Feeling a draft in Arizona, California
The last weekend in June, the NHL Draft was held at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles.
At the end of the two-day event, four California natives and two Arizona natives were chosen by NHL clubs, taking the next step towards the ultimate goal of playing in “The Show” and continuing the trend of players from the Western United States being legitimate NHL prospects.
On the California side, Fairfield native Ben Kevan was the first from California off the board, the forward going to the New Jersey Devils in the second round (63rd overall). He was followed by Los Angeles’ Alex Weiermair, who went in the sixth round (186th overall) to the Vegas Golden Knights, San Diego’s Brendan Dunphy, taken by the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers in the seventh round (197th overall), and Hermosa Beach native Aidan Park, who was chosen in the seventh round (223rd overall) by the Edmonton Oilers.
“It was a lot of nerves, a lot of excitement,” Kevan said to NewJerseyDevils.com. “Finally hearing my name getting called, especially by
The Peacock Theater inn downtown Los Angeles was the site of this year’s NHL Draft back on June 27-28. Photo/NHL.com
an organization like the New Jersey Devils, it was a breath of relief. So much weight came off my shoulders.
“I’m really excited that I finally know which team wants to take a chance on me and develop me in their system. I’m just really excited.”
Heading to NCAA Division I Arizona State this fall after playing the 2024-25 season for the USHL’s Des Moines Buccaneers, Kevan skated for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and
Golden State Elite Eagles during his time back home.
Last season in Des Moines, Kevan tallied 13 goals and 30 assists for 43 points in 51 games.
Two Scottsdale natives and Jr. Coyotes alums were chosen by NHL clubs,
Sean Barnhill went in the third round (70th overall) to the New York Rangers, followed by Brandon Gorzynski in the fourth round (126th
overall) to the Dallas Stars.
Going to the Oilers with the second-to-last pick of the draft, Park said he wasn’t expecting to be drafted.
“I can’t even describe it,” Park said to the media after being drafted by Edmonton. “It’s surreal. You just think of everyone who helped you get to this point, and I’m incredibly grateful and lucky to have so many great people around me. It’s a special moment for sure.”
Last season up front with the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers, Park registered 33 goals and 66 points in 55 games before signing with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen for the postseason. The Jr. Kings product is committed to NCAA D-I Michigan.
“It was unbelievable,” Park said. “I actually came yesterday for Ryker Lee, and I thought we were gonna hang out today, but he flew on a private jet to Nashville this morning. So I wasn’t really expecting to come today, but I figured because I live here, why not? I ended up getting picked. It was a super special moment.” Read
NHL Player Inclusion Coalition presents $20,000 grant to LA Kings youth development program
Future NHL stars will have their names called at the 2025 Upper Deck NHL Draft in Los Angeles on Friday.
On Wednesday, about 15 miles from the site of this year’s draft, area kids who dream of someday getting to that level got a big boost from the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition.
As part of the festivities leading up to the 2025 Draft, which begins with the first round Friday at L.A. Live’s Peacock Theatre (7 p.m. ET; ESPN, ESPN+, SN, TVAS), members of the NHL PIC joined youth participants of the Los Angeles Kings’ Black, Silver & Bold program for an on-ice presentation announcing a $20,000 grant to expand the program’s pathways for comprehensive hockey development.
Led by Blake Bolden, the Kings community and hockey development specialist, Black, Silver & Bold is a free development program that promotes community and skill development for underrepresented elite youth hockey players and their families in Los Angeles.
“We take a lot of pride in giving back and this is just one of the things we can do together,” Bolden said, after the event at The Pond at Toyota Sports Performance Center, the Kings’ practice facility.
Bolden, the first Black woman to play professional hockey, is also a member of the NHL PIC, a group of current and former NHL players and women’s professional hockey players who work to advance inclusion in hockey, on and off the ice. Also at the event on Wednesday were NHL PIC members and former NHL players Anson Carter, Mark Fraser, Anthony Stewart, and Georges Laraque.
“It’s a passion of mine because when I grew up I didn’t have a lot of role models, especially role models of non-traditional ice hockey backgrounds that look like me. I knew of [Carter] in the NHL, but I wasn’t friends with him, and I wasn’t able to skate and scrimmage against him and be mentored by him.
