BEST IN SHOW - Rubber Hockey Magazine

CaliRubber b com
WHL Prospects Camp comes to Anaheim
Petaluma’s McKenzie shines in NAHL
Interview: Rosemary Voulelikas
Monsters make their way to Fresno
Hermosa Beach’s
Brian Salcido
Long Beach’s
Ray Macias
BEST IN SHOW
Two more California natives make their NHL debuts in 2008-09
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 9 May 2009
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
CUP CRAZY!
San Clemente’s Brandon Richardson, left, and Glendora’s
Loren Barron celebrated a Clark Cup championship with the
USHL’s Indiana Ice earlier this month.
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On the cover:
CaliRubber Bcom
WHL Prospects Camp comes to Anaheim
Petaluma’s McKenzie shines in NAHL
Interview: Rosemary Voulelikas
Monsters make their way to Fresno
Hermosa Beach’s
Brian Salcido
Long Beach’s
Raymond Macias
California natives
Brian Salcido
(Anaheim Ducks)
and Ray Macias
(Colorado
Avalanche) made
their NHL debuts
this season.
Salcido photo
credit: Photo/
Anaheim Ducks
Macias photo credit: Photo/Michael
Martin/Colorado Avalanche
BEST IN SHOW
Two more California natives make their NHL debuts in 2008-09
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 9 May 2009
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
California Rubber Magazine
is a production of:
senior editor & publisher: Brian McDonough
content & multimedia editor: Chris Bayee
senior designer: Jennifer Hron
CaliRubber.com
3
CORRECTIONS!
Last issue, we placed the wrong team
photo to accompany the LA Selects’
Bantam AA’s national championship
story on Page 8 (“Make Way For LA”).
Our apologies, and congratulations to
the LA Selects’ Bantam AA team (see
the correct team photo at right)!
Also, on Page 22 (“Santa Rosa’s Hanlon
wins Kocian award”), we mistakenly
noted that Matt Hanlon played this
past season with the San Jose Jr.
Sharks’ Midget 18A team. He played
for the Santa Rosa Flyers.
8 Californians taken in WHL’s Bantam Draft
E
ight California players were among
the 20 U.S. players selected in
the Western Hockey League’s Bantam
Draft last month.
Five of the eight were members of
the LA Selects’ Bantam AAA team that
won a bronze medal at the USA Hockey
Youth Nationals in Plano, Texas, in
early April. Two were members of the
San Jose Jr. Sharks and another played
for the LA Jr. Kings.
Jr. Kings right wing Chase Souto
(Yorba Linda) was the first Californian
picked, going in the fifth round (98th
overall) to the Kamloops Blazers.
Selects center Dennis Kravchenko (San Clemente) was selected by the
Vancouver Giants in the seventh round
(153rd). Teammate and left wing Nicolas Kerdiles (Irvine) was picked by the
Kelowna Rockets in the eighth round
(171st).
Ninth-round selections included:
Selects left wing Nikolas Olsson
(Escondido) by the Red Deer Rebels
(181st), Jr. Sharks defenseman Chris
Buchanan (San Jose) by the Spokane
Chiefs (186th) and Selects blueliner
Austin Ho (Chino Hills) by the Medicine Hat Tigers (187th).
Jr. Sharks left wing Nicholas
Anderson (San Jose) also was drafted
by Medicine Hat in the 10th round
(202nd), and Selects center Luke McColgan (Manhattan Beach) went eight
picks later to Vancouver.
- Chris Bayee
www b CaliRubber b com
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com
inaugural
issue
Locals rally to
save Berkeley
Iceland
Jr. Kings’
McColgan on
fast track
Interview:
AHC’s Ben Frank
Ducks’
Marchant one
of the good
guys
calirubber
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com
Interview:
Kevin Culbertson
y
ave of opportunit
ing talent
California continues
to groom emerg
ISSUE 1
January 2008
Charles Fuertsch
Interview: CAHA’s
national power
SDSU evolving into
ive Voice of
California’s Authoritat
S
established themselves
Ice and Inline Hockey
Hockey’s future in San Diego
as
one of the top
develo
Stoddard
pmental programs in
the country
for
charitable work
California’
recognized
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4
April 2008
UTHERN
EXP SURE
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 Spring 2008
4
LA Selects
celebrate
national title
The LA Selects have
to Division I deal
Haley works way
n California
PIHA rolls into Norther
VOLUME 1
Inline studentathletes honored
Path to Promise
is brighter than ever
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline
Hockey
s Authoritative Voice of
Ice and Inline Hockey
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California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
Wave Makers Interview:
b Simi Valley’s Austin Block
has committed to the University
of New Hampshire (Hockey East)
for the 2009-10 season. This past
year, Block was named the NAHL’s
Forward of the Year after winning
the league’s scoring title with the
Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
b Soren Jonzzon (Mountain View)
and Shawn Jameson (Long Beach)
celebrated a Robertson Cup championship – USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior
A national championship – as members of the St. Louis Bandits.
b Upon completion of his junior season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants, Jonathon Blum, from Rancho
Santa Margarita, made his professional debut earlier this month with
the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals.
b Five homegrown players were
members of the Vernon Vipers’
BCHL championship team: Kyle
Bigos (Upland), Kevin Kraus (Garden Grove), Steven Weinstein (Los
Angeles), Cory Kane (Irvine) and
Ryan Santana (Yorba Linda).
b Tommy Tartaglione stopped 42
of 47 shots to take Top Goalie honors
in the Pro division at last month’s
NARCh regional in Irvine, leading
Mission Syndicate to a first-place
finish.
b Cherie Stewart struck for four
goals and four assists at the NARCh
regional in Irvine to win High Scorer
honors and help Team Revision win
the Women’s division over the Lady
Cyclones.
b Ten Californians were selected in
USHL Entry Draft held earlier this
month. See the complete list of the
players chosen at CaliRubber.com.
b Eleven girls with California ties
earned spots on three age-based
Pacific District Select teams that will
participate in USA Hockey National
Development Camps this summer.
See the complete list of players
selected at CaliRubber.com.
Rosemary Voulelikas
A
n invaluable contributor to the growth and success of hockey in California,
Rosemary Voulelikas wears many hats in the hockey world, including that
of president of the LA Jr. Kings. California Rubber’s Brian McDonough caught up
with Voulelikas to learn more about her involvement and the program’s goals.
California Rubber: How did you first get involved in the California hockey scene?
Rosemary Voulelikas: I first got involved in September of 1998, shortly after
moving to LA from Montreal. At the time, my son, who was 9 years old wanted
to play hockey and I registered him in the Marina Cities’ in-house program. The
following year, he was part of the Marina Cities Sharks’ travel team. It was there
that I first realized what a terrible spectator I was and that I would best serve my
son and the game of hockey if I volunteered behind the scenes. I put my hand up
to be a scorekeeper for the team, which afforded me the luxury of remaining quiet
in the stands and focusing on the game.
CR: Talk about your role as the Jr. Kings’ president. How and when did that present itself?
RV: In 2006-07, Todd Seidner, then president of the LA Jr. Kings, retired. Todd
had surrounded himself with dedicated board members and it was an easy transition for me. The club’s biggest success story resides in the hearts of its tireless volunteers, coaches, parents and board members. I could not do the job I am doing as
president without board members such as Helen Alex and Michelle Alexander,
who have been with the program as unsung volunteers for as long as I have.
Each new year represents new challenges for the club and each new year I am
happy to say we face them and face them well. The majority of our board members
no longer have children playing youth hockey and they still continue to offer their
services, skills and talents for the betterment of youth hockey in California.
We all share the same dream to promote the game of hockey that we all love
and to provide our membership with a safe, competitive and affordable alternate
without sacrificing professionalism and/or integrity.
CR: Talk a bit about the evolution of the Jr. Kings program, from its beginnings
and where it is today?
RV: In 1999, the El Segundo Regents were formed with only two teams. While
their home rink, the HealthSouth Training Center, was in the process of being
built, the two teams scheduled their ice with various rinks.
Before long, my son was skating at the Healthsouth Training Center (now the
Toyota Sports Center) for the El Segundo Regents’ Squirt BB team (2000-01 season). I continued to volunteer as a scorekeeper and before I knew it I had volunteered to be the club’s registrar.
In 2002-03, the El Segundo Regents and the SCAHA Elite LA Jr. Kings
merged to form one club, the LA Jr. Kings. It was an exciting first year for the Jr.
Kings with the outgoing SCAHA executives (Pam Levin, Carmen Starr and
Nina Haber) and the El Segundo Regents’ board members coming together to
form one board, one club. In addition, it was also the beginning of a great working relationship with the NHL’s Kings. In its first year, the club’s AAA 16U team
won a national championship. We had 18 teams from Mite B all the way up to the
Midget AAA 18U team.
2003-04 represented a new chapter for the El Segundo Regents (doing business as) the Jr. Kings. A new club was formed in Westminster and some of the
Jr. Kings’ coaches and players followed, leaving the Jr. Kings scrambling to find
coaches and to rebuild their program. Coach Tomas Kapusta joined the Jr. Kings
working with the Squirt A’s and building the facility’s in-house program including
“The Lil Kings” program.
Interview continued page 21
CaliRubber.com
5
Vacaville Jets
San Jose Jr. Sharks
Squirt B’s wrap up
season to remember
Grads stand tall in
U.S. junior ranks
T
P
- Brian McDonough
- Brian McDonough
he Vacaville Jets’ Squirt B squad did everything it was
asked to do and more this past season.
For starters, it lost only a single game during league play
and finished with a record of 17-1. It also went on to win four
California tournaments, including the Pacific Regional of the
International Silver Stick competition, which earned them
a spot in the championship tournament in Pelham, Ontario,
Canada.
And to win its own home tournament, the MLK I-80
Classic in February, it had to tie or beat two Squirt A teams
to earn the first-place trophy.
“All in all, this was an incredible season,” said assistant
coach Cean Burgeson. “Whether these players are moving
on to play Peewee or staying at the Squirt level, we can’t
wait to see how they all do next year.”
The Jets also finished in first place in NorCal, winning
all of the games in the playoff tournament, earning them the
right to travel to Escondido and play the best Squirt B teams
in the state, where they finished third.
lenty of former San Jose Jr. Sharks proved their worth in
the U.S. junior ranks this season, with a handful of them
celebrating championships.
In the NAHL, Soren Jonzzon helped the St. Louis
Bandits capture their third straight Robertson Cup championship – USA Hockey’s Tier II Junior A national champion
– with a 3-2 victory over the Wenatchee (Wash.) Wild in the
title game.
Adam McKenzie, who will attend the Air Force Academy next season, Billy Miller and Mike DiPuma – all former Jr. Sharks - played for the Wild, which won the NAHL’s
West Division title.
In the USHL, Dalton Speelman, who graced the cover
of the inaugural California Rubber Magazine, and the Green
Bay Gamblers won the Anderson Cup, presented to the
league’s regular-season champion.
Finishing only one point behind the Gamblers were the
Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, whose roster includes Jr. Sharks
grad Matt Tennyson, a Western Michigan University recruit.
