California Rubber Magazine - January 2018

VOLUME 11

NHL AWARD TO HELP BOOST BAY AREA HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY OLYMPICS WILL HAVE CALIFORNIA FLAVOR IN PYEONGCHANG LADY BLUE DEVILS MAKE HISTORY WITH FIRST TOURNEY WIN LAKHSHL EXPANDS PLAYOFF FORMAT TO ALLOW FOR SIX TEAMS

ISSUE 5

JANUARY 2018

With the expansion Vegas Golden Knights the feel-good story of the NHL season, that success is also evident at the youth hockey level, where the Vegas Jr. Golden Knights are leading the charge in making Las Vegas a hockey hotbed

Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles 2017-18

Tournament Series

TinseltownHockeyTournaments.com

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FROM THE EDITOR Optimism, positivity will be at the forefront of a happy 2018

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Matt Mackinder

appy New Year, one and all!

Ah yes, it’s that time of year where feeling optimistic and finding all the positives seem to be on everyone’s minds and New Year’s resolutions are kept intact for a week, maybe two.

What keeps us from maintaining this positive and forward-looking attitude on a year-round basis? Sure, we get busy and I get it, life happens. Every day.

The only way to get through this daily grind of life is to take it one day at a time and focus on the good in your life. We all have those positive aspects of life, but often times, it’s easier to see the negatives

and just settle.

Hockey can be one of those positives. What better feeling is there than walking into a rink any day of the week and feeling like it’s a second home. The smells, the sounds, the sights, the people – you name it and it’s there.

Let’s face it. Hockey is the greatest game on Earth and if you or a family member, an acquaintance or a friend play the game, for that time you are at the rink or on the ice, you have no worries in the world. That’s the glory and magic of hockey.

So take time this month – and for the 11 after this one – to seek out the positives in life. Odds are, you’ll find many of those at your local rink.

Chino Hills native and Anaheim Lady Ducks alum Justine Reyes was named ECAC Hockey’s Player of the Week on Jan. 9.

Reyes scored two goals and added a pair of assists as St. Lawrence University split the previous weekend’s series with Lindenwood University at the College Hockey Classic at the Honda Center.

The series was hosted by the Lady Ducks, the club that produced four players between the two teams – Reyes, Lydia Grauer and Kayla Nielsen (St. Lawrence) and Lillian Marchant (Lindenwood).

Reyes’ overtime winner gave the Saints a 3-2 win on Jan. 6.

“Great comeback today,” said St. Lawrence coach Chris Wells.

“Fitting that the game winner was scored by a Lady Duck.”

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.

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Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Wilson

HEALED & HUNGRY

Christmas came early for Ivan Lodnia as the NHL’s Minnesota Wild announced last month that the club has agreed to terms with the Anaheim native on a three-year, entry-level contract.

Lodnia has been among the top point-getters this season with the Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League.

He was originally selected by Minnesota in the third round (85th overall) of the 2017 NHL Draft.

On a sad note, the San Diego Jr. Gulls lost one of their own last month as Rick Moore passed away.

“Rick was a friend to all and made the rink a better place just with his presence,” said Jr. Gulls president Geoff Leibl. “He had a smile for everyone he met and his joy for life and love for his family and friends was out there for all to see. Rick always went out of his way for those in need, which included helping many young hockey players in our club throughout the years. He was a great billet dad, the go-to person to build or fix anything in our gym and most importantly, was the best fan his son’s teams could have.

“His contribution to our club and the impact he had on so many of our families cannot be overstated. He was a role model and a truly good person and many young hockey players, including my two sons, are better people because of the positive influence ‘Mr. Moore’ had on their lives. Rick was a good friend who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out Rick’s sons, Clayton and Kevin, and to the rest of his family.”

Godspeed, Mr. Moore.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Huntington Beach native Troy Loggins suffered a knee injury 16 games into his freshman season at Northern Michigan two years ago, but is now 100 percent healthy in his junior year and proving to be a valuable asset for the Wildcats. More on Loggins on Page 7. Photo/NMU Athletics

ON THE COVER Formerly the Nevada Storm, the rebranded Vegas Jr. Golden Knights wear the same colors as their NHL counterparts and are a major cog in the growth of youth hockey not only in Nevada, but in the Western United States as well.

Photo/Michelle Ditondo

– m a r g o r p r u o t u You’ve heard abo ! t u o b a l l a e r ’ e w t a now see wh

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Knight and Day Jr. Golden Knights working with NHL franchise to boost youth hockey in Las Vegas, all of Nevada had thus far, it has brought a lot of interest to the sport and all three rinks will benefit from that, which in turn will help the club grow and develop hockey players. hen the NHL announced an expansion team for Las Vegas, a game plan was “The NHL team’s success has helped grow the interest of the game for our players quickly put into place to form a partnership that would engage the local youth and their families now that they can attend NHL games and watch them on TV, along hockey community. with coming to City National Arena and watching how the pros practice.”

Consider that done, and growing.

And having members of the NHL team’s front office on board with the youth operaThe Vegas Golden Knights have been the talk of the NHL this season, while the Ve- tion is another plus for the association. gas Jr. Golden Knights continue to make strides at the youth level. Formerly the Nevada “Several members of our Executive Board work within our hockey operations for the Storm, the organization rebranded last summer and wears the same colors as its NHL team, so we’re very connected in all aspects of our program building under our brand,” counterpart.

McDonald said. “We’ve got guys who bring a great deal of experience from all aspects Throw in the fact that one of the Jr. Golden Knights’ home rinks is the brand-new City of hockey to the table, and we’re tapping into all have knowledge and experience as a National Arena – the NHL club’s practice rink – and the partnership is more than condu- group to make sure we do this the right way.” cive to achieving – and maintaining – success.

The Storm grew in leaps and bounds over the years and it’s a grand hope that the Jr. “The feedback has been great and to be honest, we’re still working on the finishing Golden Knights have the opportunity to become one of the top programs in the Pacific touches of our building, so we believe the finished product will add to that great feed- District as well. back,” said City National Arena director of hockey operations and assistant “I believe we have all the piecmanager Robbert McDonald, also a Jr. Golden Knights board member. es in place that to build that kind “Everyone from the pros to the public who have skated on our ice have of culture here, and I’ve used nothing but high remarks to say about it, which is what we’re striving for.” the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes as a McDonald added that when it comes to the Jr. Golden Knights playprime example of a club doing ers and families, the new rink and NHL support is extremely significant it right in a market similar to to the program. ours,” said McDonald. “To see “I think any time there is a change in naming and philosophies within a their Tier I teams competing program, there are those expected growlike they do in the Tier 1 Elite ing pains,” McDonald said. “However, Hockey League and developthose are outweighed by the excitement ing hockey players, you want of being affiliated to the big club, and what your organization to do the makes this situation very unique is that same and provide opportunities for our the big club is involved in the club’s daykids. Their club, along with the NHL team to-day operations and future planning. I there, have done a tremendous job in not think with that, we’ve been able to provide only growing the game in terms of other a much different experience than what the clubs starting, but the quality of the teams membership has experienced in the past has done nothing but get better and we as – along with the excitement of the jerseys a brand strive to do the same.” for the players, and the team hosting the An example of how close the Las club to a home game for Vegas Jr. Golden Vegas community is was brought to the Knights Night on Dec. 3 against the Arizoforefront after the shocking, tragic events na Coyotes.” of Oct. 1.

This season, the Jr. Golden Knights “The organization supplied the kids have 13 youth teams – three Mite teams with ‘Vegas Strong’ helmet stickers that (2009, 2010, 2011 birth years), three match that of the big teams – but aside Squirt teams (one A-level, two B-level), The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights captured the Bantam division championship last November at the CAN/ from that, nothing that any other organizaAM Challenge Cup, held on home ice in Las Vegas. Photo/Michelle Ditondo three Pee Wee teams (A, AA, B), two Bantion would have done if they were in our tam teams (A, AA), a Midget 16U shoes in that you try to provide normalcy for the kids and families.” McDonald said. “Teams within our organization raised money for UNLV assistant coach Nick Robone, who was wounded in the incident.”

At the end of the day, and it won’t happen overnight, but it’s clear that Las Vegas is on its way to becoming a hockey hotbed.

“Vegas has all the makings to become one, but it’s a process and knowing we can’t rush this, we want to do it right so that it leads to multiple rinks and youth hockey clubs popping up all over town similar to that of Arizona and California,” said McDonald said. “The city is full of young, athletic ability AA team and drive and I think if the combination of this city and the team have shown anything thus and a high school varsity team at the Division III level. far, it’s that the game is blossoming quicker than some could have imagined.

McDonald, also a Squirt coach in the program, said the Jr. Golden Knights will con“Our short-term goals are to establish the Golden Knights way of doing things right, tinue to grow in this new environment. and creating that hockey culture that then transitions into achieving our long-term goals “The club will continue to excel as all three Learn to Play programs at the three fa- of not only growing the game for future Jr. Golden Knights players, but also the club becilities (City National Arena, SoBe Ice Arena, Las Vegas Ice Center) continue to grow,” ing nationally recognized in helping our hockey players pursue their goals in becoming said McDonald. “Thanks to the NHL team being here and having the success they’ve successful young men and women.”

By Matt Mackinder

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2017-18 Vegas Jr. Golden Knights Executive Board • • • •

Scott Allegrini – COO of the Las Vegas Ice Center, director of the USHL’s Tri-City Storm John Brooks – Nevada Storm co-founder, Las Vegas Ice Center co-owner, director of the USHL’s Tri- City Storm Murray Craven – Vegas Golden Knights senior VP, veteran of 1,071 NHL games Misha Donskov – Vegas Golden Knights director of hockey operations, former Hockey Canada executive/coach and Ontario Hockey League executive/coach • Wally Lacroix – Montreal native who refereed professional hockey for 14 years, coached at every level of hockey in the Las Vegas Valley, including Midget AAA 6

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

• Robbert McDonald – California native, boasts over 13 years of coaching experience in the Southern California hockey community, coached at every age at the youth level, B through AAA • Robert Foley – Vegas Golden Knights video and technology coordinator, operations • Wally Lacroix (12U, 14U, 16U, HS), Dell Truax (8U, 10U) – Youth Hockey Coaching Education Consultants • Denise Berninger - Treasurer • Kevin Atchison – Manager of Managers • Michelle Ditondo, David Voors – Fundraising Coordinators • Daniel Patterson – Ice Convenor • Daniel Patterson – Web Developer

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

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Loggins at 100 percent, leading way at Northern Michigan

By Chris Bayee

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here are several reasons why Troy Loggins has found his footing during his junior season at Northern Michigan University.

He and the resurgent Wildcats have been one of college hockey’s feel-good stories for the 2017-18 season.

For one, Loggins is fully healthy.

For another, the Wildcats favor an up-tempo style under first-year coach Grant Potulny, one that is a nice match for Loggins’ talents and one that has them in the mix for the WCHA lead.

“Troy is the perfect hockey player for the way we want to play,” said Potulny, who took over NMU last spring after an eight-season run as an assistant at the University of Minnesota. “He has the skill set, he can skate well, and he has a good stick and a good brain.

We want to push the pace.

“I was familiar with him from his days in junior (with Sioux Falls of the USHL), but what I didn’t know was how competitive he is. He works hard every day in practice and every day in the weight room, and he’s seeing success because of it.”

Loggins sat second on the Wildcats in scoring through 24 games with 22 points, one behind goal-scoring machine Robbie Payne (whose 17 were second most in NCAA Division I one week into January).

Loggins has relished the quicker pace under Potulny.

“He wants us to play much more of an offensive, speed-type game,” the Huntington Beach native said.

“We have more freedom in the offensive end, and I’ve

been fortunate to play with a good linemates in Adam of my skills and ability to make plays,” the former Jr. Rockwood, who is a good playmaker, and Denver Ducks and LA Hockey Club player said. “It gets my Pierce.” confidence up a bit more. There are a lot of 4-on-4s Loggins came to Northern Michigan fresh off an and 3-on-3 overtime in the WCHA, so it’s helped in MVP performance at the Clark Cup championship in that way, too.”

2015. He tore up the USHL playThe influence is obvious to his offs with 16 points, including 10 coach, who deems it a positive. goals, in 12 games.

“Troy has great spatial awareJust 16 games into his freshness,” Potulny said. “Any young man season, however, he sufplayer spending time handling a fered a devastating knee injury at puck will benefit, then add in the the University of Alabama Huntsroller element where you have ville, tearing an ACL and MCL. to create time and space, and it The recovery took nine months helps you.” and limited his training entering Loggins also has developed his sophomore campaign, one into a player his coach trusts in in which he had 16 points in 38 any situation. games. Compounding things “He plays as many minutes were NMU’s struggles in a 13as he can handle,” Potulny said.

22-4 season.

“He’s on our first power play, our “Between the learning curve first penalty kill and 4-on-4s. I play for college hockey, getting back him when we’re up a goal and into playing shape and trying to down a goal.

Troy Loggins regain my confidence, it wasn’t “I have to manage his ice time easy,” he said. because I don’t want to wear him out.”