“So just having the ability and access to be able to be around these
players and individuals is really important for these kids. Just to be able to look up to dream and ask questions so they can enhance their skills and just dream to maybe be in the NHL or the PWHL. So that’s why it’s really important to be because I didn’t have access like that as a kid.”
The new grant supports BSB’s three-day intensive summer camp for skill development as well as immersive hockey development events that allow program participants to learn about community building in hockey. The grant will also create a series of mentorship sessions to provide comprehensive support for success, covering topics such as nutrition, performance psychology, leadership, identity, and life beyond the game.
“The $20,000, it goes a long way,” Bolden said. “We have Zoom sessions, the ice time, just mentorship that they’re allowed to be part of. So that’s what’s really important to me.”
Funding was provided through the NHL PIC Action Fund, which was established in 2023 – with financial support from NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund – to empower players to provide support to grassroots programs that welcome and celebrate new hockey audiences.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, the NHL PIC Action Fund has supported a variety of player-led proj-
ects, such as Minnesota Wild defenseman Jon Merrill’s Hockey’s Beauty Club, an educational anti-bullying program to build a new standard of inclusive leadership; Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud’s collaboration with the Little Native Hockey League to cover the cost of tournament participation for youth with financial need; and former U.S Olympian Julie Chu’s introductory hockey programming at Concordia University to encourage girls to play for the first time. This season, the NHL PIC also furthered its efforts to support leadership development among NHL prospects through player activations at the AHL level.
“The partnership between the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund and the NHL PIC has deepened our relationship with leaders throughout the sport who are expanding hockey outreach in powerful ways,” said Rob Knesaurek, NHL Senior Vice President, Youth Development and Industry Growth. “We look forward to future collaborations that build upon the NHL Player Inclusion Coalition’s positive impact.”
“When players are empowered to shape initiatives that help grow the game, they can leverage their experiences to come up with innovative ideas that benefit the entire hockey community,” said Chris Campoli,
NHLPA Divisional Player Representative. “Since its founding, the NHL PIC has exemplified the importance and value of incorporating player perspectives to achieve meaningful results.”
This week in Los Angeles will feature two additional events with members of the NHL PIC, including an NHL STREET hockey panel discussion and grant announcement on June 26 and a community hockey clinic co-hosted with NHL Top Prospects from the 2025 NHL Draft on June 27. Bolden, Carter, Fraser, Stewart, and Laraque are expected to be joined by JT Brown, Al Montoya, Ryan Reaves, and P.K. Subban.
“I think people think that once you get drafted to the National Hockey League that’s when the dream starts. The dream starts here, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 years old, like the young people we see out here today,” Carter said. “So it doesn’t start when you’re 18 years old. And as Blake was talking about, it’s about being seen on the ice, you know, giving kids a chance to relate to who we are. We’re people. We might have had, like, special talents, and we’re able to kind of cultivate those skills by working at it, but we’re just like these young boys and girls, once upon a time out here, just having fun doing what we do.”
-- NHL.com
Photo/NHL Player Inclusion Coalition
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Words from the publisher...
Time flied when you’re having fun, right?
As I type this, I am in a hotel room in the Green Bay, Wis., area with my son Wyatt and his best friend Weston as they compete in the Junior Gold Championships - a national youth bowling tournament.
They’ll soon be college roommates and bowling teammates in college.
I remember when these kids were in elementary school and clicked right away as friends.
Here we are years later,
and these young men are taking the step into the “real world.”
Matt Mackinder
It’s been tough for my wife and I to see our three kids grow upbecause that means we are getting older - but what makes it easier and rewarding is seeing them succeed and chase their dreams.
We now have one left in high school for the next three years and while I
know we can’t stop time, I just wish it would slow down.
But it won’t.
As we enter the socalled dog days of summer, that means that family time is at a premium right now.
And that hockey season is inching closer and closer.
Last month’s NHL Draft
in Los Angeles saw a talented California foursome drafted and a stellar Arizona duo selected. See more on that on Page 1, by the way.