Tony Zasowski, the Jr. Sharks’ director of coaching,
was a goaltender on Green Bay’s last Anderson Cup Championship team 12 years ago.
Away From The Rubber
Train with a
purpose this
off-season
A
s the season ends, there are always
some players anxious to start an offseason strength-training program.
The truth is, you need time off to
recover physically and heal from any
injuries suffered during the year. If
you don’t utilize that time to heal, your
body will plateau early in the training
process and you’ll delay any potential
performance gains.
It’s also a poor decision to engage in
a program that’s not designed towards
developing your specific physical
deficiencies. Always set goals before
beginning your program.
The off-season should begin with
two weeks off so your body can fully rest.
Then, an additional week should focus
6
with Mike Potenza
on “active rest,” which is non-specific
activities like low-intensity cross-training
that also includes two days of a light
workout.
Your program should include
and put a major emphasis on leg
strengthening exercises, especially
single-leg drills like lunges, split squats
and single-leg squats.
Assessing your power output is
simply done by a vertical jump test. The
higher you jump, the more explosive
power you’ll possess. Exercises like
box jumps, squat jumps and explosive
step-ups will allow you to develop the
fast-twitch qualities of your muscle,
which are responsible for quickness and
leg turnover.
A good test to assess on-ice speed is
a 10-yard sprint. You can use this test
off the ice, too. You’re looking to make
these sprint numbers as low as possible
and a comprehensive speed-training
or powerskating program will help you
achieve that goal.
The bench press has always been
the most tested upper-body strength
measurement, but a pull-up test for max
reps is a much better test because it
examines a weak area in hockey players
– the upper back - and a movement
pattern that we don’t utilize enough
- upper-body pulling.
Before you begin an off-season
training program, be sure you’re fully
rested and all injuries are healed.
Examine the following areas of
assessment to create a specific program
to meet your developmental needs: leg
strength, power output in the lower body,
on- and off-ice speed and upper-body
pulling strength. b
Mike Potenza is the San Jose Sharks’ strength and
conditioning coordinator.
‘Reading is Cool’
winners honored
at Sharks game
Photo / San Jose Sharks
I
t’s the dream of thousands of children
across the country to one day be on the ice
during an NHL game. Usually, these kids are
aspiring hockey players, but for 10 children at
last month’s game vs. the Anaheim Ducks, it
was their reading abilities, not their hockey
prowess, that earned them the right to hit the
ice.
The Sharks Foundation and the San Jose
Sharks were proud to host these students
during the “Reading Is Cool” Top Reader
Night. Each had been recognized as the Top
Reader of the Year for their class, which earned them entry into
the grand prize drawing for two penthouse suite tickets, an ingame pizza party and more.
In addition to being recognized on the ice during the first
intermission, the children received a special gift pack from
Reading Is Cool spokes-mascot S.J. Sharkie and had the chance
to meet Sharkie himself. And all it took was reading hundreds of
books to make it happen. Not a single winner knew how to play
hockey or had even been to a game before.
Reading Is Cool is a free literacy program for public schools
in Santa Clara and southern Alameda counties. This season,
nearly 900 classrooms and over 20,000 students participated,
with classes receiving medals for their Top Reader of the Month
and Top Reader of the Year. These awards are given out at the
discretion of the teacher and can be earned by reading the most
number of pages, working the hardest or improving the most
over the course of the year. b
S.J. Sharkie congratulated all of this year’s “Reading is Cool” Top
Readers at a Sharks game last month.
2009 ‘Reading Is Cool’ Top Readers
Bali Bashar, Pomeroy School
Ankita Chand, KR Smith School
Janessa Cordoba, Majestic Way School
Mikaylee Garcia, Don Callejon School
Zane Mahaydik, Bowers School
Caroline Mejia, G.W. Hellyer School
Nestor Ojeda, G.W. Hellyer School
Davis Pham, Valle Vista School
Rath Truong, Millbrook School
Lilly Xu, Cherry Chase School
Sharks raise close to $18K for VMC Pediatric Unit
D
uring the first three home games of the 2009 Stanley Cup
Playoffs, the wives and girlfriends of the Sharks players
hosted the first-ever “Favorite Things” Basket Fundraiser.
Each player’s significant other created a one-of-a-kind basket
featuring their husband/boyfriend’s favorite things. While each
player’s basket was unique, many of them included items such
as video game consoles, iPods, movies, music, restaurant gift
certificates, snacks and autographed memorabilia.
Some highlights from the fundraiser included a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to play a round of golf with Christian
Ehrhoff, Jonathan Cheechoo’s signed hat-trick puck from the
Sharks-Atlanta Thrashers game on Mar. 22, 2007 and a signed
guitar from Brad Lukowich.
In all, 19 baskets were auctioned off at the Sharks
Foundation Booth via blind bid format. In the blind bid format,
fans indicated the highest price they were willing to pay for a
particular player’s basket on a form and dropped the form into a
box that corresponded to that player. As with a normal auction,
each basket was sold to its respective highest bidder.
To no surprise, fan-favorite Jeremy Roenick’s basket
raised the most money, bringing in $2,215. Featured in his
basket were such items as a signed jersey, puck, photo, golf
putter and t-shirts from his clothing line.
The “Favorite Things” Basket Fundraiser brought in nearly
$18,000, with proceeds benefiting the Pediatric Unit of Valley
Medical Center (VMC) and its effort to refurbish an outdoor
playground for hospitalized children and their families to enjoy.
“Being a former nurse, Anne Grier (Mike Grier’s wife)
expressed to us the desire of the wives/girlfriends to do a
fundraiser benefiting the VMC Pediatric Unit,” Sharks fan
development manager Erin Buchanan said. “We’ve learned
that quite a few professional sports teams highlight their
athletes by hosting a similar fundraiser each season. This was
the perfect opportunity for fans to learn more about the Sharks
on a personal level, while also raising money for a wonderful
cause.
“We’re extremely lucky to have players and their partners
who are willing to spend their own money and go the extra mile
to make a positive impact in our local community.”
For more information on VMC, visit vmcfoundation.org. b
CaliRubber.com
7
Living a
Dream
Macias, Salcido add to growing list of
Californians to play in the NHL
By Chris Bayee
T
8
Photo / Michael Martin/Colorado Avalanche
his has been a good year for alumni of the 1995-96 LA
said. “It was special to have her there. I know my dad was there
Condors’ Squirt A team.
in heart. It was really special to know they made every effort to
be a part of it.”
Two teammates from that state championship squad defenseman Brian Salcido of Hermosa Beach and defenseman
Said Macias: “Having my mom there - that was awesome. I
Raymond Macias of Long Beach was glad she told me she was coming.
made their NHL debuts within six weeks
I really didn’t want to be surprised. It
of each other.
makes it a lot easier.
Salcido became just the third
“It was a big boost for me knowing
California-born and trained prospect to
that she was coming to the first game.
make his NHL debut with a California
She came to the last two as well with my
team when he played for the Anaheim
aunt and uncle. It was the first time my
Ducks on Feb. 20 at Detroit. A fifthuncle ever flew, so it was exciting for me
round pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft
to see that as well.”
(141st overall), Salcido picked up an
The friendship between the families
assist the next night in Columbus for his
extends beyond the rink, where Alex has
first NHL point before returning to Iowa
managed several of Frank Salcido’s Jr.
of the AHL. He returned to Anaheim
Kings teams.
as one of the “Black Aces” prospects
“I have known Helen and Raymond
to practice with the Ducks during the
for many years, nearly 15 years,” said
playoffs.
Frank Salcido, who also coached Macias
on the Long Beach Jr. Ice Dogs. “I
Macias made his NHL debut for
the Colorado Avalanche on April 1 and
worked with Helen for three years, and
registered his first NHL point on April
we still remain close.”
9. A fourth-round pick of the Avs in the
Said Alex: “I was very excited for
2005 NHL Entry Draft (124th overall),
Brian, but I was sad for Frank.”
Macias played the final six games of the
The parents’ commitment to their
season for Colorado.
sons has been evident to another mutual
friend, LA Hockey Club executive
One of the co-coaches of that Squirt
team spoke for many in the California
director Andrew Cohen.
hockey community about the duo’s
“The most obvious thing that can
achievement.
be attributed to their success was 100
percent parental support,” Cohen said.
“I thought it was absolutely great
for both of them and for their families,”
“Frank and Mary Ann made many
said longtime coach Buddy McKinnon.
sacrifices. Frank spent many years
“Both of them worked extremely hard all
dedicated to coaching good hockey. He
the way through and love the game.”
developed kids year after year. The
commitment level Frank displayed
The timing of the duo’s call-ups
presented some interesting decisions
clearly set an example that helped Brian
for Salcido’s father, Frank, who was
understand what his own commitment
coaching the LA Jr. Kings’ Midget
needed to be.
16U AAA team in the CAHA State
“The same for Helen and Raymond.
Tournament when Brian got the call, and Long Beach’s Ray Macias made his NHL debut
Helen was always leading the way for
with the Colorado Avalanche on April 1.
Macias’ mother, Helen Alex, who served
Raymond. She put her resources ahead
as the Jr. Kings’ Midget 18U AAA manager and was with the
of herself for Raymond’s hockey. She also showed an intense
team at Nationals in Pittsburgh when Raymond was called up.
devotion to every single kid on our teams year after year. She
was not only a huge team supporter of the kids, but she also
Frank Salcido, the other co-coach of that Condors Squirt
team, stayed in San Jose to lead his team to a berth in the Pacific helped create a very tight social environment for the parents,
District tournament while his wife, Mary Ann, attended Brian’s
too. Every year, our team was a very tight-knit family because of
first two games.
Helen.”
Dream continued page 10
“It was not just my goal, but a family goal,” Brian Salcido
TSC’s in-house program continues to thrive
A
ll of these travel hockey
they enter in-house, they
players that California
should have a competitive
produces have to come from
mindset,” Kapusta said.
somewhere, and one of those
“If they’re not prepared,
places is the Toyota Sports
it’s not easy for them to
Center’s thriving in-house
get involved. They have to
leagues for Mini-Mites, Mites
understand it is competition.
and Squirts.
After focus, skating is key,
then understanding the
For the past five years,
Tomas Kapusta and his
basic rules - changing lines,
team have coached the
attacking the net, offsides.
players, ranging in ages
“You have to explain and
from 5-10, in the in-house
draw things on the board for
program as well as the LA
them to see, then explain it
Jr. Kings’ Peewee AAA team. Close to 160 Mini-Mites, Mites and Squirts make up Toyota Sports
over and over. And you have
Center’s in-house program.
to compare it to things in
“We wanted to grow the
travel program, and we knew it had to start with the little
daily life. You can’t use abstract words with young children.
kids,” said Kapusta, the director of A/B hockey operations
We use the word ‘racing’ with the puck, for example.”
for the Jr. Kings. “We started to find talented players, and
If Kapusta’s approach seems like that of a teacher, it’s no
it’s been fun to help little children understand the game of
coincidence. After his 16-year pro career ended, he went back
hockey.”
to school to become a teacher and get credentialed to teach at
the middle school or high school level in California.
