FROM THE EDITOR September is here, and that only means one thing – hockey season
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on’t get me wrong – I love summer. But when the calendar moves to September, the kids start school and the rinks start to move back into full swing. Yes, my friends, hockey season has arrived! I always find something special in seeing hockey players of all ages taking the ice and starting their seasons. For many of these players, playing the great game of hockey is more than a game – it’s a lifestyle and a passion. Same goes for coaches and staff in the various associations and junior, college and pro teams here in California. And in a society where far too often we see negativity and news that can sadden some people, hockMatt Mackinder ey has always been a positive way to escape all the nonsense we tend to deal with on a daily basis. Hockey is the greatest game in the world and it’s my pleasure to bring these pages to you 10 months a year and 365 days a year on our website and social media. So if I may hum a tune a few months ahead of time, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Ladera Ranch native Chase Di Bari will play NCAA Division III hockey this season for Bethel University. Di Bari skated the past three seasons in the NA3HL for the Granite City Lumberjacks, winning a Fraser Cup (then Silver Cup) championship in 2017. He also played in the NAHL for the Minot Minotauros during the 2015-16 season. “Chase really took advantage of his final year of junior hockey and played a big role in our success this past season,” said Granite City coach Brad Willner. “He’s probably the best skater we have had with the Lumberjacks and created chances with his speed every shift. Bethel University is a great place for him to continue his hockey career, and we wish him nothing but the best in the future.” During his youth career, Di Bari played AAA hockey with the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ 16U and 18U teams and also high school hockey at JSerra.
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
UMASS HYSTERIA
In a couple more player advancements, Las Vegas native and forward Gage Quinney signed a free-agent deal with his hometown Vegas Golden Knights after two seasons in the AHL and ECHL, while another Las Vegas product, forward Erik Atchison, inked with the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs. “We were very impressed by Erik at our training camp (last week),” said Chiefs GM Scott Carter. “He worked hard all year and it showed in scrimmages and our Red-White Game. He earned this opportunity and we are very happy to have him officially join our organization.” Former California Titans youth coach and Fresno Monsters (NAHL) coach Eric Ballard has been named an assistant coach of the 2019 U.S. Men’s National University Team. The team will compete in the 2019 Winter World University Games from March 2-12 in Krasnoyarsk, Russia. The Golden Knights announced over the summer that it has teamed up with the D Las Vegas to help fund the Lil’ Knights program, a cross-ice development program that focuses on individual skills and team elements of hockey. It serves as the final step in the youth hockey development pyramid before joining a team, following the completion of Learn to Skate and Learn to Play initiatives. Lil’ Knights will be offered at the City National Arena, Las Vegas Ice Center and Sobe Ice Arena. There will be a California presence at the 2018 All-American Prospects Game, set for Sept. 19 at Xcel Energy Center, home of the Minnesota Wild. Congratulations are in order to Tustin native and Jr. Kings grad Dustin Wolf, Anaheim Hills native and Anaheim Jr. Ducks grad Cam York and Los Angeles native Nick Robertson. The game serves as an early-season scouting showcase for 2019 NHL Draft-eligible prospects.
Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4
California Rubber Hockey Magazine
Valencia native and Anaheim Jr. Ducks standout Ethan Wolthers recently announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for the University of Massachusetts once his junior hockey career concludes. More on Wolthers on Page 11, while other commitment stories are inside this issue as well.
ON THE COVER California natives Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) and Dominique Petrie (Hermosa Beach) recently captained their respective U.S. Under-22 and Under-18 Women’s Select Teams that competed in a three-game series against Canada in Calgary. Photo/Andrea Mazzarelli/USA Hockey