California Rubber Magazine - October 2017

VOLUME 11

ISSUE 2

OCTOBER 2017

CALIFORNIA PRODUCTS MAKE NHL DEBUTS DURING ’17 PRESEASON LAKHSHL HITS JACKPOT WITH HIRING OF GOALIE EXPERT SCULLION LITTLE SHARKS PROGRAM HELPING TO GROW HOCKEY IN BAY AREA NEVADA’S NEW CITY NATIONAL ARENA OPENS TO POSITIVE REVIEWS

Tahoe Hockey Academy’s vision is rapidly progressing, both on and off the ice, as the program enters its second year in ’17-18 Attracting the very best youth hockey programs under the bright lights of Los Angeles 2017-18

Tournament Series

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FROM THE EDITOR And we are off and running with the new 2017-18 hockey season

D

o you smell that?

It’s the smell of the ice, the Zamboni fumes, the coffee from the concession stand.

Do you hear that?

It’s the sound of young hockey players loving the game, parents shouting encouragement from the stands, the public-address announcer with a goal announcement.

Do you feel that?

It’s that feeling that hockey is back, the thrill of being on the ice, the thrill to get to cover and write about hockey – at all levels – on a daily basis.

Yes, my friends, we’re back to early-morning practices, tournaments with 4-5 games in three days, and as shown across the hockey community thus far, comMatt Mackinder ing together for the Las Vegas community that was shocked by the unfortunate events of Oct. 1.

The puck has been dropped, so away we go. Happy hockey season!

Congratulations to Millbrae native and San Jose Jr. Sharks alum Sean Dickson on committing to play NCAA Division III hockey next season for Utica (N.Y.) College, part of the ECAC West conference.

Dickson began the season with two shutouts among four wins for the Hampton Roads Jr. Whalers of the USPHL Premier division. He went 26-7-0 last season with a 1.52 GAA, .928 save percentage and 10 shutouts en route to the USPHL finals.

He suited up for the Jr. Sharks during the 2012-13 season.

On the pro beat, how about LA Jr. Kings graduate Kailer Yamamoto cracking the opening-night lineup for the Edmonton Oilers?

Drafted in the first round in June, Yamamoto posted a stellar exhibition season for the Oilers and will start the season in the NHL as a 19-year-old rookie.

Time will tell if he sticks all season, but we like his chances of becoming a full-time NHLer, all 5-foot-8 and 155 pounds of him.

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

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

California Rubber Magazine is a production of:

Publisher/editor: Matt Mackinder senior designer: Julie Wilson

BAY AREA BRIGADE

How perfect was the Vegas Golden Knights’ home opener on Oct. 10? It’s almost as though the game was secondary with the pre-game speech by Deryk Engelland and the honoring of the first responders and victims of the Oct. 1 violence.

That night proved that, yes, we are all #VegasStrong.

It also helped that Vegas defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 at the sold-out T-Mobile Arena..

University of Alaska-Fairbanks (WCHA) redshirt-senior Justin Woods has been named the team captain for the 2017-18 season and becomes the program’s first-ever team captain who’s a hometown product of Fairbanks.

Woods played for the California Titans 18U AAA team in 2010-11, ringing up eight goals and 17 points in 24 games.

He took a medical redshirt year for the 2014-15 season after being diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. Woods successfully defeated the cancer and returned to the ice for the 2015-16 season.

Stick taps to Newport Beach native and Jr. Kings product Matt Wiesner, who was named the NAHL Forward of the Month for September.

Wiesner helped the Northeast Generals to a 7-1 record during the month and led all NAHL players in scoring with 11 points (four goals, seven assists) to go along with a plus-8 rating.

“Personally, I want to prove people wrong,” said Wiesner. “I think any of us who spent time with the team last year understand that we are here to show everyone that we can play hockey and are here to develop and get better. I was pushed around a lot last year, so in the offseason, I put on 15-20 pounds of muscle and that has helped with my speed and stamina. I did all the little things I needed to do to gain some confidence. I think having the experience of playing in the league last year was invaluable coming back this season.”

Making it right – we inadvertently identified Travis Noe’s father as Lindy in the September issue’s “Taking Liberties With…” feature. Travis’ father is Jack and his mother is Lindy. Our sincere apologies.

Contact Matt Mackinder at matt@rubberhockey.com 4

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

The Little Sharks program provides Bay Area youth the opportunity to learn the game of hockey at a reasonable cost, and with knowledgeable coaches, including San Jose Sharks alumni. More on the Little Sharks on Page 13.

ON THE COVER Players from the second-year Tahoe Hockey Academy take time to gather for a group photo at their residence hall before a recent road trip to get the 2017-18 season into full swing.

Photo/Tahoe Media Collective

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Growth Spurt In just over a year’s time, Tahoe Hockey Academy has grown substantially, both on and off the ice

was overwhelmingly positive.

“There was this one dad who was just totally silent, and he kept putting out his t hasn’t quite been 14 months since Tahoe Hockey Academy first opened its doors hands,” Fenn recalled. “I thought something was wrong, so I asked him, and he and put its first team on the ice wearing the program’s distinctive purple and white said, ‘You built Disneyland for hockey players.’ That was probably one of the best sweaters, and already California’s first prep hockey boarding school has estab- compliments we could get.” lished itself as a force to be reckoned with.

Hockey Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne is a longtime friend and business assoIn the last year alone, the program has gone from icing one team to two, has built ciate of Fenn’s – they worked together in opening Selanne Steak Tavern in Laguna a top-of-the-line locker room at its temporary home rink, has opened the doors to a Beach, among other ventures – and the longtime Ducks right wing has served as a dormitory that would make many college players jealous and has signed an affilia- board member and mentor since Tahoe Hockey Academy was first conceptualized. tion agreement with the USPHL’s Potomac Patriots, among a number of other mile- So far, he has been impressed with what he has seen. stones. And that’s to say nothing of the development THA players have undergone “I’m so happy that we have this kind of a program on the West Coast,” Selanne thanks to an intensive program that has helped them improve by leaps and bounds said. “Hockey is really growing in this area of the country, and I’m really excited with plenty of time on the ice. about it.

More growth is on tap for “There are people involved there with a lot of the upcoming years, with two passion, who want to do things the right way - and more phases of building on they have done a great job so far,” Selanne said.

Tahoe’s picturesque campus “All these guys have been involved in youth hockey scheduled to include addifor a long time, and that experience always helps. tional student-athlete housWhen you have that heart and passion for helping ing and the program’s own kids, it really makes a difference. From what I have rink. Things are progressing seen, things are progressing really nicely there.” nicely on the shores of Lake For Lewis, seeing the young players under his Tahoe, and it is clear that the charge improve is always the top goal. Tahoe’s ground-breaking new acadstudent-athletes are able to focus more time and emy is here to stay. energy on hockey and academics than players “We’re less than two in other programs who may spend hours in the months into our second car each day season, but we already driving to and have people who are inquirfrom pracing about next year, so that tices and shows us that something is games. More working,” said Mike Lewis, regular ice Tahoe Hockey Academy’s time allows athletic director and the head coach of its prep team. “We’ve had a great refor more skill sponse already. The goal is to keep growing until we reach our ceiling, but we improvement never want to get to a point where we have to say no. I think if we continue growand faster ing and developing hockey players the right way, we’ll be fine.” development, With a staff that includes Leo Fenn, Tahoe’s presiand that was dent, director of hockey and varsity head coach, as well clearly evident as Lewis, assistant coach Chris Collins, goalie developin the proment coach and 11-year NHL veteran Guy Hebert and gram’s first goalie coach Brad Sholl, Tahoe Hockey Academy is year alone. blessed with a wealth of experience that can only benefit “As with a lot of programs out there, we always its players. Add to that an advisory board that includes measure our success by how our players are improva handful of former NHL standouts and two key leading,” Lewis said. “One of the things that has really ers from the South Tahoe Amateur Hockey Association pleased us was last summer, when kids went home (STAHA), and the academy has put in place a team that and got on the ice with friends or former coaches in is primed for success. their hometowns, we had a few people call us and say, Players are already enjoying their 2,000 square-foot, ‘I’m not sure what you did to this player, but he left custom-designed locker room, which opened midway for eight months and I almost don’t recognize him bethrough last season at Tahoe Ice Arena. Each player has Tahoe Hockey Academy’s vision is developing nicely as the pro- cause he’s gotten so much better.’ For us, that’s a pat his own locker stall with space for all their equipment and gram enters its second year with a new locker room, a shiny new on the back and it’s what I feel our program should be other gear, rivaling a major college or pro setup. There’s residence hall and double the amount of student-athletes it had about. a skate sharpener, coaches’ offices and everything else in its inaugural season. Photos/Tahoe Media Collective “I’m not going to judge our progress on wins and the teams need right at their fingertips. losses, because that’s going to make me coach differently. I think if we develop The Hobey Baker Residence Dorm, opened in July for summer hockey camps individual hockey players at their positions and they get better at skating, passing, and first experienced by full-time students this fall, is two levels and approximately shooting and other skills, they can go on to have success - whether it’s with us or 8,000 square feet, accommodating 22-40 student-athletes along with two resident somewhere else.” coaches. The Calder Memorial Lodge adds another 6,000 square feet. There’s a For Lewis, building a program from scratch is nothing new, as he founded the TV room on each floor for film study or just relaxation watching TV or playing video California Wave and took teams to USA Hockey Youth Nationals multiple times. games. The academy has a professional chef, Francisco Santana, on staff, and the Developing California’s first prep school hockey program has brought a new set of dining room seats 60 while doubling as a study hall. There’s even an infirmary room challenges, but he and the team at the Tahoe Hockey Academy have tackled them where students can stay when they’re sick so they don’t infect their teammates. head on and have always kept their mission clearly in focus.

The academy’s 16-acre plot of land is scheduled for two more phases of devel“Last year, I think we made some great strides getting started,” Lewis said. “Now, opment that are expected to include another residence hall and an ice rink over the we have a lot more kids to do that with and next year, we expect we’ll grow more. But next four years. Fenn said that when players came back to campus late this summer, our focus will always be on bringing in players and helping them to get the most out the staff provided tours of the building for players and their families, and the reaction of their ability.. If we do that, that’s really a key indicator of our success.”

By Greg Ball

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

WSHL’s Bombers forge college pipeline to NCAA, ACHA schools

Petition underway to keep Pickwick Ice up and running

By Matt Mackinder

By Matt Mackinder

T

P

he Long Beach Bombers will have a distinct, new look this season as the organization starts play in the Western States Hockey League (WSHL).

After last season, a handful of Bombers players moved on to play college hockey, with more than a few choosing to suit up at the University of Arkansas, an ACHA Division I program.

Last season’s captain Cal Owens, goaltender Max Barr and forwards Sine Chadi and Konnor Madsen will all play for the Razorbacks this season, while two other Long Beach players from the 2016-17 WSHL season – forward Robert Roslund (St. Mary’s University) and defenseman Nick Short (University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth) – will both play NCAA Division III hockey this season.

Bombers coach-GM Chris White is ecstatic to see Short earn the chance to play NCAA hockey.

“I am extremely happy for Nick as he makes the next step in his hockey career,” White said regarding Short. “We have seen him mature and develop in so many ways over the past four seasons. I can think of several areas he improved and a lot of that is a credit to his commitment and work ethic.

His overall body of work is extremely impressive and I can truly say he is part of a very small club of alumni that have had this type of longevity and influence on the direction of our organization.”