This past summer was a different story.

That could be a hazard with a 5-foot-9, 160-pound Loggins met with Potulny after the coach’s hiring player, but so far it hasn’t been. In fact, Loggins is one and learned what was expected and the opportunity of the better hitters on the team. that awaited.

“He packs a lot of pop,” Potulny said. “He has as “He’s made a big commitment to his training, and much functional strength as anyone on our team. His it shows,” Potulny said. timing on delivering blows and his force at impact is Part of Loggins’ training always includes one of his excellent.” favorite pastimes, inline hockey.

It’s one more reason why after two seasons of “That’s how I started, and that definitely built most struggle, Loggins has been a hit for the Wildcats.

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WSHL announces new division, Oakland’s Sommer reaches another expansion into Canada for ’18-19 AHL milestone with 700 wins

By Matt Mackinder

By Phillip Brents

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O

ith a solid footprint already established in the Western United States, the Western States Hockey League (WSHL) announced earlier this month that it will be expanding North of the border for the 2018-19 season.

The league already has six teams in California – Fresno Monsters, Long Beach Bombers, Ontario Avalanche, San Diego Sabers, Tahoe Icemen and Valencia Flyers Next season, the newly-formed Western Provinces Hockey Association (WPHA) will comprise the Provincial Division of the WSHL with 6-8 teams in that division.

Teams will be based in the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia.

Craig Copeland, the mayor of Cold Lake, Alberta, made the trip to Las Vegas to watch the WSHL Western States Shootout showcase event just prior to Christmas and came away with positive vibes.

“Minor hockey in Cold Lake is very strong, and we have a Junior B team, but we feel the level of hockey in this league, and how it compares to hockey back home, is impressive,” Copeland told WSHL.org.

“Cold Lake is a beautiful town, and for a small town, there are five rinks,” added WSHL commissioner Ron White. “They built a gorgeous facility recently there.”

Copeland also noted that the town boasts a 1,500-seat arena and there is also a new rink being built that will have 400 seats.

“It’s tough, in Alberta, to join the Alberta Junior Hockey League,” said Copeland.

“For Ron’s group, the WSHL, to allow Canadian teams to enter, it’s pretty fabulous.

It’s all about the kids, it’s all about getting them the exposure to play college hockey.

With more kids playing hockey, if we can get kids into [colleges] in the United States, that’s pretty fantastic.”

White is ecstatic at the prospect of the Canadian division for next year.

“The partners within the WSHL are extremely excited about the expansion into the Provincial Division with such a well-financed group of business professionals,” White said. “We look forward to working with members of the WPHA to successfully bring [United Hockey Union] Junior A Tier II hockey to the communities the WPHA is working with at this time.”

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

akland native Roy Sommer achieved yet another milestone in his illustrious coaching career when the San Jose Barracuda defeated the host Bakersfield Condors 2-1 on Dec. 3 to hand Sommer his 700th career regularseason American Hockey League (AHL) victory.

Sommer, who surpassed the all-time career coaching wins of 636 posted

by AHL coaching legend Fred “Bun” Cook two seasons ago, is alone at 700 wins.

Amazingly, Cook’s record had stood since 1943.

The 60-year-old Sommer is coaching in his 20th AHL season — all with the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, the Barracuda’s parent club in the NHL. In becoming the first AHL coach to reach 700 wins, Sommer also holds the distinction of having coached in the most games in the league’s 82-year history. The 700th win marked his 1,499th game behind the bench with the Sharks’ top developmental affiliate.

He is the longest-tenured AHL coach with the same organization.

“A lot of bus trips,” Sommer remarked when first asked about his longevity behind the bench. “It’s kind of been a long road. It’s been a good one. The wins just kept piling up. I didn’t know how close I was until I was walking off the ice the other day and a guy said ‘699.’ It was just one more win.

“Seven hundred — it’s a pretty cool milestone.”

Sommer won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL’s Coach of the Year last season after leading one of the AHL’s youngest rosters (average age 23.5 years) to the league’s second-best record.

The ‘Cuda finished regular season play 43-16-4-5 with a .699 winning percentage, and advanced as far as the Western Conference Finals – the farthest that a Sharks’ AHL affiliate had advanced in the Calder Cup playoffs.

San Jose ended the season with 12 rookies, four second-year players and four non-rookie first-year AHLers on its roster.

But age was only a number, as Sommer can now attest.

Devil of a Milestone

Lady Blue Devils make history, earn first tournament win in program’s short history expectations,” said Kaplenko. “I’m sure staying up at Disneyland or traveling cross-country the night before may have something to do with it, but regardless, we didn’t play at our potential in the first game against the San Diego Jr. Gulls. I didn’t give out a game puck to anybody that game as a motivator of two game pucks to be given later for those players that can step up. Going into our next game against the San Jose Jr. Sharks, my focus was to continuously reinforce that the girls had much more time and space to make quality hockey plays with the puck then they think in their head. I needed them to get away

feed the competitive fuel tank to set up a rematch for the championship,” said Kaplenko. “The championship or most teams that win a weekend tournament, the game was a thriller against traditional photo on the ice with the championship the Jr. Gulls, who went trophy and banner is one that will stand the test of undefeated in three time. round-robin games.

The Tri-Valley ​Lady Blue Devils, a program based Every mistake out of Livermore and Dublin, will cherish their first was huge, picture more than most as their Anaheim Lady Ducks but the effort Fall Classic title in the 10U B division November and hustle to proved to be the first championship in the program’s support each five-season history. other was “I was thrilled for the kids,” said Lady Blue Devils impressive.” hockey director Alex Kaplenko. “The pure joy The game and excitement on their faces reaffirmed went into overtime years of hard work. This is the third year of a scoreless tie and asking our families to go on the road trip for then to an exciting Thanksgiving. For many families that are new shootout. Jefferson scored to hockey, this is a big ask given how familythe lone goal of the shootout to centric Thanksgiving is in nature. One of the send the Lady Blue Devils into a frenzy. rewards of the trip is the opportunity to spend Kaplenko explained how the American Thanksgiving in Disneyland, which we have Development Model (ADM) plays a significant done each year. In prior years, we would role in teaching and training the Lady Blue struggle to be competitive in the games, but Devils. kept at it. To see the girls finally get a taste of “Since most of the girls in our program success was incredibly rewarding.” are new to hockey, ADM plays a huge role,” “This is an incredible day for the Lady Blue Kaplenko said. “My coaching philosophy for Devils program,” added Dave Curtis, the Tripractices is focused on getting the players Valley Minor Hockey Association (TVMHA) the maximum number of reps and maximum president. “The dedication to building this puck touches while utilizing the time and ice program from the directors, coaches, players in the most efficient manner possible. Multiple and parents over the past years is the reason stations with short lines are key. We try to for the success of this program.”

A banner ceremony was held last month to raise the first Lady Blue Devils banner at practice at a high tempo in a competitive The Lady Blue Devils 10U team is TriValley Ice in Livermore. Present at the event were TVMHA president Dave Curtis, and fun atmosphere. Races and small-area comprised of Kayla Baumann-Norris, Cali NorCal Youth Hockey Association president William Stone and Johanna Asher, the games are great for that. I also challenge my Byrd, Adriana Fernandez, Alexandra first Lady Blue Devils program director. players, both physically and mentally. Players Fernandez, Andrea Fernandez, Natalia are asked to get outside their comfort zone.

Frost, Jazlynn Jefferson, Amber Each year, I have made modifications to Kaplenko, Cora Kerton, Anna Markova, address these principles. My blood boils Sofia Tichauer, Madison Wingerd and when I see a practice with nine people Haley Woelkers. The coaching staff includes standing and one person doing something.

Alex ​Kaplenko, Matthew​ Jefferson, Reto I look back at my old practice plans and am Baumann, Derek Kerton and Nick Byrd and so glad to have had great mentors to help me the team manager is Suzanne Wingerd. evolve my coaching style.

The Lady Blue Devils is the girls program “I am a big proponent of USA Hockey’s under the TVMHA that operates out of Dublin push for the ADM model.”

Iceland in Dublin and TriValley Ice in Livermore.

So what does the future hold for the Lady For the 2017-18 season, the Lady Blue Devils Blue Devils? field 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U/16U teams.

“Our vision is to be able to provide a “About one third of our 10U team has been welcoming, educational and competitive with the Lady Blue Devils program since Day 1 environment for new and experienced female in the fall of 2013,” Kaplenko said. “A few more hockey players,” said Kaplenko. “At the joined us that spring and the following year. This moment, the Jr. Sharks and Lady Blue Devils team also includes a few girls that have joined are the only California all-girls hockey teams us each year of the program’s existence. We north of Los Angeles. It’s been a great deal The Lady Blue Devils’ 10U team celebrates with the trophy and championship banstarted the program with about 20 girls ages ner as champions of the Anaheim Lady Ducks Fall Classic back on Nov. 26 at THE of effort and struggle over the last five years 5-17. My daughter, Amber, was the youngest, RINKS-Lakewood ICE. to get where we are, but it’s been rewarding having just turned five and started on buckets from ‘hot potato’ hockey to ‘puck control’ hockey. as well to fill a critical void. the first practice. Luckily, her defense partner was “I have handful of phrases that I repeat throughout “When given a choice, most girls prefer to play a 17-year-old. It was a hilarious pairing. Most kids the season. This year, I have introduced a ‘control with other girls. However, many parents who lack had very minimal to no hockey experience. I told the the puck, control the game’ concept. I guess that’s hockey background or experience unfortunately families that it would take about three years for the the Russian hockey in me. And they responded with miss the big picture and often actually hinder their girls to develop basic hockey skills and about five a dominant puck control game. Having gained the child’s long-term hockey and personal development years before they will become decent hockey players. confidence and ice vision to make plays, I wanted to by placing them on higher-level or boys teams “People didn’t believe me. Well, as the years rolled carry that style of play into our next game against the where they end up playing third line and miss on over, I was getting more and more believers in the Lady Ducks who would be quicker and stronger.” opportunities to get sufficient puck touches in a program.”

After a 3-0 win over the Lady Ducks, the Lady Blue game, learn to make hockey plays and build patience In Anaheim over the Turkey Day holiday, the Lady Devils had a date in the finals against the Jr. Gulls. and confidence while making lifelong connections.

Blue Devils had to overcome obstacles to win the “I couldn’t have written a better script if I tried - Our girls are getting all that and I feel will be better championship. a wakeup loss early on, a game to build confidence hockey players longer term. Ask me again in five “We started the tournament playing below my and practice puck control hockey and a close game to more years.”

By Matt Mackinder

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ONEHOCKEY

OneHockey comes ‘home’ for four holiday extravaganzas

By Kevin Conway

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t was 14 years in the making, but the No. 1-rated hockey tournament group in the industry finally introduced its home state of California to what the highly acclaimed OneHockey Experience is all about during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

It will do so again next month with a three-day Presidents Day festival.

OneHockey CEO Sebastien Fortier announced last summer that, thanks to the support of the local Ontario Jr. Reign program, he is bringing four OneHockey holiday weekend spectaculars to the Golden State during the 2017-18 campaign. The upcoming extravaganzas will take place at the Icetown Rinks in Riverside and Carlsbad during the 2018 Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Independence Day weekends. Both arenas are owned and operated by the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings franchise.

“I’ve been waiting for an opportunity to break into California, and now we got one,” said Fortier, who founded OneHockey in 2003 as a spring and summer events company and now operates the 25-plus international tourney organization year-round from his home office. “We had an opportunity to take over the ice from the Jr. Reign and jumped on the opportunity.”

“We are so happy to bring the best in the business to our area,” added Jr. Reign founder and president Ben Frank. “OneHockey will be a breath of fresh air in California.

I’m sure West Coast teams will be thrilled and dive right in.”

The Presidents Day hockey festival will be headquar-

tered mainly at the Icetown Riverside facility. The five- there’s the festive music and amusing mascot streaming game-guaranteed tournament will feature competition for throughout each rink as well as a mini-expo of vendors the Pee Wee through Midget/high school age groups at and red carpet social media interviews in the lobby. And, of course, there’s the trademark championship celebrathe B, A and AA levels.

“I’m so happy to be able to show the people in our own tions complete with the OneHockey Cup raising and nonbackyard what the OneHockey Experience is all about,” alcoholic campaign showers.

By the end of 2018, OneHockey will be making worldsaid Fortier. “We’re going to show them how we spoil the wide news as Fortier’s group players, but I also strongly encourembarks on setting a Guinness age teams from across the country World Record for hosting the largand Canada to come play hockey est tournament ever. OneHockey on the beautiful California coast.” is partnering with the Michigan During the inaugural OneAmateur Hockey Association to Hockey-California event in Noput on the largest tournament vember, eight champions were the sport has ever seen during crowned in the Mite through Midget/varsity divisions as more the Holiday Invite 2018. This unprecedented, four-day Christmas than 650 players from 34 teams school vacation event will feature converged in Riverside. The Presias many as 1,000 teams in both dents Day tournament is expected boys and girls divisions currently to be even larger. estimated to number more than “I love the idea of holding 23,000 players from 10 countournaments here in California on The Ontario Jr. Reign Mite A team celebrates a holiday weekends throughout the recent OneHockey tournament championship, tries squaring off on more than 75 year,” Fortier said. “I want people which was held over Thanksgiving Weekend to sheets of ice throughout the Great Lakes State. to think ‘OneHockey’ during those rave reviews. special times of year when families get together.”

