HockeyShot Home Training Center, we’re proud to have Jack and Quinn Hughes as HS ambassadors! On June 21, Jack Hughes was selected No. 1 by the New Jersey Devils at the 2019 NHL Draft in Vancouver. A left-handed center, Jack is likely the first NTDP player to go directly from the draft to playing in the NHL! The kid just turned 18 years old on May 14. His stature and agility on the ice have drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane, while his skating resembles the style of Connor McDavid. Whoever he reminds you of, there is no question that Jack Hughes is going places, and HockeyShot is right beside him to help him continue to dominate! Growing up in the Hughes household, all the brothers played hockey. In fact, Jack was on the ice from the time he was 1 ½ years old. While the brothers may have learned their signature cuts, turns and slices from

their parents Jim and Ellen, both high-level hockey players themselves, they have also been training hard with Dan Ninkovich (nickname: Deej) at Beyond The Next Level (BTNL) to perfect those skills and raise them up to the NHL level. A training center in Oakville, Ont., with alumni ranging from McDavid to Phil Kessel, BTNL and HockeyShot

are proud to support some of the top NHL prospects such as Jack and help them train to win. Throughout his training at BTNL, Jack has perfected his innate ability to process new information on the ice, and keep his

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feet moving to continually adapt to the play. He has the capacity to change his mind at a moment’s notice without sacrificing speed or ability, knows how to make full use of the blade and can scan the ice mentally without slowing down physically. These are all fully teachable skills, and thanks to Deej, the whole BTNL team and his dedicated family and coaches, Jack Hughes is a shining example of where hard work will get you. When you train the right way, you can ensure the game is tailor-made to fit your skills. Jack Hughes and Deej have worked to create an intricate training system that you can recreate at home using only the best training equipment, they love dryland training tools such as the HS Slideboard Pro, stickhandling drills using the HS Speed Dekes and shooting practice with the Extreme Shooter Tutor and Indestructible Goal. When asked about the growth that he has seen in Jack Hughes, NDTP coach John Wroblewski told NHL.com: “From two years ago when I first met him through last spring until now, it’s is a completely transformed individual, just look at the way he can generate scoring chances, and how the ice is tilted while he’s out there. Jack will find a way to impress on people in the NHL next season with his game.” Clearly, the folks over at BTNL know what they are doing, and with the use of HockeyShot Training Products, Jack Hughes’ star is only going to continue to rise. We can’t wait to see what happens next!

NEVADA REPORT Golden Knights to open brand- Jr. Golden Knights’ Kline earns new rink in Henderson in 2020 inaugural Workman Scholarship By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

his time next year, a new rink will be up and running in Henderson. Earlier this summer, Henderson mayor Debra March and the city council unanimously approved a lease agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights to build and operate an indoor hockey facility in the downtown area. The Henderson hockey facility will be built on 3.2 acres at the southwest corner of Water Street and Atlantic Avenue, adjacent to Henderson City Hall on a site currently occupied by the Henderson Convention Center, which will be demolished this summer. The new facility is tentatively scheduled for completion by July 2020 with an estimated construction cost of $25 million. “The city’s partnership with the iconic Vegas Golden Knights will be a catalyst for business investment and social activity in Henderson’s burgeoning downtown area,” said March. “The team already has a huge fan base in Henderson and their presence in our community will actively engage residents and the next generation of players in the sport of hockey.” Proposed facility amenities include two NHL regulation-size ice sheets, retail space, a full-service restaurant overlooking the ice and Water Street, and approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space. The project will expand the recreational facilities available to the community through youth and adult hockey programs and leagues, youth and adult figure skating programs, free hockey and open skate events, tournaments and camps for hockey and figure skating. The facility will also be home to five official watch parties annually and host player and team executive appearances. During the first three years of the agreement, the Golden Knights will award 20 grants of $500 each to Henderson residents younger than 18 years old who come from at-risk or lower-income homes to be used for any of the programming offered at the facility. “Henderson is a hockey hotbed,” said Golden Knights president Kerry Bubolz. “The passion for the Golden Knights in Henderson has been remarkable and we are grateful for the community’s incredible support. We are confident the project will help contribute to the continued revitalization of the Water Street District.”