White is equally excited at the notion of following Roslund as he skates in the NCAA ranks for the 2017-18 season. “’Big Bob’ was an absolute beast, more often than not, last year,” said White. “His durability and displays of a team-first mentality were impressive. He played physical, blocked shots, took a beating, and kept coming back for more. I think his versatility is going to be a huge benefit to him at the next level. He played in every situation for us, and should carry that confidence and experience with him. He was a good player, a great teammate, and one of the most coachable young men we have had in Long Beach.”

ickwick Ice may be no more if a land developer has its way.

Shea Properties, an Aliso Viejo-based developer with no pre-existing properties within Burbank or the entire San Fernando Valley, hosted a community meeting on the evening of Sept. 14 about their proposed plans for the redevelopment of the Pickwick property and Viva Cantina on Riverside and Main in Burbank.

During their brief presentation with the details posted online, Shea Properties outlined their vision to demolish Pickwick Ice, Pickwick Bowling Alley and Pickwick Gardens to build a private residential village comprised of hundreds of townhomes and apartments.

Along with the demolition of Pickwick, Shea Properties repeatedly referred to “the restaurant” across the street (Viva Cantina) as a proposed site for demolition and new construction of a place to “get a drink.”

The California Golden Bears youth hockey program calls Pickwick its home ice.

“With no environmental impact study completed at the time of their presentation, Shea Properties was unable to answer extremely important questions regarding the alarming effect 600-plus new residents, as well as their cars, would have on not only Riverside and Main, but the surrounding neighborhoods,” read the online petition. “An enormous housing village on this corner would overcrowd our schools, create unending traffic jams, and forever alter the culture of a neighborhood unlike any other.

“We believe the preservation of Riverside and Main is essential to the Burbank tapestry, and that Pickwick and Viva Cantina are historically significant landmarks that must be protected for future generations to enjoy.

“We are calling on all Burbank residents to help us stop the residential re-zoning proposed for Riverside and Main, and present our signatures to the Burbank City Council as testament to our overwhelming opposition. Please join us in spreading the word throughout our city about the proposal presented by Shea Properties and organize as a community to protect our Rancho District heritage.”

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Manhattan Beach’s Maxwell adds to jobs, adds to family

By Matt Mackinder

I

f you ask Tyler Maxwell what his plans are for each day of the week, odds are each day is focused on a different component of his hockey employment.

Yes, the 26-year-old Manhattan Beach native is a hockey junkie. He’ll be the first to admit that.

On the home front, Maxwell and his wife, Chanel, and son, Ryder, recently welcomed a baby girl, Ivy, to the family on Sept. 27.

In his work life, Maxwell runs the Maxwell Hockey Camps, coaches with the OC Hockey Club, scouts for the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the British Columbia Hockey League and enters his first season as head coach at USC – the first Los Angeles-area native to serve in that role.

“I take naps – sleep is absolutely sporadic,” laughed Maxwell. “However, I must say having a supportive wife is beneficial for your heart, no doubt.

Additionally, by setting manageable goals each day, and being able to meet priorities, we are able to balance our day-to-day operations. Communicating effectively with my spouse, co-workers, instructors, assistant coaches, etcetera, makes our daily life much more polished. Over and above all, you need to know when it is time to give yourself a break.”

Going back a few years, Maxwell literally grew up with hockey. His father’s side of the family is from the Canadian province of Ontario and his mother’s side is from St. Louis – two prevalent hockey hotbeds.

“They instilled this love for the game in me at the early age of three and my passion for the game has grown stronger ever since,” Maxwell said. “I have always wanted to perform at the highest level with

whatever task I have taken on in life. Ice hockey is a challenging sport and the will to succeed at an elite stage is what drives me..”

Drafted by United States Hockey League (USHL)

Tyler Maxwell

and Western Hockey League (WHL) teams, Maxwell realized in his teen years that his skill set could potentially take him to college and/or pro hockey. He signed with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips in 2008 after a handful of games with the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers the year prior. During his last junior sea-

son in 2011-12, Maxwell was dealt to the Edmonton Oil Kings and was part of a WHL championship team.

“When I was drafted to the WHL and USHL, I knew it was time to put up or shut up,” Maxwell said. “I quickly halted my other extracurricular activities and sports and focused solely on my game.

Of course, schoolwork was a top priority, especially ‘no honor roll, no sports.’ My parents insisted, and I agreed.”

After the WHL, Maxwell skated four seasons in the ECHL for six teams and also saw stints in Austria and Italy.

“I genuinely enjoyed my time playing professionally,” said Maxwell. “Was it a grind? Of course, but the juice was definitely worth the squeeze. I was able to travel the world, playing the sport I was in love with.

I created numerous lifelong bonds with character teammates and amazing, ultra-supportive fanatics. I was able to gain NHL experience. Those memories are something you will never fail to recollect. Plus, I met my wife during the journey, and I am forever grateful for that.”

These days, Maxwell has goals he still aspires to achieve in hockey and away from the rink.

“My main goal is to develop the sport of ice hockey, specifically in the region of Southern California, and especially along the West Coast,” Maxwell said.

“Honestly, the sport teaches deep-rooted qualities that are engrained for life. Away from the rink, I am a family man through and through. Building a legacy, and providing opportunities for my family and my players are a few of the aspirations I pride myself upon.”

Ex-California player LeMarque tells story on big screen

By Matt Mackinder

H

ockey is a sport played in the winter months, so needless to say, it’s cold.

Eric LeMarque experienced something far colder back in 2004 when he was lost in the Sierra Nevada wilderness, but survived for a week by living in a makeshift igloo and eating pine nuts and pine needles.

He lost both feet in the ordeal due to extreme frostbite.

His story is now being told in a motion picture, “6 Below,” which stars Josh Hartnett as LeMarque, and hit theaters Oct. 12. Tickets can be purchased at www.6BelowTheMovie.com. The story is also in book form, also titled “6 Below,” and is available on Amazon for those who want the whole story and enjoy reading.

“I got the book into the hands of some producers who focus on real-life stories that people can relate their own lives to,” said LeMarque. “The movie is almost 100 percent accurate – the messaging beats are the same and how it happened are very similar, just told a bit different at times.”

Portions of the film were filmed in 2016 with the California Heat youth hockey organization. LeMarque’s son currently plays for the Heat’s Squirt A team.

“The California Heat Hockey Club is first class,” LeMarque said. “They offer more for players through their coaching staff, ice time and a special family touch to California hockey.”

Born in France, LeMarque lives in Los Angeles and has taught as a local hockey coach. He played hockey in the 1994 Winter Olympics for France, scoring one goal in three games. He played five seasons with the

French National Team and also represented France in uated high school at 17 and then played four years the 1994 and 1995 International Ice Hockey Feder- at NCAA Division I Northern Michigan University from ation World Championships and played a handful of 1986-90, scoring 50 goals and adding 83 assists in NHL preseason games with the 160 games.

Boston Bruins.

LeMarque said his message “My first preseason game in both the film and book is one was against the Montreal Canathat is based on his life-threatdians at the Montreal Forum,” ening experiences on that frigid remembered LeMarque. “It was mountain side. surreal getting two goals and an “No matter what you are assist with one fight – a good faced with, you can overcome start for my professional career. I anything with the right attitude, received great advice from (Bosdetermination and faith as you ton defenseman) Ray Bourque, speak to your situation lifting you who said ‘respect everyone and out of a valley onto the top of a fear no one.’ He taught me to bemountain,” said LeMarque. lieve you are just as good, if not And by staying involved and better than anyone you are playattentive as a hockey parent, Leing against and not to be caught Marque said he sees the growth up on anything other than what of hockey in California as posiit takes within your professional tive, but it begins behind the and athletic lifestyle. Putting in bench of each association. the work on and off the ice will “We need to put the best give you the best chance for succoaches with the most expecess. I was also taught that talent rience into the head coaching is not enough for success. You Earlier this month, “6 Below” hit theaters and roles,” said LeMarque. “To comtells the tale of California native and former need to always add hard work hockey player Eric LeMarque being lost in the pete with the best in North Amerto the talent to have consistent Sierra Nevada wilderness. ica, we need coaches who have success.” lived the game, are experienced Growing up, LeMarque played for Topanga Can- coaches, are experienced healthy adults who underyon Ice Hockey Club, Culver City, Marina Cities, New- stand relationships and people and what motivates bury Park, Burbank and then at 15, he left California young adult athletes so that they not only became and played Midget AAA for Detroit Compuware, win- great athletes, but moreover, become successful peoning back-to-back national championships. He grad- ple.”

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OneHockey arrives in California with four holiday events

By OneHockey Staff

I

t’s taken 14 years, but the hockey tournament industry’s undisputed international leader is finally going to introduce its home state of California to what the highly-acclaimed OneHockey experience is all about.

OneHockey CEO Sebastien Fortier, a Laguna Hills resident, is excited to announce that OneHockey will bring four OneHockey holiday weekend spectaculars to the Golden State during the 201718 season.

These three-day hockey festivals will take place at Icetown Arenas in Carlsbad and LA Kings Icetown Riverside during the Thanksgiving, Presidents Day, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July weekends.

Both arenas are owned and operated by the Dunaev family and the Riverside location is a community partner with 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 and operates the 25-plus year-round tournament organization from his home office.

A OneHockey event is anything but your everyday tournament at your neighborhood ice rink.

From its festive music and playful mascot streaming throughout each venue to its bus-

tling lobby featuring a multitude of hockey vendors as well as its popular red-carpet social media interviews, all culminating with its trademark championship ceremony – complete with a OneHockey Cup raising and non-alcoholic champagne celebration – the OneHockey experience cannot be equaled.

For more information on the new OneHockey California events as well as the rest of the 201718 in-season OneHockey schedule across North America, visit www.onehockey.com.

ONEHOCKEY CALIFORNIA EVENTS: Thanksgiving - NOVEMBER 2017 Dates: November 24-26 Category: Boys - 4 Games Div/Level: Mite A, Mite B, Squirt B, Peewee AA LOCATION: Ice Town Carlsbad

Presidents’ Day - FEBRUARY 2018 Dates: February16-19, 2018 Category: Boys - 5 Games Div/Level: Peewee A, Peewee B, Squirt B LOCATION: Ice Town Carlsbad

Memorial Day - MAY 2018 Dates: May 25-28, 2018 Category: Boys - 5 Games Div/Level: Bantam A, Bantam AA, Peewee AA LOCATION: Ice Town Carlsbad

Fourth of July - July 2018 Dates: July 5-8, 2018 Category: Boys - 5 Games Div/Level: 2008 AAA, 2008 AA, 2007 AA LOCATION: Ice Town Carlsbad

Div/Level: Peewee A, Peewee B, Bantam AA, 16AA/JV High School, 18AA/Varsity LOCATION: Ice Town Riverside

Div/Level: Squirt A, Bantam B, Bantam A, Bantam AA, U16 AA/JV High School U18AA/Varsity High School LOCATION: Ice Town Riverside

Div/Level: Mite A and B (half ice), Squirt A, Squirt B, Peewee A, Peewee B, U16 AA/HS JV, U18 AA/HS Varsity LOCATION: Ice Town Riverside

Div/Level: 2002 AAA, 2002 AA, 2004 AAA, 2004 AA, 2005 AAA, 2006 AAA, 2006 AAA, 2007 AAA LOCATION: Ice Town Riverside

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

L.A. KINGS HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY LEAGUE

LAKHSHL brings aboard veteran Scullion as goalie coach

By Greg Ball

G

oaltenders playing in the L.A. Kings High School Hockey League will have a new resource this season as they try to improve their skills.