Kapusta has a clear blueprint for introducing children
to the game, one that’s heavy on instruction and fun for the
His desire to stay involved in the game led him to his
approximately 160 Mini-Mites, Mites and Squirts in the incurrent roles, which have him at TSC virtually every day of
house program.
the week.
TSC Continued Page 19
“Mini-Mites helps the players learn the basics so when
CaliRubber.com
9
Dream from page 8
GETTING THE CALL
Both players were caught off guard by
their promotions. Brian Salcido and his
Iowa Chops teammates had just returned
from a road trip when he got a call at 2
a.m. from Ducks management telling him
to meet the team in Detroit the next day
for practice.
“I’d never been called up before, so I
didn’t know how it worked,” he said. “I
had a day and a half to have it all sink in,
and I don’t think it did.”
Macias got word after practice in the
office of his Lake Erie Monsters coaches.
“I was excited, but my heart dropped
out of my body when I realized what was
going to happen,” he said. “My mom was
ecstatic when I told her. I couldn’t get her
off the phone, she was so excited.”
Alex was driving a van to transport
Jr. Kings players in Pittsburgh when she
got the call from her son.
“He asked me if I was sitting down,
which was funny since I was driving.
Then he said, ‘You’re not going to believe
this,’ “ Alex said. “I let out a scream and
scared my passenger. I was very, very
excited. He’s had some injuries this year,
and it’s been tough. It was an opportunity
to fulfill his dream.”
PATH TO THE PROS
The dream of playing in the NHL
started early for both players.
Macias started speedskating at 3. At 5
he began playing hockey and suited up for
the Condors, the Jr. Ice Dogs and the Jr.
Kings.
“Helen used to bring Raymond over to
my pro shop in Paramount, and he played
on the floor like he was in the NHL going
for the Stanley Cup,” McKinnon recalled.
“He’s a classy young man who turned out
super. Helen has worked so hard to get
things right for him, she never gave up.”
Macias continued his career in the
WHL with Kamloops, despite not being
drafted. He made the team out of a select
camp. He scored at a point-per-game clip
during his final season after three solid
WHL seasons.
Each of his first two pro seasons
included stints in the ECHL, which
speaks to his resilience to work through
three levels in one season. His familiarity
with many of the players in the Colorado
system through playing with them and
10
attending Avs training camps also helped.
“I was a bit nervous (the first game),
but once I stepped on the ice I was fine,”
Macias said. “The guys who were there
made it a lot easier for me. (Defense
partner John-Michael Liles) was really
helpful as well. Whatever I needed, he
told me to ask him. Even the injured
defensemen were helping me, giving me
little tips here and there.”
Avalanche vice president of hockey
operations Craig Billington oversees the
franchise’s prospects’ development, and
Macias’ work ethic has stood out to him.
California natives to
play In the NHL
Ralph Barahona
Matt Hervey
John Blue
Noah Clarke
Craig Coxe
Robbie Earl
Gabe Gauthier
Ryan Hollweg
Ray Macias
Brian Salcido
Roy Sommer
Garrett Stafford
Brett Sterling
NHL players born
elsewhere with strong
California ties
Chris Chelios
Robbie Earl
Mike Lampman
Peter McNab
Richard Park
Bobby Ryan
Landon Wilson
“Ray made tremendous strides this
year,” Billington said. “He worked hard to
give himself an opportunity to play in the
National Hockey League.”
Brian Salcido was on the ice at 2
and playing organized hockey at 4. He
played for Marina Cities in Culver City,
the Condors and then the West Valley
Wolves, where his father coached him for
two more seasons.
“Frank was a good player and good
coach, and some people thought Frank
was kind of tough on Brian, but he loved
that kid,” McKinnon said. “All he was
trying to do was get the very best out of
him. He was always, always positive.
When Brian got called up I was really
happy for him and really happy for
Frank.”
After Brian’s freshman year in high
school, he went to Shattuck St. Mary’s
prep school in Minnesota. His senior
year, Shattuck won a 17U national
championship. His teammates included
Matt Ford of West Hills, who was the
MVP of the ECHL’s All-Star Game this
past season, LA Kings defenseman Jack
Johnson and a Pittsburgh Penguin named
Sidney Crosby.
Brian Salcido received a scholarship
to Colorado College, where he was a
teammate of Brett Sterling of Pasadena
and the Atlanta Thrashers, and Salcido
played three seasons there, getting 69
points in 79 games during his sophomore
and junior seasons.
Salcido played the past three
seasons with the Ducks’ AHL affiliates in
Portland, Maine, and Iowa. Each of the
past two seasons he was selected an AHL
All-Star.
“I wouldn’t say one thing stands out,
just having that experience and being
able to say I played my first NHL game,
and I was in a locker room with (Scott)
Niedermayer, (Chris) Pronger,
Teemu Selanne and Ryan Getzlaf,”
Salcido said. “Plus playing in Joe Louis,
one of the most historic buildings against
one of the most historic teams. It’s really,
truly an amazing experience.”
Salcido also was helped by his
familiarity with several players on the
Ducks roster.
“Everyone was helping me out, telling
me to keep it simple and play your game,
saying, ‘You’re here for a reason,’ “ he said.
“Everyone was helping me out on
the bench giving me pointers. (Defense
partner Steve Montador) really took me
under his wing and helped me out on the
ice.”
Cohen, who has known both
families for two decades, summed up the
accomplishments.
“I was overwhelmed with pride, and
this makes me realize when a kid says, ‘I
want to play in the NHL’ … Dreams come
true,” he said. “When a kid with special
skills keeps his goal ahead of him, always
doing things to work harder to achieve
that goal, it’s an example for all kids and
parents to enjoy.” b
Channel Islands Riptide
Junior Reign
Midget 18’s win
Spring Shootout
Riverside readies for
Jr. Reign
T
O
- Brian McDonough
- Brian McDonough
San Diego Jr. Gulls
SoCal Titans
Gulls welcome
rebirth of AAA
Titans teams
accepted into NAPHL
he Channel Islands Riptide’s Midget 18 team won the
Glacial Gardens Spring Shootout in the Open Division
over the Easter weekend.
The Riptide started out with a 6-0 win over LA Hockey
Club with six different players scoring goals. The second
game was a hard fought 4-3 victory over the California
Wave, with four different Riptide players lighting the lamp.
Game 3 was against the SISEC Selects, a Swiss Elite
18U team that has been living and training in Calgary for
the last year. The contest ended in a 1-0 decision for SISEC,
which set up a repeat the next day for the tournament championship.
The rematch proved to be too much for the Swiss, as the
Riptide came out intent on taking home the banner. After
allowing a quick goal by the Swiss for a 1-0 lead, the Riptide
answered just one minute later to tie the game, then took a
2-1 lead early in the second period.
The game ended in a 2-1 victory for the Riptide and
coach Troy Adams.
ut with the Wild, in with the Reign.
That’s what’s in store for Riverside, as the former
Inland Valley Wild will transform into the Jr. Reign starting
next season with the support of the local professional club.
“After many months of hard work and dedication from
both the (ECHL’s) Ontario Reign and (Riverside) Icetown,
we’re very excited to bring the Jr. Reign hockey club home
to Riverside,” said Riverside Icetown hockey director Matt
Dunaev.
As an affiliate of the Reign, which just wrapped up its
first season at Citizens Business Bank Arena, Icetown and
the Reign are committed to promoting hockey to the community while exposing new players to the sport.
That combination is expected to lead to more competitiveness on the ice.
“We’ve expanded our coaching staff to include more
experience, which should lend to more success for our hockey
club,” Dunaev added.
What’s more, the Jr. Reign says it will commit itself to
fundraising efforts to make sure all interested hockey fans
and players have the opportunity to experience the sport.
A
T
- Brian McDonough
- Brian McDonough
fter taking a couple years off to rebuild, the San Diego
Jr. Gulls are ready to fly again at the AAA level.
The purpose of the 16AAA program will be to develop
players for the next level, said Larry Cahn, who will coach
the team. The focus will be training the players through
three-and-a-half hours of on-ice instruction per week, along
with a rigorous off-ice program.
“The main goal will be to train the players how to play at
the next level, and take the team to 3-4 high-profile tournaments to be seen by recruiters from many different junior
and college leagues,” said Cahn.
And with the promising talent emerging the Gulls’ way,
the move only makes sense, according to Cahn.
“It’s time… time to get back into AAA,” said the coach.
“We have a great core of 93’s and 94’s right here in San
Diego. All we need is a couple more players to fill some spots
and we’ll be one of the teams to beat.”
he SoCal Titans were among 20 programs – the only one
in Southern California - accepted into the North American Hockey League’s new North American Prospects Hockey
League.
“Since the formation of the Titans three years ago, the
club has been able to move along players to several prominent junior programs, but this will provide Titans’ AAA players with significant exposure because all 18 NAHL teams are
committed to scouting each of the five NAPHL tournaments,”
said Titans president Dave Marzullo.
Titan graduates Austin Block and Mark Pustin played
for the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs this past season. Block
led the league in scoring and was voted Offensive Player of
the Year.
“This is going to provide the type of exposure that’s not
available outside an established league because it allows
scouts from multiple leagues to congregate at one venue and
see a lot of players,” said Titans 18AAA Head Coach Scott
Yorkison.
Both the Titans’ 18 and 16 AAA teams will play in the
NAPHL. They will also play their CAHA Tier I schedule.
CaliRubber.com 11
LA Selects
Selects join prestigious Tier 1 Elite League
T
he LA Selects received
more good news recently
as the program was accepted
into the prestigious Tier 1
Elite Hockey League for the
upcoming 2009-10 season.
“We’re very pleased to
join the Tier 1 Elite Hockey
League,” said LA Hockey Club
president James Gasseau.
“Our goal is to continue to
develop our players for the
highest level of competition
and we believe this will further assist us with the club’s
mission statement, which is
moving players onto the highest level of play.”
With the invitation,
the Selects’ U18AAA and
U16AAA teams will prove
their worth against the
country’s top Midget programs, including the likes of
Michigan powerhouses Compuware, Honeybaked, Little
Caesars, Victory Honda and
Belle Tire, all of which perennially produce top college and
professional prospects.
In California, where a
hockey player’s path to the
NCAA isn’t as clearly defined
as other sports like football,
basketball, baseball or volleyball, being a part of the Elite
League will open a lot more
doors for the Selects’ players.
“Unlike states like Minnesota or Massachusetts, ice
hockey isn’t a sport where
California student-athletes
can move to the next level
through their high schools,”
said Andrew Cohen, executive director of LA Hockey
Club/LA Selects. “Their only
avenue is to use a local amateur hockey club to provide
the pathway into juniors and
college.
“That said, the quality of
competition and level of player talent coming out of the 25
hockey organizations making
up the Tier 1 Elite League is
well reputed amongst junior
and NCAA college scouts.”
Competition and development aside, that exposure to
Parental Guidance
Think skill
when planning
for next year
W
hether you’re involved in a summer hockey program or you’re
done playing until next season, the
thought still looms above our collective
hockey parent heads: What will we do
next fall?