mily Kline is the first recipient of the Mark Workman Scholarship, which is presented by the Vegas Golden Knights. Kline recently graduated from Odyssey Charter High School in Las Vegas and has played 14 years of hockey in Minnesota and Nevada. The Princeton, Minn., native played for the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights’ varsity Division III team this past season and served as an alternate captain. Appearing in 14 games for the Jr. Golden Knights, Kline tallied three assists. Heading into the 2019-20 season, Kline will be an incoming freshman at Arizona State University and has committed to play for the Sun Devils’ women’s ACHA team. “Emily is an incredible competitor on the ice and in the classroom,” said Golden Knights director of hockey administration Katy Boettinger, who also serves as the academic advisor and scholarship committee chair of the Jr. Golden Knights. “Her application Emily Kline and essay demonstrated her leadership, her contributions in the community, as well as her remarkable passion for the sport. Emily has faced many challenges in her playing career, but remained positive, and continued to turn each obstacle into an opportunity.” “I was mostly surprised with excitement and filled with gratefulness in my heart that hard work does pay off,” added Kline. “I would like to thank everyone who has helped me since I moved to Vegas, whether it be my coaches, teammates or peers, I sincerely thank them for believing in me.” Named after the late Golden Knights amateur scout, the scholarship is awarded to a current senior in the Jr. Golden Knights program who best exemplifies passion, sportsmanship, team play, work ethic, discipline, community service and academic achievement. Workman passed away Feb. 14, 2018, after a short and courageous battle with cancer.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Coming up with an offseason hockey training plan, regimen F

or hockey players, the season has ended. It’s time to get a little rest and let the body and mind recover. The season can be a grind with lots of games, practices, lessons and travel, and taking some time away from the ice can do a ton of good. For teenage hockey players, I suggest a break of 2-4 weeks. This may be tough depending on tryouts, showcases, etc., but try and find some time to stay away. The Chris Phillips repetitive nature of skating can develop certain weaknesses and limitations that can lead to injury, so take some time to let these muscles recover. Planning for the offseason is critical. I am a big believer that your offseason program should work on maintaining your strengths while minimizing your weaknesses. Make a list of three things that you are good at and how you will maintain them. Then make list of three weaknesses and how you will eliminate them. Now, come up with a plan for the offseason. Whether it’s choosing a skating coach to improve your speed or shooting 100 pucks a day to hit the corners better, set a schedule and stick to it. Obtain your goals off the ice as well. All hockey players can make great strides by training off the ice. Find a strength coach or athletic trainer that is certified and knowledgeable about hockey and have them help you plan out a program that fits your specific needs. The program should address your needs and then it’s up to you to put in the work and get to that next level.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist. He spent 17 years in pro hockey, including stints with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and Washington Capitals. CARubberHockey.com

Californians help U.S. inline teams at World Roller Games returners from last year’s gold medalist U.S. team. Arizonan Nathan tePas was among the new additions. The U.S. junior women’s roster featured Californians Alexandra Lalonde (Irvine), Alexandria Tillemans (Bishop), Evanity Herrera (La Puente), Lilie Pogu (Corona) and goaltenders Ella Park (Encinitas) and Marisa Trevino (San Jose). Isabella Clark (Arizona), Ashley Printzen (Nevada) and Lexy Ace (Oregon) rounded out the West Coast contingent. It was a rousing showing by both young American squads in 2019. “This year we had another strong team made up of mainly California kids,” USA junior men’s assistant coach Steven Boddy explained. “Going into the tournament, Jim Tamburino (the other coach from New York) and I weren’t sure how the group would

Jaden Guzman scored the game-winner showed a lot of character and was a pretty cool moment.” nline hockey teams representing 28 nations rolled The U.S. junior men finished 2-1 in pool play, into the spotlight at the 2019 World Roller Games in defeating Korea (20-0) and Great Britain (8-3) before Barcelona from June 29-July 14. losing to Colombia (4-2). The Americans skated past The spotlight shone brightly on the United States, Namibia 8-4 in the quarterfinals before defeating Spain and California in particular, after the Americans 6-5 in the semifinals. captured silver medals in both the junior men and junior The top seven U.S. scorers were all from California, women’s divisions to face off the competition. led by Panisa (10 goals, six assists) and Guzman (seven The World Roller Games are held every two years goals, nine assists), both with 16 points. and feature championships in 11 disciplines of roller The U.S. junior women finished 1-1 in pool play, sports, inline hockey included. The event complements losing 4-2 to Spain and topping Colombia 7-1. The the annual World Skate Inline Hockey Championships Americans defeated Italy (4-2) in the quarterfinals and (formerly FIRS). Finland (6-1) in the semifinals. In gold medal games on July 4, the Czech Republic Both American losses in the tournament were to defeated the United States 5-2 in the junior men’s Spain. division while Spain shut out the United States 2-0 to U.S. coach Alex Morrison said his goal in cap play in the junior women’s division. constructing this year’s team was based on longevity. The junior men and junior women’s “I wanted to have a balance of competition preceded play in the players who would be able to bring senior men and senior women’s experience to the team in future years, divisions. so we had a few groups of players from different birth years, allowing younger Game on players to gain experience that they The U.S. junior men entered the can bring to the table in future years,” tournament as the defending world he said. champions while the American junior “The Californians on the team all women were looking to make huge contributed during the tournament and strides following a disappointing showed people all over the world that ninth-place finish at last year’s world the West Coast of the United States championships in Italy. can produce some great talent.” Californians dominated the rosters Morrison noted that one of the of both U.S. junior teams, with 12 team’s most productive players was players hailing from the Golden State Printzen, a Las Vegas native. on the junior men’s team and six on “She was instrumental in creating the junior women’s team. Four other opportunities on the floor, and players came from Nevada, Arizona The 2019 United States National Junior Women’s Inline Team, coached by San Diego Jr. Gulls girls hock- her work ethic on the back check and Oregon to further buttress the ey director Alex Morrison, rose to a meteoric second-place finish in its division at the recent 2019 World thwarted many a scoring chance for large West Coast presence on Team Roller Games, which were held in Barcelona. the opponents,” the U.S. coach said. USA. handle the pressure of being defending gold medalists. Tillemans and Pogu both scored goals in the Californians on the junior men’s team included Overall, we couldn’t be more proud with how the group win over Finland while Trevino posted a .957 save Corona’s Bryce Lorenz, Cody Vadeboncoeur and played and handled the pressure. percentage in the championship game. Logan Gallaher, Huntington Beach’s Clay Bozanich, “One of the highlights was beating Spain in the “Marisa was great in goal, leading our team to Tustin’s Grayson Yada and Jonathan Jogiel, Irvine’s semifinal game in overtime. We had gone up 4-1 but the gold medal game and keeping our team in the Jonathan Panisa, Orange’s Kurt Yano, San Martin’s then got into some penalty trouble and let them back in game against a very potent Spain team that had the Patrick Mahoney II and San Jose’s Derek Le, Evan it. Their hometown crowd went crazy when they tied the advantage of practicing and playing together all year in Gengarella and Jaden Guzman. game 5-5 late and they had all the momentum. For our preparation for the world championship tournament,” Yada, Le, Guzman and Vadeboncoeur were team to dig deep and come out on top in overtime when Morrison said.