Brian Scullion has been hired as the league’s goalie coach, and will work with each of the league’s nine varsity and eight junior varsity teams.

Less than a month into the season, Scullion has already helped a number of the league’s netminders.

“Coach Brian just started and has already made a positive impact on the teams he has worked with,” said Emma Tani, the Kings’ coordinator of league and rinks, hockey development. “He is extremely passionate about helping our goalies improve, providing us with detailed recaps about each goalie he works with.

We are thrilled to have him on board.”

Scullion had worked as an assistant with the Santa Barbara Royals during the league’s first two seasons, after having coached youth hockey for five years in the Chicago area before moving to California. He helped lead the Royals to two consecutive league championships, and said he jumped at the chance to work with all the league’s goalies, hoping that he could spread his knowledge and expertise to a wide variety of players.

“I think there all the kids are going to appreciate the individual concentration on them for that time we get to have together,” said Scullion, who will visit each team twice this season. “My goal is to make them as comfortable as possible. I think over the next 5-10 years,

we’re going to see a huge jump in the talent level overall in the league, and if I can help the goalies get better, I will have done my job.”

Royals coach Steve Heinze, who was a forward in the NHL for 13 years, said having Scullion coach his goalies the last two seasons was a big help, and he

Brian Scullion has a vast and decorated background coaching goaltenders, and working with the LAKHSHL is his latest endeavor.

expects that the league’s other teams will now benefit similarly.

“Our starter and our second goalie were the top two guys in the league in goals-against average both years, so that opened the door for him with the Kings - the proof is in the pudding,” Heinze said. “He’s teaching these guys how to stop pucks. I know nothing about it - I just know how to score. He’s been a huge help with

LAKLeague.com

pretty much zero input from me.

“He has helped us, and he can help the other teams.

He relates well to high school-age kids. He can see what each kid needs to work on and tailor his approach to their skill level. I know how passionate he is about the game, and in addition to working with the kids from each team on the ice, he’ll be watching video and will be in touch over email or text giving them tips to help them. He’s just the type of guy who fully immerses himself in what he’s doing and gets it done.”

Scullion developed his coaching approach under the tutelage of current Washington Capitals director of goaltending Mitch Korn, with whom he crossed paths when Scullion was a student at Miami (Ohio) University. In his new role, he involves coaches from each team in his training sessions and takes video as well, with the idea that his lessons can be applied even when he’s not physically with the league’s goalies.

“There’s a progression to how I coach goalies,” he said. “Hopefully, I can leave them with some things to work on between the first time I see them and the second.”

The reviews from players and their parents has been nothing but positive. Mark Kovinsky, the father of Burbank Cougars goalie Jake Kovinsky, said the constructive feedback his son received from Scullion far exceeded anything in Jake’s nine years playing hockey.

“We appreciate Coach Scullion spending his time with Jake, and we greatly appreciate having coaches that allow the goaltenders to take time from practice to work with goalie-specific coaches,” he said.

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN OCT. 27TH

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TOYOTA SPORTS CENTER

Jr. Kings graduates making waves at higher levels

By Brian McDonough

W

hen it comes to advancing players to higher levels of the game, few do it better than the Los Angeles Jr. Kings organization.

Over the years, thanks in part to its experienced and well-connected coaching staff, the program has helped dozens of its players reach the professional, NCAA and elite-level junior ranks - and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.

“I don’t think there’s any question we have some of the best in the business when it comes to our coaching assets,” said Jr. Kings general manager of hockey operations Nick Vachon. “These guys have so much knowledge and, the way they teach the game and run their practices, it’s no wonder we have so many of our players moving on to bigger and better things, on and off the ice.”

Among the Jr. Kings graduates skating in the NHL are forwards Kailer Yamamoto (Edmonton Oilers) and Bobby Ryan (Ottawa Senators) and defensemen Kevan Miller (Boston Bruins) and Chad Ruhwedel (Pittsburgh Penguins).

Ruhwedel celebrated a Stanley Cup championship last summer as a member of Pittsburgh Penguins, becoming the second born-and-trained California player to hoist the coveted trophy after former Jr. King Beau Bennett did so as a member of the Penguins the year prior.

Yamamoto made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs earlier this month.

Others toiling in the professional ranks this season include Bennett, a forward in the St. Louis Blues organization;

forward Mitch Callahan, who’s skating in the Edmonton and St. Ivany, who will play his NCAA Division I hockey at Oilers organization; and Thatcher Demko, a goaltender in Yale University following his junior career, are playing in the the Vancouver Canucks organization.

United States Hockey League (USHL) - Guttman with the A handful of other Jr. Kings alums are also playing pro- Dubuque Fighting Saints; St. Ivany the Sioux Falls Stampede. fessionally in the ECHL, as well as overseas.

McGrew, who was selected by Plenty of grads are also playing the San Jose Sharks in the 2017 NHL in the NCAA Division I ranks - three Draft, is skating for the Western Hockof whom are just starting their college ey League’s (WHL) Spokane Chiefs. careers: forwards Ben Lown (Miami Former Jr. Kings returning to the (Ohio) University), Alec Mehr (Brown WHL this season include forwards University) and Eetu Selanne (NorthEvan Weinger (Brandon Wheat eastern University).

Others playing NCAA Division I Kings) and defenseman Keoni Texeihockey this season include sophomore ra (Portland Winterhawks).

Goaltender Dustin Wolf, another forwards Nick Rivera (Minnesota State graduate of the Jr. Kings program, is in University-Mankato) and Josh Wilkins his first season stopping pucks for the (Providence College) and goaltender WHL’s Everett Silvertips.

Gavin Nieto (Brown University); junior Forward Rory Herrman, who also forwards Robby Jackson (St. Cloud played for the Jr. Kings, is in his second State University), Patrick Newell (St. season with the USHL’s Green Bay Cloud) and Filip Starzynski (NorthKailer Yamamoto, a former Los Angeles ern Michigan University); junior forward Jr. King, made his NHL debut earlier this Gamblers and committed to Arizona Ryan Siroky (Miami University-Ohio); month as a member of the Edmonton Oil- State University.

Vachon is nothing but excited and senior forward Nolan Stevens ers. Photo/Matt Mackinder (Northeastern University). where the program is headed from a player development And a number of former Jr. Kings are continuing to ex- standpoint. cel playing high-level junior hockey - among them forwards “I think we’re just scratching the surface,” said Vachon.

Cole Guttman and Jake McGrew and defenseman Jack “Between our coaching staff and all the other resources we St. Ivany. have at our disposal, not to mention the added support of Both Guttman, a St. Cloud State recruit who was cho- the Los Angeles Kings, I expect to see a lot more of our playsen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2017 NHL Draft, ers recruited to the higher levels in the coming years.”

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SAN JOSE JR. SHARKS

Little Sharks leading the way in Bay Area hockey growth

By Matt Mackinder

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mber Cottle is the marketing coordinator for the San Jose Sharks and part of her duties is to manage all of the planning and logistics related to the Little Sharks program.

The Little Sharks program hosts two sessions of “Learn to Play” classes every year. During the 2016-17 season, the Sharks had approximately 800 participants in the program – 400 in each session. The Sharks are on target to reach the same numbers during the 2017-18 season. Learn to Play is now an NHL initiative that has helped grow the program and offset some of the program’s costs. Every NHL team has some type of Learn to Play program, but something that makes Little Sharks special is that a Sharks alum is the lead instructor at almost every class.

“This program removes the biggest hurdle in introducing players to the game of hockey – the financial aspect of purchasing all the gear,” explained Cottle. “This program provides kids who previously may not have had the opportunity to try this sport a chance to experience the game first hand. I find it so rewarding to see the Little Sharks on the ice with big smiles on their faces. This year, we hosted our Fitting Days at Solar4America Ice at San Jose and many of the kids went inside after receiving their gear to test it out during open skate. It was pretty cool to see all the Little Sharks out on the ice wearing their jerseys for the first time.”

Cottle said the Little Sharks can help to grow the game in the Bay Area.

“I think it is incredibly important for this program to

grow the game in this area,” Cottle said. “Due to our weather, this area is not a traditional hockey market, so I would say that we have an extra responsibility to grow this game and introduce new players to the sport who previously may not have realized that hockey was an accessible option. Our goal is to continue growing the game and our footprint. We are currently hosting classes in seven rinks across the Bay Area and we are looking to add to that number in the coming years.”

As the youth hockey manager at Solar4America Ice at San Jose, Matt Adams oversees the Jr. Sharks House League, the next step after kids complete the Little Sharks program.

“I’ve been skating at the rink since 1997, an employee since 2000, in my current roll as youth hockey manager since 2008 and in that time, I have had the opportunity to see the complete youth hockey journey from start to finish for many kids,” said Adams. “I am not a parent myself, but I enjoy getting that ‘proud parent feeling’ when I see a kid first step on the ice at the age of six and you see the struggles they go through, to them honing their skills to move into a league environment or travel team, then

SJJrSharks.com

to see them age out of youth hockey at the AA or AAA level.. It’s pretty rewarding to see the growth of a child over the time in our program.”

Adams added that “the next generation of hockey players will also be the next generation of hockey fans.”

“They will be the next generation of Sharks season ticket holders, they will be the next generation of Jr. Sharks coaches and managers,” Adams said. “And somewhere in the middle of that next generation of American-born hockey players could be the next Joe Pavelski, the next Auston Matthews, the next Jack Eichel. We need to have as many players possible, young and old, playing this sport in order to guarantee its health for years to come.

I’d be lying if I said that for those of us involved in youth hockey, we don’t care if the next NHL superstar emerges from our respective programs, but for every blue-chip player that we produce, we should be creating a thousand more recreational hockey players.

“We need to foster a love for the game in as many youth players as we can, regardless of their skill, age, location or background.”

Visit the Jr Sharks website to register

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PICTURE PERFECT Rancho Cucamonga native Collin Delia (No. 60, at right) celebrates an NHL Prospect Tournament championship with his Chicago Blackhawks teammates last month in Traverse City, Mich.

For the second straight season, the Pacific Ridge JV team captured the OC Labor Day Hockey Festival championship in its division to kick off the 2017-18 season last month.

New USC head coach Tyler Maxwell, a Manhattan Beach native, holds his newborn daughter, Ivy, with his wife, Chanel, to his left. Ivy was born Sept. 27 at 5:56 p.m. at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

After the Las Vegas shooting Oct. 1, the L1285 Honor Guard presented the colors at the UNLV hockey game Oct. 6.

The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Pee Wee AAA Minor team got its season off to a stellar start, taking home the top prize in its division at this year’s Compuware Honeybaked AAA Invitational, which was contested Sept. 15-17 in suburban Detroit.

Newport Beach native and Los Angeles Jr. Kings alum Matt Wiesner, now with the Northeast Generals, was named the North American Hockey League’s Forward of the Month for September after posting four goals and 11 points in eight games. Photo/NAHL

San Diego Gulls players Jordan Samuels-Thomas (left) and Jeff Schultz (right) joined members of the Gulls Girls to hand-deliver season tickets to numerous Gulls season ticket holders at the end of September.

Anaheim Lady Ducks graduates Tia Stoddard (left) and Katie Beaumier are teammates once again on Clarkson University’s NCAA Division I team.. Stoddard is a freshman, while Beaumier is a sophomore for the Golden Knights.