Every year, players migrate into
other sports, drop out, or move from
one hockey program to another. There
are a number of different reasons
these things happen.
What if your rink only has an “A”
team and your son or daughter doesn’t
make the cut? Or transversely, what if
your association only fields a “B” team
and you want your kid to skate on an
“A” team?
These are the kinds of dilemmas
12
the higher ranks also holds
tremendous value, especially
for a program from the West
Coast.
“Being a member of this
league insures that our players will, more than ever, get
every ample opportunity to
be scouted and then some,”
Cohen added. “As a result,
their ability to utilize their
athletic talents to showcase
themselves in an elite hockey
program facilitates achieving
their goal to get a higher education all the while playing
the sport they love.”
In addition to the Michigan contingent, other top
programs from around the
country compete in the Elite
League, including the Los
Angeles Jr. Kings.
“It just shows how far
California hockey has come,
having two teams from the
state in the league,” said
Selects 18AAA co-head coach
Jeff Turcotte. “And it’s just
one more reason for kids not
to leave
home at
early age to play great competition.”
Louis Pacella, the LA
Selects’ 16AAA head coach,
echoed those sentiments.
“The great thing about being in the Tier 1 Elite League
is that in ensures our teams
will play against quality competition every time we travel
outside of the state,” he said.
“Because of our geographical location, there are always
significant costs each time we
travel to tournaments, and
sometimes we have to play
teams that maybe aren’t quite
at the most ‘elite’ of levels.
“But being in the league
and battling against the top
teams from around the U.S.,
with the added incentive
of tracking your progress
through the standings, is huge
for us.”
- Brian McDonough
with Cean Burgeson
that give hockey parents critical
levels of heartburn. Kids face the possibility of leaving the friends they’ve
made, facing the hurt of missing a cut,
or possibly moving out of hockey altogether. Or parents are left with the
decision between playing their child
down or up a level.
Each avenue carries its own set of
additional issues, and it can be enough
to drive a hockey parent mad.
These decisions should be solely
dependent on one factor: skill-based
hockey.
What that means is doing the best
we can as hockey associations, coaches
and parents to place our youth ath-
letes on teams that properly fit their
playing style, ability and skill level,
while offering the greatest chance for
player growth.
This means putting “A” players
on “A” teams and “B” players on “B”
teams, or keeping a house player on
a house team for another year to give
them a little more seasoning before
going on to play travel hockey.
Using and reinforcing the skillbased hockey model in every association in California is the best way for
youth players to get the most out of
their hockey experience and creates
the least amount of grief for both the
parent - and most importantly - the
player.
Keep this in mind when making
plans for tryouts this July to assure
that all of our players have the most
fun and fruitful season possible next
year. b
Cean Burgeson is a hockey parent and coach in
the Vacaville Jets’ youth association.
Making the Grade
Petaluma’s McKenzie
a force on the ice, in
the classroom By Matt Mackinder
Photo / Robert J. Meyer
A
cademics have always
been a major part of
Adam McKenzie’s life. He’s
also always been able to find
the balance between school
and competitive hockey.
Needless to say, McKenzie has faced every challenge
and toppled each one.
His most challenging
obstacle will come this fall
when the Petaluma native
will venture to the United
States Air Force Academy in
Colorado Springs to take the
student-athlete motif to a
new level.
McKenzie believes he’s
ready.
“My high school gradepoint average was 4.33 and
school has always been
pretty important to me,”
said McKenzie. “I did get
accepted to the AFA strictly
on an academic basis. I
would have gone to a good
academic school with a
not-as-good hockey program
over a good hockey program
that is lacking academically.
Fortunately, I’ll get both at
the academy.”
This season with the expansion Wenatchee (Wash.)
Wild of the North American
Hockey League, McKenzie
helped lead the Wild to the
West Division championship
and a berth in the Robertson
Cup Championship Tournament in Mason City, Iowa,
in early May (the Wild lost
in the championship game
to the St. Louis Bandits in
overtime, 3-2).
Off the ice, the 18-yearold McKenzie was a co-recipient of the NAHL’s Academic
Achievement Award. He
graduated with High Honors
from St. Vincent de Paul
High School fifth out of his
class of 110 in 2008.
“Adam is an exemplary
student-athlete and a role
model for all junior hockey
players,” said Wild head
coach Paul Baxter. “His
sustained focus and excellence on the academic side,
combined with his leadership and prowess on the
rink, makes him a very
deserving winner of the
award.”
Also a member of the
National Honor Society,
McKenzie registered a
2050 on his SAT and a 32
on his ACT. McKenzie has
also been recognized with a
number of accolades for his
efforts in the classroom, including the Bank of America
Award for Math and the
Calculus Top Performing
Student as a senior at St.
Vincent de Paul. The California Federal Scholar was also
the recipient of the Doyle
Full Tuition Scholarship to
Santa Rosa Junior College.
Going to Air Force will
also see McKenzie realize a
lifelong dream.
“I’ve wanted to go to
the Air Force Academy ever
since I was a freshman in
high school,” said McKenzie. “I hoped to play hockey
there, but even if I couldn’t,
I still would have wanted to
go there academically. The
education, job security, all
the perks of the AFA always
appealed to me. Right now,
I’m looking to major in Aeronautical Engineering.”
McKenzie hopes he’ll be
able to be an impact player
at the Division I level.
“I certainly hope so. You
never can know for sure
until you get there, but I feel
that the style I play will fit
in well at the AFA,” McKenzie said. “If I can continue
improving the way I have
this year, I feel there’s a very
good chance I can have success at the D-1 level.”
Winding up in
Wenatchee was also a roller
coaster of a ride.
“I was actually at a
tryout for another NAHL
team when I received a call
from Coach Baxter offering
me a tender and a spot on
the team,” said McKenzie.
Adam McKenzie, who will attend the Air Force Academy
next season, was named the co-recipient of the NAHL
Academic Achievement Award.
“I’d never even heard of
Wenatchee, but I thought
that playing under an exNHL defenseman would
be the best way for me to
develop. Everything about
Wenatchee was great.”
McKenzie started out
playing for the Santa Rosa
Flyers, moved to the Tri-Valley Blue Devils to play Peewee A, then to the California
Gold Rush for Peewee AA,
Bantam Tier for the California North Stars and Midgets
for the San Jose Jr. Sharks’
16AAA team and two years
on the Sharks’ 18AAA club.
“It’s amazing how much
hockey has progressed in
California since I was a kid,”
said McKenzie. “In the past,
it’d be rare to see a junior
team out scouting in California, but now there are a
lot of junior scouts and even
D-I college teams coming out
to watch players. It may be a
long time before California is
considered on the same level
as a place like Minnesota,
especially in the eyes of the
WCHA and CCHA schools,
but it’s definitely getting
there.”
A goal-oriented person,
McKenzie concluded by saying that he wants to be an
impact player in college and
win an NCAA title. But as
far as looking past college,
McKenzie stopped short of
thinking what he wants.
“Right now, life goals are
to graduate with a good GPA
from the AFA and we’ll go
from there,” said McKenzie.
“No need to get too far ahead
of yourself.” b
CaliRubber.com 13
© 2009 Bauer Hockey, Inc. and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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should weigh heavy.
Pressure doesn’t seem to get to Patrick Kane. And in the new VAPOR X:60 skate
from Bauer, neither do many defensemen. Experience the skate built to launch a
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14
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CaliRubber.com 15
Junior Hockey
Monsters ready for WSHL, eye NAHL team
T
he city of Fresno will not be without a
hockey team much longer.
After the ECHL’s Falcons folded during this past season, efforts were made to
get a new team in town and that will happen beginning this fall when the Fresno
Monsters will become the newest member
of the Tier III Junior Western States
Hockey League.
Down the road, the Monsters are hoping to also join the Tier II Junior A North
American Hockey League.
According to Monsters co-head coach
Brandy Semchuk, keeping hockey in
town was a must.
“We here in the hockey community
realized if we didn’t do something to keep
hockey in the public eye that soon our
youth program, which is already hurting
for numbers, would eventually die off, as
would the adult leagues, and Fresno would
be left with no hockey at all,” said Semchuk.
“So, myself, along with fellow youth
hockey coach and pro shop owner Jay
Johnson, decided to inquire about bringing a WSHL membership to Fresno. Along
the way, we hooked up with (now team
CEO) Stuart Bourne. The three of us put
our heads together, got the ball rolling and
the Fresno Monsters were born.”
Heading into the summer months, the
Monsters have a front office staff in place,
hired a marketing firm and have begun
selling season tickets. They also have a
deal to play out of the newly-renovated
8,500-seat Selland Arena, former home of
the Falcons.
All the positives thus far bode well for
the membership seeking admittance into
the NAHL.
“We have applied to the NAHL, paid
our application fee and have been interviewed by the league,” explained Borne.
“The league is preparing to review our
financial material and should take final
action in one of their next conference calls
or meetings.
Monsters continued page 17
WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Commissioner/President: Ron White • wshloffi[email protected]
WESTERN DIVISION
Glacial Gardens Ice Arena • 3975 Pixie Ave. • Lakewood, CA 90712
(714) 502-9185 x 240 • www.wshl.org
Southern California Bombers
Glacial Gardens Arena
2400 E. Carson Ave,
Lakewood, CA
Contact: Nick Ganga
E-mail:[email protected]
Phoenix Polar Bears
Polar Ice Arena
2001 W. Alameda Dr.
Chandler, AZ 85282
Contact: Tyler Ramsey
E-mail: [email protected]
San Diego Gulls
IceoPlex
555 N. Tulip St
Escondido, CA 92025
Contact: Bruce Miller
E-mail: [email protected]
Valencia Flyers
Ice Station Valencia
27745 N. Smyth Rd.
Valencia, CA 91355
Contact: Larry Bruyere
E-mail: [email protected]
Fresno Monsters
1630 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 163
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-375-7684
Fax: 559-294-6537
E-mail: [email protected]
Bakersfield Jr. Condors
Contact: Scott Hay
E-mail:
[email protected]
MIDWESTERN DIVISION
Dallas Hawks
Addison Square Garden
15100 Midway Rd.
Addison, TX
Contact: Brad Lason
E-mail: [email protected]
Texas Renegades
NYTEX Sports Centre
8851 Ice House Drive
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
Phone: (907) 452-1643
E-mail: [email protected]
Tulsa Rampage
Oilers Ice Center
6413 South Mingo
Tulsa, OK 74133
Contact: Julie Wilson
Email:[email protected]
Colorado Outlaws
10710 Westminster Blvd
Westminister, CO 80020
Phone: (303) 499-9610
Contact: Jeremy Chatman
E-mail: [email protected]
Junior A Tier III
16
San Antonio Diablos
Ice Center @ Northwood
17530 Henderson Pass
San Antonio, TX 78232
Contact: Ryan Egan
E-mail: [email protected]
El Paso Rhinos
4100 E. Paisonia
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 479-Puck
Contact: Cory Herman
E-mail: [email protected]
Photo / Aaron Bell / Active Images
Handful of locals hold NHL draft hopes
F
our California natives could see
their NHL ambitions come true
next month in Montreal.