By Phillip Brents

Bulldogs get bullish at AAU West Coast Nationals T

his summer’s annual parade of high-profile regional and national inline hockey championship tournaments faced off May 25-27 at The RinksCorona Inline with the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) West Coast Nationals. The host Bulldogs program was a big winner with three gold medalists (6U Tier 1, 8U and 10U-AA) and three silver medalists (10U-A, 12U-AA and 18U-A). “Multiple teams brought home gold and looked to continue their success into the Western Inline Hockey League Finals, AAU Junior Olympics and NARCh Finals,” Bulldogs club president Ben Barrett said. “Our program has progressed so much his year and we are excited to see what these last few tournaments will bring.” Medals were awarded in 11 subdivisions at the Corona Inline event. The HB Militia program also scored high marks with three gold medals (10U-A, 12U-AA and 18U-A) and two silver medals (12U-A and Junior). 20

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The Labeda Honey Badgers (12U-A), Temecula division high scorers with 15 goals and 19 points. Among the several Bulldogs who stood out at Warriors (16UA), Sour Skittles 02 (16U-AA), SDDH the West Coast Nationals, (18U-AA) and Junior Mens USA Liam Freeman earned high (Junior) also won gold medals. scorer honors with 14 goals Silver medalists also included and 16 points in the 10U-AA the Rancho Cucamonga division while Bulldogs Blue FireDogs (6U Tier 1), Reebok teammate David Ricci recorded Swarm (8U), Labeda Jets (10Ua .871 save percentage to pace AA), Raiders HC (16U-A), Angry goaltenders. Ducks (16U-AA) and Sour HB Militia’s Tara Milhorn Skittles 02 (18U-AA). (8U), Addison Waddington Among top individual award(10U-A) and Zaden Ollom winners, Clay Bozanich (Sour (12U-AA) all earned top Skittles 02) finished as the high goaltender awards in their scorer in both the 16U-AA and 18U-AA divisions, recording five The Bulldogs Blue 10U-AA team was among respective divisions while Tyler three teams from the Bulldogs program to win goals and eight points in the division titles at this year’s AAU West Coast Na- Sandstrom (10U-A) earned a 16U-AA division and six goals tionals. high scorer award. and 12 points in the 18U-AA division. Steven Anderson of the Honey Badgers led all - Phillip Brents

UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE

Huntington Beach’s Ralsten off to NCAA D-III Bryn Athyn By Jim DenHollander/USPHL.com

smael Ralsten, a goalie brought up in Huntington Beach and in California youth hockey, used the skills he picked up in California and took it across the continent as a junior player. Now, he is set to show off his wares at the collegiate level at NCAA Division III Bryn Athyn (Pa.) College. The 20-year-old goaltender wrapped up a solid junior career this past season with the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) Tier II junior level of the USPHL with the Islanders Hockey Club out of North Andover, Mass., taking his post-California development full circle. From his time with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and California Wave organizations, Ralsten played a pair of seasons with the Islanders Hockey Club’s 18U team. From there, he took his act north of the border for a pair of seasons before returning to the Islanders’ NCDC team this past season. “It was a great time,” said Ralsten of the experience of traveling to different areas of the continent. “It was a fun year.” Ralsten said while the level of play is similar - all four leagues are at the Tier II level - there are some differences. “There’s a lot more physicality and fighting is much more a part of the game in Canada,” recalled Ralsten. “I think this year with the Islanders, my team only got in one fight. The game was different in Canada because they play a lot tougher.” With the Islanders, Ralsten played 14 games, post-