That said, as we start to prep for the 2025-26 season, there’s never been a better time to come aboard the Rubber Hockey train!
Want to join the program? Call/text (248) 890-3944 or email me at mackindermedia@ yahoo.com.
Until this time next month... -- Matt
Colorado Springs’ Otto finds ‘best place for me,’ signs with USPHL’s Jets program in Metro Detroit
Gavin Otto grew up playing AAA hockey in Colorado and spent the last two seasons honing his game with Pine Creek High School.
Next season, the Colorado Springs native is off to junior hockey in the USPHL after recently signing with the Metro Jets, a perennial contender located just mere minutes northeast of Detroit in Mount Clemens, Mich.
“I was first interested in the Metro Jets after a bit of research on junior teams up in Michigan,” Otto said.
“After that, I was invited out to a weekend tournament where I played a few games and talked to the coach about staying there. The Metro Jets organization is widely known for their amazing development program and their even better records throughout the years and I knew it would be the best place for me to advance as a player and a person, both on and off the ice.”
This past season with Pine Creek
Colorado Springs native Gavin Otto served as team captain last season for Pine Creek High School. Photo/Justin Crosby
“really taught me the value of leadership and the effects it has on the team,” said Otto.
“As the senior captain, I felt that
this last season was truly an incredible experience to really know my capabilities with the players,” said Otto.
Born in Colorado Springs, Otto said that was where he began his hockey journey.
“When I was about three or four, my father and I always went to the public skates at Sertich Ice Center, and it’s where my love for the game comes from,” explained Otto. “I started playing it because I knew it was something I could stick with my entire life. I also knew it would bring me places and show me opportunities most people would never receive.”
Once his career took off, Otto skated for the Colorado Rampage and Colorado Springs Tigers at the AAA level and then from 2023-25 at Pine Creek.
After two seasons with USPHL’s Jets, Chandler native Lewis commits to NCAA
River Lewis played his youth hockey in his home state of Arizona before a season at the renowned Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school in Minnesota.
The past two seasons, the Chandler native has developed his game with the USPHL’s Metro Jets organization to be ready for the grind of college hockey.
Last week, Lewis took another giant step, committing to NCAA Division III Anna Maria College, a school located in Paxton, Mass., about 55 miles west of Boston.
“This opportunity presented itself to me a little bit after the season ended,” said Lewis. “I am looking forward to just getting started, building a bond with my new teammates like I had with the boys at Metro, and just taking advantage of all the opportunities Anna Maria provides.”
Jets coach-GM Justin Quenneville said this is a well-deserved opportunity for Lewis.
D-III Anna Maria
“River had an opportunity to make his NCAA commitment because of his versatility as a player and taking advantage of our platform,” said Quenneville. “He had a great two years here starting with our MJDP program and playing for the Jets last season. He’s big, strong, has a big shot, and can play forward or ‘D.’ Anna Maria is getting a player with great potential and a quality young man.”
Over his two seasons in Mount Clemens, Lewis registered 13 goals and 27 assists for 40 points in 64 games.
“The Jets really helped me in many ways,” Lewis said. “The organization helped me understand my role as a player and as a teammate as well as helping me mentally and providing me with everything a player needs to develop and improve their game.”
Back in Arizona, Lewis played for the Arizona Hockey Union, Arizona Bobcats, and DYHA Jr. Sun Devils.
Chandler product River Lewis spent two seasons patrolling the back end for the Metro Jets organization. Photo/Sara Vasseur
California quartet signs deals with WHL clubs for 2025-26 junior hockey season
Odin Vauhkonen
With the offseason here, several California natives have been making plans for the 2025-26 season with a talented quartet recently signing to play in the WHL.
The highlights:
Anaheim Jr. Ducks alum and Newport Beach native Odin Vauhkonen has signsed a deal with the Victoria Royals.
Los Angeles Jr. Kings alum and Irvine native Noah Davidson has inked with the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Manhattan Beach native and Jr. Kings product Ethan Weber has signed with the expansion Penticton Vees.
San Clemente native and Jr. Kings grad Sean Burick has also signed to play for the Vees.
Read more on these stars at
CARubberHockey.