The Vegas Jr. Golden Knights took home the championship in the 14U AA division at the Arizona Hockey Union Ice Breaker Invitational, which was showcased Oct. 6-9, culminating with the championship game Oct. 9 at AZ Ice Gilbert in Gilbert, Ariz.

Submit your favorite hockey photos to pictureperfect@rubberhockey.com!

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TAHOE HOCKEY ACADEMY

Collins fits well with THA as prep team’s assistant coach

By Greg Ball

I

t takes a special type of person to take on the time commitment and level of dedication that’s required to coach at the Tahoe Hockey Academy, and there’s no doubt that Chris Collins fits the bill.

The assistant coach of Tahoe’s prep team, Collins is as passionate about hockey as he is about helping kids.

“It’s obvious we made the right decision in hiring him because he truly lives and breathes hockey,” said Mike Lewis, the head coach of Tahoe’s prep team.

“He thinks about it when he wakes up in the morning and before he goes to bed at night. To do what we do here, being on the ice every single day, you really have to be a person who’s in tune to the game. It’s a perfect marriage to have someone who loves the game so much and to have a program that demands that from a coach.”

Collins joined Tahoe Hockey Academy in early 2016, jumping on board to help launch the program’s inaugural season. He had previously coached with the Tahoe Icemen, a Junior A team in the Western States Hockey League, and worked with kids in a private-lesson environment during the summers.

He said his experience with Tahoe Hockey Academy has been even better than he could have imagined.

“It’s always nerve-wracking when you’re a part of something new because for a lot of people, new is uncomfortable,” Collins said. “It has been great being a

part of something that has caught so much momentum in Texas. He was done with competitive hockey at the and being part of a program that believes so strongly age of 19, and when he looks back at his experience, in what it’s doing. I couldn’t be happier to be working he realizes that he wasn’t working with the same rewith Mike Lewis, (varsity head coach) Leo Fenn and sources that are available to Tahoe’s players to aid in the other amazing guys we have on our coaching staff. their development.

“At that time, you either went Division I college or It’s a great environment - this is one of the greatest group of guys I’ve been around in hockey, from the Major Junior,” Collins said. “I always tell the guys here to get their education. After coaching staff to the players. that, they can go try to play in Everybody has bought into the ECHL or Europe, and if all the program.” else fails, you can come home In addition to his duties with the prep team, Collins and you’re ready to start the spends plenty of time on next phase of your life.” the ice with Tahoe’s varsity Lewis met Collins a few squad, working on skill deyears ago through coaching velopment or whatever else circles, and when it came the players need. He said it time to assemble a staff in has been a breath of fresh Tahoe, it didn’t take long for air working with the types of him to realize he had found at kids that are drawn to Tahoe least one of the right guys in Hockey Academy. As CaliCollins.

“What’s great about Chris fornia’s first prep boarding school for hockey players, Tahoe Hockey Academy assistant coach is what head is that he understands what Tahoe attracts the type of coach Mike Lewis calls ‘a great asset for our program.’ we’re trying to do for our kids because he’s been through student-athletes who are fully Photo/Tahoe Media Collective committed to getting the most out of their potential, it,” Lewis said. “He grew up playing in SCAHA, and he has said how much we would have been appreciated both on the ice and in the classroom.

Collins grew up playing across Southern California back then if there was a program like ours out there.

“He can speak to our players from experience. for teams in Panorama City, Burbank and Valencia before playing part of one season for an 18U AAA team He’s a great asset for our program.”

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17-18 season.

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ANAHEIM DUCKS

THE RINKS, Ducks push girls hockey growth with free event

By Kirstie Bender

B

ack on Sunday, Oct. 8, THE RINKS and the Anaheim Ducks hosted “Girls Try Hockey For Free Day” at The Rinks – Anaheim ICE as part of the International Ice Hockey Federation and USA Hockey’s campaign to encourage girls to play hockey.

Over 50 girls from ages four to 12 participated in the hour-long session and were able to learn the basics of the game of hockey for free.

For this event, participants were outfitted with complete sets of hockey equipment (helmet, shoulder pads, elbow pads, shin guards, and pants) and coached by the staff and members of the Anaheim Lady Ducks organization, headed by coach Kathy McGarrigle.

“These events are great ways to remind our players where they started,” said McGarrigle. “For them to give back like this, and know that they are now setting an example and being a role model for another young girl, is something really special.”

The Lady Ducks led groups of participants in station drills that focused specifically on hockey fundamentals, such as skating, passing and shooting.

“Hockey itself can be a very intimidating sport to get into, especially for young girls that may have fears of taking the ice with boys,” said THE RINKS marketing coordinator Kirstie Bender. “This is one of my favorite events of the year to help organize, especially with the Lady Ducks’ involvement. It is a great way to show

girls, young girls, that hockey really has a place for everyone.

“The work that Kathy and her team have done is really a testament to that.”

The Ducks and THE RINKS will continue their efforts to grow the game of hockey through their grassroots initiatives – the Anaheim Ducks’ Learn to

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Play Hockey program and the Little Ducks program – and by taking part in USA Hockey’s “Try Hockey for Free Day” on Saturday, Nov. 4 at The Rinks – Lakewood ICE. “Events like ‘Try Hockey for Free Day’ and ‘Girls Try Hockey for Free Day’ are what allow us to continue to grow the game of hockey across Southern California,” said THE RINKS marketing associate Craig Appleby. “Every year, we see more and more kids going through our programs that started because of their first experience at a ‘Try Hockey for Free Day’ and that is really great to see.”

For more information on this year’s event and to register, visit www. anaheimducks.com/tryhockeyforfree.

With THE RINKS Development Program launch in Feb. 2009, the Ducks operate eight local skating facilities: four ice rinks (THE RINKS – Anaheim ICE, THE RINKS – Westminster ICE, THE RINKS – Yorba Linda ICE, THE RINKS – Lakewood ICE and THE RINKS – Poway ICE), as well as three inline facilities (THE RINKS – Huntington Beach Inline, THE RINKS – Irvine Inline, and THE RINKS – Corona Inline).

For information on THE RINKS program, visit www.The-Rinks.com.

ANAHEIM JR. DUCKS Jr. Ducks community mourning the passing of coach Mitch Lane

By Chris Bayee

W

hen hockey players face adversity, they have several choices.

Longtime Anaheim Jr. Ducks coach Mitch Lane chose to battle.

Lane, who was given three to six months to live after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2014, outlived his prognosis by three years and in the process continued to do what he loved – invest in young hockey players.

Lane, 44, passed away on Sept. 11.

“Mitch was a really good coach who understood it’s more about helping young men grow on and off the ice,” said Todd Marchant, whom Lane coached with for several seasons. “He was in it for the right reasons.”

Lane played collegiately for Michigan Tech and Lake Superior State and proudly coached his son, Zach, and nephew, Nathan, with the Jr. Ducks.

His widow, Amy, said hockey was crucial in helping sustain Mitch through the ups and downs of treatment.

“Mitch continued to volunteer as an assistant coach and did so through his entire battle,” she said. “He truly loved the sport and the boys. It was definitely his way of giving back to the sport and his community.

“He loved having a positive influence on the boys and seeing them grow into great young men.”

One fruit of Mitch’s perseverance was being able to see Zach and Nathan win the CAHA Bantam AA state championship and earn a trip to the USA Hockey Youth Nationals in 2016.

Said Marchant: “He was always there for those kids, and the hockey community will always be there for his family.”

Lane’s family has established the Mitch Lane Memorial Hockey Scholarship fund through the CharitySmith Nonprofit Foundation. The fund will assist youth hockey players with financial needs. Visit charitysmith.org/memorial-funds/mitch-lane/ for more information.

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CHALK TALK

IIHF World Girls Ice Hockey Weekend a positive event F

rom a “Girls Try Hockey For Free Day” to NCAA student-athlete commitments this fall, California provides growing opportunities for females of ALL ages and levels of play.

Girls Try Hockey For Free – Clubs Form Teams Kathy McGarrigle As Girls Try Hockey For Free events were underway over the Oct. 6-8 weekend across California, it became evident that we are closer than ever to forming a girls league for 10U and 12U and perhaps 14U within the next 2-3 years.

Once unimaginable, several milestones such as USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) program implementation, the 2007 Anaheim Lady Ducks 12U national championship, and later, the Anaheim Ducks winning California’s first Stanley Cup, followed by the LA Kings, all helped sprout expanded interest in playing hockey. All of a sudden, things started to change for girls wanting to play.

Girls hockey was a tiny, slowly rolling snowball for most of the last decade, but as the ADM has blossomed, so has the opportunity for more girls teams to

sprout up. Five CAHA clubs have girls programs now, totaling more than 30 all-girls teams in 2017. Is that snowball getting bigger? Yes. Is there room for two or three more girls programs? We hope so!

Stay in California to Play Today, girls who have played IN California can more easily stay in California, complete school, their hockey career and develop, 8U through 19U before moving to bigger things at NCAA Division I, Division III and ACHA competitive programs. Last year alone, more than 25 girls graduated from Tier I and II hockey teams in California and are freshmen at many college hockey programs.

A handful are beginning rookie seasons at the highly competitive Division I schools like St. Cloud State University or Yale University. Division III schools are more competitive than ever and another dozen Cali freshmen are getting started at a variety of universities.

The ACHA, a new option for many, is a nationally competitive collegiate club format that has burst at the seams in recent years, including programs in the west at USC and ASU and drawing many Tier II-level players into their ranks. The ACHA offers women’s ice hockey for those who may not want to go back East for competitive ice hockey while in college.

There are more than 50 homegrown Californian female student-athletes currently playing NCAA women’s

ice hockey, most of whom played girls hockey throughout their entire youth careers for teams like the Lady Ducks or San Jose Jr. Sharks girls. While most future Division I and III college student-athletes get scouted at Tier I team showcases, such as Two Nations, Stony Creek and other invitational scouting events, Tier II teams give players opportunities to prep for Division III and ACHA programs such as the Chicago Invite event, also during the Girls Hockey Weekend.

At whatever level young California girls dream to compete, their pathway can remain under the sunny skies of California until their college opportunities arise.

Take a look at upcoming events to promote female hockey in California.

On Dec. 15, San Jose will be hosting the women’s pre-Olympic Team USA vs. Team Canada series game (Lady Duck alumnus Annie Pankowski on Team USA).

Then over the New Year, Jan. 5-6, 2018, the Lady Ducks will be hosting an NCAA Division I game featuring four Lady Duck alumni as Lindenwood University faces off against St. Lawrence University.

Wherever you live, one or both of these would be an amazing chance to see what it’s all about. There are more than 50 CAHA girls playing college hockey in 2017.

Looks like that number is going to get even bigger in the near future!

Kathy McGarrigle serves as the director/head coach of the Anaheim Lady Ducks and currently coaches the 12U AAA and 14U AA teams.

She has also worked as a middle school teacher for the past 28 years.

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

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www.caha.com

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

NEVADA REPORT

City National Arena a major boon to Las Vegas community best service the community as well. I always share with people that the building has great flow – from the pro side to the public side – and a lot of thought went into hen Robbert McDonald says that it’s an excitevery detail, and it was fun to be a part of that process.” ing time for Nevada hockey right now, that could actually be taken as an understatement.

It was also a very lengthy, but rewarding, process.