For more information or to register for the OneHockA OneHockey event is anything but your everyday ey-California holiday events, record-setting 2018 Holiday tournament at your neighborhood rink. The experience Invite or any of the other year-round spectaculars schedstarts by transforming each venue to a OneHockey Arena uled across North America and Europe, visit www.onewith hundreds of feet of banners, posters and flags. Then hockey.com.

OneHockey.com

Kings’ Brown reaches NHL milestone with 1000th game

By Matt Mackinder

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os Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown played in his 1000th NHL game back on Dec. 21.

Quite a milestone for the former L.A. captain, but what made it more special was the fact Brown scored the overtime winner that night as the Kings defeated the Colorado Avalanche 2-1 at the STAPLES Center.

Brown has also played every NHL game in his 14-year career with the Kings.

In a recent article penned for The Players’ Tribune, Brown reflected back on his career in Los Angeles.

“It feels like a new era in L.A.,” said Brown. “We have a new coach, new management, some new young players who bring energy to the lineup every night — it’s really exciting. This year, every game is an opportunity to prove to ourselves, and to our fans, that we can be that team again. And when I think of 1,000 NHL games, there’s one thing I keep coming back to — that, in the heat of the moment, hockey can make you feel like there’s no tomorrow.

But I’ve been lucky enough to have 1,000 tomorrows. And I hope with every single one of them I’ve been able to make the people of L.A. proud.

“To the fans who waited nearly 50 years for a Cup, to my wife and kids who have made L.A. their home, and to my parents — thank you. My mom was an E.R. nurse and my dad owned a bar and would take me to and from all of my hockey games. He wasn’t a huge fan, he never pressured me into playing or told me how to play — he just wanted me to 10

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

have fun. As a father myself now, I see how import- been together for so long, proud of our organization ant that attitude is. for building up to a run like this, and proud of the “And to my Kings teammates and to all the other city for coming together like it did. members of the organization “At the parade a few days who have been by my side — later, I met an elderly fan. He thank you, and let’s keep gotold me he had been waiting ing.” since 1967 for us to win a Originally selected by the Stanley Cup. And as we travKings in the first round (13th eled down Figueroa Street, I overall) in the 2003 NHL Draft, kept meeting more and more the native of Ithaca, N.Y., bepeople like him. Fans who had came just the second player in been there for everything: the Kings history to play his first start of the club, the Triple 1,000 games as a King, joining Crown era, the Gretzky years, Dave Taylor (1,111 games). the Cup finals loss, the dark Brown also became the periods and everything in be48th player in NHL history to tween. They stayed loyal after play his first 1,000 games for all those seasons, and it was a one franchise, the 55th player tremendous honor to be a part to have played for the Kings of the team that brought them and reach the milestone, the a Cup. 20th player to accomplish the “The Cup run in 2014 is feat in a Kings uniform, the worthy of a whole other sto19th active NHL player to hit ry. Three Game 7s, an OT the mark and the 317th playvictory to win the Cup — it’s er in NHL history to reach the a good one. Maybe if I write Dustin Brown milestone. a book one day. What I reAnd yet, all those accolades take a back seat member most is how hard it was. The 2014 playto winning a Stanley Cup, something Brown did in offs were how I thought 2012 was going to be.

2012 and 2014 while serving as captain.

In 2012, we only lost four games and everything “When I lifted the Cup, I just felt weightless,” was just working for us. In 2014, it was a battle. It Brown said. “But I remember feeling proud more was exhausting every night and I’m not even sure than anything else. Proud of our group, which had how we did it.”

L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE

LAKHSHL expanding playoff format to allow for six teams

By Greg Ball

A

s the L.A. Kings High School Hockey League enters the stretch run of its third season, it has made a significant change that should make the league even more competitive and exciting for players, coaches and fans.

The league has announced that it will expand its varsity playoffs from four teams to six. The top two seeds will now receive a first-round bye, while the third seed will play the sixth seed in the first round, and the fourth and fifth seeds will play the same day. After the first round, the brackets will be re-seeded, with the first seed playing the fourth seed and the second taking on the third in the semifinals.

Like in previous years, the semifinal winners will meet for the league’s championship game at the STAPLES Center. This year’s title game will be held Saturday, March 17 following the Kings’ 1 p.m. matchup with the New Jersey Devils.

Emma Tani, the coordinator of league and rinks in the hockey development division for the Kings, said that a lot of thought and discussion went into expanding the league’s playoffs, and the league’s leadership believes it will be a positive change that will not only allow more teams the experience of playing postseason hockey, but also will make regular-season games more meaningful.

“This decision was made recently when we real-

ized how competitive the top six teams are with one another,” Tani said. “We think the change in playoff structure will not only allow for more games, but will keep the teams hungry for those playoff spots.”

To Tani’s point, as the calendar flipped to 2018, no more than four points separated any current playoff contender from the team above it in the standings.

With six regular-season games remaining for most teams, the standings are extremely volatile, meaning that each game will take on greater importance as teams battle for the best possible playoff seeding.

Further expanding postseason opportunity for the league’s players, the top four teams in the junior varsity division will make it to playoffs, and the final two will play for the JV title at STAPLES Center - a first for the JV squads.

Jason McNamara is the president of the West Ranch Wildcats, a team that entered 2018 in sixth place in the league, three points behind the Burbank Cougars and six points ahead of the Valencia Vikings and South Bay Stingrays. He believes that expanding the playoffs can only help the league and its teams.

LAKLeague.com

“Every youth hockey player in California wants to play at STAPLES Center for a championship,” McNamara said. “It truly is a unique hockey experience that only the L.A. Kings High School Hockey League provides.

“It is a great decision by the Kings as it will make the season more exciting for the players and all the high school hockey fans across Southern California.

It is going to create an intense playoffs and championship that should help grow the league by attracting more players.”

West Ranch’s varsity team has made the playoffs the first two seasons of the league’s existence, but is still searching for its first postseason victory. The junior varsity squad made it to last year’s inaugural championship game before falling to the Santa Barbara Royals.

To illustrate how close all the teams are from a competitive standpoint, McNamara cited his team’s two games against the Newbury Park Panthers, who started 2018 as the league’s first-place team.

While Newbury Park won both contests, they were both one-goal games.

“The L.A. Kings High School league doesn’t get enough credit for how good it is,” McNamara said.

“There are some excellent hockey players and teams in this league, and this year is the most competitive the league has been since its inception three seasons ago.”

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TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER

Jr. Kings’ Pee Wee 05 Majors ready for Quebec tournament old it’s pretty cool to play in front of such big crowds against teams from all over the world.”

And aside from all of the extracurriculars the team is sure to enjoy off the ice, Vachon is confident his charges are ready for the task at hand on it.

“We’ve proven ourselves at a few top tournaments already this season and that’s only going to help us in Quebec,” said Vachon, whose team will compete in the AAA division. “Every one of our boys appreciates the opportunity they have in front of them and you can tell they plan to make the most of it.”

nament comes plenty of planning and preparation. Just ask the team’s co-manager, Rowena Ong, and its fundraising chairperson, Chi Chi Tse. or a select few and fortunate Pee Wee teams from Both say that while they’re nothing but excited for their around the globe, February marks a signature event on the hockey calendar and, once again, the Los Angeles Jr. team to take on Quebec, budgeting, organizing team activKings will be represented. ities and relentless fundraising efforts have been nonstop Now in its 59th year, the fabled Quebec International since last summer.

Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament will welcome the Jr. Kings’ “It’s definitely been a unique season having to plan for 2005 Major AAA squad for what expects to be a memoraQuebec, and all of our families have gone above and beble 10 days-plus for the participating players and their famyond helping pull everything together,” said Ong, who manilies, both on and off the ice. ages the team along with Jeff Fields. “We have a great Sure, there’s the hockey, but what makes the group of families and they’ve all pitched in to help pull everything together.” worldwide tournament, which this year will run from “It’s been a lot of work from a fundraising standFeb. 7-18, so unique is everything the teams expoint, but we’ve received so much support from not perience away from the rink - from sightseeing to only our families, but the entire Jr. Kings community and pin-trading to dogsledding to snow tubing to settling beyond,” added Tse. “Our kids are really looking forin with their French-Canadian billet families, with ward to this experience and we can’t say enough about whom all of the players will reside during their stay. everyone who’s helped us along the way.”

Nick Vachon gets the hype. The head coach of As for the players, they can’t wait to sink their teeth the Jr. Kings’ 05 Major AAA team (he also serves as into what promises to be an adventure of a lifetime. the club’s general manager of hockey operations), “The thought of playing in front of thousands of Vachon played in the tournament twice as a member of the Culver City-based Marina Cities Sharks un- With plenty of planning and preparation under its belt, the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Pee people in a hockey city I’ve never been to is a dream der coach Russ Wyluda. He’s also coached three Wee 2005 Major AAA team is nothing but excited to participate in this year’s Quebec come true,” said forward Brenden Fields. “I’m also International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament, which will run from Feb. 7-18. excited to have an opportunity to live with a Canadian times in Quebec.

“It’s my favorite tournament of all time, and I’ll never In addition to the official tournament games - at least billet family, play pond hockey and represent the Jr. Kings in forget how much fun I had,” said Vachon, who’s assisted one of which will be played at the newly minted Centre an international tournament.”

“It’ll be neat playing teams from around the world and behind the Jr. Kings bench by Darren Emery and Chase Videotron, which opened in 2015 and seats over 18,000 Souto (his father, Hall of Fame goaltender Rogie Vachon, for hockey - the teams will play a handful of exhibitions and I’m also looking forward to meeting my billet family,” added forward Dylan Cornforth. “I’m excited to get out there, will serve as a guest coach for part of the tournament). surely fit in some pond hockey, too.

“There’s so much buzz around the city, and as a 12-yearBut with the eager anticipation leading up to the tour- and I know all of my teammates are, too.”

By Brian McDonough

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

NHL IGF award will benefit high school puck in Bay Area

By Matt Mackinder

A

s high school hockey continues to grow in the Bay Area, so, too, does the need for added support and funding.

Recently, the San Jose Sharks and the San Jose Jr. Sharks organization were awarded an IGF (Industry Growth Fund) grant that will be used to help enhance and grow not only the Sharks High School Hockey League, but high school hockey all over the Bay Area.

In the 2013 NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement, the NHL and NHLPA established the fund to support NHL and club business initiatives and programs intended to promote long-term revenue and fan growth.

“We are honored and excited to receive this three-year grant to grow High School Hockey in the Bay Area,” said Sharks Ice, LLC vice president Jon Gustafson. “These funds will be used to offset annual team operation costs and start-up costs for new teams. We are very fortunate to see such dramatic growth in youth hockey in the Bay Area. The next logical step is to focus on the high school level, which will transform the sport in our non-traditional hockey market. Due to this grant, we have seen incredible growth already.”

Amanda Long, who serves as the high school and girls/women’s hockey coordinator at Solar4America

Ice at San Jose, is elated at the prospect of seeing the high school game take the jump to the next level.

“We’ve had our high school program here for quite a while – starting with just a couple schools and it’s grown over time,” said Long. “Our goal has always been to create more of a presence with high school hockey not only here in California, but more specifically in the Bay Area. The hard part is that there are a lot of things that we are up against and one in particular is the CIF (California Interscholastic Federation) and the rules and regulations as far as using CIFcontrolled facilities. That makes it difficult to have high school hockey recognized as a

varsity sport. Furthermore, sometimes you just need a little help/push to get things moving in the right direction. We are currently moving in that direction.

“We just want to create this really cool, positive atmosphere and keep them playing the game of hockey, which they love.”

This season, the Sharks high school league has seven pure varsity teams (teams of players from the

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same school) and six junior varsity teams, plus 12 mixed teams, which are teams made up of players from several schools in the same general area. A number of the games are played at SAP Center before the San Jose Barracuda (AHL) games. These games include full in-game entertainment and production, which includes player introductions, jumbotron usage and instant replays. Game highlights are also replayed during intermissions at the AHL game.

All teams are co-ed and some teams have no girls at all, while one team – a team affiliated with the Jr. Sharks – is all girls.

“That team is made up of girls that either can’t make the full commitment for one reason or another or girls that still want to do other things in high school while still playing hockey,” explained Long.

The 2016-17 season was the first that the Sharks held a true varsity season. In the past, this wasn’t done due to the majority of players skating for travel hockey teams or Tier hockey teams.

Still, at the end of the day, the focus is on growing the game and Long sees that although there is work to be done, it’s all for the right reasons.

“We are in a good spot right now, but the potential is there for it to be so much bigger,” Long said.