Sean Burick
Noah Davidson
Ethan Weber
in ‘24-25
Liam Lane is stopping pucks
for the EHL’s New York Apple Core. Photo/ Edward Jacobs
For Erie native Pickering, Team Colorado AAA gives extra boost to NCAA Division III MSOE commitment
Jaana Pickering is heading to NCAA Division III Milwaukee School of Engineering this fall.
Truth be told, up until a few months ago, the Erie native had no idea that the school was interested.
“My commitment to MSOE is all thanks to (Team Colorado AAA)
Coach Karen (Rickard),” said Pickering. “I honestly did not know that MSOE had a girls hockey team until she presented me the opportunity to chat with Coach Baylee (Marabella). Thanks, Coach K!
“MSOE is a great engineering school, perfect for my intended major (computer science), but I also received a great scholarship from the school as well as an opportunity to complete my master’s degree (in machine learning) in four years due to my involvement in the IB diploma program. The hockey program
Team Colorado’s Jaana Pickering battles for the puck during a game last season vs. the Arizona
seemed like a great fit for me after talking with Coach Baylee, with a supportive network of teammates and girls completing similar academic courses.”
Pickering added that academics have always come first for her.
“I love hockey, but my future career will stem from my academics, not hockey,” she said. “That being said, MSOE combines both aspects of things I love so I can have rigorous academics as well as a hockey team to play on.”
Growing up in Erie, Pickering said making the trips to Denver for practice were “a full-day excursion.”
Grestini signs NCDC tender with Jr. Bruins as Thornton native takes next step in development
Caden Grestini grew up playing youth hockey in Colorado and then for the past four years, at the Boston Hockey Academy out in Massachusetts.
The Thornton native will be staying in Beantown for the 2025-26 season after recently signing an NCDC tender with the Boston Jr. Bruins.
“The opportunity from the Jr. Bruins happened from them scouting me at a hockey tournament,” said Grestini. “They liked the way I played and I was on the radar from there. I think what appeals me about the Jr. Bruins is they’re a young team and it feels like I’ll get a lot of opportunities and chances to develop for my first year of juniors.”
“This past season was so crucial
because I feel like I really grew as a hockey player.”
Growing up, Grestini said hockey was a family affair.
“I started playing hockey because of my dad,” Grestini said. “He played while he was growing up and really had a good career, so that motivated me to play hockey.”
Once the younger Grestini laced up the skates, he played for the Denver Jr. Pioneers, Hyland Hills Jaguars, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders and Colorado Evolution.
Moving forward, Grestini’s plans are twofold.
“My short-term and long-term goals are to play NCAA Division I hockey and to excel in school,” said Grestini.
Kachinas. Photo/Be Feral Media
Caden Grestini starred the last four seasons at the Boston Hockey Academy. Photo/Matt Bosco/Bosco Productions
ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies release statement announcing potential sale of team
The Utah Grizzlies announced June 23 that the organization has begun a formal process to explore the potential sale of the team, a path that could ultimately lead to the relocation of the franchise.
This step comes with deep reflection and heartfelt appreciation for a community that has embraced the Grizzlies for nearly three decades. From championship runs and Olympic legacy to countless unforgettable nights at the Maverik Center, the Grizzlies have been proud to call Utah home.
The decision to explore a sale follows a period of transition for the team’s longtime owners. After the passing of Dave Elmore in 2023, and amid the declining health of his wife and co-owner Donna Tuttle, the family’s ability to remain actively involved in team operations has under-
standably diminished. Their devotion to community-centered sports and the stewardship of the Grizzlies has left a lasting impact on Utah’s hockey landscape.
“This is an emotional and difficult moment for our family and our organization,” said the Elmore Sports Group. “Utah has been more than a home—it has been part of our iden-
tity. But ensuring the Grizzlies have the opportunity to thrive in the future may require new ownership and, potentially, a new home.”
The Grizzlies will proudly compete in the 2025–2026 season, with a full commitment from players,
coaches, and staff to deliver a season worthy of the fans who have supported the team through every high
and low.
At this point no sale has been completed and no relocation has been finalized—both will require formal approvals from the ECHL and other stakeholders. Over the coming months,the organization will continue conversations with the ECHL and local leaders to ensure the best possible path forward. The Grizzlies will share updates as decisions unfold.