McDonald, the director of hockey operations and “It has been long days and long weeks for all of us assistant manager of the brand-new City National Arebeing a part of this, but we’ve all enjoyed it at the same na in the Summerlin part of Las Vegas, said the local time,” McDonald said. “Every day, regardless of how community seems very excited about the new long they’ve been, they’ve been fun and I think I rink opening up, both to watch the NHL’s Vegas speak for everyone when I say we had the right Golden Knights practice and also for the propeople in place to not only execute what needed grams and what the facility will be offering to the to be done, but work hand in hand with one another as a team, which made it that much more community. enjoyable for us all.”

“We recently had an open house where the And if the registration numbers weren’t community was welcomed to come skate and enough to be elated with, just take the fact that gather information about our programs and we on the day the Jr. Golden Knights youth program saw 50 kids sign up for our ‘Learn to Skate’ prostepped on the ice for the first time, there were gram, which was very exciting to see,” said Mcfamilies that had their whole day revolve around Donald. “We also had the Golden Knights rookie that monumental event. camp going on, and the community turnout to “The first day we were scheduled to hold Vewatch that was very positive and exciting to see.” gas Jr.. Golden Knights practice, families were Seeing the excitement level, especially among the youth population, is a sign that Las Vegas has The new City National Arena will serve as the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights’ prac- showing up hours before their practice at City the potential to be a hockey hotbed down the line. tice facility, as well as the home rink for the Jr. Golden Knights youth program. National Arena because they were so eager to “I think not only having a facility for the community “The players and staff love the facility, which pro- see it and be in it,” explained McDonald. “That enthusiwill help grow the participation numbers, but also having vides them all the space and resources needed to be asm was awesome to see and we plan on building on our presence as an organization (Golden Knights) will at their best,” said McDonald. “Murray put a lot of great that enthusiasm through our programming and the varhelp the participation numbers for all of Nevada,” said thought in designing our facility and having been in the ious events we plan on holding. All our programs align McDonald. “The NHL and the Vegas Golden Knights league, he knew exactly what the team would need, but with USA Hockey’s nationwide American Development will be helping with cost of programing and gear for also having the youth hockey experience as well, he Model player-development program and we’re excited first-time participants in ‘Learn to Skate’ programs and knew what the facility would need on the public side to about growing the game here in Nevada.”

By Matt Mackinder

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‘Learn to Play’ programs, not only at our facility, but at the Las Vegas Ice Center and Sobe Arena. I think with both the NHL and the Vegas Golden Knights being involved with helping the community afford these programs, we’ll see numbers grow at a rapid rate.”

McDonald also noted that Golden Knights senior VP of hockey operations Murray Craven put forth the effort in designing City National Arena.

FROM THE TRAINER’S ROOM Dealing with knee, MCL injuries when it comes to hockey T

he medial collateral ligament in the knee (MCL) was the second most common injury in NCAA hockey in 2013, as stated by Grant, Bedi, Kurz, Bancroft and Miller.

The study showed that only concussions had a higher injury rate in male collegiate players.

The MCL is one of four ligaments in the knee and is located on the inside of the knee connecting the femur and tibia.

The ligament’s purpose is to provide support to the inside of Chris Phillips the knee, helping to prevent inward movement of the joint.

This ligament can be injured when a player is either hit from the outside of the knee, placing an inward force on the knee, or when the player pivots or twists the knee and the skate sticks into the ice.

Though MCL injuries can be painful and debilitating, they rarely require surgery to repair them. Since the MCL is located outside the joint capsule, unlike the ACL and PCL, it typically gets decent blood flow and heals fairly well. Full recovery time usually ranges between two and eight weeks.

Rehab initially should be focused on regaining full motion of the knee, reducing swelling and regaining strength. As the ligament heals, the rehab should be focused on linear or straight forward movement that does not place any inward force on the knee. The unfortunate thing here is that skating and shooting does place this type of force on the knee and will be one of the last phases of the rehab.

Overall, MCL sprains are pretty common in hockey, but they heal fairly quickly and most fully recover without any long-term issues. eight years’ experience in the NHL. He currently owns Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Orange County.

Chris Phillips is an athletic trainer and strength and conditioning specialist with eight years’ experience in the NHL. He currently owns Compete Sports Performance and Rehab in Orange County.

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California, Nevada communities rocked by Vegas shooting

By Matt Mackinder

T

he mass shooting that took the lives of 59 people on Oct. 1 in Las Vegas had an impact on hockey communities in California and Nevada.

Unfortunately, Los Angeles Kings fan service associate Christiana Duarte was one of the victims that night, while UNLV assistant coach Nick Robone was shot, but is expected to make a full recovery.

The Kings honored Duarte and the other victims at their season-opening game Oct. 5 at the STAPLES Center against Philadelphia.

“Our organization is overwhelmed with grief over the loss of our colleague Chrissy,” Kings president Luc Robitaille said. “We would like to thank everyone for their outreach, love and support. In just a brief period of time, Chrissy had an immeasurable impact on all of us.

We want to make every effort to ensure that everyone knows how special she was and the impact she already had made on so many people. We would also ask that everyone please understand and respect her family’s wish for privacy at this difficult time.”

As part of the events at the season opener, the Kings honored Duarte and all of the other victims during a special pre-game ceremony with both a moment of silence and a video. The Kings also saluted first responders who were on the scene.

Kings players wore a special “CD” sticker on the back of their helmets during the game. Kings staff members wore a special pin in her honor. All proceeds from the Kings’ 50-50 raffle sales that evening were donated by the Kings Care Foundation to the Las Vegas Victims’ Fund. Kings players matched the funds raised.

Duarte’s official GoFundMe page is LAKings.com/

Chrissy.

“Our hearts go out to Chrissy’s family and loved ones and everyone else associated with this horrible act of terror,” said Kings captain and forward Anze Kopitar. “As a team, it was important for us to contribute in any way possible.”

For Robone, he went in for immediate surgery and was extubated on Oct. 4. He is now able to sit up and breathe

on his own. His lung is still badly bruised and will still have a long road to recover in ICU. A GoFundMe page for Robone has been created at www.gofundme. com/4ioyduo.

Just days after being shot, Robone sent out a message to family and friends via social media.

“I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words,

love and generosity,” said Robone. “I’m out of surgery and expected to make a full recovery. However, there are others not as fortunate to have the same support system as me and my family. I urge all of you to share the same charitableness and kindness for the rest of the community, victims and their families as you have for me.”

“We cannot begin to express the amount of support we have seen through both the local community and the hockey world,” UNLV hockey said in a statement.

“We are forever grateful for the heroic efforts of the first responders, the LVFD, LVPD and the entire medical staff at Sunrise Hospital.

“We are not here to allow this person’s actions to dictate how we live, work, study and play. We look forward to seeing everyone out in support of our friend and coach Nick Robone and the community of Las Vegas. Together, we will unite and show why this is such a beautiful city.”

The Vegas Golden Knights, the Foley Family Charitable Trust and the NHL also announced a joint donation of $300,000 to support the victims of the shooting and the first responders who have worked fearlessly and tirelessly from the moment tragedy struck.

In addition, under the banner “Vegas United,” the league, its clubs and the players honored the victims at season-opening games and provided additional assistance through pledge drives and other ventures as the NHL family joined together to support Las Vegas.

Parents, beware: Stay away from online message boards

A

bout six years ago, as a first-time hockey parent Behind the guise of anonymity, parents attack of a Mite house player, I recall asking a couple other parents, clubs and governing bodies and of the veteran travel parents if they had any recom- it’s not uncommon for these adults to spend time mendations for information about different hockey arguing over the over/under scores of children’s clubs and the tryout process. hockey games every weekend.

One parent was vocal about Further, parents will actively the wealth of resources you refer in vague terms to players could find on the hockey mesor families whom they feel are sage boards. The other parent not worthy to play with their was equally as vocal and statchildren or whom they feel will ed in no uncertain terms that I never perform at the level that should avoid those sites like they (referring to the collective the gaps in the mats at hockey message board community) berinks. I found myself fascinated lieve they should reach. by these differing opinions and This was most beautifully ilbegan to scour the internet to lustrated by the torrent of meslearn more about hockey messages regarding the California sage boards.

Amateur Hockey Association These message boards are board decision to implement an mostly populated by “adults” evaluation protocol to help dewho have little or no understandtermine placement of teams for ing of the impact of their conversafety purposes. If one agrees Trevor Small sations on their children. These or disagrees with the impleboards contain page after page of adults disparag- mentation of this policy is an individual’s choice, ing children and their performance in hockey. Visit but the message boards erupted with such vitriol the first-year Mite message board and clearly see and angst equal to hot lava being poured upon the the most upsetting comments imaginable regard- Stanley Cup. Furthermore, almost every individual ing the athletic prowess of a child who probably on the board went to great lengths to discuss the learned to ride a bike less than two years before. appropriateness of ranking one team or another in I cannot even begin to describe the level of hate a division and the heresy of certain teams being often expressed toward certain coaches whom par- included or not included. ents will openly accuse of things that range from It is crystal clear that the manner in which these tax evasion to bribery. adults are sharing their thoughts DOES impact the Yet to their face, they say nothing. manner in which their children integrate the game 20

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

and their attitude toward other players and clubs.

Hockey as a sport is clearly one that brings people together and provides children with a long term, incredibly healthy after-school activity, which promotes friendship, discipline, and positive habits.

What can easily erode the positive impact of hockey, however, is the negative filters and unresolved maladaptive manipulations of the parent, which is seen most clearly in the messages posted upon these boards.

Some parents have asked for my suggestions regarding the messages posted on the boards (because regardless of disclaimers, the children ARE reading these boards and hearing other adults speak negatively about them). What I tell them is to inform their players and children that there will always be people who are negative and there will always be people who search for an anonymous forum to display their unresolved mental health issues. And, most importantly, to consider what it felt like to hear or read something negative about their club or team and hold that memory for the next time they consider making a rude or inappropriate comment on social media. It might be too late to help the “adults” on these message boards integrate a different mindset, but there is a chance for the players of today to become the responsible and positive hockey parents of tomorrow.

Trevor Small, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist who is the Safe Sport coordinator for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings, the clinical director of Bridges to Recovery, and is in private practice in Santa Monica, Calif. He has provided mental health services to adolescents and adults for almost 30 years.

A Taste of the NHL

Training camp labors of a half-dozen players with California ties results in preseason action likes of Brent Seabrook, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith.”

Just one day before, Ortega put on the jersey of the NHL team closest to where he grew up in North San Diego County – the Anaheim Ducks. Because the preseason game was in Anaheim, several family members and friends were able to attend.

“I was hoping that I would be able to get in a game,” said Ortega, who finished a standout career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in March before signing with the Ducks’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. “A lot of guys weren’t able to do that.

“It was definitely a special experience, and it would have been regardless of what NHL rink it happened it.

But it was more special because it was close to home and a rink I grew up going to games to.”

Chmelevski (a 2017 San Jose Sharks draft pick) and Moy (a 2015 Nashville Predators pick who graduated from Harvard in the spring) each got into a game on Sept. 19.

The opportunity to play in NHL games was confirmation to Koules that his changing approach

chance. That got me the most ready I’ve ever been for a camp.” here was no press release.

Koules was way down the Blue Jackets’ depth No grand announcement or much – if any – chart, and being in camp on an AHL deal didn’t exactly media attention. Just a sheet of paper on the wall with provide incentive for the team to give him a long look. names on it.