Defenseman Bjorn Krupp (Manhattan Beach), forward Cory Kane
(Irvine), defenseman Matthew Konan
(Tustin) and defenseman Kyle Bigos
(Upland) were all ranked in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the
draft that will be held June 26-27.
Krupp (ranked 108th among North
American skaters) had four points in
57 games for the Belleville Bulls of
the Ontario Hockey League and is the
highest-ranked California native. His
father is former NHL defenseman Uwe
Krupp.
“Bjorn is a good-sized defenseman
with excellent personal skills,” noted a
scout who watches the OHL.
After a year with the U.S. Under17 NTDP, Krupp stepped onto a solid,
veteran team in Belleville with five
returning defensemen from a team that
made it to the 2008 OHL finals, so his
ice time was rather limited, as it was
the year before with the NTDP as the
U.S. squad consistently dressed seven
or eight defensemen.
for aspiring California players, given
“Krupp is very raw and undevelthat they receive the proper coaching
oped with regard to his hockey sense,
and development and possess the right
as he played low-level hockey until
work ethic,” said Kane.
a couple years ago. He has the abil Bigos, a Merrimack College recruit,
ity to rush the puck and is at his best
is a beast on defense.
while on the move. His bloodlines and
“God forbid you’re a forward enterundeveloped, raw tools make him an
ing the zone along the wall, because
intriguing mid-round prospect.”
you might very well find your head
Kane and Bigos are teammates
detached from your shoulders by the
with the Royal Bank Cup champion
time you’re done”, said Mike McMahon
Vernon Vipers of the
of WarriorRinkRat.
British Columbia
com.”
Hockey League. Kane
Konan, ranked
is ranked 117th,
152nd, plays for the
while Bigos is listed
Medicine Hat Tigers
at No. 169.
of the Western
Kane said he
Hockey League and
believes having four
previously played
California-bred playfor the LA Selects.
ers listed by Central
During the 2007-08
Scouting is a testaseason, Konan was
ment to how far develone of three 16-yearopment has come on
old players on the
the West Coast.
Tigers.
“I think it shows Manhattan Beach’s Bjorn Krupp is the
there’s opportunity
highest-ranked Californian on the NHL
- Matt Mackinder
at the higher levels
Central Scouting Bureau’s final draft list.
Monsters from page 16
LA Jr. Kings
“We think we’ll get in. We plan to run both teams (Tier II
and Tier III Junior A) in 2010-11 and add AAA Midget Minor
and Bantam the following year and have a fully-integrated
elite program.”
Borne added that he can see a West Coast-based NAHL
division coming to fruition.
“It won’t be an all-California division, but there will be
at least two more California teams in the next two years,
maybe Phoenix, and we’ll play with the Washington and
Alaska teams in a west division,” Borne said. “I can see San
Jose and LA being involved.”
But, for the immediate future in the WSHL, Semchuk is
poised to find the formula for a winning team.
“Myself and co-head coach Eric Ballard are looking
to put a fast and exciting team on the ice,” said Semchuk.
“We want to start with good goaltending, pick up some big,
mobile defensemen, and have a few fast, creative forwards
upfront. From there, it’s filling in the puzzle with some
defensive forwards and grinders, as well as a couple of kids
who aren’t afraid to mix it up.”
Will that equate into instant success? Semchuk hopes so.
“We want to bring a WSHL championship to Fresno as
soon as possible and put as many fans in the seats as possible,” added Semchuk. “That’s the goal of every organization
and we’re no different.
“We think that we have the right dynamics here in
Fresno, from the coaching staff to the front office to the fans,
to make that goal a reality sooner than later.” b
Jr. Kings, Wave form
alliance
T
he landscape of Midget hockey in California continues to
change this offseason.
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings have announced an alliance
with the California Wave for the 2009-10 season that will
see the clubs’ Midget 18U AAA teams merge for the coming
season under the Jr. Kings name, according to the Jr. Kings’
Web site.
The Midget Major team will continue to be coached by
Jr. Kings’ Tier director Jack Bowkus, who will be assisted
by Michael Lewis, who coached the Wave this past season.
The two coaches played prominent roles in the Wave’s multiple national championships earlier this decade.
Both of their teams qualified for the Pacific District
regionals this past season, and the Jr. Kings advanced to the
quarterfinals at April’s USA Hockey Nationals in Pittsburgh.
The Jr. Kings will participate in the Tier I Elite Hockey
League again this season and the 18U level, and the Jr.
Kings’ 16U team will join the league this season.
The Wave and Jr. Kings also will have an alliance at
the Bantam Tier level. The Wave’s Bantam AA 1996 team,
under the direction of Lewis, will be the second team within
this alliance in preparation to advance to the Bantam Tier I
level the following season.
- Chris Bayee
CaliRubber.com 17
Jr. Sharks, Titans accepted into Fresno Jr. Falcons
NAPHL
Success continues for
T
he San Jose Jr. Sharks and
the SoCal Titans are two of
the 20 programs accepted into the
North American Hockey League’s
(NAHL) new North American Prospects Hockey League
(NAPHL), which will compete at
the Tier I Midget AAA level.
Comprised of five events in which the 36 teams from
around the U.S. will compete at the Midget Major (20 teams)
and Midget Minor (16 teams) levels for a league championship, the North American Prospects Hockey League season
will culminate with an NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament
at the NAHL’s 2010 Robertson Cup Championship Tournament in late April.
Both the Sharks’ and Titans’ U18 and U16 teams will be
a part of the league.
The dates and sites of the five NAPHL events are: September 17-20, 2009 (Blaine, Minn.); October 9-12, 2009 (St.
Louis, Mo., or Chicago, Ill.); November 12-15, 2009 (Rochester, N.Y.); January 15-18, 2010 (Ann Arbor, Mich.); and
February 12-15, 2010 (Sharks Ice at San Jose).
The NAHL is the only USA Hockey-sanctioned Tier II
Junior A in the country.
For more information on the NAPHL, visit NAPHL.net
or NAHL.com.
Chalk Talk
It’s summer,
have some fun
O
ver the course of a season, kids
are subject to worries that include
winning, ice time and pleasing their
coach.
With that said, have some fun over
the summer.
Yes, summer is the time for
development and a chance to work on
skills and tactics to help you make
next year’s team. But what’s great is
that it’s all done in an environment
with little stress.
First of all, players need to get
away from hockey. Use the downtime
to try other sports that you don’t have
time for during the season. Being a
well-rounded athlete will make you
a better hockey player as much as
attending another skills camp.
18
unassuming program
T
he Fresno Jr. Falcons’ Peewee B team stepped to the
forefront this past season, losing just one regular-season
game en route to a state championship.
“John Rice did a great job as a first-year coach and the
boys stepped up to the challenge when they needed to,” said
Jr. Falcons hockey director Brandy Semchuk. “After the
season they had, I don’t think they would’ve been satisfied
with anything other than a state championship.”
The Peewee state title marks the fifth for a Fresno team
in the last five years.
“I’m very proud of that,” said Semchuk. “Year after year
we have one of the smallest programs in the state, but we
continue to win championships.
“We have great coaches and we work hard at developing
our players. We don’t have the luxury of cutting players, so
we work hard with what we’ve got.’”
Fresno’s Bantams B’s, coached by Semchuk, also had a
great season, losing just one game during the regular season
to finishing first in their division.
“I’m extremely proud of my boys,” said Semchuk. “I think
we surprised a lot of people.”
- Brian McDonough
with Tony Zasowski
Often times I hear hockey players
say that other sports are boring (make
sure that’s not code for “not being very
good at said sport”). Try them all;
they’ll help your hockey game in the
long run.
Secondly, get away from the
structure of the season. Summer
teams and unique travel tournaments
are great, but there’s something to be
said for having fun playing against
your teammates at your home rink.
Most rinks offer drop-in hockey
or 3-on-3 events that can give kids a
chance to play with friends who might
not have made the same teams over
the winter and it also gives them an
opportunity to play against their own
teammates.
Finally, do a hockey school that’s
taught by an idol or at the rink where
your favorite team plays. Hockey
schools are taught by some great
coaches and players and are worth
taking advantage of.
The other alternative is going to
a boarding hockey school at one of
your favorite universities. This gives
the player the experience of staying
in dorms, eating in the cafeteria and
playing at the NCAA team’s rink. The
NCAA coaches work with the kids on
the ice, and the players act at camp
counselors.
Whatever you decide to do, use
the summer to have some fun and get
exposed to different things. b
Tony Zasowski is the director of coaching and the
U18 AAA head coach of the San Jose Jr. Sharks.
Interview with HockeyXchange owner Brian Smith
Q: When did you see the need for an online source for
hockey equipment?
A: Online hockey equipment retail isn’t new, but our
business adds the resource for used equipment as well
as new. That’s what separates us from the typical retail
stores. We found this need by talking with other parents
and players. My boys are now playing and of course they
grow out of their gear before they ever wear it out. So why
not forward your equipment on to someone who enjoys it
and you make some money in the process.
Q: What is your advice for getting started in this
sport?
A: Learn the sport before spending a lot of money. Take
advantage of skating and hockey classes and open skate
sessions to make sure you want to continue. If you end
up not wanting to play, call us, we’ll buy your equipment
back. Hopefully you’ll feel the same gratification we have
and continue the sport.
Q: You speak of helping players avoid what you term
a “financial body check.” What does that mean?
A: By watching hockey games you know what a body
check is and you don’t want it to happen to you. Buying
new equipment can be like getting nailed in the chest
financially. Purchasing gently-used equipment from
HockeyXchange at a cheaper price helps avoid some of that
pain.
Q: What about new versus used equipment?
A: At first you probably don’t need all brand-new
equipment. You can literally save hundreds of dollars by
purchasing slightly used gear that’s in very good shape.
And considering today’s economy, that’s not a bad idea.
And of course we accommodate advanced level players who
like and want brand new equipment too.
Q: How can HockeyXchange benefit hockey leagues
and individual teams as well?
A: We’ve been approached by league and team leaders
and are currently developing a payback program where a
percentage of sales generated by specific team equipment
donations or purchases are returned back to the teams.
Teams have been very receptive to this idea.
Q: What are the traits that make HockeyXchange
unmatched in serving players?
A: It’s hard to find stores that carry new and used gear
that solely focus on hockey. We sell a lot of the same
equipment as all the other stores, but because of our
special purchasing program and lower overhead costs, we
can keep our prices down much lower than anyone else.
Our commitment is that we will grow with you in
this sport. As you progress, we will always be there for
you to re-purchase your older gear and provide upgraded
equipment for that next level. That’s a win-win for
everybody.
Q: How did your family get involved in the sport?
A: My Canadian-born grandfather was drafted by the LA
Kings, but illness kept him from continuing. I’ve always
enjoyed playing and now our boys want to play so hopefully
they will continue the hockey family trait.
See the HockeyXChange advertisement on the inside
back cover
Mane of the Month
Petr Henkle of the San
Francisco Sabercats’
Bantam B Team
TSC from page 9
“This is a great facility, and it’s tremendous to be involved
with a hockey community like this one,” Kapusta said. “The
management is very organized.”