To our loyal fans, our corporate partners, and the leaders of West Valley City—thank you. Your support has made the Grizzlies a proud part of Utah’s story. Whatever the future holds, the legacy of this team will always be rooted in this community.
Read more on Utah hockey in the Utah hockey section at CORubberHockey.com!
Renegades captain, West Jordan product Kearney signs tender with NAHL’s Warriors for ‘25-26 season
Photo/Patrick Garriepy Photography
Wasatch Renegades 18U captain Lincoln Kearney has signed a NAHL tender agreement for the 2025-26 season with the Oklahoma Warriors. Kearney has been a key contributor for the Renegades’ 18U squad over the past two seasons, serving as team captain in his final year of youth hockey. Read more in the Utah section at CORubberHockey.com.
LHA alum Owen Hayes starred last season for the Okanagan Colorado 15U AAA team.
Photo/Jen Hayes
Okanagan star, Centennial native Hayes finds ‘second home’ with WHL’s Tigers
Owen Hayes is heading north of the border for the 2025-26 season.
Hayes, a Centennial native and Littleton Hockey Association alum, signed with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers recently.
He played the 2024-25 season with the Okanagan Hockey Colorado 15U AAA team, going for 21 goals and 55 assists for 76 points after being selected in the first round (16th overall) by the Tigers in the 2024 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft.
“I was picked in the WHL U.S. Priority Draft and from that moment, the team in Medicine Hat has been great,” said Hayes. “The players and staff made me feel like it was a second home. I visited twice before I chose to sign, and when my family and I made the decision, I knew it was right. Before the rule change was made (allowing major junior players the right to play NCAA Division I hockey), I was timid about choosing the WHL because college has always been a dream of mine. So once the rule was made allowing for WHL players to go play college, I knew that was my path. Even without the
rule change, I feel that I may have still chosen Medicine Hat just because of the way I have been treated there so far.
“I think major junior players having the ability to play NCAA opens up a whole new path, especially for Americans who have grown up watching college hockey and someday hope to play it. With the rule change, they can now go play in the top junior league in the world and still have the ability to chase their NCAA dreams.”
Hayes said he knows going to the WHL will be a major adjustment next season.
“While playing against top NHL prospects every night will be very difficult, I hope to grow as a hockey player and improve every day in preparation for my 17- and 18-yearold years and hopefully, the NHL draft,” Hayes said.
Hayes eventually learned to skate at the University of Denver and began playing hockey with the Littleton Hockey Association, where he played until making the move up to Okanagan.
Jr. Ducks, Saints product, Los Angeles native McElligott develops in EHL, commits to NCAA Division III West Conn
Quinton McElligott, a defenseman for the EHL’s Express Hockey Club, has committed to NCAA Division III Western Connecticut State for the 2025-26 season.
McElligott, an ’04 out of Los Angeles, spent two seasons with the Express. After three points in 21 games in his rookie season, he registered 13 this past year in 42 appearances. In total, he played in 75 games while playing all situations.
“Quinton was with us for two seasons,” Express head coach Nic Cota said. “When he joined us halfway through last year, there was a bit of an adjustment period as he got a feel for what the EHL was all about. That being said, it didn’t take long for him to stand out with his skating ability and hockey IQ. He quickly became one of our top defenders by the end
Quinton McElligott developed his game with the Express Hockey Club. Photo/ Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
of his first year.”
“Year 2 was no different. He was one of our go-to guys on the back end. I’m extremely fortunate to have had the pleasure of coaching ‘Q.’ Congratulations to Quinton on his commitment to Western Connecticut. We look forward to following his continued success at the NCAA level.”
“Over the past two years with the Express Hockey Club, Coach Cota has helped me grow both as a person and as a player,” McElligott added. “From Day 1, he has made it a priority to help everyone around him become the best version of themselves while also teaching his players how to grow into men.”
Back home, McElligott played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks, San Diego Saints and Capistrano United.
Colorado natives Mintenko, Boettiger advance careers, ink contracts with WHL teams ahead of 2025-26 campaign
More at CORubberHockey.com.