Yet, he stayed after it, playing well in scrimmages and For six players with ties to California, that was all well enough in one preseason game to get a second. they needed to see. They got a chance to live out every “I’ve been to different training camps, and there are hockey player’s dream and skate in an NHL game for different fits for everyone,” he said. “This one ended up the first time during training camp. being a good fit. The GM and coach understand what I Some waited longer than others for the opportunity. can bring to the table.

Miles Koules attended NHL training camps the “There were times in the past where you work hard past four years with three different franchises. For and do well but it goes unnoticed. I had a sense the others, be they recent signings from the NCAA ranks things I was doing were getting noticed.”

(Collin Delia, Tyler Moy and Austin Ortega) or recent Those things have changed over the years, Koules draft picks from Major Junior (Sasha Chmelevski and said. His skill level got him so much attention when Kailer Yamamoto), the thrill was the same. he was young that he went to the U.S. National Team “The first game I played in had more prospects in it Development Program and became a recruiting target for the WHL and several NCAA powers. He thought that would be his meal ticket.

“I tried to show off, and I had some great moments and some bad ones,” he said. “My approached has changed through growing and being more mature. I bring hard work first, and let the skill come out second.

It has helped my game.

“That aspect of adding grit and more of a blue-collar aspect to my game has got me to Cleveland. Before I figured that out, that’s why I got sent to the ECHL to start seasons.

“When I was younger, I had to have a top-six role. Now I can play on a second line or a fourth line, and it will help me get in the lineup more.

Not everyone is Miles Koules played in a pair of NHL preseason games recently with the Columbus Blue Jackgoing to be Alex ets and will start the season in the AHL. Photo/Columbus Blue Jackets Ovechkin. You (and) the second was with the full NHL team – that was was paying dividends after either learn that cool,” said Koules, who twice played for the Columbus two years in Washington aspect or you Blue Jackets against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sept. Capitals camp and last year stop climbing.”

19 and 23. “The fact we won made it really special..” with the Los Angeles Kings.

The players’ In between, Delia, who signed with Chicago this Koules, who played for climbs are summer, played a period for the Blackhawks against LA Hockey Club as a youth, encouraging in the Detroit Red Wings on Sept. 21 and did not allow has bounced between the different ways. a goal on eight shots. He had dressed for a preseason ECHL and the AHL the Thought to be game in Boston, close to where he played collegiately past three seasons after headed back to for Merrimack College, but didn’t get in. a standout career with Spokane (WHL), A goaltending coach dangled the carrot that Delia the Portland Winterhawks Yamamoto’s might play a period against Detroit, but he wasn’t of the Western Hockey ascent got fast counting on it.

League (WHL). He got a Being able to skate in a preseason game for the Anaheim Ducks – in tracked after “I was just approaching every day as a new chance with Columbus’ Anaheim – was ‘a special experience’ for Escondido native Austin Or- a lights-out challenge,” said Delia, whose youth hockey stops AHL affiliate in Cleveland tega. Photo/Scott Dinn/San Jose Sharks preseason.. He included OC Hockey Club, California Stars, California midway through last season, but was injured seven had seven points (including a team-high five goals) in Titans, Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Yorba Linda Blackhawks. games into that stint. six preseason games for Edmonton. The showing made “After the rigor of camp, I knew I could compete at that That set the stage for this season. He spent the final such a strong impression that the former L.A. Jr. King level. When I finally got in that game, everything grew two months of last season working out – and hanging made the Oilers and played in three of their first four quiet. out with teammates – in Cleveland. He signed an AHL games, picking up his first NHL point in the process.

“I was so focused on the puck, so engaged. The contract with the team and went to Columbus this Several other California players participated in focus you chase when you’re a goalie is so elusive, but summer to work out. their first NHL training camps, including forward Ivan I found it. It had to do with how I prepared.”

“Guys were great,” he said. “The injury was Lodnia (Minnesota Wild), defenseman Scott Savage Delia did, however, have an a-ha moment. unfortunate, but having that time to work out and spend (Blue Jackets) and goaltender Tomas Sholl (Kings).

“When I pulled on that jersey, I thought back to one time with the guys gave me a base. Being in Columbus All will tell you that the NHL is a level all its own. of the first teams I played for as a kid – the Yorba Linda for over a month before camp, being with the NHL team “You see that level they play at and it shows you Blackhawks – it was pretty amazing,” he said. “Now I’m the whole time made camp feel so comfortable and have to work that much harder if you want to be there,” pulling it on for real in front of 20,000 people with the organic. It also showed me I might have a bit more of a Ortega said.

By Chris Bayee

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CARubberHockey.com

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A New Look WCRHL set to face off 2017-18 collegiate roller hockey season after realignment

By Phillip Brents

T

he Western Collegiate Roller Hockey League (WCRHL) will face off its 2017-18 season Oct. 28-29 at San Jose’s Silver Creek Sportsplex.

Teams in all divisions will participate.

The WCRHL concluded a highly successful 201627 campaign at April’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) national championship tournament in Fort Myers, Fla. West Valley College won the Junior College Division title, while Cal State Fullerton captured the Division II title.

Additionally, UC Santa Barbara advanced to the Division I semifinals while Arizona State University (Division I), Chico State University (Division II) and CSU Fullerton (Division III) each advanced as far as the quarterfinals in their respective divisions.

Santos.

Wood led Division II goaltenders with a 1.67 goalsagainst average and .929 save percentage in round-robin play.

Fullerton’s Blake Kaprelyan earned recognition on the Division III honorable mention list.

The Division III all-tournament team was otherwise dominated by seven Californians on the roster of division

Honor roll

The NCRHA released its all-tournament honor roll during the offseason. The WCRHL was well represented on the list.

Arizona State’s Wes Fry and UC Santa Barbara’s Kyle Mooney both earned membership on the Division I Second Team.

Honorable mention honors went to UC Santa Barbara’s Kyle Clements and Kevin Mooney, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo’s Daniel Kumata and the ASU trio of Ryan Cotton, Jayme Haveman and goaltender Braxton Shultz.

Fry tallied 15 points in three round-robin games to top the Sun Devils in scoring, while Cotton netted 13 points in the three games.

Fullerton’s Kyle Alexander, Troy Yano and goaltender Ron Best earned accolades as members of the Division II First Team, while teammate Brandon Olinger, along with Chico State’s Cole Euell, both received honors on the Division II Second Team.

Alexander took home the division Most Valuable Player award and Best was named the division’s Most Valuable Goaltender.

Honorable mention status was bestowed on eight additional players in the division: Fullerton’s Nick Balaban and Ricky May, Northern Arizona University’s Trevor Riffey and NAU goaltender Anders Hultgren, Chico State’s Zachary Claunch and Michael Wood and the University of Arizona tandem of Jesse Rooney and David

CSU Fullerton goaltender Ron Best earned Most Valuable Goaltender honors at the 2017 National Collegiate Roller Hockey Championships in helping lead the Titans to the Division II national championship. Photo/WCRHL

champion Lindenwood University: Chris Visico, Jason Novak, Jake Escarcega and Charles Robinson on the First Team and Thompson Teague on the Second Team.

Escarcega was recognized as the division MVP while Robinson (1.50 GAA, .932 save percentage) was named the division MVG. Visico earned the division’s playmaker award.

Two more Lindenwood players earned honorable mention recognition: Jonathan Gauthier and Spenser Marquiss.

West Valley College understandably dominated the Junior College all-tournament team with five first team selections, two second team selections and three honorable mention selections.

First Team all-tournament picks on the Vikings included Matt Swanson, Thomas Hartshorn, Jarrit Baker, Tyler Gulan and goaltender Jack Robinson.

West Valley’s Second Team all-tournament selections included Patrick Barnes and Logan Titus, while honorable mention picks included Nicholas Defayette, Nathan Olocki and Danny Salazar.

Baker, with 15 points in four round-robin games, earned recognition as the division’s MVP; Robinson was named MVG, while Swanson took home the playmaker award.

New horizons Chico State and Fullerton both move up to compete in the WCRHL’s Division I tier in 2017-18. Chico State finished on top of last season’s Division II standings at 141-1, while Fullerton finished second at 13-3 before going on to claim its national title.

“CSU Fullerton was the NCRHA Division II national champion in 2017 and Chico State was eliminated by Fullerton a couple rounds before the finals, so who knows, they could’ve been in the championship game as well,” WCRHL director Brennan Edwards explained in regard to the promotion of the two Division II powerhouse teams.

Other changes include the return of San Jose State (to Division II) and the addition of Saddleback College to the JC Division, joining defending national champion West Valley College.

After leading West Valley to a national championship, MVG Robinson will help lead the new San Jose State entry.

The WCRHL’s Division I lineup for 2017-18 includes Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach State, Arizona State University, CSU Fullerton and Chico State. UC Santa Barbara is the defending division champion.

“We are very excited about moving up to Division I,” said Best, among Fullerton’s top returners in 2017-18.

“This year we are excited to have many crossover players from the ice hockey team here at Fullerton joining the roller club.”

UC Santa Barbara (16-1-1 last season) returns division high scorer Kevin Mooney, who racked up 27 goals and 53 points in 16 regular-season games in 2016-17, including seven game-winning goals.

The WCRHL’s Division II lineup for 2017-18 includes Cal Poly Pomona, UC San Diego, Northern Arizona University, UC Irvine, University of Arizona, San Jose State and UC California-Berkeley. There will be a new division champion.

UC Santa Barbara returns to defend its Division III regional title in the eight-team division.

National champion Vikings look to continue forward roll S

tudents in the Bay Area have several community college options, but Saratoga’s West Valley College is currently the only school that has competitive roller hockey teams.

It’s no surprise that roller hockey club and ice hockey players who have aged out of travel youth clubs in the area have found the Vikings’ roller hockey program to their liking.

The result was a powerhouse showing in 201617 that culminated in a national championship in the Junior College Division at the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association (NCRHA) national championship tournament.

West Valley College will field competitive teams in both the JC Division and Division III for the 2017-18 season. Tryouts were exceptionally well attended.

Returning players from last year’s national championship JC team include forwards Matt Swanson, James McGaughy and Nathan Olocki.

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California Rubber Hockey Magazine

Moving up from last season’s Division III developmental Vikings, but the focus for West Valley will be on squad are forward Nick Lopes, defensemen Clyde defending its national championship.

Gilman and Tyler McPherson and “This season we have almost goaltender Vincet Sy. a new JC team with only a few The Division III team also found returning players,” explained success last season after finishing Swanson, who led the Vikings with runner-up to UC Santa Barbara 25 goals and 47 points in 21 total at the Western Collegiate Roller games last season. “However, we Hockey League (WCRHL) regional want to defend our national title, championships. which means we really need to work Players making their return on the hard as a team to contend for the JC Division III team include goaltender championship.

Jordan Speno and forwards Ricky “More teams mean more Bartenslager, Anthony Berti, Joe competition and we are excited to and Justin Furtado and Brady Offensive catalyst Matt Swanson led see a few more junior colleges join Schmidt.

West Valley College in scoring last sea- the NCRHA this season to grow the The addition of Saddleback son for the national champion Vikings. JC Division.”

College to the WCRHL’s Junior Photo/Ed Salazar College Division will create an instant rival for the - Phillip Brents

Simply the Best Golden moment in China for Team USA women at World Roller Games The U.S. senior women’s team finished 2-1 in pool play, recording victories against China (21-1) and New Zealand (11-0) and a somewhat surprising 1-0 setback to Spain.