ing a record of 8-5-1-0 with a 3.11 goals-against aver- of a step back last year (8-17-1). They ended up losing 10 games that were one-goal games.” age and a save percentage of .907. Ralsten said he believes a new group of freshmen will At the end of the season, Ralsten got to spend some time in California, but he is now back in Massachusetts help the program reverse its fortunes this season. “I’m really excited,” he said. “It’s a good school about working toward his next step forward at Bryn Athyn. Ralsten returned to train in the Stop It Goaltending 15 minutes outside the city of Philadelphia.” While the game has taken him across the continent, training sessions run by Brian Daccord. The popular and Ralsten learned the basics and highly-rated program boasts progressed to a top level in Cala long list of goaltenders that ifornia. Ducks legend Jean-Sehave trained there and gone on bastien Giguere was a big to successful NCAA college cainfluence on the young goaltenreers and have worked with no der. less than 25 goaltenders who “I tried to get the same gear were drafted into the NHL. as him when I played for the Jr. “I don’t even spend sumDucks,” said Ralsten. mers in California – I spend Playing for the Jr. Ducks althem in Massachusetts with lowed Ralsten a chance to meet Brian Daccord and his group. other Ducks greats like CoI also help train and coach rey Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and younger goalies while I am out here,” Ralsten added. “It’s a re- Huntington Beach native Ismael Ralsten developed his Chris Kunitz. game in California and after playing in the USPHL, will “I was a big fan and they ally good gig and I enjoy it. It’s play NCAA D-III hockey this fall for Bryn Athyn College. helped me progress a lot as a Photo/USPHL were amazing people when they goaltender as well. I’ve been working with them for four were on the ice with us,” said Ralsten. “They were a big years. I’ve really learned a lot.” influence on me and a big part of why I got into hockey.” He may not realize it yet, but Ralsten’s success and As for the challenges ahead at the college level, Ralsten is both excited and confident to get things started. edication to honing his craft as a goalie may be the in“It’s kind of a new hockey program at Bryn Athyn,” said spiration that helps a new generation of young California Ralsten. “It’s their third season coming up. They had a bit skaters.

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Muskegon Lumberjacks Nick Kent (Ladera Ranch) - Green Bay Gamblers Jackson LaCombe - Chicago Steel % Jonathan Panisa (Irvine) – Central Illinois Flying Aces Dylan Peterson (Roseville) – U.S. NTDP Under-17 Team Ryan Savage (Scottsdale) – Omaha Lancers Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside) – Dubuque Fighting Saints Ethan Wolthers (Valencia) – Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Cam York (Anaheim Hills) – U.S. NTDP Under-18 Team UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Matthew Ayers (Calabasas) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Nareg Balian (Tustin) – Decatur Blaze (Premier) Guillaume Bose (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Luke Bowman (Los Gatos) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Matthew Brown (Los Angeles) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Premier) Anthony Capraro (Hacienda Heights) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Dean Carden (Costa Mesa) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jack Carter (San Diego) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Kenny Cavers (San Jose) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (Premier) Halen Cookston (Santa Clarita) – Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier) Takato Cox (Redondo Beach) – Connecticut Jr. Rangers (NCDC) Cole Demchuk (Murrieta) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Joe DiGiulio (San Jose) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Premier) Dante DiNapoli (Moss Beach) – New Jersey Rockets (Premier) Raymond Fleming (Palo Alto) – Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (Premier) Luc Fox (Valencia) – Charlotte Rush (Elite) James Gagan (Mission Viejo) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Donovan Garcia (San Jose) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Weston Goodman (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Mason Hackel (San Jose) – Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier) Anthony Hagiu (Riverside) – New York Aviators (Elite) Hunter Hansen (Vacaville) – Minnesota Blue Ox (Premier) Dylan Hernandez-Ramirez (Costa Mesa) – Islanders Hockey Club (Elite) Timothy Kovacevic (Huntington Beach) – New York Aviators (Premier) Jordan Labbe (Pasadena) – Jersey Hitmen (Premier) Georg Landro (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) Ryan Lanpheer (San Diego) – Atlanta Jr. Kings (Premier) Erik Larson (San Jose) – Boston Bandits (NCDC) Justin Lebouef (Canyon Country) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Jason Lee (Thousand Oaks) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Cullen MacNicoll (El Segundo) – New York Aviators (Elite) Collin Madrid (Los Angeles) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Premier) Cam Manory (Simi Valley) – Boston Bandits (Premier) Connor Matthews (Redondo Beach) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Adam Mazurowski (Modesto) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Adam McGill (Santa Margarita) – Boston Bandits (Premier) John Moffat (South Lake Tahoe) – Hartford Jr. Wolfpack (Premier) Collin Moore (Orange County) – Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (Premier) Josh Morrison (San Diego) – Minnesota Moose (Premier) Ryan Newman (Bakersfield) – Charlotte Rush (Premier) Bryan Pan (Fremont) – New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs (Elite) Simon Perkic (Riverside) – Boston Bandits (Elite) Nicolas Privitera (Sun Valley) – Rochester Monarchs (Premier) Ismael Ralsten (Huntington Beach) – Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC) Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) – Jersey Hitmen (NCDC) Mitch Rickert (Santa Rosa) – New Jersey Rockets (NCDC) Hunter Rogers (Simi Valley) – Philadelphia Hockey Club (Premier) James Sandberg (Thousand Oaks) – Jersey Hitmen (Elite) Brendan Schulte (Fullerton) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Phillip Shemyakin (Mission Viejo) – Charlotte Rush (Premier) Ryan Sheridan (Orange County) – Northern Cyclones (Elite) Jered Stevenson (Stockton) – Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings (Premier) Mischa Subotin (San Jose) – Northern Cyclones (Premier) Spencer Taylor (Venice) – Richmond Generals (Elite) Egan Wolford (San Jose) - New York Aviators (Premier) VANCOUVER ISLAND JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Grady Birk (Carlsbad) – Victoria Cougars WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Hunter Campbell – Calgary Hitmen % Jake McGrew (Orange) – Spokane Chiefs Luke Ormsby – Moose Jaw Warriors % Carl Stankowski (Laguna Hills) – Calgary Hitmen Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) – Vancouver Giants Dustin Wolf (Tustin) – Everett Silvertips

WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Aguirre (West Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Tristan Baker (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Matthew Berezowski (Fullerton) - San Diego Sabers Ethan Bock (Los Angeles) – Ontario Avalanche Dominic Bosetti (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Ryan Brown (South Lake Tahoe) – Steamboat Wranglers Christian Bundschuh (Newport Coast) – Utah Outliers Christopher Cantillo (Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Gabe Cognac (Orange County) – Fresno Monsters Riley Cryan (Carlsbad) – San Diego Sabers Declan Curtis (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Lucas Demsar (South Lake Tahoe) – Valencia Flyers Quinn Deshler (Torrance) – Ontario Avalanche Sean Devaney (San Diego) – San Diego Sabers Cole Diamond (Hesperia) – Seattle Totems Dylan Dix (Scotts Valley) – Utah Outliers Connor Duffy (Orange County) – Ontario Avalanche Eric Easterson (Canyon Country) – Valencia Flyers Matthew Genter (Midway City) – Long Beach Bombers Shane Gilbert (Huntington Beach) – Ogden Mustangs Michael Gomez (Visalia) – Fresno Monsters David Grindstaff (Sacramento) – San Diego Sabers Samuel Hernandez (Fontana) – Ontario Avalanche Taylor Hiatt (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Jonathan Holguin (Fresno) – Fresno Monsters Hayden Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Ontario Avalanche Max Kamper (Aliso Viejo) – El Paso Rhinos Mason Kaprelyan (Yorba Linda) – Long Beach Bombers Samuel Kapusta (Irvine) – San Diego Sabers Jacob Mabaquaio (San Diego) – Bellingham Blazers Christopher Maghakian (Santa Clarita) – West Sound Admirals Tate Martishius (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Cameron Maycock (Claremont) – Ontario Avalanche John McNamara (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Alex Neverve (San Jose) – Ogden Mustangs Nicklas Oda (Yorba Linda) – Steamboat Wranglers Michael Onda (Saugus) – Valencia Flyers Ethan Racz (Carlsbad) – Ogden Mustangs Adam Rousselo (Santa Clarita) – West Sound Admirals Brett Ruiz (Rancho Cucamonga) – Ontario Avalanche Emmett Rupert (Santa Barbara) – Fresno Monsters Dylan San Agustin (Santa Clarita) – Valencia Flyers Joel Short (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Todd Thompson, Jr. (San Jose) – Dallas Snipers Jarrett Townsend (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Valencia Flyers Tanner Turcotte (Huntington Beach) – Ontario Avalanche Jeremy Van Dyke (Corona) – Ontario Avalanche Jack Walsh (Oceanside) – Utah Outliers Tristan Warr (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers PREP SCHOOL Max Abramson (Pacific Palisades) – Kent School Chris Alexander (Valencia) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s John Alexander (Valencia) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Colton Bertagna (Chico) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Leon Biller (Valencia) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Jack Blake (Manhattan Beach) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Jordan Bonner (Huntington Beach) – Albany Academy Alexander Boyko (Rocklin) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Brendan Brisson (Manhattan Beach) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Miles Brodey (Pasadena) – The Lawrenceville School Noah Dahlen (Orange) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Jared Day (Orange) – Brooks School Cameron Dunnigan (Bakersfield) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Corey Eaton (San Marcos) – Tilton School Tanner Ensign (Tustin) – Holderness School Nikko Escobar (Ventura) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Dennis L. Y. Franklin (Oakland) – The Taft School Ezra Gale (Pomona) – Hoosac School Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton School Michael Gilerman (Encino) – Proctor Academy Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – The Groton School Alec Grace (Laguna Hills) – New Hampton School Jacob Gunderson (Valencia) – Lakeville South J.T. Halliday (Valencia) – St. Paul’s Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Pablo Honda (Bishop) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Lily Humphrey (Huntington Beach) – New Hampton School Grant Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Leo Kaplan (Sherman Oaks) – Brooks School Huston Karpman (Manhattan Beach) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Nathan Katzaroff (Anaheim) – Milton Academy Jaxon Kennedy (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Tyler Kitchen (Bakersfield) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Matt Kors (Los Angeles) – Shawnigan Lake School Alexander Krause (Calabasas) – Loomis Chaffee Ty Krivtsov (Valencia) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Tristan Lam (Arcadia) – Bishop’s College School Jeffrey Lee (San Jose) - Milton 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 Noah Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Cobi Lennex (Valencia) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Mathias Long (Marina del Rey) – Lake Forest Academy Brett MacNicoll (El Segundo) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Brandon McDonald (Los Angeles) – Vermont Academy Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Tilton School Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Cushing Academy Seth McKenna (Moorpark) – Tilton School Tyler McNeil (Santa Clarita) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Ryan Meaney (Santa Clarita) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Nathan Moffat (Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Zach Mojarro (Bishop) – The Gunnery