Colorado Springs native Jake Mintenko (above) played for the Colorado Rampage and has signed with the WHL’s Wenatchee Wild, while Harrison Boettiger (right), a Wheat Ridge native and Arvada and Colorado Thunderbirds alum, is off to the Kelowna Rockets.
San Diego native, Jr. Ducks, Fairmont Prep School alum Sachs inks NAHL tender with North Iowa
Aaron Sachs
The NAPHL’s T1ER League has announced that Lincoln Stars 18U goaltender Aaron Sachs has signed a NAHL tender agreement for the 2025-26 season with the North Iowa Bulls.
Sachs, 18, recently completed his second season in the T1ER league with the Stars, his first year at the 18U level after previously competing at the 16U level. Over the course of 14 total games across both age groups, the San Diego native compiled an impressive 11-2 record, re-
cording a shutout in each season.
His most recent shutout came during the 2024-25 season at the prestigious Dixon Cup event, where he helped lead the Stars to a dominant 5-0 win over the New Jersey Titans. In that game, Sachs stopped all 27 shots he faced and played a key role in the penalty kill, holding the Titans scoreless on all four of their power play opportunities.
Back home, Sachs played for the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Fairmont Prep School.
Will Prowse has stood tall in net during the 2024-25 season for the USHL’s Lincoln Stars.
Photo/Brandon Anderson
El Segundo native, Jr. Kings product Brockman off to college hockey with NCAA D-III Aurora
The NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears have announced that defenseman Sebastien Brockman has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Aurora.
The El Segundo native is a thirdyear skater of the Black Bears. This past year, the alternate captain hit the ice for 58 games and found the back of the net four times while producing eight assists. The ‘04 laced up for 48 games during the 2023-24 season and featured three goals and six assists. Brockman made his debut in April 2023 on a two-game call-up with Maryland.
Brockman will be joining his older brother, Jacob Brockman, at Aurora. This will be the first time the two brothers have skated with each other in their hockey-playing career. Jacob Brockman played with the Black Bears during the 2021-22 season before heading to Aurora in the fall of 2022.
Head coach of the Black Bears, Clint Mylymok, went into detail on the impact Brockman has had on the Maryland organization.
Back home, Brockman played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
AHL’s Eagles tab ‘perfect fit’ Letestu as new head coach for upcoming 2025-26 season
The AHL’s Colorado Eagles will have a new face behind the bench for the 2025-26 season.
Last week, Mark Letestu was named as the head coach of the Eagles, taking over for Aaron Schneekloth, who was named an assistant coach with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
Letestu spent the last four seasons as an assistant coach with the AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, the top affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets. In that span, the Monsters compiled a 136-117-23-16 regular-season record from the 2021-22 to 2024-25 seasons.
“We’re excited to welcome Mark
to the Avalanche and Eagles family,” said Avalanche assistant GM Kevin McDonald.
“Mark has quickly established himself as an up-and-coming coach in the American Hockey League and we feel he’s the perfect fit to lead the Eagles moving forward.”
“I am very grateful to both the Avalanche and Eagles for this opportunity,” added
Mark Letestu
Letestu. “I am excited and ready for this challenge to lead their AHL franchise. Thank you to the Kroenke family, Joe Sakic, Chris MacFarland and Kevin McDonald for their trust in me, as well as a big thank you to Martin Lind, Ryan Bach and the entire Eagles organization. Most importantly, thanks to my family for all of their
support throughout my playing career and now my coaching career. I can’t wait to get the season going.”
Prior to his first pro coaching job in 2021-22, Letestu played parts of 14 seasons of professional hockey after being signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 22, 2007. His pro career includes 567 regular-season games in the NHL with Columbus, Pittsburgh, Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Read more at CORubberHockey.com & ColoradoHockey.net!
Sebastien Brockman played three seasons for the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears.
Photo/NAHL
California Dreamin’ Summer Scorcher tournament sees eight teams bring home division titles
The California Dreamin’ Hockey Tournaments’ Summer Scorcher tournament was held over the July 5-7 weekend in Southern California.