Kapusta, a 1985 NHL Entry Draft pick of the Edmonton
Oilers, literally brings a world’s worth of experience to the
program. In addition to his native Czech Republic, he played
in Finland and in four U.S. minor pro leagues, including a
three-year stint with the Long Beach Ice Dogs.
“We have a terrific feeder system,” TSC general manager
Brad Sholl said. “Tomas does a great job in preparing inhouse players for travel, the ones who aspire to play at that
level. For others who just love to play and cannot travel for
whatever reasons, it is a great alternative.”
The in-house teams practice once a week and play once a
week. The cost for a 20-game season is $980, Sholl said.
- Chris Bayee
Petr wins
a FREE
composite
stick,
compliments
of Warrior
Hockey!
To enter, send a photo of your hockey hair to [email protected]
CaliRubber.com 19
Beantown Bound
San Jose’s Llanes earns
college opportunity at
Northeastern
By Lindsay Czarnecki
R
20
She now has the chance to
focus on what she’s learned,
particularly about knowing
her own limits.
“You learn responsibility
for yourself and how to take
care of yourself on the road,”
Llanes said. “With 80 games,
you have to be in shape it it’s
your job to keep yourself in
check. And if you’re not, you
can sit on the bench because
your body isn’t going to be
able to take it.”
Llanes still isn’t at 100
percent, but the rehab process is over and she is finally
back on the ice. Now the tide
is transitioning to preparation for college, something
after such a memorable year
she knows she’s ready for.
She has this advice for
girls who are lucky enough
to have the same chance
she did. “Be prepared to be
pushed to your limits and
don’t take it for granted,”
she said. “It’s an opportunity that a lot of girls don’t
get to have, so while you’re
there make the best of it,”
she said. b
Photo /Mark Murphy
achel Llanes believes
that with what she’s
learned in less than a year
- about herself and hockey
- she’s ready to take on the
next level.
That next level being a Division I career at
Northeastern University in
Boston.
Her experience in 200809 was the ultimate preparation - a memorable but
also trying season playing
at college prep school North
American Hockey Academy
(NAHA) in Vermont.
Llanes, a forward from
San Jose, first laced up the
skates when she was 11
years old. Like most California players, she started with
roller hockey before stepping
onto the ice. Within a year,
she got on board with the
San Jose Jr. Sharks program, playing on her first
girls travel team at age 12.
She skated with the
Lady Sharks until 2008,
concluding her time with
the program when numbers
were down and the Sharks
couldn’t field a 19-and-Under
team last season.
With limited options,
Llanes considered the
lengthy commute to join the
LA Selects. But, with NAHA
knocking at her door after
watching her perform at
Pacific District tryouts last
summer, she decided to head
east.
“It was a really tough
decision,” said Llanes, 18. “I
was going to go play for LA
because it was somewhat
closer to home, but I real-
ized if I went to NAHA I’d
have to leave my family and
do something new. It ended
up being a good experience
for me. It wasn’t a tough
decision for me once I got to
meet the girls and play with
them.”
October marked the beginning of her journey, with
an enormous 80-game schedule in front of her. The daily
grind consisted of rising by
7 a.m., at class by 7:50, and
lunch at noon followed by a
two-hour ice session.
Not to mention a gym
workout after that, then
study hall before bed.
NAHA, an all-girls
school located in Stowe, Vt.,
roughly a three-hour drive
from northwest of Boston,
actually used to be an old ski
lodge.
The transformed house
boards all players and is
the site of classrooms as
well. The NAHA fields two
teams, White and Red, typically separated by older and
younger players respectively.
For her one season, Llanes
skated for the White team.
The day-to-day training
with games on the weekends
gave Llanes the feel of what
college might be like. Even
daily tasks such as doing
laundry and eating right
were responsibilities that
she had to take on alone.
The routine at NAHA
matched that of what boys
get at the junior level, and
definitely something that a
player can’t be exposed to
while playing travel hockey
in California.
For that, Llanes is grateful.
“The environment is very
competitive, so you learn
to push past your limits,”
she said. “It really gets you
to play at your peak level
because you have to compete
against these other girls.
Every time we got on the ice,
I felt like I improved with
the coaches and girls both
pushing you.”
Llanes played the bulk
of NAHA’s schedule up until
the end of January before
suffering a season-ending
ankle injury at a tournament
in North Dakota.
While the injury required surgery, she flew
back home and her playing
days at NAHA came to a
sudden halt.
But, like a true teammate, Llanes returned to
Vermont.
“I didn’t want to be away
from them, so I had to go
back and finish up school
there, too, for the last month
I had,” she said.
Looking back now,
Llanes, who will soon graduate from high school in San
Jose, is able to take a step
back from the situation and
the frustration of the injury.
Rachel Llanes skated for the Jr. Sharks before playing prep hockey
in Vermont this past season.
Plenty impress at
development camp
P
hoenix’s VOSHA Lady Coyotes showed well at Arizona’s
player development camp last
month, where 10 members of the program were chosen to compete in the Rocky Mountain District
camp, which was held April 29-May 2 in Salt Lake City.
The VOSHA girls selected for Districts were: Nikki
Clover (‘95), Emily Coope (‘95), K.C. McGinley (‘95),
Elizabeth Rivard (‘95), Makenzie Meegan (‘94), Shelby
Stringer (‘94), Harli Decker (‘93), Andi Husted (‘93),
Kaylene Zak (‘93) and Corrine Rivard (‘93).
One of the program’s younger standouts, Amanda Martin, also received an invite, but is too young to be considered
for national camp evaluation.
“These camps provides great exposure for the girls,” said
Lady Coyotes head coach Gayle Shalloo. “Many prep school
and college coaches come to these camps looking for the
future stars of their programs.”
In June, the Lady Coyotes will host their Elite Girls
Camp. Boston’s Chowder Cup Showcase is also stamped on
the calendar, where top girls from around North America
will compete in front of 80-plus college coaches.
For more information, visit LadyCoyotesHockey.com.
- Brian McDonough
Interview from page 17
Todd Seidner, together
with then vice president
Brad Sholl, started working
to rebuild the Midget Tier I
program. This was the most
difficult because it required
heavy recruiting for the best
players and coaches available. While it’s very common
that many Tier I players are
products of other programs,
our goal has always been to
grow our own talent. With
each new year’s careful and
methodical development of
our young hockey players,
we hope to achieve that goal
in the very near future.
CR: What do you think separates the Jr. Kings from some
of the other programs around
the state?
RV: The Jr. Kings have
been very fortunate to have
had coaches such as Joe
Trotta, Nelson Emerson,
Ray Bennett and Mike
Pilon as their Midget Tier I
coach and director of hockey.
Under their guidance and
vision, the club has made a
name for itself as a viable
Tier I program.
With the addition of
Jack Bowkus in 2007 as the
Midget Major head coach
- and club tier head coach
- and our participation in
the MWEHL in 2008, we are
confident that major championships are in the near
future.
For the 2009-10 season,
the Jr. Kings and the California Wave have formed an
alliance that will consolidate
both organizations’ Midget
Major programs into a single
entity bearing the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ name. Both
programs share the same
philosophy in growing its
own talent and providing its
players with the highest development possible. It should
be an exciting year!
CR: Is there one thing you’d
like to see changed in the
way local amateur hockey
does business?
RV: It would definitely be
in the way our children are
being coached and mentored.
For the last two seasons, the
Jr. Kings have partnered
with the Positive Coaching
Alliance Group. With that
program, our objective is
to transform the culture of
youth hockey into a positive
rewarding experience for all
players, coaches and parents
alike one day at a time, one
year at a time. This is not an
easy task, but the Jr. Kings’
Board of Directors is committed to providing all of its
members an opportunity to
excel in youth hockey, all the
while learning life lessons
to become good citizens first
and good hockey players
second.
CR: When you’re not thinking Jr. Kings, what else
keeps you busy?
RV: I made a decision just
over 10 years ago that I
would make a life change
when my family decided to
move to California. I hung
up my project manager title
and replaced it with that of
teacher, administrator and
volunteer.
I work at the local high
school daily on a parttime basis assisting in the
instruction of Algebra to
special-ed students. Just
recently, I went from parttime hockey administrative
assistant to full time as the
youth hockey director for
the Toyota Sports Center’s
in-house hockey programs.