Brian Morse (Fresno) – The Gunnery Josh Niedermayer (Newport Beach) – Okanagan Hockey Academy Jacob Nordorf (Gardena) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Ellis O’Dowd (Santa Barbara) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Zane Parker (Hawthorne) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Luke Peterson (Moorpark) – The Gunnery John Pratt (Laguna Niguel) – Berkshire School Jayden Price (Coto de Caza) – Shattuck-St. Mary’s Quinn Proctor (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Alexander Rogers (Anaheim) – Williston Northampton Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Hunter Sansbury (Lomita) – The Gunnery Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Ian Shane (Manhattan Beach) – Westminster School Andrey Shemaykin (South Lake Tahoe) – Tahoe Prep Hockey Academy Jordan Skahill (San Dimas) – South Kent Steven Soos (Pasadena) – The Winchendon School Daniel Thomas (Irvine) – Hotchkiss School Simon Thue (San Jose) – Millbrook School Daniel Ton-That (Laguna Hills) – Tilton School Weston Turner (Granite Bay) - The Groton School Lukas Uhler (Upland) – New Hampton School Brent Valentine (Newport Beach) – Choate Rosemary Hall Bradley Wang (Arcadia) – Choate Rosemary Hall Ryan Wilson (San Diego) – Milton Academy Eric Yagubyan (Glendale) – Tilton School Billy Zegras (San Diego) – The Berkshire School

NEVADA PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Jason Zucker (Las Vegas) – Minnesota Wild AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Gage Quinney (Las Vegas) – Chicago Wolves ECHL Chris Francis (Las Vegas) – Tulsa Oilers Zach Pochiro (Las Vegas) – Allen Americans Joey Raats (Las Vegas) – Utah Grizzlies Joe Sullivan (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs Cory Ward (Las Vegas) – Manchester Monarchs SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Derek Sutliffe (Las Vegas) – Macon Mayhem OVERSEAS Bryce Reddick (Las Vegas) – United Kingdom CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Megan Myers (Las Vegas) – Worcester Bladess COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN WCHA Brendan Harris (Henderson) – Bemidji State University D-I INDEPENDENT Dominic Garcia (Las Vegas) – Arizona State University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN NESCAC Brenden Russ (Las Vegas) – Connecticut College JUNIOR HOCKEY GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Nathan Skala (Las Vegas) – Northumberland Stars MARITIME HOCKEY LEAGUE Landon Quinney (Las Vegas) – Valley Wildcats NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Vito Carlo (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Dylan Davenport – Milwaukee Power @ Caleb Day (Las Vegas) – Gillette Wild Brenden Fehlig (Las Vegas) – College Station Spirit Bryce Gould (Las Vegas) – Butte Cobras Gunner Moore (Las Vegas) – Atlanta Capitals Danny Ramos (Las Vegas) – Gillette Wild Gabriel Testa (Las Vegas) – Long Beach Sharks SASKATCHEWAN JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Steven Avalone (Las Vegas) – Kindersley Klippers UNITED STATES PREMIER HOCKEY LEAGUE Ty Gartzke (Las Vegas) – Decatur Blaze (Premier) Deric Prier (Las Vegas) – Florida Jr. Blades (Elite) Gage Roberts (Las Vegas) – Carolina Eagles (Premier) Cameron Sylvester (Las Vegas) – Hampton Roads Whalers (Elite) Ethan Van Muyden (Henderson) – Boston Bandits (Elite) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Erik Atchison (Las Vegas) – Spokane Chiefs WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Cody Printzen (Las Vegas) – Fresno Monsters Anthony Rodriguez (Henderson) – Long Beach Bombers % former Los Angeles Jr. King + former California Titan * former LA Select