“There is all kinds of potential for more – tournaments, state championships, national championships. We’re always looking to create something new and big and fresh. As of right now, we’re still sort of in the growing and planning stages, but we still have a lot to look forward to.”

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PICTURE PERFECT San Jose Jr. Sharks goaltender Morgan Kelly makes a save with traffic in front of the net at the USA Hockey 18U Tier I Youth Nationals in San Jose. Photo/Joe Naber

Former Anaheim Mighty Ducks players and staff pose for a photo at the Teemu Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna Beach in November – trainer Chris Phillips and Hall of Fame members Paul Kariya, Mark O’Neill (2016 HHOF equipment manager) and Teemu Selanne.

Photo/ShellyCastellano.com

After the Anaheim Ducks defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 on Dec. 31, Patrick Eaves (middle) was greeted by teammates, staff and fans as well as fan-signed banners wishing good luck and a speedy recovery. Eaves was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome earlier this season. Photo/Anaheim Ducks

The San Diego Jr. Gulls’ Squirt B team got together and celebrated the first night of Hanukkah with a team party last month. Photo/Valeria De Fazio Makrogiannis

Players from the Maxwell Hockey Camp took part in a New Year’s Eve skate at THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE as part of a Toys For Tots toy drive and fundraiser.

The Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ Pee Wee AA team won its division championship at the Frozen Fairgrounds outdoor event, which was held in the San Diego suburb of Del Mar over the holidays.

Anaheim native Ivan Lodnia, who won an Ontario Hockey League championship in 2017 with the Erie Otters, signed his first NHL contract with the Minnesota Wild last month. He was a third-round pick of the Wild last June.

The St. Lawrence University women’s team held a clinic with Anaheim Lady Ducks players on Jan. 4 at THE RINKS-Anaheim ICE. St. Lawrence and Lindenwod University played a two-game NCAA Division I series at the Honda Center Jan. 5-6.

While in town last month to play Western States Hockey League teams at the annual Western States Shootout showcase event, players from the Canadian Premier Junior Hockey League met Vegas Golden Knights forward James Neal prior to a team practice at City National Arena.

Photo/CPJHL

The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Squirt A2 team celebrated the championship in its division at this year’s Calder Classic, which was showcased over the holidays at the outdoor Mammoth Ice Rink in Mammoth Lakes.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY

THA eyes being accepted into new NAHL Prep league

By Greg Ball

S

tarting next season, high school, prep and academy teams across North America will get a chance to compete in a brand-new league, and the Tahoe Hockey Academy is hopeful that its prep squad will be accepted into the prestigious league.

The North American Hockey League announced in late December the formation of the NAHL Prep league for the 2018-19 season. The league will be a premier training ground for the development and exposure of high school, prep and academy teams, targeting teams that are looking for a competition and recruiting platform to advance their players and programs.

NAHL Prep teams will compete in three high-profile showcases strategically timed to maximize scouting exposure and minimize days missed from school. Each event will also be in cooperation and partnership with events that feature teams from other leagues under the NAHL umbrella.

“With the growth of high school, prep and academy hockey teams in North America, the creation of the NAHL Prep league became another avenue for us to provide players with an opportunity for exposure,” NAHL com-

missioner and president Mark Frankenfeld said. “We have had some great success and feedback from high school, prep and academy teams who have participated in our Future Prospects Tournaments, so it was obvious to us that providing a full-time league with all the valuable benefits associated with it was a necessity.”

Tony Zasowski, the director of player personnel for the NAHL and the director of the North American Prospects Hockey League, will oversee the new prep league, and is thrilled to be filling a need for high-level hockey at a critical age level.

“As the ‘league of opportunity,’ we were approached by prep schools and academies looking for a place to play competitive games with increased exposure, and we felt the we could meet their needs,” Zasowski said. “In my role as director of player personnel for the NAHL, I have talked to a lot of teams and attended a lot of events this fall, and I was constantly approached on doing something for high school teams.”

Zasowski was a founding member of the NAPHL in 2009, and as the head coach and general manager of the NAHL’s Springfield Jr. Blues the last five seasons, he has placed more than 40 players with college hockey programs. He previously coached the San Jose Jr.

Sharks’ 18U and 16U teams in the NAPHL, and played at the University of Notre Dame and in the ECHL before moving into coaching.

Mike Lewis, the head coach of Tahoe’s prep team, said that Tahoe Hockey Academy hopes to be selected to play in the league because the competitive level and the exposure for the academy’s players will be second to none.

“The NAHL has set the bar in providing a systematic approach to getting players exposed and recruited to junior hockey,” Lewis said. “With the addition of the NAHL Prep league, you’ll see an even greater level of players being showcased throughout the NAHL scouting events. Tahoe Hockey Academy is excited for the opportunity to be a part of the inaugural season.”

Added Tahoe Hockey Academy varsity head coach Leo Fenn: “We’re really excited about the possibility of finding a great home for our prep team to play against some of the best competition out there. We’re extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

Zasowski said he has already been approached by more than 20 programs about participating in the league’s inaugural season. While he hasn’t determined the number of teams that will make up the league, he plans to start with a good core that will ensure the quality of play and a high competitive level.

“The league is a great avenue for high school teams from all over the country, as it gives them three events with roughly 12 games against some terrific competition,” he said.

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17-18 season.

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

Anaheim Ducks providing special hockey to special players a few Ducks players who have made guest appearances, such as Brandon Montour, John Gibson, Rickard Rakell, Josh Manson and Jaycob Megna.

“This is an awesome [program] for the kids, and you can tell they’re all fans and the follow the team,” said Megna, now with the AHL’s San Diego Gulls. “It was an amazing experience.”

The experience THE RINKS creates for these players is so awesome, that the need to expand the program to the

them committed to forming the basis of the inaugural Top Flight Hockey team. The group practiced every Saturday hen the Anaheim Ducks Top Flight Special Hockey at THE RINKS-Lakewood ICE, prepping to take on oppoteam took the ice on Dec. 16, it took its first huge nents. step as a program by facing off against members of the “I had a blast,” said Top Flight coach Tanner Privia. varsity and junior varsity Orange Lutheran Lancers hockey “When we brought the kids out for the first time on the ice, team.

I remember looking back during a skating drill to see everyFor the first time in program history, the Top Flight team one fallen on the ice. I was caught off guard when I did not played in an actual game against an opponent after startsee the crying and whining, and each one had a huge smile ing the program as a street hockey league at THE on their face. They enjoyed every moment being out RINKS-Huntington Beach Inline back in 2013. After there, and to see how far they have come now is receiving suggestions from families in the communiincredible.” ty, the idea for the Ducks to host a program for speAfter months of practicing, not only did their cial needs players started with a free, three-week skills grow, but the amount of teammates grew as Learn to Play program to gauge interest. well. Last season, the team had 10 players that “Right from the get go, we had a large amount took on the Lancers in a friendly game to end their of interest after the hosting our free event,” said THE season.

RINKS director of marketing Jesse Chatfield. “Al“We are so thankful for the Orange Lutheran most every Friday since, we have worked on the funHockey program taking the time to give back to damentals of hockey and team concepts with these their community and join us,” said Privia. “It was kids and their development has been amazing.” great not only to see our players experience the Players from Orange Lutheran High School recently took the ice to play the Anaheim The Street Hockey League still is active today Ducks Top Flight Special Hockey team, a game that provided a lifetime of memories for thrill of scoring a goal or stopping an opposing and expects to see over 50 participants in what will both sides. Photo/THE RINKS player, but for them to see the skill and dedication be the 17th edition of the eight-week program. Instructors ice became necessary. that the Orange Lutheran players have for the game. Our and volunteers work weekly with all players regardless of “As time went on, many players got the hang of street players look up to these young men as role models and are their age or ability during a 30-minute clinic. Following each hockey and were looking to challenge themselves more,” grateful for the experience.” clinic, players are then split into higher-functioning and low- noted Chatfield. “They would look out at favorite hockey The upcoming Street Hockey season starts on Jan. 19, er-functioning groups so that they can display their new- players and wanted to be just like them.” while the Top Flight ICE hockey league began on Jan. 13. ly-learned skills in a game format.

After three free trial events, over 60 special needs play- For more information, or to register for one of these proThe skills on display have even caught the attention of ers came out to try the sport of ice hockey and eight of grams, visit AnaheimDucks.com/TopFlight.

By THE RINKS Staff

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Jr. Ducks Pee Wee squad captures banner in unique great outdoors

By Chris Bayee

T

he great outdoors agrees with the Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ Pee Wee AA1 team.

The Jr. Ducks went 5-0 to win the 12U AA division at the Del Mar Outdoor Tournament Series in December.

The 2005 birth year team rallied to defeat Orange County Hockey Club 2-1 in the championship game.

“We came from behind, then had to defend a one-goal lead at the end – it was a great challenge for the kids,” Jr. Ducks coach Laddy Kohn said. “It’s good to be in situations like that to learn.”

The event was staged at the Del Mar Grand Arena at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

“Any chance for California players to do something different is great,” added Kohn. “A lot of work went into the tournament and it was a cool setup. It was a unique experience for the kids.”

Through the first weekend in January, the Jr. Ducks were sitting in second in Flight 1 of CAHA’s Pee Wee AA Division with a 10-3-1 record.

“We have a good mix of kids,” Kohn said. “Some have played with me since Squirts, some are new and some played AAA last season.”

The variety of start times forced all of the participants to adapt.

“The morning games were colder than the kids were used to, and there was some fog that rolled in for some afternoon games,” Kohn said.

Team members include Lucas Ananias, Evan Barela, Brayden Boucher, Matthew Burgner, Ameen Ghosheh, Jacob Gregory, Ivan Gutierrez, Jakub Kohn, Jason McKee, Ian Strause, Alexander Troubh, Lino Viau, Matthew Welsh and Christian Yi, as well as goaltenders Chance Legaspi and Gavin Zdonek.

In addition to Kohn, the coaching staff includes Guy Viau and Albert Yi. Stephen Ananias is the manager.

JrDucks.com

CHALK TALK

It’s important to realize that success follows failure I

consider myself a pretty happy guy.

I have a wife and kids I adore, I live in an amazing climate, and I work every day in something I am incredibly passionate about.

However, when I step back and look at my life as a whole, I realBen Frank ize I have experienced an incredible amount of failure along the way.

The first ever travel team I played for had a record of zero wins and 42 losses (yes, in Toronto at that time, that was how many league games we played. Crazy, I know). For 4-5 years after that, I continually tried out for all of the AAA programs that my friends were making and I was consistently cut on the first night.

Later in my playing career, I was a walk-on at the University of Toronto. I made the team against all odds, but sat on the bench or in the stands for much of my first season only to enter my second season feeling that I would move up on the depth chart. I ended up going back to Junior A hockey for the second part of the season to get more playing time.

In roller hockey, after making Team Canada’s na-

tional team as a 21-year-old (the youngest player on the team) and winning a world championship, I was cut the next season coming off of a wrist injury just when the world championships was to be hosted in my home province Ontario for all of my friends and family to see.

Devastating.

In public speaking, my second ever presentation at a USA Hockey coaching course, I lost my voice and stumbled through an embarrassing presentation and wasn’t asked back for a couple of years.

And as a club president, I have gone through massive transformations of the club’s programming, staff, and even location, and experienced dark times of uncertainty surrounding the club’s future.

In contrast, my love for playing the game never wavered as a young player and I ended up playing at higher AAA, junior and collegiate levels than any of my friends growing up.

I went on to play three more seasons for the University of Toronto’s nationally-ranked Varsity Blues and received regular playing time and was voted the team’s most improved player in my final season.

I went on to play in five more world roller hockey events, including world championships, the Pan American Games, the World Games, and was named a First Team World All-Star once and a team alternate captain on three occasions.

I have gone on to many more public speaking engagements, including a presentation at USA Hockey’s Annual Congress one summer in front of approximately 1,000 people and recorded and distributed online.

And the Wildcats/Jr. Reign has gone on to be named a USA Hockey Model Association and built a great relationship with our rink owners and an incredibly strong foundation for the future.

So why I am telling you all this? What is the point?

In each of these scenarios, success did not come until after failure. Often, you have to be bad before you can be good at anything we pursue.

The point is, if we don’t put ourselves out there, we will never have a chance to experience that success. Maybe we will avoid failing, but we certainly won’t be successful either.

Can you see how important this topic is? How it relates to playing the game of hockey? Think about the best players – are they afraid of making mistakes? Do they play conservatively with worry and regret? How about in life? In school? In work? In relationships?

This may be the single most important thing for young people to consider and for parents to discuss and encourage with their kids and for coaches to think about with their approach with kids.

Ben Frank is the president of the Ontario Jr. Reign, a USA Hockey Model Association.

Interested in being a Chalk Talk columnist? E-mail Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

NEVADA REPORT Golden Knights’ inaugural season Sun Devils make history, win ‘an unbelievable experience’ inaugural Ice Vegas Invitational

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

M

G

any figured the Vegas Golden Knights would be a typical NHL expansion team this season.