I also volunteer my time
as a SCAHA board member
as well as a CAHA board
member. An engineer by
education and past profession, I use my project management skills in everything
I do. I wouldn’t have it any
other way. b
CaliRubber.com 21
California Alumni
PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY
NHL
Chris Chelios (San Diego) - Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Hollweg (Downey) - Toronto Maple Leafs
Richard Park (Rancho Palos Verdes) - New York Islanders
Bobby Ryan (El Segundo) - Anaheim Ducks
Landon Wilson (Los Angeles) - Dallas Stars
AHL
Hans Benson (Menlo Park) - Springfield Falcons
Robbie Earl (Los Angeles) - Houston Aeros
Matt Ford (West Hills) – Hartford Wolfpack
Gabe Gauthier (Torrance) - Manchester Monarchs
Raymond Macias (Long Beach) - Lake Erie Monsters
Ryan Murphy (Van Nuys) - Lowell Devils
Travis Ramsey (Lakewood) - Manitoba Moose
Brian Salcido (Hermosa Beach) - Iowa Chops
Garrett Stafford (Pasadena) - Grand Rapids Griffins
Brett Sterling (Pasadena) - Chicago Wolves
Zach Tarkir (Fresno) – Portland Pirates
CHL
Chris Tarkir (Fresno) - Wichita Thunder
ECHL
Mark Adamek (Hollister) - Stockton Thunder
Itan Chavira (Upland) – Ontario Reign
Tim Kraus (Garden Grove) - Ontario Reign
EPHL
K.C. Caudill (Tustin) - Danbury Mad Hatters
Mykul Haun (Oakland) - Danbury Mad Hatters
Alex Redmond (San Jose) - Danbury Mad Hatters
Drew Sanders (Modesto) - Jersey Rockhoppers
IHL
Adam Bartholomay (Agoura Hills) - Muskegon Lumberjacks
Justin Cross (Camarillo) - Kalamazoo Wings
Jeremy Stevenson (San Bernardino) - Kalamazoo Wings
World
Noah Clarke (Agoura Hills) - Rauma, Finland
Alex Kim (Los Angeles) - Korea
Justin Morrison (Los Angeles) - Hamburg Freezers, Germany
Billy Ruggiero (Simi Valley) - Finland
Jared Katz (San Jose) - Western Michigan University
Matt Jimenez (Santa Rosa) - Utica College
Peter Kavaya (San Clemente) - Western Michigan University
Shaun Mathur (Laguna Hills) - Lebanon Valley College
John Kemp (Arcadia) - University of Nebraska-Omaha
TJ Miller (Placentia) - Northern Michigan University
Nathan Sigmund (San Diego) - Northern Michigan University
Division I - Men
Atlantic Hockey
Nielsson Arcibal (Vista) - American International College
Anthony Barela (Beverly Hills) - Sacred Heart University
Derrick Burnett (Corona) - Air Force Academy
Andy Georkyan (Glendale) - American International College
Jon Glant (Garden Grove) - University of Connecticut
Jason Krispel (Cypress) - University of Connecticut
Chris Ochoa (Santa Monica) - University of Connecticut
Blake Page (San Clemente) - Air Force Academy
Gregg Rodriguez (Sunnyvale) - Sacred Heart University
Kevin Wright (San Jose) - Air Force Academy
MCHA
ECAC
Jesse Jacobs (Pacifica) - Lawrence University
Billy Blasé (Santa Monica) - Yale University
Kevin Crane (Irvine) - Princeton University
Spencer Heichman (Yorba Linda) - Quinnipiac University
David Inman (San Diego) - Yale University
Corbin McPherson (Folsom) - Colgate University
Tim Potter (Bakersfield) - Clarkson University
Josh Rabbani (Woodland Hills) - RPI
Hockey East
Mike Beck (Long Beach) - University of New Hampshire
Kyle MacKinnon (Walnut) - Providence College
Kevan Miller (Los Angeles) - University of Vermont
Casey Wellman (Brentwood) - University of Massachusetts
WCHA
Brett Hextall (Manhattan Beach) - University of North Dakota
Ryan Lasch (Lake Forest) - St. Cloud State University
Brad McCabe (San Diego) - University of Alaska Anchorage
Dan Quilico (Thousand Oaks) - Colorado College
Rhett Rakhshani (Huntington Beach) - University of Denver
Andreas Vlassopoulos (Los Angeles) - Colorado College
Brian Volpei (Burbank) - St. Cloud State University
Division III - Men
ECAC East
Aaron Blades (Chino) - Salem State College
Jess Corby (Truckee) - University of Massachusetts Boston
Kris Kranzky (Glendora) - University of Massachusetts Boston
Jeffrey Sawhill (San Jose) - Salem State College
CJ Viso (San Jose) - Norwich University
ECAC Northeast
Jamie Armstrong (Lincoln) - Suffolk University
Mike Caprio (Valencia) - Becker College
Matt Cattivera (Encinitas) - Westfield State College
Kyle Cook (Chino Hills) - Suffolk University
Reed Garetto (Burbank) - Assumption College
Jeffrey Hazelwood (Dublin) - Curry College
Skylur Jameson (Long Beach) Wentworth Institute of Technology
Steven Mohler (Anaheim) - Curry College
Tyler Monteros (Diamond Bar) Wentworth Institute of Technology
Will Munson (Corona) - Nichols College
Kevin Richardson (Temecula) - Nichols College
Kyle Richardson (San Jose) - Wentworth Institute of Technology
Mitch Sabo (Bell Canyon) - Suffolk University
Dave VandenBerg (San Juan) - Suffolk University
Marcus Wilhite (Torrance) - Curry College
Jordan Yindiphol (Redwood City) - Westfield State College
ECAC West
CCHA
Adam Cardwell (Long Beach) - University Alaska-Fairbanks
JJ Crew (Placentia) - Western Michigan University
Alex Hudson (Corona) - University of Nebraska-Omaha
22
Nicholas Schultz (Lakewood) - Lebanon Valley College
Scooter Vaughn (Placentia) - University of Michigan
Steve Jakiel (Santa Clarita) - Curry College
COLLEGE HOCKEY
Blake Rielly (Newport Beach) - Manhattanville College
Russell Anderson (Riverside) - Utica College
Bryce Dale (Fresno) - Utica College
Kregg Guestin (Kingsburg) - Utica College
Kyle Guestin (Kingsburg) - Utica College
Chase Haubursin (Santa Rosa) - Minnesota Crookston
Josh Lopez (San Diego) - Northland College
Steve Marino (Torrance) - Northland College
Nick Prange (Actonv) - Concordia University Wisconsin
Corey Stark (San Diego) - Concordia University Wisconsin
Michael Wyenn (Thousand Oaks) - Concordia University Wisconsin
MIAC
Jimmy Becker (Wildomar) - St. Mary’s University
Scott Cohen (Culver City) - St. Olaf College
Evan Mackintosh (San Jose) - St. Thomas University
Ian McDougall (Mission Viejo) - Augsburg College
Justin Thomas (Belmont) - St. Olaf College
NESCAC
Issa Azat (South Pasadena) - Tufts University
Matt Draheim (Coto de Caza) - Williams College
Ian Drummond (Del Mar) - Middlebury College
Kurt Fairless (Orange) - Hamilton College
Brett Haraguchi (Cupertino) - Williams College
Thomas Herd (Los Angeles) - Bowdoin College
Doug Wilson (Saratoga) - Tufts University
Brent Winship (Manhattan Beach) - Wesleyan University
NCHA
Cory Patterson (Huntington Beach) - St. Norbert College
SUNYAC
Colin Sarfeh (Laguna Niguel) - SUNY Fredonia
Hank Van Boxmeer (Orange) - SUNY Oswego
Division I - Women
CHA
Jessica Frump (Saugus) Syracuse University
Alison Lee (Los Altos) Syracuse University
Julie Rising (Milbrae) Syracuse University
Amanda Rowe (Santa Cruz) Niagara University
ECAC
Joy Joung (Torrance) - Brown University
Antoinette Maldonado (Glendora) - Quinnipiac University
Brittany Martin (Torrance) - Harvard University
Amber Moore (Sunnyvale) Cornell University
Hayley Moore (San Jose) - Clarkson University
Jenny Niesluchowski (Camarillo) - Cornell University
Paula Romanchuk (San Jose) - Princeton University
Jessi Waters (Menlo Park) - Colgate University
Hockey East
Lauren LeMond (Vista) - University of Connecticut
Alyssa Wohlfeiler (Saugus) - Northeastern University
Autumn Prouty (Temecula) - Northeastern University
Kristi Kehoe (Bakersfield) Northeastern University
Laura Veharanta (La Verne) - Providence College
Jenniefer Friedman (San Gabriel) - Providence College
Danielle Ramirez (Huntington Beach) - Providence College
WCHA
Olivia Jakiel (Santa Clarita) - University of Wisconsin
Kelly Nash (Bonita) - University of Wisconsin
Jaime Rasmussen (Garden Grove) - University Minnesota Duluth
Kyle Delaurell (Mission Viejo) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Markus McCrea (Canyon Lake) - Everett Silvertips
Gage Emerson (San Jose) - Motor City Machine
Todd Mathews (Covina) - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Emerson Etem (Long Beach) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Jon Parker (Solana Beach) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Angela Ruggiero (Simi Valley)
Jake Fallon (Orange County) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Tyler Parker (Livermore) - Everett Silvertips
Jeffrey Harris (Simi Valley) - Bismarck Bobcats
Colin Reddin (Corona del Mar) - Portland Winter Hawks
Division III - Women
ECAC East
Kevin Harris (Simi Valley) - Bismarck Bobcats
Matt Sokol (Los Angeles) - Saskatoon Blades
Jake Hutt (Menlo Park) - Topeka RoadRunners
Parker Stanfield (Orange County) - Prince George Cougars
Shawn Jameson (Long Beach) - St. Louis Bandits
CJ Stretch (Irvine) - Kamloops Blazers
Soren Jonzzen (Mountain View) - St. Louis Bandits
Garrett Taylor (San Diego) - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Michael Juola (Lake Forest) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Brandon Underwood (San Marcos) - Kamloops Blazers
Brett Kaneshiro (Laguna Niguel) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Tyler Vanscourt (Corona) - Kootenay Ice
Andy Kitt (Corona) - Springfield Jr. Blues
Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) - Spokane Chiefs
Amy Zappen (Huntingon Beach) - St. Anselm College
David Kurbatsky (San Ramon) - Wenatchee Wild
Marcus Watson (San Jose) - Prince George Cougars
ECAC West
Billy Miller (Morgan Hill) - Wenatchee Wild
U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Chanda Gunn (Huntington Beach)
Jessical Koizumi (Simi Valley)
Erica Garcia (Highland) - Manhattanville College
Michelle Kaufman (Irvine) - Manhattanville College
Kameron Klauber (Carlsbad) - MIT
Cheryl Winter (Cupertino) - Nichols College
Aly Zappen (Huntington Beach) - St. Anselm College
Kaitlyn Denton (Tracy) - Chatham University
Jamie Huntley (La Jolla) - Elmira College
Adam McKenzie (Petaluma) - Wenatchee Wild
Jason Nash (Oxnard) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Matt Nieto (Long Beach) - U.S. Under-17 Team
PREP SCHOOL
Division I - New England
Bryon Paulazzo (Redwood City) - Topeka RoadRunners
Jake Abrahams (Los Angeles) - Exeter
Ashley Reid (Chino Hills) - Chatham University
Troy Puente (Thousand Oaks) - Owatonna Express
Max Balaban (San Diego) - Tilton
Mark Pustin (Northridge) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Michael Basist (Aliso Viejo) - Kimball Union
MIAC
Dan Radke (Orinda) - Traverse City North Stars
Tucker Dayton (San Francisco) - Deerfield
Shane Sooth (Canyon Country) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Stefan Demopoulos (San Diego) - Avon Old Farms
Brittany Vander Kooy (Redlands) - Concordia College
Travis Stevens (Montclair) - Topeka RoadRunners
Grant Dennis (Newport Beach) - Deerfield
Randy Swank (Nuevo) - Topeka RoadRunners
Lucas Digati (Santa Monica) - Milton
NESCAC
Branson Yost (Capistrano Beach) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Raphael Durand (Menlo Park) - Governor’s
Elyse McGinnity (Temecula) - Utica College
Kelly Biddle (La Mirada) - St. Olaf College
Michelle Chee (San Francisco) - Trinity College
Domi DiDia (Studio City) - Trinity College
Courtney Hanlon (Fullerton) - Amherst College
Caroline Hu (Cerritos) - Amherst College
Max Edson (Hermosa Beach) - Salisbury
SJHL
Evan Hutson (Pasadena) - Tilton
Cameron Gibson (Valencia) - Humboldt Broncos
Doo Soo Kim (Los Angeles) - Milton
CM Liotta (Menlo Park) - Taft
USHL
Ryne Lubert (Yorba Linda) - Tilton
Loren Barron (Glendora) - Indiana Ice
Vinnie Smith (Fresno) - Kimball Union
Shana Katz (San Jose) - University of Wisconsin-Superior
Brett Beebe (Redondo Beach) - Chicago Steel
Andrew Mason (Manhattan Beach) - Proctor
Dennis Brown (Cypress) - Omaha Lancers
Sean Okita (Newport) - Milton
JUNIOR HOCKEY
Jeff Ceccacci (Placentia) - Green Bay Gamblers
Xavier Reed (Oakland) - Taft
Kyle Moffett (Calabasas) - Canmore Eagles
Luke Greiner (Newport Beach) - Sioux Falls Stampede
Division I-US/Canada
Donnie Hallmark (Ontario) - Sioux City Musketeers
Matthew Robertson (Rohnert Park) - Stanstead College
Atlantic Junior Hockey League
Taylor Holstrom (Yorba Linda) - Omaha Lancers
NCHA
Alberta Junior Hockey League
Dakota Eveland (Anaheim) - Omaha Lancers
Travis Owens (Burbank) - Walpole Express
Nick Hopper (Culver City) - Tri-City Storm
BCHL
Steven Hoshaw (Vista) - Waterloo Black Hawks
Kyle Bigos (Upland) - Vernon Vipers
Brady Horn (Yorba Linda) - Langley Chiefs
Adam Hout (Ladera Ranch) - Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Cory Kane (Irvine) - Vernon Vipers
Kevin Kraus (Garden Grove) - Vernon Vipers
Ilya Kravtchouk (Encino) - Burnaby Express
Brett Mohler (Anaheim) - Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Mark Morikawa (Redondo Beach) - Alberni Valley Bulldogs
Josh Pineiro (Huntington Beach) - Prince George Spruce Kings
Ryan Santana (Yorba Linda) - Vernon Vipers
Brady Horn (Yorba Linda) – Sioux Falls Stampede
Matt Leitner (Los Alamitos) - Fargo Force
Joe Marciano (Alta Loma) - Omaha Lancers
Nick Maricic (Alta Loma) - Tri-City Storm
Jake Newton (San Jacinto) - Lincoln Stars
Max Nicastro (Thousand Oaks) - Chicago Steel
Ami Peled (Encino) - Des Moines Buccaneers
Troy Power (Camarillo) - Omaha Lancers
Brandon Richardson (San Clemente) - Indiana Ice
Darren Rowe (Simi Valley) - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Chad Ruhwedel (San Diego) - Sioux Falls Stampede
Steve Weinstein (Los Angeles) - Vernon Vipers
Dalton Speelman (San Jose) - Green Bay Gamblers
GMHL
Matt White (Whittier) - Omaha Lancers
Brenden Kelso (Lake Isabella) - Brock Bucks
Derek Rodgers (Los Angeles) - South Muskoka Shield
Matthew Tennyson (Pleasanton) - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
WHL
Tim Wender (Thousand Oaks) - South Muskoka Shield
Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Vancouver Giants
MJHL
Adam Brown (Yorba Linda) - Kelowna Rockets
Justin Apcar-Blaszak (Valley Village) - Hudson Crusaders
Brandon Brossoit (Los Alamitos) - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Mitchell Callahan (Whittier) - Kelowna Rockets
Morgan Sanchez (Corona) - Minnesota Ice Hawks
Cameron Cepek (Huntington Beach) - Prince George Cougars
NAHL
Matthew Konan (Tustin) - Medicine Hat Tigers
Chris Annunziato (Alto Loma) - Kenai River Brown Bears
Chase Balisy (Fullerton) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Austin Block (Northridge) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Junior Cadiz (Los Angeles) - Wenatchee Wild
Send additions, deletions and corrections to
[email protected]
Shane Harper (Valencia) - Everett Silvertips
Ryan Letts (Newport Beach) - Spokane Chiefs
Colin Long (Santa Ana) - Kelowna Rockets
Uriah Machuga (Norco) - Kamloops Blazes
Tyler Maxwell (Manhattan Beach) - Everett Silvertips
Soren Jonzzon of Mountain View tallied 11 points in 12
NAHL playoff games for the Robertson Cup champion
St. Louis Bandits.