! former San Jose Jr. Shark $ former Anaheim Lady Duck @ former Nevada Storm

CARubberHockey.com

TAHOE PREP ACADEMY

With Year 4 ahead, Tahoe Prep moving in right direction By Greg Ball

ummer may be in full swing, with tourists descending on Lake Tahoe for the season and hockey far from most peoples’ minds, but at Tahoe Prep Academy, they’re always looking ahead and are already preparing for a successful 2019-20 academic year and hockey season. As the burgeoning academy prepares for its fourth year, Tahoe Prep has plenty of returning Tier I-level players who will be joined by student-athletes new to the program this fall who come from all over the country brandishing plenty of academic and athletic promise. Leo Fenn, Tahoe Prep’s president and coach, said the program’s model of individual hockey development, combined with academic preparation to help the academy’s students prepare for the next level, has proved to be a winning combination. “We are preparing our students from a hockey standpoint to go on to play at the NCAA level, and also getting them ready from an academic standpoint,” Fenn said. “The two goals complement each other nicely, rather than working against each other.” Just three years into its existence, Tahoe Prep has proved itself and built a reputation among current and future players and their families that will only help it grow stronger. That has resulted in one of the academy’s best recruiting classes for its prep and varsity squads this season. The varsity team plays at the AA level in the Anaheim

Ducks and San Jose Sharks high school hockey leagues and will play more than 40 games this coming season. The academy’s prep team plays at the AAA/Tier I elite level, with more than 50 games in the East Coast Elite League (ECEL) and North American Hockey League prep division. New this year, Tahoe’s prep team will play a home series against longtime national powerhouse Shattuck-St.

The Tahoe Prep Academy graduating class of 2019, with Michael Lewis and Leo Fenn, takes in the recent graduation ceremony.

Mary’s of Minnesota, which will fall just before the new North American Prep Championship. With each year, the leadership at Tahoe Prep Academy has added more to the academic and athletic offerings, continuing to build and give their student-athletes the biggest and best opportunities to reach their goals. To handle the growth, former prep head coach Michael Lewis was recently named the school’s first

athletic director. “My new role heading into the 2019-20 school year will incorporate more of the daily operations,” Lewis explained. “Back in 2016, when we were just taking our first steps and establishing ourselves, we were new to the hockey community and had to prove we were capable of being a great option for student athletes. “As we move into our fourth year, we’ve made great strides as a program on both the local and national levels. The academy continues to progress to the point where more focus can now be applied to the future. This new position allows me the opportunity to find ways to improve our academy and provide a world-class experience for our students. Additionally, I’m also able to determine how we’ll grow in different areas and how that relates to additional sports being brought in throughout the coming years.” In addition to his new responsibilities, Lewis said he will still be working with the players daily and assisting Chris Collins, who was recently promoted to become head coach of the prep team. “Mike did a great job at preparing me for this role with his mentorship,” Collins said. “Last year, he let me take leadership and find success with programs I wanted to run. “The ECEL is a strong competitive league, and I’m looking forward to the team getting the chance to compete against not just the great players in the league but also the good coaches. My goal is to compete and see us make a strong push in the playoffs.”

TahoeHockeyAcademy.com

Slew of California talents choose future destinations my game in a big way,” Christy said. “Austin is a great place to play junior hockey, and I had a blast in that town for the four months I was there. Not only were my teammates and coaches amazing, but the fans and community were welcoming and caring.” Lee played for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Waywayseecappo Wolverines last year,