Well, all but the actual Golden Knights team itself.

Perched at or near the top of the Western Conference much of the season, the Golden Knights are the talk of not only the NHL, but all of hockey.

“Well, it feels great,” Vegas owner Bill Foley told VegasGoldenKnights. com. “The whole experience of being involved in hockey and being an owner of a hockey team has been incredible for me. It’s the most exhilarating experience I can remember ever having. Getting ready before each game, going to the arena – fortunately, I get to sit with (GM) George (McPhee) and (assistant GM) Kelly (McCrimmon). I’m learning a lot, but the adrenaline flow and the rush of watching our team score and watching our team perform and play great defense has been just an unbelievable experience.

“I’ve never had more fun. It’s incredible.”

And with the NHL season still a ways away from the trade deadline and playoff push, Foley added that the time to win is now.

“Every game that we win makes me a little more impatient, I have to say,” said Foley. “I had a timeline of playoffs in three (years) and Stanley Cup in six.

I felt like that was very achievable. I felt like we put ourselves in a position to do that with the draft and the draft for the coming years. I have to say I think I moved up our timeline a little bit because we are doing so well. The guys on the ice are gelling so well together. Now, we have a situation where we need to get some unrestricted free agents signed up to make sure we keep the core of this team in place. Then we’ve got to figure out ways to get these up and comers. I’m referring to the great, young guys we have playing with us like Alex Tuch and Shea Theodore. That’s the model for what we need to start building on.”

oing to Las Vegas for the first-ever Ice Vegas Invitational tournament at T-Mobile Arena, Arizona State University captured the tournament with wins over Northern Michigan University and Michigan Tech University over the Jan. 5-6 weekend.

The tournament championship marked the Sun Devils’ first as an NCAA Division I school.

“I’m just proud of our guys,” said ASU coach Greg Powers. “It’s a good moment for those kids and they earned it. They’ve been through a ton of adversity. Every one of them had options to go someplace else, and they wanted to come here and build this program for moments like these.

“They earned this special moment. I’m proud of them. I’m happy for them, and it’s a really good moment for our program.”

In the title game, a 3-2 win over MTU, Brinson Pasichnuk scored twice and Johnny Walker once while goalie Joey Daccord made 36 saves and added an assist on Walker’s goal.

“I give Arizona State full credit for the way they played (Jan. 6),” Michigan Tech coach Joe Shawhan said. “They played very similar to the way Bowling Green played in the GLI championship. They didn’t give us a lot of ice and we did a poor job of managing the puck against that.”

Powers said that ASU’s momentum started in a loss to Lake Superior State on Dec. 30.

“It might have been our sharpest effort of the year, and it just didn’t translate into a win,” said Powers. “We carried that effort into this weekend and beat two really good hockey teams and came away with a trophy and that was one of our preseason goals. One of our main goals was to win one of the two tournaments that we went to, and we accomplished that tonight.”

Pasichnuk, Anthony Croston and Daccord were named to the All-Tournament Team, with Pasichnuk being selected the tournament’s MVP after recording three goals and two assists in the two games.

Against NMU, the Sun Devils claimed a 7-3 win as Croston and David Norris each scored twice.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Take the time to learn two simple exercises to skate faster S

peed on the ice is defined by stride length times stride frequency and in order to improve your speed, you must improve one of these two factors.

Improving strength and power in the lower body will aid in the improvement of frequency and is a very important aspect of off-ice training. One simple and quicker way is to improve your stride length by increasing your flexibility. As a player finishes his or her stride, their leg must Chris Phillips fully extend, abduct and externally rotate. These muscles are typically tight in skaters, limiting a full, efficient stride length and slowing your speed on the ice.

Two main muscle groups, the hip flexors and the groin are not only tight in most skaters, but are also the most commonly injured muscles in hockey.

Spending a few minutes a day before and after skating can help improve the flexibility of these two muscle groups and improve your skating while helping to prevent injuries.

Use this kneeling hip flexor and groin stretch to elongate your stride: Begin kneeling on one knee with your chest tall and upright. Slowly rock forward, extending the kneeling leg until you feel a stretch in the front of your hip, pause and rock back to the starting position. Repeat the stretch 5-10 times. When finished, rotate your front leg 90 degrees so your foot is pointing out to your side. Now start to rock sideways, stretching the groin muscles. Repeat the stretch 5-10 times and then repeat both stretches on the opposite leg. Perform 2-3 sets on each leg every day and you’re on your way to getting faster on the ice.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist and owner of Compete Sports Performance and Rehab. He has been on the bench for over 1,000 professional hockey games.

CARubberHockey.com

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Going For Glory

Talented California trio will represent the United States at next month’s Olympic Games

By Chris Bayee

A

s hat tricks go, this is an impressive one for California.

In Cayla Barnes, Jonathon Blum and Ralph DeQuebec, the state has a member of the United States’ women’s, men’s and Paralympic teams for the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, which start Feb. 9.

All three are defensemen, but they represent three completely different, but growing, aspects of hockey in the Golden State.

Barnes, who is just 18, is a prodigy in the women’s game – the only U.S. player ever to win three consecutive gold medals in the Under-18 Women’s World Championships. She was five games into her freshman season at Boston College when the Women’s National Team called her to join them this past fall.

Blum, who turns 29 at the end of January, is the first California-born and California-trained player to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft (23rd overall by Nashville in 2007). He won a Memorial Cup with Vancouver of the Western Hockey League, was the CHL’s Defenseman of the Year and captained the U.S. World Junior team in 2009. He’s currently playing for Sochi (Russia) in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

DeQuebec, 34, has the least international experience in hockey, but is an incredible story of how he got to this point. While serving as a bomb disposal technician in the Marines in Afghanistan in 2012, he was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) and ultimately, had both of his legs amputated above the knee.

He took to sled hockey so well that in 2014, he became part of the U.S. National Development Sled Hockey Team despite being 31 at the time. His Olympic dream came into focus that year as well.

“The moment I witnessed the boys win gold in Sochi in 2014,” the Purple Heart recipient said. “I didn’t know a lot about hockey, but I knew one thing – what I witnessed was amazing and I wanted it ever since.”

So the San Pedro native set out in pursuit of his goal with a determination honed by years in the Marines.

“We received the highest levels of training and depended on each other,” DeQuebec said. “The only major difference with hockey is even though we’re preparing for battle, no one is supposed to die.”

Hockey added a new – and needed – dimension to his life after his injuries.

“There is so much more to hockey than what the average person sees on the ice,” he said. “The camaraderie, chirping, locker room atmosphere and the team-first aspect is exactly what I craved after being injured.

“It made me feel like I was back with the boys – because I was.”

For all of Blum’s accomplishments and accolades, he never fathomed playing in the Olympics (and joining fellow Californians Jim Warden, 1976, and John Blue, 1988) would be possible despite 110 games in the NHL with Nashville and Minnesota. From 1998 until midway through 2017, the men’s hockey tournament at the Olympics was largely stocked with veteran NHL players.

“Being from Southern California, I never thought of playing in the NHL or winning a Memorial Cup or getting drafted,” he said. “I played hockey because I had fun and met a lot of friends through it.

“I didn’t know what the Memorial Cup or World Juniors was when I was 14. I’m sure kids now know more than I did what’s out there, and we’ve had lots of 20

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Ralph DeQuebec got a late start playing sled hockey, only making the U.S. National Development Sled Hockey Team in 2014, but is bound for the Olympics. Photo/USA Hockey

Eastvale native Cayla Barnes is just 18 and played youth hockey in California for the Jr. Ducks, Lady Ducks, LA Hockey Club and Jr. Kings. Photo//BC College Athletics

Jonathon Blum played more than 100 games in the NHL with Minnesota and Nashville, but the Ladera Ranch product has spent the past three seasons playing in the KHL.Photo//Deutscher Eishockey-Bund

guys from California reach the NHL or play in the World Juniors as the game has grown. I didn’t know anything.”

A full season in the American Hockey League, followed by five more seasons bouncing between the AHL and the NHL was enough for him. So Blum left North America to continue his pro career in the KHL in 2015.

As he has at every level, the former California Wave player thrived because his high skill level and high hockey IQ translate well on any size ice surface, particularly the larger Olympic-sized ones found throughout Europe. USA Hockey reacquainted itself with Blum over the summer.

“This past summer, I got a call from Jim Johannson (Team USA’s GM), who asked where I was playing this season,” the Ladera Ranch native recalled. “He said I was on the radar for an Olympic spot, one of 100-something guys.

“At that time, the NHL was going one day and not the next.”

Not until he was invited to participate in the Duetschland Cup in early November was Blum convinced he had somewhat of a chance. He was one of three Californians, joining Robbie Earl and Ryan Lasch, in Augsburg, Germany.

“The Deutschland was the only pre-scout evaluation the team had and getting invited was a big step – I knew my chances would increase,” Blum said. “I was having a good season and had good seasons the past couple years.”

That Barnes became the third California-born and California–trained female selected to an Olympic team (joining Angela Ruggeiro, 1998-2010, and Chanda Gunn, 2006) was not a surprise, but the timing of how it went down was.

She was invited to a camp for the Women’s National Team earlier in 2017, but was sent home. A three-time USA Today Prep All-American for her work at New Hampton Prep School in New Hampshire, she assumed the next step was to begin with her college career at Boston College.

Much to Barnes’ surprise, the National Team contacted her in October and asked her to join the team in training in Florida in advance of November’s Four Nations Cup. Even then, it was not a given she would make the team.

The Eastvale native, who played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, Lady Ducks, LA Hockey Club and LA Jr. Kings as a youth player, didn’t know for sure until USA Hockey officials met individually with the women who didn’t make the team before telling the 23 who did shortly before the Jan. 1 announcement of the teams.

“It was bittersweet to see some teammates let go,” she said. “But it’s been a dream of mine since I was little. It’s a bit overwhelming, but also exciting for my family and me.

“I thought I could be considered someday, but you never know. I wasn’t expecting it this early. I thought I’d go through college and have a good shot in 2022.

“It was an exciting turn of events.”

Barnes’ selection also gave her pause to not only think about where she’s come from, but where the game is going in California.

“I reflect on it a lot,” Barnes said. “I had a lot of great, impactful coaches. There are a lot of other players from the state doing great things and hockey is continuing to grow. I hope this isn’t such a rare thing in the future.”

In addition, Los Angeles native Brandon Kozun, playing this season in Russia, will play for Canada at the Olympics. Born in California, his family moved to Calgary, Alberta, when he was 10 years old.

NAHL announces formation of new prep league for ’18-19

By Matt Mackinder

T

he North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced that it has added the new NAHL Prep league for the 2018-19 season.

NAHL Prep will join the long line of successful leagues and properties under the NAHL umbrella, which includes the NAPHL, NA3HL, Combines and Future Prospects Tournaments.

“With the growth of high school, prep, and academy hockey teams in North America, the creation of the NAHL Prep league became another avenue for us to provide players with an opportunity for exposure,” said NAHL commissioner and president Mark Frankenfeld. “We have had some great success and feedback from high school, prep, and academy teams who have participated in our Future Prospects Tournaments, so the need for a full-time league with all the valuable benefits associated with it was a necessity.”

NAHL Prep will be a premier training ground for the development and exposure of high school, prep and academy teams throughout North America. NAHL Prep will target and accept academic-based prep school teams that are looking for a competition and recruiting platform to advance their players and programs. NAHL Prep teams will compete in three high-profile showcases strategically timed to maximize scouting exposure and minimize days missed from school.

Each event will also be in cooperation and partnership with events that feature teams from other leagues under the NAHL umbrella.

One of the big advantages of playing in the NAHL Prep is the exclusive NAHL Central Scouting system.

It is one of the big reasons that the other family of leagues is advancing more and more players on to the NAHL than ever before – the direct benefits associated being directly involved with one another, which includes NAHL Central Scouting.

NAHL Central Scouting will be dedicated to finding NAHL Prep hockey players, evaluating them in a true unbiased manner and then organizing and providing that information to NAHL teams. No other league in the United States has a system like it, where its primary mission is the advancement of players.

Additional benefits for NAHL Prep member teams include access to discounted pricing on equipment and an exclusive educational seminar covering junior hockey and the NAHL along with NCAA eligibility.

In addition, the NAHL also announced a new and exciting event for the future players of the NAHL, which will be held in cooperation with the 2018 NAHL Robertson Cup Championship.

The NAHL 18U Top Prospects Invitational Tournament, which will bring together eight different

teams made up of 18U players from the NAPHL, Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, Minnesota High School Hockey, Atlantic Youth Hockey League and European stars. The event will take place from May 11-13, 2018, at Fogerty Arena in Blaine, Minn.

A total of 160 players will be spread amongst eight teams, who will play in four games each during the event, which will include three round-robin games, followed by consolation and championship games.

“This is a great opportunity to expand our horizons and partner with a variety of leagues to provide some incredible exposure for the future players of the North American Hockey League to play front of a large number of scouts and coaches who will be attending this event,” said NAHL director of player personnel and NAPHL director Tony Zasowski. “Combined with the NAHL’s Robertson Cup Championship, as well as our NAHL Combine, the addition of this new NAHL 18U Top Prospects Invitational Tournament will add to an already exciting event.