A total of eight teams brought home championship banners at the end of the exciting weekend.
8U Open: Monarchy Covert defeats Monarchy Force 7-3
(MVP: Dominic Remelius)
10U Open: Monarchy Force beats LBD Summer 4-2 (MVP: Lev)
12U Elite: Monarchy Covert defeats Monarchy Stealth 8-0
12U Comp: Richmond Rebels defeat Bash Club 6-2 (MVP: Bradley Perreria)
14U Open: Monarchy Smoke defeats Monarchy Stealth 7-0 (MVP: Kyle Sanders)
Midget Comp 1: Crush defeats Toronto Tropics 1-0 (overtime shootout)
Midget Comp 2: Toronto Tropics defeats Monarchy Stealth 3-2
Midget Elite: Toronto Tropics
defeats Valencia Voltage 4-2
The next event on the schedule is the Labor Day Festival, scheduled for Aug. 29-Sept. 1.
For more information and to register for future events, visit www. californiadreaminhockeytournaments.com.
Photos at CARubberHockey.com
Chino Hills native, Force netminder Perry tabbed USPHL Premier Fans Choice Goaltender of the Year
In a Nevada valley where hoping a great hunch pays off, the Henderson Force raked in the rewards of picking up goaltender Nicholas Perry, a 2005born second-year USPHL Premier goaltender.
Perry’s work in net in one of the most offensive divisions in the USPHL Premier certainly did not go unnoticed, as the USPHL fans voted him in as the 2024-25 USPHL Premier Fans Choice Goaltender of the Year.
He had, earlier in the spring, been named as a USPHL Premier Pacific All-Division Second Team selection.
“I feel good about being awarded the category, I feel proud of my work
Nicholas Perry stretches to make a save for the Henderson Force during the 2024-25 USPHL season. Photo/USPHL.com
throughout the season and feel like I’ve been given the chance to get my name out there and open doors to more opportunities,” said Perry, a native of Chino Hills.
After originally playing during the 2023-24 season with the San Diego Sabers, Perry joined the Force for his second year in the league and ended up with a strong .920 save percentage. That was among the top 20 for Premier goaltenders with at least 20 appearances during the 2024-25 season.
Back home, Perry played for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings and high school hockey for Mater Dei and Placentia-Yorba Linda USD.
Saint Mary’s grad, Stockton product Alvarado commits to NCAA Division III Plymouth State
Utica Jr. Comets forward Anthony Alvarado has announced his NCAA Division III commitment to Plymouth State University for the 2025-26 season after a tremendous season in the NCDC.
Alvarado, who hails from Stockton, ended up with the Jr. Comets at the end of the 2023-24 season, joining from the Mercer Chiefs and playing in nine total games with the Jr. Comets that year. He signed again with them for the 2024-25 season and had a great experience, tallying 47 points (15 goals, 32 assists) in 53 regular season games.
“I can’t say enough good things about my time in Utica and the Jr Comets organization,” said Alvarado. “I started off my rookie year a little rocky because I had a hard time finding a role in the lineup but I knew it was a great place to be, and Coach Lou Educate was the coach I wanted to play for. With all that being said, what really made me come back was the group I knew we had coming back. I knew we had a chance to be a good team and I loved everyone that was a part of it.”
After the season ended, Alvarado
Anthony Alvarado rounded out his game playing junior hockey with the NCDC’s Utica Jr. Comets.
began communicating with the Plymouth coaching staff. The coaches at Plymouth liked how the Saint Mary’s Prep grad played with skill and how he thinks in the game.
Alvarado was looking for a hockey program with a winning culture and a school that offered his major and Plymouth checked both of those boxes.
“Plymouth is a great winning program with a ton of support from the community for the team,” said Alvarado. “Plymouth also offers Cybersecurity which is the major/minor I will be taking and not every school has it.”
Though he has not seen the campus in person, Alvarado has heard only positive things from the coaches and knows he will thrive there.
“I only had a virtual visit over zoom with the coach,” said Alvarado. “The thing that sold me on Plymouth is the winning culture they have built over the years. It seemed to check all the boxes on the hockey and academics side.”
Read more at CARubberHockey.com!
Photo/NCDC