see too often.” Bagwell tallied 13 goals and 34 points in 58 ith the offseason comes players deciding games up front last year for the NAHL’s Amarillo where to play college hockey next season. Bulls. He added two assists in 13 playoff games. Players from California have recently committed Douglass, a Fremont native, joins Matthew to play NCAA hockey for the 2019-20 season, Valdez and Jake Maley as players who have with Sam Anzai (Los Angeles, Wisconsin-River signed in the EHL. He scored one goal in 31 games Falls), Jared Christy (Cypress, University of New last season from the back end. England, Los Angeles Jr, Kings alum) and Gregg “We are thankful for the development the Jr. Lee (Aliso Viejo, Fredonia State University, Sharks have provided Kaigen and the rest of his Anaheim Jr. Ducks, California Wave, Orange peers,” said Maiko Douglass, Kaigen’s mother. County Hockey Club) all set to hit Division III “We are also thankful for all of Coach (Matt) campuses soon. Guffey’s work to promote Kaigen to the next In addition, Jr. Kings graduate Trey Bagwell level.” has committed to River Falls, another former “Thank you to the coaching staff, my teammates Jr. King, Zane Rowan (Torrance), signed with and my family for helping me get to this point,” the Western Hockey League’s (WHL) Regina added Greenlee, a San Jose native. “The Jr. Sharks Pats, and former San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 18U AAA program has been great for my development and standouts Kaigen Douglass (Eastern Hockey preparation for junior hockey. Not only was I able League’s Connecticut Chiefs) and Ben Greenlee to develop physically on the ice but also mentally (Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Estevan to prepare for the next level.” Bruins) are moving up. Greenlee posted a 3.21 goals-against average Anzai skated on the blue line last season with Torrance native Zane Rowan was selected by the Regina Pats in the and a .878 save percentage in 28 games last the North American Hockey League’s (NAHL) third round of the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft on May 2 and signed with season. Jamestown Rebels and tallied 29 points (eight the club on May 30. The Pats took Rowan in the third round (61st goals, 21 assists) in 57 games. He also chipped in going for 14 goals and 14 assists in 55 games while overall) of the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft back on May one goal in five Robertson Cup Playoff games. adding a goal and an assist in four playoff games. 2. He signed four weeks later. Christy, a forward, was traded in the NAHL this “The whole college process has been a lot of “This is an exciting day,” said Pats VP of hockey season, going from the Odessa Jackalopes to the stress but now that it’s over, it feels great,” Lee said. operations and general manager John Paddock. Austin Bruins while compiling 21 goals and 50 “I just liked how welcoming the program is, and the “Zane is a good player and to have him commit to points in 60 games. coach (Jeff Meredith) made me feel like I was a the Pats is big for our team going forward.” “The NAHL is one of the best junior hockey part of the program before I committed. It’s nice that Rowan tallied 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 leagues to play in, and me playing in two different I have some family in Ontario near the Buffalo area. points in 65 games last season for the Jr. Kings’ divisions really taught me a lot of things and improved It’s nice to be close to some family that I don’t get to Bantams.

By Matt Mackinder

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

San Diego’s Moskal overcomes odds in rookie pro season He left home at 15 to pursue his dream of playing at the highest level possible. “No matter what your financial situation might be, you can always get better and teams will find you,” Moskal recalled. Moskal played for the Northern Cyclones (Metropolitan Junior Hockey League), Colorado

was time to give ice hockey another shot. At 20, he signed an amateur tryout agreement alent has a way of somehow finding its way to with the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush to start the 2018the top. 19 season but was the team’s last cut. Moskal later In the case of San Diego native Parker Moskal, played in his first professional game as member of the path to success was long and circuitous, the FHL’s Elmira Enforcers. involving stints with eight teams in six leagues while He scored a goal in his debut but suffered a interrupted by numerous setbacks due to injury. severe shoulder injury. When he recovered from Moskal had played for four teams in as many the injury, he was traded to Mentor. leagues by the time he was 17. He played for two However, Moskal completed his second more teams as an 18-year-old and celebrated his 19th comeback from a hockey injury by recording birthday out of hockey due to a serious knee injury. a goal and assist in his first game with the Ice But a lot of perseverance and support from Breakers. He also racked up a pair of four-point friends allowed Moskal, now 21, to finally realize performances. his dream of playing professional hockey after While getting treatment in Colorado for a recently concluding his rookie season with the previous injury, Moskal met Beth Call, who would Mentor Ice Breakers in the Federal Hockey League serve as his inspirational muse in his path to (FHL). recovery. “After everything I’ve had thrown at me in “I met her at the hockey rink,” Moskal explained. life being able to reach the professional level, “She was joining a women’s adult league team. It especially coming from a non-traditional hockey was a huge morale boost. Without her support, I market as San Diego, it has truly been a dream wouldn’t have been able to do as well as I did. She come true and a journey I hope that can show San Diego native Parker Moskal has faced adversity throughout his life was constantly there keeping me focused on the the next generation of hockey players anything is but made an immediate impact this season with the FHL’s Mentor Ice end goal. Breakers. Photo/Paul DiCicco possible,” he said. “She ended up actually flying out to watch my Moskal played in a total of 17 games for Mentor Rampage (Tier 1 Elite Hockey League), Cheyenne last three games of the season. She was there to talk during the 2018-19 season, scoring nine goals with Stampede and Long Beach Bombers (Western about hockey whenever and just keep me focused on 18 assists for 27 points. He ranked first on the team States Hockey League), Dallas Jr. Stars (North playing my game.” with an average of 1.6 points per game and was American 3 Hockey League), Cochrane Crunch Moskal has set a goal to play at the highest level honored as the league’s Rookie of the Month for (Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League) and Pikes possible, whether that is in the FHL or elsewhere. March. Peak Miners (North American Prospects Hockey “This offseason is huge, and I been working more Having spent six months in a homeless shelter at League). on my strength in the weight room than anything so age 8 and living in motels with family until he was 14, After Moskal later found his way to the top of the far,” he said. “Beth is definitely the drive behind how it was at this time that Moskal discovered hockey, inline hockey world by playing in the NARCh Pro hard I’m training this offseason as well as my drive to which would turn out to be his path out of darkness. Division and the American Inline Hockey League, it succeed in Mentor.”

By Phillip Brents

CARubberHockey.com

California Rubber Hockey Magazine