“This collaborative effort is one that is for the good of the players, and will add to an already exciting weekend.”

Over the past two seasons, the NAHL has hosted the Robertson Cup National Championship in the state of Minnesota (2016-Edina, 2017-Duluth). Close to 200 NHL, NCAA, and NAHL scouts have attended the event the past two seasons, with over two dozen NAHL players making an NCAA Division I commitment following the events.

CARubberHockey.com

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

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

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

Brooks Orpik (San Francisco) – Washington Capitals Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) – Pittsburgh Penguins Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) – Ottawa Senators Matt Tennyson (Pleasanton) – Buffalo Sabres Jason Zucker – Minnesota Wild * AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Sena Acolatse (Hayward) – Providence Bruins Mitch Callahan (Whittier) – Bakersfield Condors Pheonix Copley – Hershey Bears + Chase De Leo (La Mirada) – Manitoba Moose Collin Delia (Rancho Cucamonga) – Rockford IceHogs Thatcher Demko (San Diego) – Utica Comets Adam Erne – Syracuse Crunch * Matthew Ford (West Hills) – Grand Rapids Griffins Miles Koules (Los Angeles) – Cleveland Monsters Trevor Moore (Thousand Oaks) – Toronto Marlies Tyler Moy (San Diego) – Milwaukee Admirals Austin Ortega (Escondido) – San Diego Gulls Brett Sterling (Los Angeles) – Chicago Wolves Scooter Vaughan (Placentia) – Chicago Wolves ECHL Kyle Bigos (Upland) – Quad City Mallards Dennis Brown (Cypress) – Tulsa Oilers Matt Caito (Coto de Caza) – Rapid City Rush Taylor Crunk (San Jacinto) – Fort Wayne Komets Chase Golightly (Temecula) – Reading Royals Garrett Haar (Huntington Beach) – Utah Grizzlies Dennis Kravchenko (San Clemente) – Fort Wayne Komets Matt Leitner (Los Alamitos) – Manchester Monarchs Brandon Marino (Riverside) – Brampton Beast Darren Nowick (Long Beach) – Kansas City Mavericks Sean O’Rourke (Alta Loma) – Kalamazoo Wings Zach Pochiro – Allen Americans % Scott Savage (San Clemente) – Jacksonville IceMen Eric Shand (San Dimas) - Rapid City Rush SOUTHERN PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE David Gandara (Canyon Lake) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Daniel Gentzler (Hermosa Beach) – Macon Mayhem Brendan Jensen (El Granada) – Evansville Thunderbolts Taylor Love (Mission Viejo) – Fayetteville Marksmen Mitchell Mueller (Bakersfield) – Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Jeff Sanders (San Jose) – Macon Mayhem Brantley Sherwood (San Anselmo) – Mississippi RiverKings Tomas Sholl (Hermosa Beach) – Evansville Thunderbolts John Siemer (Baldwin Park) – Macon Mayhem Matt Zenzola (San Diego) – Fayetteville Marksmen FEDERAL HOCKEY LEAGUE Justin Apcar-Blaszak (Valley Village) – Carolina Thunderbirds Daniel Chang (Woodland Hills) – Carolina Thunderbirds Josh Colten (Los Angeles) – Port Huron Prowlers Matt Graham (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Branden Parkhouse (Rancho Cucamonga) – Port Huron Prowlers Sean Reynolds (Covina) – Danville Dashers EUROPE Taylor Aronson (Placentia) – Germany Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Russia Anthony Caruso (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Sweden Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) – Switzerland Emerson Etem (Long Beach) – Switzerland Shane Harper (Valencia) – Russia Josh Harris (Torrance) – Sweden Ryan Hollweg (Downey) – Czech Republic Brandon Kozun (Los Angeles) – Russia Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) – Sweden Colin Long (Santa Ana) – Italy Kyle MacKinnon (Walnut) – Germany Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) – Sweden Brian Salcido (Hermosa Beach) – Sweden Liam Stewart (Hermosa Beach) – United Kingdom C.J. Stretch (Irvine) – Germany Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) – Austria Casey Wellman (Brentwood) – Russia Matt White (Whittier) - Germany

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

NATIONAL WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Kaliya Johnson – Boston Pride $ Kourtney Kunichika (Fullerton) – Buffalo Beauts Elena Orlando (Chico) – Connecticut Whale CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY LEAGUE Elizabeth Aveson (West Covina) – Boston Blades Chelsea Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Boston Blades Rachel Llanes (San Jose) – Kunlun Red Star COLLEGE HOCKEY NCAA DIVISION I – MEN ATLANTIC HOCKEY Chris Buchanan (San Jose) – Bentley University Jake Hamacher (Corona) – Rochester Institute of Technology Trevin Kozlowski (Valecia) – U.S. Military Academy Trevor Maruya (Westchester) – U.S. Military Academy Jared Pike – American International College % Blake Weyrick (Los Angeles) – Canisius College BIG TEN Will Johnson (Santa Barbara) – University of Wisconsin Patrick Khodorenko (Walnut Creek) – Michigan State University Brannon McManus (Newport Beach) – University of Minnesota Andrew Oglevie (Fullerton) – University of Notre Dame Dakota Raabe (Capistrano Beach) – University of Michigan Jake Slaker (San Diego) – University of Michigan ECAC Max Becker (Orange) – Princeton University Arthur Brey (Yorba Linda) – St. Lawrence University Brett Gervais (Corona) – Clarkson University Alec McCrea (El Cajon) – Cornell University Alec Mehr (Los Angeles) – Brown University Gavin Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Brown University HOCKEY EAST Niko Hildenbrand (Vacaville) – University of Massachusetts Michael McNicholas (Manhattan Beach) – University of New Hampshire Matt O’Donnell (Fountain Valley) – University of Vermont Nikolas Olsson (Escondido) – Boston University Ryan Ruck (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Eetu Selanne (Coto de Caza) – Northeastern University Nolan Stevens – Northeastern University % Ryan Tait (Santa Clarita) – Providence College Josh Wilkins – Providence College % NCHC Devin Cooley (Los Gatos) – University of Denver Lawton Courtnall (Westlake Village) – Western Michigan University Jake Durflinger (Walnut Creek) – University of Denver Grant Gallo (San Diego) – University of Nebraska-Omaha Jack Gates (Oceanside) – Colorado College Robby Jackson (Alameda) – St. Cloud State University Ben Lown (Newport Coast) – Miami University Tyson McLellan (San Jose) – University of Denver Patrick Newell (Thousand Oaks) – St. Cloud State University Ryan Orgel (El Segundo) – University of Denver Rourke Russell (Long Beach) – Miami University Ryan Siroky (Manhattan Beach) – Miami University Brian Williams (San Diego) – Colorado College WCHA Niko DellaMaggiore (Gilroy) – University of Alaska-Fairbanks Brendan Harris – Bemidji State University + Nate Kallen (San Diego) – Ferris State University Troy Loggins (Huntington Beach) – Northern Michigan University Nicholas Rivera (Pacific Palisades) – Minnesota State University Tyler Rockwell (San Jose) – Michigan Tech University Ethan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Bemidji State University Filip Starzynski – Northern Michigan University % Justin Woods – University of Alaska-Fairbanks + NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN CHA Hannah England (Simi Valley) – Penn State University Lillian Marchant (Tustin) – Lindenwood University Baylee Trani (Huntington Beach) – Rochester Institute of Technology ECAC Katherine Beaumier – Clarkson University $ Bailey Bennett (Gardena) – Colgate University Hana DeClerck (Menlo Park) – Brown University Keiko DeClerck (San Jose) – Princeton University Kara Drexler (Manhattan Beach) – Yale University Kendra Farole (Irvine) – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Lydia Grauer – St. Lawrence University $ Christina Kao (Huntington Beach) – Yale University Keely Moy (San Diego) – Harvard University Kayla Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – St. Lawrence University Justine Reyes (Chino Hills) – St. Lawrence University Tia Stoddard (La Mesa) – Clarkson University

HOCKEY EAST Cayla Barnes (Eastvale) – Boston College Nicole Dunbar (Coto de Caza) – University of New Hampshire WCHA Tatum Coats (Lakewood) – St. Cloud State University Leila Kilduff (San Jose) – Minnesota State University Annie Pankowski (Laguna Hills) – University of Wisconsin Aubrey Pritchett (Orange) – St. Cloud State University D-I INDEPENDENT Anna Estes (Whittier) – Post University Gabby Monaco (La Verne) – St. Anselm College Kalena Mueller (San Ramon) – Post University NCAA DIVISION III – MEN CCC David Anderson (Stevenson Ranch) – Nichols College Matt Audet (Campbell) – Western New England University Paul Boutoussov (Dana Point) – Salve Regina University Adam Canepa (Santa Cruz) – University of New England Cody Foster (Saugus) – Becker College Garrett Geane (Fullerton) – Wentworth Institute of Technology Carter Horwitz (Tustin) – Endicott College Evan Nyhus (Dove Canyon) – Nichols College Haroutiun Sarkisian (Encino) – Nichols College Evan Schmidbauer (San Diego) – Salve Regina University Joseph Thielen (Huntington Beach) – Curry College MASCAC Connor Cooley (Simi Valley) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Khalil East (Los Angeles) – Worcester State University Drake Longaker (San Jose) – Plymouth State University Cameron Mack (Long Beach) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Connor McPherson (Lancaster) – Fitchburg State University Kyle Orgel (El Segundo) – Plymouth State University Josh Reinstein (Woodland Hills) – Worcester State University Nicholas Short (Los Angeles) – University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Cody Slocum (Temecula) – Worcester State University MIAC Peter Barral (Berkeley) – Bethel University Don Carter (Antioch) – Hamline University Noah Griffith (Bakersfield) – Concordia University Chandler Madry (Bakersfield) – Augsburg College Dallas Marvin (Newbury Park) – Bethel University Nick Nast (Oxnard) – St. Mary’s University Kyle Rimbach (Encinitas) – St. Olaf College Cole Souto (Yorba Linda) – St. John’s University Alex Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University Christian Stoley (Manteca) – Concordia University J.T. Walters (Escondido) – Gustavus Adolphus College NCHA Rock Boynton (Lomita) – Milwaukee School of Engineering Lonnie Clary (Riverside) – Marian University Zach Feldman (San Diego) – Lake Forest College Kyle Gonzalez (Chino Hills) – Northland College Curran Klein (Palm Desert) – Finlandia University David Marabella (Clovis) – Milwaukee School of Engineering James Mathias (Ontario) – Marian University Connor Melton (Chico) – Northland College Danny O’Donnell (Ventura) – Aurora University Liam Stirtzinger (Simi Valley) – Aurora University Chris Timm (Dublin) – Trine University Nick Trefry (Upland) – Northland College Quinton Wunder (Simi Valley) – Lake Forest College NEHC Coby Downs (Montclair) – Norwich University Conor Ferrera (Trabuco Canyon) – University of Southern Maine Ben Greiner (Newport Beach) – Hobart College Keenan Haase (Mission Viejo) – New England College David MacGregor (Azusa) – University of Massachusetts-Boston Ryan Ng (Manhattan Beach) – Castleton State University Bryce Nielsen (Laguna Hills) – New England College Adam Papayoanou (Valencia) – University of Southern Maine Will Platt (San Francisco) – New England College Mark Shroyer (Fresno) – Castleton State University Corey Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Castleton State University NESCAC Nick Balboa (San Francisco) – Tufts University Ryan Glantz (Tarzana) – Connecticut College Chad Goldberg (Agoura Hills) – Tufts University Evan Johnson (Huntington Beach) – Williams College Sean Lawrence (Granite Bay) – Colby College Marcus Mollica (Dove Canyon) – Williams College Sean Ross (San Diego) – Wesleyan University Oliver Takacsi-Nagy (Los Gatos) – Tufts University Theo Tydingco (Newark) – Wesleyan University NORTHEAST-10 Matthew Toombs (Pleasanton) – Franklin Pierce University