The Americans were perfect when it came time for the playoffs by defeating France 5-0 in the quarterfinals, North American rival Canada by a 3-2 score in the semifinals and recording a makeup win over Spain in the championship game.

Veharanta said she felt experience proved to be the difference in the rematch against Spain.

“I think experience played a major role in our success in the gold medal game against Spain,” she said. “It was their first time making it to the gold medal

Team USA goals in the semifinal win over Canada, assisted each time by Sanders. The American women he World Roller Games, held Aug. 28-Sept. 9 in had to rally from a 2-1 deficit against Canada to Nanjing, China, was a massive undertaking that advance to the gold medal game. featured disciplines in a variety of roller sports, among Leigh Kayla Demint (Chino Hills) finished fourth them roller derby, speed skating, skateboarding and, in team scoring with nine points (eight of course, inline hockey. goals, one assist), while Ariane Teams from 23 nations, representing all six Yokoyama (Van Nuys) and populated continents, participated in the inline hockey Celeste Loyatho (San Juan tournament. Play took place in four divisions: men’s Capistrano) tied for fifth in junior, women’s junior, men’s senior and women’s team scoring with six points senior. each.

The exotic location was a draw for players, coaches Era and Sanders tied for and fans alike. second in team scoring with 11 It was also a showcase for the United points each.

States senior women’s national team that Overall, the United captured the gold medal with a nail-biting 1-0 States fielded teams in win over Spain. three of the four divisions.

“Playing in China was an unbelievable The U.S. junior men placed experience,” recounted Irvine’s Laura seventh while the U.S. senior Veharanta, one of seven Californians on the men placed ninth.

Team USA roster. “Being in an environment France defeated Spain 5-0 that was so different than here at home really to win the junior men’s world championship, added to the experience. There was a moment while France defeated Italy 3-2 to capture at the tournament where I realized how cool the senior’s men’s title. Chinese Taipei it was to have been able to travel around defeated Italy 2-1 to win the junior women’s the world playing in these tournaments with championship. some of my closest friends.

The U.S. senior men’s team featured “The rink we played at is the host site of four Californians on its roster along with the 2018 World Basketball Championships, coach Sy Patel. They included Brian Ganz so it had a great arena feeling; all of the (Sunnyvale), Cody Page (Dana Point), Kyle sports were at beautiful venues.”

Sharke (San Clemente) and goaltender This was Veharanta’s seventh world Black Ducker (Orange). championship tournament with Team USA The gold medal champion United States senior women’s team featured seven CalTeam USA finished 3-2-1 in its six games, ifornians on its roster in Nanjing, China, for the World Roller Games. Photo/World including playoff wins against China (17-1), and her fourth gold medal win.

“This was by far the strongest team that Roller Games Sweden (7-1) and Argentina (3-1). Page led I’ve ever been a part of,” said Veharanta, who tied game and I’m sure emotions were high for them. We the Golden State contingent with five goals and seven for the tournament scoring lead with eight goals and stuck to our game plan, played consistently and kept points (tied for fourth on the team).

14 points in six games. “We had scoring firepower cool under the pressure.

Both coaches on the U.S junior men’s team – Dave on every line and a solid depth of defensemen — not “They had a really strong goalie who was keeping Inouye and Steven Boddy – are from California. to mention the best goalie of the tournament, Jetta them in the game. We had several great scoring The team itself was braced by five Californians: Noah Ratcleff. chances, but couldn’t crack her. We stuck to the Auerlich (Yorba Linda), Daniel Cascarano (San Jose), “This team was essentially made up of the top game plan, and eventually got one in the second Joey Cascarano (San Jose), Brayden Kohler (Corona) players of all of the women’s teams that compete at half. After that, we just played shutdown defense and and goaltender Roman De La Torre (San Jose).

NARCh, TOHRS, and such, so it was awesome to found a way to win the game.”

Kohler led the Golden State contingent in scoring play together with some of our normal ‘rivals’ and Kyla Sanders scored the game-winning goal in with six goals and seven points to rank third on the bring our strengths together for worlds.” the gold medal game; Allison Era scored all three team.

By Phillip Brents

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BVHS alum Ho provides SoCal link to Team Canada bronze M

elissa Ho may have been a novice when she University Fullerton’s Division III team in the Western was first introduced to roller hockey while Collegiate Roller Hockey League. “Coming back attending Bonita Vista High with a bronze medal from the School in suburban San Diego World Roller Games, the vets, South County. rookies and coaching staff were However, she eventually all really great in making this mastered the sport to become tournament unforgettable.” an international celebrity Ho, a defender, recorded after helping lead Team one goal and one assist in the Canada to the bronze medal six games for Team Canada. at September’s World Roller She played roller hockey Games in Nanjing, China. three years at Bonita Vista High Ho, a 2007 Bonita Vista School. She played on the same High School graduate, was teams with celebrated BVHS Melissa Ho, a 2007 graduate of Bonita Vista High born in Canada, but grew up School in San Diego South County, helped Team alumni Kelly Nash, a two-time in Southern California.

Canada capture the bronze medal at September’s NCAA Frozen Four champion “I was really excited for World Roller Games in China. with the University of Wisconsin this chance to play a sport which I’ve loved,” said and now an assistant coach for the women’s ice Ho, who played the last two seasons for Cal State hockey team at Princeton University.

At the time they played, few girls played on teams otherwise dominated by boys.

“I always enjoyed coaching Melissa because she was always a good listener and simply did whatever you asked of her when it came to practices and games,” explained BVHS coach Keith Quigley, who has coached the Barons since their inception in 1998.

“She was a disciplined player. I’m thrilled to see that she’s still playing roller hockey and at a high level.”

Team Canada finished 5-1 in its six games in China. The Canadians finished undefeated in pool play, then defeated New Zealand 3-1 in the quarterfinals before falling 3-2 to the United States in the semifinals. Canada defeated the Czech Republic 3-1 in the bronze medal game.

- Phillip Brents CARubberHockey.com

23

CALIFORNIA/NEVADA ICE RINK DIRECTORY E-mail all facility and contact updates to info@rubberhockey.com

CALIFORNIA Aliso Viejo Ice Palace 9 Journey Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Phone: 949-643-9648 Web site: www.avicepalace.com Bakersfield Ice Sports Center 1325 Q St. - Suite 100 Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: 661-852-7400 Web site: www.bakersfieldicesports.com Center Ice Arena 201 South Plum Ave. Ontario, CA 91761 Phone: 909-986-4231 Web site: www.ontariocenterice.com Citizens Business Bank Arena 4000 Ontario Center Ontario, CA 91764 Phone: (909) 244-5500 Web site: www.cbbankarena.com Desert Ice Castle 68-600 Perez Rd. Cathedral City, CA 92234 Phone: (760) 324-0400 Web site: www.deserticecastle.com Dublin Iceland 7212 San Ramon Rd. Dublin, CA 94568 Phone: 925-829-4445 Web site: www.dubliniceland.com East West Ice Palace 11446 Artesia Blvd.

Artesia, CA 90701 Phone: 562-809-6200 Web site: www.eastwesticepalace.com Gateway Ice Center 2473 North Marks Ave. Fresno, CA 93722 Phone: 559-277-2233 Web site: www.gatewayicecenter.com Honda Center 2695 East Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806 Phone: (714) 704-2400 Web site: www.hondacenter.com Ice Center Cupertino 10123 North Wolfe Rd. Cupertino, CA 95014 Phone: 408-446-2906 Web site: www.icecenter.net Ice in Paradise 6985 Santa Felicia Dr. Goleta, CA 93117 Phone: 805-879-1550 Web site: iceinparadise.org Iceland Ice Skating Rink 14318 Calvert St. Van Nuys, CA 91401 Phone: 818-785-2172 Web site: www.valleyskating.com Iceoplex Escondido 555 North Tulip St. Escondido, CA 92025 Phone: 760-489-5550 Web site: www.iceoplexescondido.com

Iceoplex Simi Valley 131 West Easy St. Simi Valley, CA 93065 Phone: 805-520-7465 Web site: www.iceoplexsimivalley.com

Poway Ice Arena 12455 Kerran St. #100 Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 949-697-4246 Web site: www.powayice.com

The Rinks-Westminster Ice 13071 Springdale St. Westminster, CA 92683 Phone: 714-899-7900 Web site: www.westminstericerink.com

Ice Station Valencia 27745 North Smyth Dr. Valencia, CA 91355 Phone: 661-775-8686 Web site: www.icestation.net

Rabobank Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 Phone: 661-852-7777 Web site: www.rabobankarena.com

The Rinks-Yorba Linda Ice 23641 La Palma Ave. Yorba Linda, CA 92887 Phone: 714-692-8776 Web site: www.yorbalindaicerink.com

Icetown Carlsbad 2283 Cosmos Ct. Carlsbad, CA 92011 Phone: 760-893-8219 Web site: icetowncarlsbad.com

Redwood Empire Ice Arena 1667 West Steele Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Phone: 707-546-7147 Web site: www.snoopyshomeice.com

Tri-Valley Ice 661 Preston Avenue - Suite D Livermore, CA 94551 Phone: 925-606-6900 Web site: www.trivalleyice.com

Icetown Riverside 10540 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92505 Phone: 951-637-3070 Web site: www.icetownriverside.com

San Diego Ice Arena 11048 Ice Skate Place San Diego, CA 92126 Phone: 858-530-1825 Web site: www.sdice.com

Toyota Sports Center 555 North Nash St. El Segundo, CA 90245 Phone: 310-535-4400 Web site: www.toyotasportscenter.com

KHS Ice Arena 1000 East Cerritos Ave. Anaheim, CA 92805 Phone: 714-422-1236 Web site: www.khsicearena.com

SAP Center 525 West Santa Clara St. San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: (408) 287-7070 Web site: www.sapcenter.com

Vacaville Ice Sports 551 Davis St. Vacaville, CA 95688 Phone: 707-455-0225 Web site: www.vacavilleicesports.com

Kroc Center Ice 6845 University Ave. San Diego, CA 92115 Phone: 619-287-5762 Web site: www.sd.kroccenter.org/ice.html

Sharks Ice-Fremont 44388 Old Warm Springs Rd. Fremont, CA 94538 Phone: 510-623-7200 Web site: www.sharksiceatfremont.com

Valley Skating Center 8750 Van Nuys Blvd.

Panorama City, CA 91402 Phone: 818-893-1784 Web site: www.lakingsvalleyicecenter.com

Lake Forest Ice Palace 25821 Atlantic Ocean Dr. Lake Forest, CA 92630 Phone :949-305-9658 Web site: www.lficepalace.com

Sharks Ice-San Jose 1500 South 10th St. San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-279-600 Web site: www.sharksiceatsanjose.com

Valley View Casino Center 3500 Sports Arena Blvd.

San Diego, CA 92110 Phone: (619) 224-4171 Web site: www.valleyviewcasinocenter.com

Nazareth Ice Oasis 3140 Bay Rd. Redwood City, CA 94063 Phone: 650-364-8090 Web site: www.iceoasis.com

Skating Edge Ice Arena 23770 South Western Ave. Harbor City, CA 90710 Phone: 310-325-4474 Web site: http://theskatingedge.com

Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center 750 Folsom St. San Francisco, CA 94107 Phone: 415-777-3727 Web site: www.skatebowl.com

Oak Park Ice Arena 3545 Alvarado Ave. Stockton, CA 95204 Phone: 209-937-7433 Web site: www.stocktonlive.com

Skatetown Roseville 1009 Orlando Ave. Roseville, CA 95661 Phone: 916-783-8550 Web site: www.skatetown-roseville.com

NEVADA

Oakland Ice Center 519 18th St. Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: 510-268-9000 Web site: www.oaklandice.com

STAPLES Center 1111 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015 Phone: (213) 742-7100 Web site: www.staplescenter.com

Ontario Ice Skating Center 1225 West Holt Blvd.