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

BRITISH COLUMBIA HOCKEY LEAGUE Brandon Bergado (San Jose) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Daniel Chladek (Anaheim) – Wenatchee Wild Jared Christy (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Slava Demin (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Zak Galambos (Walnut Creek) – Wenatchee Wild Andre Ghantous (Glendale) – Trail Smoke Eaters Noah Kim (Fullerton) – Wenatchee Wild Gregg Lee (Aliso Viejo) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Jack Lippis (Mission Viejo) – Wenatchee Wild Jacob Modry (El Segundo) – Wenatchee Wild Luc Salem (Los Angeles) – Prince George Spruce Kings Chad Sasaki (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild Paul Selleck (Laguna Hills) – Alberni Valley Bulldogs Murphy Stratton (Los Angeles) – Wenatchee Wild Julian Timba (Oceanside) – Salmon Arm Silverbacks Jared Turcotte (Moorpark) – Chilliwack Chiefs Jackson Wozniak (Cypress) – Wenatchee Wild CENTRAL CANADA HOCKEY LEAGUE Casey Rhodes (Huntington Beach) – Pembroke Lumber Kings EASTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Hayden Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Tanner Dalton (Bakersfield) – New York Applecore Dakota Delbridge (Tracy) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Ethan Gill (Santa Clarita) – New England Wolves John Grealish (Bakersfield) – Boston Jr. Rangers Nicholas Harris (Glendale) – Philadelphia Jr. Flyers Shawn Horner (Santa Clara) – New Hampshire Avalanche Eric Phillips (Orange County) - Walpole Express Bryan Verna (Lake Forest) – New England Wolves Eric Wright (San Diego) – Walpole Express GREATER METRO HOCKEY LEAGUE Christopher Maghakian (Santa Clarita) – Northumberland Stars Spencer Taylor (Venice) – Tillsonburg Hurricanes Jarrett Townsend (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Northumberland Stars KOOTENAY INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR HOCKEY LEAGUE Trevor Dilauro (Huntington Beach) – Spokane Braves Campbell Jackson (Hermosa Beach) – Spokane Braves NORTH AMERICAN HOCKEY LEAGUE Jake Acton (Livermore) – Corpus Christi IceRays Nathan Burke - Aberdeen Wings % Connor Chilton (Simi Valley) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Jayson Dimizio (Goleta) – Corpus Christi IceRays Josh Fricks (Laguna Niguel) – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights Cooper Haar (Huntington Beach) – Bismarck Bobcats Austin Koss (Huntington Beach) – Minot Minotauros Kyle Mayhew (Anaheim Hills) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs Garrett Nieto (Yorba Linda) – Janesville Jets Jake Rosenbaum (Trabuco) – Springfield Jr. Blues Evan Somoza (Simi Valley) – Odessa Jackalopes Kaelan Taylor (Oceanside) – Corpus Christi IceRays Matthew Wiesner (Newport Beach) – Northeast Generals Conor Yawney (Anaheim) – Corpus Christi IceRays Dante Zapata (Huntington Beach) – Austin Bruins NORTH AMERICAN 3 HOCKEY LEAGUE Ian Acuna (Glendora) – Peoria Mustangs Riley Anderson (Bishop) – Helena Bighorns Matthew Brown (Woodland Hills) – Maine Wild Nick Castro (Redondo Beach) – Granite City Lumberjacks Brandon Chapin (Santa Clara) – Atlanta Capitals Ryan Cortez (Norco) – Long Beach Sharks Trent Cowden (Simi Valley) – Great Falls Americans Luc Cross (Anaheim) – Helena Bighorns Dylan Davenport – Evansville Thunderbolts % Mason Evans (Danville) – Point Mallard Ducks Michael Fary (Anaheim) – Great Falls Americans Jacob Fisher (Danville) – Northeast Generals Ryan Gridley (Santa Monica) – Binghamton Jr. Senators Tyler Hawk (Palos Verdes) – Pittsburgh Vengeance A.J. Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Hayden Hoyt (Yorba Linda) – Breezy Point North Stars Kellen Ireland (Turlock) – Texas Brahmas Christian Kazoleas (Irvine) – Louisiana Drillers Morgan Kelly (San Jose) – Northeast Generals Ben Kottmeier (San Mateo) – Helena Bighorns Malik Lamotte Stokes (Anaheim) – Oswego Stampede Jett Larson (Rancho Mirage) – North Iowa Bulls Michael Lempiainen (Corona) – New England Stars Carson Murison (Half Moon Bay) – Texas Brahmas Luc Meier (Laguna Beach) – Long Beach Sharks Hunter Norris (Mission Viejo) – New England Stars Tristen Poliseno (Valencia) – Alexandria Blizzard Jack Radley (San Diego) – Peoria Mustangs Luke Richesin (Clovis) – Great Falls Americans Owen Sikich (Hermosa Beach) – Granite City Lumberjacks Jacob Takashima (Torrance) – Willmar WarHawks ONTARIO HOCKEY LEAGUE Sasha Chmelevski (Huntington Beach) – Ottawa 67’s Ivan Lodnia (Anaheim) – Erie Otters Jason Robertson (Los Angeles) – Kingston Frontenacs Nick Robertson (Los Angeles) – Peterborough Petes

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

Nick Wardstrom (Discovery Bay) – Islanders Hockey Club (Premier) Chad Watt (Riverside) – Potomac Patriots (Premier) WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE Blake Bargar (Torrance) – Seattle Thunderbirds Hunter Campbell – Calgary Hitmen % Jake McGrew (Orange) – Spokane Chiefs Carl Stankowski – Seattle Thunderbirds # Keoni Texeira (Fontana) – Portland Winterhawks Brayden Watts (Bakersfield) – Vancouver Giants Evan Weinger (El Segundo) – Brandon Wheat Kings Dustin Wolf (Tustin) – Everett Silvertips Kailer Yamamoto – Spokane Chiefs % WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE Joseph Aguirre (West Covina) – Ontario Avalanche Tristan Ayoubi (Orange) – Long Beach Bombers Leon Biller (Valencia) – Valencia Flyers Domenic Bosetti (Long Beach) – Long Beach Bombers Ryan Brown (South Lake Tahoe) – Seattle Totems

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

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

PREP SCHOOL Alan Austria-Garcia (Redwood City) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Brandon Bedient (Stevenson Ranch) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Grady Birk (Carlsbad) – Shawnigan Lake School Jordan Bonner (Huntington Beach) – Albany Academy Noah Dahlen (Orange) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Liam Dauphinee (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jared Day (Orange) – Brooks School Zachary Dill (Tahoe) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Corey Eaton (San Marcos) – Tilton School Tanner Ensign (Tustin) – Holderness School Riley Fenn (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Ryan Fischer (Anaheim Hills) – South Kent Dennis L. Y. Franklin (Oakland) – The Taft School Aidan Garcia (Burbank) – The Groton School Shane Gilbert (Newport Beach) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jonah Gold (Rolling Hills Estates) – Groton School Niko Grollman (Mission Viejo) – The Gunnery Tyler Herr (Huntington Beach) – Culver Academy Nathan Katzaroff (Anaheim) – Milton Academy Nicholas Kent (Ladera Ranch) – Delta Hockey Academy Noah Kim (Fullerton) – Cushing Academy Indigo Kinzey (Pacifica) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Matt Kors (Los Angeles) – Shawnigan Lake School Alexander Krause (Calabasas) – Loomis Chaffee Jordan Labbe (Pasadena) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Erik Larsson (Los Altos) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Nicholas Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Noah Lee (Los Angeles) – Salisbury School Tae Lee (Irvine) – The Governor’s Academy Koby Leeman (Napa) - Culver Academy Tyler Leibl (Del Mar) – Shawnigan Lake School Roan Linvill (Berkeley) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Mathias Long (Marina del Rey) – Lake Forest Academy Jesse Lycan (San Diego) – Berkshire School Brandon McDonald (Los Angeles) – Vermont Academy Kyle McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Tilton School Nolan McElhaney (Yorba Linda) – Cushing Academy Adam McGill (Rancho Santa Margarita) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Keely Moy (San Diego) – Kent School Matthew Odom (Elk Grove) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Zach Pires (Villa Park) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Steven Plante (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy John Pratt (Laguna Niguel) – Berkshire School Patrick Pugliese (Pasadena) – Loomis Chaffee Alexander Rogers (Anaheim) – Williston Northampton Brett Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Ross Roloson (Newport Beach) – Shawnigan Lake School Hunter Sansbury (Lomita) – The Gunnery Chase Sechrist (Santa Rosa) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Blake Selden (Santa Clara) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Jordan Skahill (San Dimas) – South Kent Daniel Thomas (Irvine) – Hotchkiss School Daniel Ton-That (Laguna Hills) – Tilton School Jackson Tuszynski (Valencia) – Tahoe Hockey Academy Lukas Uhler (Upland) – New Hampton School Brent Valentine (Newport Beach) – Choate Rosemary Hall Ryan Wilson (San Diego) – Milton Academy

NCAA DIVISION I – WOMEN

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

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

CARubberHockey.com

23

Wheeling On Up WCRHL players, teams continuing to learn, develop, improve at Division III level bubble player from the club’s upper team who can develop at the Division III level and eventually make the jump up to the top team,” Arizona State University program director Nick Boyarsky explained.

ASU has had some very competitive Division III teams over the past 10 years, according to Boyarsky.

The Sun Devils recorded a runner-up at the NCRHA finals in 2013 and notched Final Four national finishes in both 2012 and 2014.

“We have had some very strong Division III nationals showings with our club usually ranked in the top four throughout the season,” Boyarsky said. “At

for third place in the division standings with 5-3-0 records and 10 standings points, followed by Arizona he Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (3-4-0), UC Santa Barbara (2-4-1), Cal Poly Green (WCRHL) will hold its regional championship (2-6-0) and Cal Poly Pomona (1-7-0). tournament March 3-4 at THE RINKS-Corona Inline.

Cal Poly Gold faced off the season by outscoring Champions in three divisions will be determined: its first five opponents 54-8 while notching three Division I, Division II and Division III. shutout wins. The Mustangs did drop a 15-0 nonDivision I is considered the level for elite play, conference matchup against seven-time reigning comprised of teams that are well organized, with Division III national champion Lindenwood University sustainable infrastructure and school support. Longat November’s Huntington Beach regular-season term participation is the goal with all Division I clubs. event.

Division II, though based somewhat on skill level, This year’s Lindenwood Gold team features six is generally a level of play for teams from Californians on its roster: forward Daniel smaller schools.

Higa (Saratoga) and defensemen Spenser Division III, meanwhile, is a developmental Maquisss, Matthew Galloni, Chris Visico, level for both Division I and Division II teams. all from San Jose, along with Jason Novak All three divisions have an equivalent (Chico) and Mark Birchall (Escondido). division at the annual National Collegiate Visico, Marquiss and Novak ranked first Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) national through third in team scoring at the semester championship tournament. This year’s break for the Lions, who went 3-0 during their NCRHA nationals are scheduled for April 11California road swing, defeating two WCRHL 15 in Fargo, N.D. Division I teams in the process.

“Division III originally started in the mid to ASU’s lone loss this season was 10-1 to late 1990s called the ‘B’ Division,” WCRHL Cal Poly Gold at October’s season-opening director and NCRHA executive director tournament in San Jose. The Sun Devils Brennan Edwards explained. “It has always have beaten every other team in the division, been like a junior varsity team and a feeder recording four shutout victories. to the primary team, which we used to call ASU has found renewed success behind ‘A’ teams. This was all back when there was a large crop of freshman talent. In fact, four no differentiation between Division I, Division of the top five point-scorers at the semester II and the Junior College Division, and B break were Sun Devils.

Division was used.”

ASU’s Paxton Parker led the division in Arizona State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Arizona State University goaltender Garrett Ruby covers the puck in a recent West- scoring with 33 points at the semester break and UC Santa Barbara have been particularly ern Collegiate Roller Hockey Division III game against CSU Fullerton. Photo/ASU while Shaun McDonald ranked third with dominant among WCRHL Division III teams. Roller Hockey 27 points, followed by teammates Jordan In fact, those three programs have accounted its peak, about five years ago, we had three Division Behm and Clint Tapsell, both with 25 points. for 15 of the last 16 WCRHL regional champions.

III teams in one season.”

Jared McMullen, playing on both Cal Poly SLO UC Santa Barbara defeated West Valley College Schools can field as many Division III teams as teams, ranked second in division scoring with 30 4-3 in overtime to win last year’s WCRHL regional they wish but only one can participate at the NCRHA points. championship. Prior to that, Arizona State reeled off nationals.

ASU’s Garrett Ruby topped Division III four consecutive Division III regional championships Eight teams are participating at the WCRHL goaltenders at the semester break with a 2.44 goalsfrom 2013-16.

Division III level this season, including two from Cal against average.

Division III teams cannot exist without being Poly San Luis Obispo.

The WCRHL resumes second semester play with associated with a school’s Division I or Division II At the semester break, Cal Poly Gold (8-0-0) and a regular-season event Jan. 20-21 at the Barney team (or, in some cases, a Junior College Division ASU (8-1-0) were tied for the Division III lead with 16 Family Sports Complex in Queen Creek, Ariz. Teams team). standings points. from Division I, Division II and Division III will be in “The hope is you have a younger player or a CSU Fullerton and West Valley College were tied action.

By Phillip Brents

T

World Games roster a highlight for OC Rocket Flex T

he American Inline Hockey League (AIHL) remains a popular circuit for adult travel players wishing to continue their playing careers.

There doesn’t appear to be a shortage of teams, either. The Pacific South Division, which encompasses Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, features six elite division teams for the 2018 season.

The elite division includes four Southern California teams — the Mavin Mayhem and Mavin Clippers from San Diego and Revision Rocket Flex Purple and Rocket Flex Yellow from Irvine – as well as the Las Vegas Dragons and Arizona Outcasts.