Ontario, CA 91762 Phone: 909-986-0793 Web site: www.ontarioiceskating.net

Stockton Arena 3545 Alvarado Ave. Stockton, CA 95204 Phone: (209) 937-7433 Web site: www.stocktonlive.com

Paramount Iceland 8041 Jackson St. Paramount, CA 90723 Phone: 562-633-1171 Web site: www.paramounticeland.com

Tahoe Ice Sports Center 1176 Rufus Allen Blvd.

South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 Phone: 530-544-7465 Web site: www.tahoearena.com

Pasadena Ice Skating Center 300 East Green St. Pasadena, CA 91101 Phone: 626-578-0800 Web site: www.skatepasadena.com

The Rinks-Anaheim Ice 300 West Lincoln Ave. Anaheim, CA 92805 Phone: 714-535-7465 Web site: www.anaheimice.com The Rinks-Lakewood Ice 3975 Pixie St. Lakewood, CA 90712 Phone: 562-429-1805 Web site: www.lakewoodice.com

Pickwick Ice Arena 1001 West Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91506 Phone: 818-845-5300 Web site: www.pickwickgardens.com/home/#ice

City National Arena 1550 S. Pavilion Center Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89135 Phone: (702) 998-6176 Web site: www.citynationalarenavegas.com Las Vegas Ice Center 9295 West Flamingo Rd. Las Vegas, NV 89147 Phone: (702) 320-7777 Web site: www.lasvegasice.com SoBe Ice Arena 2400 North Rancho Dr. Las Vegas, NV 89130 Phone: (702) 631-7000 Web site: www.fiestarancho.sclv.com/ Entertainment/SoBe-Ice-Arena.aspx T-Mobile Arena 3780 Las Vegas Blvd S. Las Vegas, NV 89158 Phone: 888-929-7849 Web site: www.t-mobilearena.com

Interested in extended promotion of your facility and its hockey and skating programs in California Rubber Magazine and on CARubberHockey.com?

Contact Matt at (248) 890-3944 or e-mail matt@rubberhockey.com for details!

24

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

CALIFORNIA/NEVADA INLINE RINK DIRECTORY E-mail all facility and contact updates to info@rubberhockey.com

CALIFORNIA Antioch Indoor Sports Center 1210 Sunset Dr. Antioch, CA 94509 Phone: (925) 778-6363 Web site: www.aiscsports.com Central Coast Sports Arena 937 S Thornburg St. Santa Maria, CA 93458 Phone: (805) 739-0920 Web site: www.centralcoastsportsarena.com Dry Ice Inline Hockey Rink 210 Hegenberger Loop Oakland, CA 94621 Phone: (510) 638-9097 Web site: www.dryiceinlinehockey.com Escondido Sports Center 3315 Bear Valley Pkwy.

Escondido, CA 92025 Phone: (760) 839-5425 Web site: www.sportscenter.escondido.org High Country Sports Arena 18960 Waylon Way Sonora, CA 95370 Phone: (209) 588-0776 Web site: www.highcountrysportsarena.com

NorCal Indoor Sports 1460 Tanforan Ave. Woodland, CA 95776 Phone: (530) 406-1100 Web site: www.norcalindoorsports.com

The Rinks-Huntington Beach Inline 5555 W McFadden Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Phone: 714-901-2629 Web site: www.hbinline.com

North Valley Hockey and Sports Complex 250 Walsh Ave. Hamilton City, CA 95951 Phone: (530) 826-3510 Web site: www.nvhsc.org

The Rinks-Irvine Inline 3150 Barranca Pkwy.

Irvine, CA 92606 Phone: 949-559-9949 Web site: www.irvineinline.com

Ripon Power Play Sports Arena 1043 S Acacia Ave. Ripon, CA 95366 Phone: (209) 599-2479 Web site: www.riponrollerhockey.com

Silver Creek Sportsplex 800 Embedded Way San Jose, CA 95138 Phone (408) 225-1843 Web site: www.gotoplex.com

Skate San Diego 165 Denny Way El Cajon, CA 92020 Phone: 619-562-0323 Web site: www.skatesandiego.net

Stockton Indoor Sports Complex 3251 Ad Art Rd. Stockton, CA 95215 Phone: (209) 931-8300 Web site: www.siscsports.com

The Rinks-Corona Inline 4325 Prado Rd. #101 Corona, CA 92880 Phone: 951-279-7465 Web site: www.coronainline.com

NEVADA Las Vegas Roller Hockey Center Village Square Commercial Center 800 Karen Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89109 Phone: (702) 349-6526 Web site: www.lasvegasrollerhockey.com

Interested in extended promotion of your facility and its hockey and skating programs in California Rubber Magazine and on CARubberHockey.com?

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Annual GBPH event inspires hope in the face of tragedy

By Phillip Brents

D

isasters, both natural and man-made, bring into sharp focus the role that emergency services play. Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Southern United States in late August, causing 80 deaths and displacing tens of thousands of residents.

On Oct. 1, tragedy hit closer to home when a gunman opened fire on concert-goers from a hotel window in Las Vegas, killing 58 people and injuring an estimated 500 others. It was the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history.

University of Nevada-Las Vegas assistant hockey coach Nick Robone was among the injured. He was initially hospitalized for a chest wound, but has since been released.

The events highlighted the need for blood — the ongoing theme of the Give Blood Play Hockey charity inline hockey tournament.

“With the events of our world going on all around us, there is a dire need for the people of our community to come together and help,” GBPH co-founder Mary Quayle-Korus said. “Blood is always needed, but in the face of current events, the blood shortage has been heightened. We need to come together in response to hurricanes and the events in Las Vegas.”

Give Blood Play Hockey organizers have collected 2,573 pints of blood in the event’s 10-year history.

This year’s 11th annual sold-out GBPH event is scheduled for Oct. 19-22 at The Rinks-Irvine Inline.

Give Blood Play Hockey is a well-revered hockey tournament and blood drive. Korus started the tournament as a way to repay blood forward used in transfusions during her late grandfather’s battle with cancer.

The GBPH event has proven successful beyond a blood drive held annually in the Northeastern Pennanyone’s imagination. sylvania hometown of Peter Clauss, in whose memo“We are very proud of our event as it inspired ry the GBPH event was founded. first-time donors year after year,” Korus said. “Giving “Since the event was founded in the memory of blood is an easy and free way to make a huge impact my grandfather, hosting a blood drive in his homein the lives of someone else. I was a first-time donor town is very special,” Korus said. myself 10 years ago, and now Give Blood Play Hockey a lifelong donor.” is partnering with LifeStream Who can donate blood? (www.lstream.org) for the loIndividuals as young as 15 cal blood drives. years old can donate blood if “LifeStream blood bank they have the consent of their is proud to partner with Give parents.

Blood Play Hockey to bring People who have tattoos attention to the vital role volthink they cannot donate unteer blood donors play in blood, but that is not true. the battle against pediatric Tattoos are acceptable if cancer,” said Tony Holder, the tattoo was applied by a LifeStream area representastate-regulated entity using tive. “Each blood donation sterile needles and ink that is has the power to help save not reused. up to three lives, and Give Korus said all those who Blood Play Hockey deserves donate blood will be eligible enormous credit for touching for a raffle to win a Yeti cooler. thousands of lives through The GBPH event has its advocacy for this selfless expanded to include offcause.

Participants at the annual Give Blood Play Hockey site blood drives well as the charity inline hockey tournament demonstrate how “Now we gather again to on-site blood drive during easy it is to donate life-saving blood. Photo/Give Blood rally support for our children, the tournament. This year’s Play Hockey and to help save lives. We enGBPH event features three off-site blood drives. courage the community to make a meaningful contriThe first community drive on Oct. 6 at Hybrid Ap- bution toward this effort by joining the heroic team of parel in Cypress collected 50 pints. blood donors from Oct. 19- 22.”

Pacific Premier Bank in Irvine is scheduled to hold Irvine Inline is located at 3150 Barranca Parkway, a community drive on Oct. 17 in Irvine.

Irvine.

The GBPH organization is now the beneficiary of For updates, visit www.givebloodplayhockey.org.

CARubberHockey.com

25

TREVOR MOORE

Position: Forward, Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League) Hometown: Thousand Oaks Last Amateur Team: University of Denver (NCHC) Youth Teams: Ventura Mariners, LA Hockey Club/LA Selects) California Rubber: How did your first season of pro hockey go?

Trevor Moore: I think my first season went pretty well. I got adjusted pretty well and really enjoyed the city of Toronto. It’s a lot of games, but I made a lot of new friends up here.

CR: How much has it helped you playing with and against all of the Maple Leafs’ high-level prospects at NHL training camps and practices as well as during your time in the AHL? TM: It’s helped me a ton. It’s not just the games, but the practices, too. When you have that many high-quality players, it definitely makes you better. There’s a lot of competition here, which is a good thing. Down the road, you’re going to be a better hockey player for it.

CR: What is your favorite hockey memory growing up?

TM: There were a few good ones. Playing in the Quebec (International PeeWee Hockey) Tournament was one of the highlights. We didn’t win it, but we came in second. Won a couple of national championships as well.

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

TM: A lot of good stuff happened at Denver. The Frozen Four (in 2016) was pretty cool, just a cool experience. Playing North Dakota – a huge rivalry game – made it more special.

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

TM: I think all my coaches brought different stuff. Sandy Gasseau recruited me. He was an awesome guy. Rick Kelly, same thing, good offensive mind.

Louis Pacella was a good guy, drove me to practice sometimes. I can’t leave Bill Comrie out of that mix, he’s really smart in the game.

CR: What advice would you give young hockey players?

TM: Whenever I talk to them or their parents, I’ll tell them to have fun. It’s the most important thing. The game gets way more serious as you move up. Don’t get burned out young. Have fun and enjoy the game.

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

TM: My skates. I have pretty tough feet to fit in skates. Sticks aren’t too big of a deal for me.

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

TM: My mom is a really good cook. She makes really good baked ziti dish that I go crazy about. There is a family restaurant in Simi Valley that we’ve eaten at forever.

CR: Did you have a favorite player growing up?

TM: I liked Luc Robitaille a lot. My dad was a huge fan, so same thing.

CR: You have some other hockey players in your family, don’t you?

TM: My dad played some club hockey. And my grandpa played in Montreal for a long time. He was decent. Got a tryout at one point. I think he was pretty high level.

CR: If you weren’t playing pro hockey, what do you think you’d be doing?

TM: I’d probably be working construction with dad. He owns a special concrete company.

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

TM: The challenging part is the amount of games, but it’s rewarding to play all the games. In college, there are more practices. In the pros, there are so many more games that it takes a lot of focus and you’ve got be locked in a lot more.

CR: What do you do to unwind?

TM: I play a lot of video games and read. We try to get outside and do other stuff around the city that’s not hockey related, we go bowling. You have to take your mind away from the rink.

Photo/ TSG Photo

26

California Rubber Hockey Magazine

- Compiled by Chris Bayee

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