The season schedule features approximately one weekend tournament each month, with teams playing four to six games per weekend event. Teams 24

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

will play 24 regular season games, plus playoffs.

The national championship tournament is scheduled for May in Philadelphia.

The OC Rocket Flex Purple recorded a promising 6-0 start at the season-opening Jan. 6-7 tournament at the Escondido Sports Center.

“We’re the front-runner out of the gate,” OC Rocket Flex Purple coach Tyler Svoboda said. “I think we have a good core of guys.”

Four players on the Rocket Flex Purple team played under Svoboda on Team USA at last July’s International World Games in Wroclaw, Poland.

They include forward Matt Sarvak and defensemen

Jackson Faught, Tristan Gonzalez and Chris Kendall.

The U.S. team placed fifth overall in the eight-team field, but missed qualifying for the championship semifinals on a tie-breaker after Team USA, Canada and the Czech Republic all tied with 2-1 records in pool play.

“Because the way the pool was set up, we knew that one of those teams would not qualify for the semifinals, which was unfortunate,” Svoboda said.

“But we did all that we could.”

Team USA finished the tournament with wins over Argentina (4-0) and Italy (6-4). Sarvak starred for the U.S. squad with three goals and two assists in the fifth-place victory against the Italians.

“We were the only team to beat the Czechs, who won the tournament,” Svoboda proudly noted.

- Phillip Brents

Bulldogs provide bite at AAU Winter Nationals showcase

By Phillip Brents

T

he Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Winter Nationals helped face off the holiday tournament season Dec. 15-17 at THE RINKS-Corona Inline.

A total of 55 teams participated in 13 divisions.

The host Bulldogs program helped set the standard for the pre-Christmas event by collecting division championships in the 6U, 12U-A Tier 1, 12U-A Tier 2 and 16U-AA divisions.

The Bulldogs also notched runner-up finishes in the 8U-A, 10U-AA, 18U-A and 18U-AA divisions.

“What a great way to head into the holidays,” noted Bulldogs age-group coach Ben Barrett. “The program as a whole did great and represented the Bulldogs with great class and pride. The teams are starting to hit their stride at the right time and played some great teams during the tournament.

“To have the success we did was just icing on the cake, but better was where they have all come from October when we first started the season. We are excited to see what 2018 brings for the Bulldogs.”

Top individual performances turned in by the Bulldogs included those by division high scorer award winner Noah Shoemaker (16U-AA) and division top goaltender award winners David Ricci (8U-A), Natalie Williams (10U-A), Quinlen Johnston (12U-A Tier 1), the tandem of Gianni McConnell and Kat Reyes (12U-A Tier 2) and Evan Pawluk (16U-AA).

McConnell and Reyes combined to post a .886 save percentage, while Johnston turned in a .876 save percentage and Pawluk recorded an .857 save percentage.

The Bulldogs wasn’t the only program to reap its share of success at the AAU Winter Nationals.

AKS won championship titles in the 14U-A and 14U-AA divisions.

The Pama Cyclones won the 10U-A division championship while recording three runner-up finishes (8U-AAA, 12U-A Tier 1, 12U-A Tier 2).

The OC Marvel won the 8U-A division title while recording two runnerup finishes (6U, 10U-A).

The Labeda Jets won the 8U-AA championship and finished second in 16U-A while the HB Militia won the 18UA title and finished runner-up in 14U-AA. Other division champions included the California Kings (10U-AA), Raiders (16U-A) and Feelin Groovy (18U-AA).

The Temecula Warriors (14U-A) and Sour Skittles 02 (16U-AA) each recorded runner-up finishes to round out the list of finalists.

Top individuals

Maciel of the Jets (16U-A).

Welsh and Buium each recorded 13 points to lead their divisions, while Ochoa and Podergois each racked up 12 points.

Top goaltender award-winners also included Joseph Bridges of OC Marvel (6U), C.J. Harkness of the Cyclones (8U-AA), Kaeden Tate of the Kings (10U-AA), Timo Schmitt of AKS Red (14U-A), Ethan Valentine of HB Militia Gray (14U-AA) and the Raiders’ tandem of Zach Jones and Vincent Dunton (16U-A).

Among notable goaltending performances, the tandem of Jones and Dunton posted a .914 save percentage while Schmitt recorded a .909 save percentage. Valentine posted a .867 save percentage and Tate recorded a .818 save percentage.

Cooper Bell of OC Marvel (6U) The Bulldogs 6U team celebrates win- Rolling along and Chase Edwards of Feelin Groovy ning its division at December’s Amateur Corona Inline will host the AAU West Athletic Union Winter Nationals event at (18U-AA) topped all division high scorer THE RINKS-Corona Inline.

Coast Nationals from May 25-28 and award-winners with 14 points each. the AAU Junior Olympics-International Luke Benavente of Feelin Groovy (18U-AA) led all Inline Championships from July 5-15. division top goaltender award-winners with a .952 save The Western Inline Hockey League (WIHL) tournament percentage. schedule includes stops at Irvine Inline (Jan. 27-28, March Other division high scorer award-winners included 31 and May 12), Corona Inline (Feb. 10-11), West Covina Lucas Abarquez of OC Marvel (8U-A), Rocket Welsh (March 10-11) and Huntington Beach Inline (April 14-15). of the Labeda Jets Navy (8U-AA), Sammie Ochoa of The WIHL championships will span two weekends: the Labeda Jets (10U-A), Dylan Podergois of the Kings June 1-3 at Huntington Beach Inline (6U, 10U, 14U and (10U-AA), Zeev Buium of the Cyclones 07 (12U-A Tier 18U) and June 8-10 at Corona Inline (8U, 12U, 16U and 2), Connor Martin of AKS Red (14U-A) and Jacob 23U).

First-year Cypress team improving in ADISL inline realm

By Phillip Brents

W

since posted a 1-4-1 record.

“The season has started off a little rough, but the players always try to get better,” Mario Zoida said. “The older players are learning leadership skills by helping the younger players improve their game. Some of the older players hope to continue at a college roller hockey program after graduation, which is also offered through the Ducks.”

Tamahana scored two goals. Ethan Zabala, Maxim Alayev and Nicholas Zoida each collected one assist in support of winning goaltender Benavente.

“We hope that the team grows over the next couple seasons,” Mario Zoida said. “We look forward to teaching these players the great game of hockey, and hope one day it may become a CIF sport for our high schools.”

Cypress has already entered the spotlight after Zabala earned recognition as the ADISL’s Player of the Month for December.

“As a freshman in his first season playing roller hockey, Ethan works hard in practice to get better and better,” Paerels noted. “In a recent game, Cypress was down to four skaters, forcing everyone to stay out for the duration. They were all exhausted, but Ethan kept pushing the whole game and was very excited to score his first goal.

“In addition to his love for hockey, Ethan is also very passionate about baseball and has already made the freshman team at Cypress. Down the road, he is interested in becoming a doctor or first-year sports therapist – after his pro baseball career.”

hile roller hockey has not yet attained official recognition by the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) outside of the San Diego Section, the sport continues to thrive at the club level in other areas of the Golden State.

The Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic League (ADISL) added three new programs this season to its high school division. Among the newcomers is the team representing Cypress High School in the Anaheim Union High School District.

While Mario Zoida had coached his son, Nicholas, in youth leagues over the past halfdozen years, when it came time for Nicholas to enter high school, roller hockey did not exist as a CIF sport in the Southern Section.

But there was an attractive alternative available.

The elder Zoida worked with Cypress High School athletic director Jeff Russell to form a club team and then completed the necessary paperwork to ADISL coordinator John Paerels to apply for a team in the ADISL. The Cypress High School roller hockey team has become a reality with “We were welcomed into their high school membership in the Anaheim Ducks Inline Scholastic League for the 2017-18 season. organization and our first season is underway,” Junior High Division Zoida explained. “The Ducks organization has really The ADISL held its inaugural Junior High School Nicholas Zoida serves as team captain on the made many kids’ dreams come true. Not many high newly-branded Cypress club team, while Jacob Holl Division championship playoffs Dec. 15 at THE RINKSschools offer roller hockey and the Ducks noticed and Luke Benavente serve as assistant captains.

Irvine Inline. this. My son is so excited to be graduating wearing his Second-seeded Hewes Middle School upset topThrough the team’s opening six games, Holl led the school colors, and he gets to play with his best friends.” team with six goals and nine points and Nicholas Zoida seeded Lakeside Middle School 7-4 to win the Tier 1 The ADISL’s 2017-18 season started in October. ranked second in team scoring with seven points on championship, while fourth-seeded Jeffrey Trail Middle The fledgling Cypress team earned placement with five five goals and two assists.

School roared back from a 5-1 deficit to edge Rancho other teams in a similar competition-based tier. Cypress Holl led Cypress with four goals and one assist in Santa Margarita Intermediate School 7-6 to win the Tier defeated Edison 6-4 to win its inaugural game, but has its history-making season-opening win, while Michael 2 title.

CARubberHockey.com

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THATCHER DEMKO Position: Goaltender, Utica Comets (AHL) Hometown: San Diego Last Amateur Team: Boston College (Hockey East) Youth Teams: San Diego Ice Cubes, San Diego Rangers, SDIA Attack, San Diego Jr. Gulls, Los Angeles Jr. Kings California Rubber: Even though you’ve taken another step in your career, your past connections remain important, don’t they?

Thatcher Demko: Yes. Any time I can get back to San Diego, I enjoy it. I train there three weeks to a month every summer, go to the beach a lot, then I’m on to Connecticut for the rest of my training. I’m still working on my degree six weeks every summer. I’m an Applied Psychology and Human Development major.

CR: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up?

TD: There was big rivalry between us and the LA Selects. Playing in those games were a lot of fun. You knew they were playing against the best, so we liked to see where we stacked up against them.

CR: What is your favorite memory in the game since leaving California?

TD: There are so many. Playing in the international tournaments with the U.S. national program (he spent his 18U season with the NTDP), winning the Beanpot, going to two Frozen Fours and obviously, signing a pro contract.

CR: Who have been the biggest influences on you on and off the ice?

TD: First are my parents (Brenton and Danielle). Without them, none of this is possible. Another big person for me is Larry Cahn. I spent a year in charter school, so I could go skate in the middle of the day before practice. Larry always took time to skate with me and work with me. Guys like (Boston College assistant) Mike Ayers were another a huge component of my success.

CR: What advice would you give young hockey players?

TD: My go-to is to keep working. Just work. Playing pro hockey can seem far away, especially when you’re a kid. A lot of esoteric variables may seem important. If you work hard enough, you’re going to get to the places you want to go.

CR: Are there are any pieces of gear you’re particular about?

TD: I have a lot of fun designing pads. I try to keep it pretty unique. I keep it my own designs. With the helmet, I like to keep it fun. I go through two sets of pads a year and two helmets each year – each with different designs. Every time I get a new set, I get creative. My dad will look at designs with me. He likes to get crazy with the designs, so I have to shoot him down.

CR: What are essential items to take on a road trip?

TD: Headphones for sure. Usually take my laptop if I want to watch a show or a movie. One that I usually forget and get a hard time from all the guys is the phone charger.

CR: Do you listen to a lot of music?

TD: I’m a big music guy. I have a pretty mixed up variety – a few throwbacks, like Lynyrd Skynyrd. Country is good. And I like Russ or J.Cole.

CR: When you’re back in California, do you have a favorite meal or restaurant?

TD: There are three meals I rotate through to treat myself. First is In-N-Out. There is this Mexican joint by my house, Santana’s, and Filippi’s, a pizza place.

CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

TD: I grew up a huge Kings fan. I always watched Felix Potvin and Ziggy Palffy. Marty (Brodeur) winning the Cup in ’03 (with New Jersey), playing the Ducks, made me want to be a goalie. Marty’s one of the legends.

CR: What is the most challenging aspect of playing pro hockey?

TD: It’s a hard game. You always hear how important the mental aspect is, but you don’t realize it fully until you’re in it. You’re scrutinized for everything. Obviously, you want to keep working and get where you want to. The challenge is to keep big picture in mind.

Photo/Lindsay A. Mogle/Utica Comets

26

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Chris Bayee

Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles!

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND LABOR DAY WEEKEND

September 1 - 4, 2017

THANKSGIVING WEEKEND November 23 - 26, 2017

PRESIDENTS’ DAY WEEKEND February 16-19, 2018

.

A&B B . Pee Wee AA, A, BB, B . Squirt A, BB, B Mite .

A, AA, am Bant . ol Scho High AA/A 16U et Midget 18U AA/A - Midg

May 25 -28, 2018

Midget Open 2004 Elite & AAA . 2005 Elite & AAA 2006 Elite & AAA . 2007 Elite & AAA 2008 Elite & AAA . 2009 Elite & AAA Mite Open (2010/11 Birth Years - Half Ice)

Application Deadline: April 20, 2018

For more information, contact tournament director Brian McDonough at (612) 220-4402 or brian@jrkingshockey.com

Registration for our final tournament of the 2017-18 season is now open!

Tinseltownhockeytournaments.com