CaliRubber.com 23
Inline Hockey
Murchison named head coach of USA Inline U18 National Team
K
in both the ECHL and the Anaheim
and look forward to following the
Bullfrogs inline hockey team, which
progress of the team,” said Ducks
called Honda Center
executive vice president
home.
and chief operating
I’m excited and honored
Since that time,
officer Tim Ryan. “By
to be selected as coach
Murchison has been
continuing to support
of the United States’
a key component in
both ice and inline hockey
junior team.
the growth of the
participation in Southern
sport throughout
- Ken Murchison California, we’re poised to
Southern California.
both grow the sport and
He currently manages
provide an environment
the inline facilities of the Anaheim
that produces world-class players and
Ducks’ Rinks Program, which seeks to
coaches.”
grow participation in hockey through
The three Californians set to
development of both inline and ice
compete at the event are Corona’s Joey
facilities.
Doran, Aliso Viejo’s Kaelin Groon
“We’re thrilled with Ken’s selection
and San Jose’s Jacob Hickey. b
en Murchison has been named
head coach of the United States
entry at the World Inline Hockey
Championship, which will be played
June 28-July 4 in Varese, Italy.
The United States Under-18 roster
features three players from Southern
California.
“I’m excited and honored to be
selected as coach of the United States’
junior team,” said Murchison. “I believe
we’ve put together a very strong roster
that has the potential to bring back a
championship.”
As a player, Murchison played
Canadian junior and collegiate hockey
followed by stints as a professional
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California’s Authoritative
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through NHL draft
. Goltz the new
behind ASU’s boss
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Seal Beach’s Mitch Wahl
charge at the NHL Draft
2008
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6 Summer
24
com
com
California’s
ISSUE 10
Summer 2008
leads California’s
and Inline Hockey
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From Kids to Coyotes,
Phoenix Drago
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the Desert’s Authoritat
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Inline Hockey
Plenty of locals shine at 949’s NARCh event
By Alex Dodt
his year’s NARCh regional tournament at the
949 Roller Hockey Center in Irvine brought
together 92 teams in 11 age groups, from the Cub
division (6U) all the way up to Men’s and Women’s.
The tournament continues to be one of the
biggest draws in the region with teams from
Arizona, Nevada, Colorado and Oregon all coming
to Irvine to compete for a NARCh title.
One of the most successful teams at the
tournament was Revision Vanquish ‘96, coached by
Nabeel Gerges. Vanquish won its own age group’s
highest level, Squirt Platinum, and also played up
an age group, winning the Peewee Silver division.
Revision Vanquish ‘96 won
“It’s not hard to
both its division and the
expect success from
Peewee Silver division.
that group of kids and
I was happy to win
Squirt,” said Gerges.
the Arizona Stars in the
“But some of their
championship game.
Peewee games are
“Our Mite 10U team usually
just as valuable to
wins tournaments in their own
their development.”
age group, so I expected them
With a dominant
to do real well,” said Limbaga.
showing in Irvine,
“They usually place well in 12U
Vanquish have
tournaments and even played a
positioned itself
14U tournament one time.”
to once again be a
In the Atom division, 949
favorite heading
Anarchy was bolstered by
the play of two young stars
into NARCh Finals
in forward Jonathan Panisa
this July in Toronto.
and goaltender Connor Duffy.
Known as the
Panisa had a division-high 11
California Wolves in
points while Duffy stopped 27 of
years past, Vanquish
The 949 Anarchy’s Mites went undefeated on their home floor.
31 shots in the tournament.
has had a lot of success
“The Anarchy Mite team
when at the top of its
has
been winning many
age division at NARCh
tournaments this year,” said Limbaga. “They also do well
Finals. In 2005, it won the Atom Platinum title and in 2007
even when playing up an age group.”
it was runner-up in Mite Platinum.
Limbaga also helped organize a 6U team for the Cub
“Heading into NARCh Finals, the goal is to win Squirt
division
called the 949 All-Stars. In the division final,
Platinum,” said Gerges. “I fully expect us to be one of the
final four teams and hope to be the team that takes home the Limbaga’s youngsters defeated the Cal Street All-Stars,
coached by Scott Accognio.
cup.”
“I like seeing the young kids involved, so I helped
Gerges also coached another regional winner, Team
rally the troops to build that team,” said Limbaga. “The
Revision in the Women’s division. Cherie Stewart’s four
development and involvement of teams at a young age is my
goals and four assists led Revision into the championship
focus.”
game for a rematch against the Lady Cyclones. Revision was
This NARCh regional also featured a highly competitive
able to avenge its round robin loss to the Cyclones, taking
Pro division, which included Revision Vanquish and Mission
the women’s final by a score of 5-3.
Syndicate, both finalists in Pro at the 2007 and 2008 NARCh
“I don’t think Team Revision women’s team gets enough
Finals. At this tournament though, it ended up being
credit sometimes,” said Gerges. “They’ve won NARCh
Syndicate and another southern California team, the LA
WinterNationals and Finals the last two years, plus this
Pama Cyclones, facing off in the final.
regional, and have done all that losing only one game.”
Syndicate broke open a tie game in the second period,
Eddie Limbaga’s 949 Anarchy teams had a very
led by Stephen Campbell’s two goals and strong goaltending
successful tournament on their home floor, making it to four
from Tommy Tartaglione, to win the game 5-1. Cyclones’ Itan
division finals and winning two of them. The Anarchy Mite
Chavira, who scored his team’s only goal in the final, was the
team went undefeated for the tournament, knocking off
division’s High Scorer with five goals and five assists. b
T
CaliRubber.com 25
WHL Prospects Camp garners more interest
M
ore than 80 Bantam players
from the Western United States
converged on Anaheim Ice last month
for the fourth annual Western Hockey
League Prospects Camp.
Unlike years past, this year’s
camp was limited to one birth year
(1994) because of increasing interest
in the camp, WHL vice president of
hockey Richard Doerksen said.
“The difference is the first year we
didn’t have enough 91’s, so we had to
fill in with 89’s and 90’s,” Doerksen
said. “This year, with just 94’s we had
a number of players on a waiting list,
which shows the increased interest.”
Eight California Bantams were
selected in the league’s annual Bantam draft on Thursday, April 30, in
Calgary (see the players selected on
Page 4).
That total fell within the range
that several team scouts and management personnel present predicted in
an informal poll at the Anaheim Prospects. Seven players from California
were selected in the 2008 draft, three
in the first six rounds.
Twenty-one of the WHL’s 22
teams had scouts present at the Anaheim event.
“The clubs have seen an improvement, not only in numbers of players,
but in the talent level, that’s why so
many teams are here now,” Doerksen
said.
Lorne Frey serves as the
Kelowna Rockets’ assistant general
manager, and he said the size of the
league has necessitated looking south
for players.
“We have 22 teams in our league,
and we have to expand our talent pool
to fill those rosters,” he said. “We’re
starting to realize that California is
producing a number of good hockey
players, and our objective is to put the
best players on the ice that we can. If
they’re from California, so be it. That’s why we’re down here.”
Kelowna has been as successful as any WHL team in recent times. In addition
to its captain, high-scoring center and Phoenix Coyotes draft choice Colin Long of
Santa Ana, the Rockets have three others in their lineup from the Golden State
– wings Mitchell Callahan (Whittier) and Shane McColgan (Manhattan Beach)
and goaltender Adam Brown (Yorba Linda).
“A player like Colin (Long, who was an 11th-round pick in 2004) – you’d
have to pick in the third or fourth round now,” Frey said. “If you want kids (from
California) you’ve got to step up.”
Two characteristics about the state’s players stand out to Frey and his peers
– excellent skating and puck skills.
“You have to compliment the hockey development they have down here
– they’re very skilled players and they’re intelligent players,” Frey said. “I think
sometimes the difference is the work ethic and how hard they have to compete.
Once they get up with us they learn that after a while, and they develop like every
other young player develops.”
At April’s Prospects Camp, the players were divided into four teams, each
coached by a current WHL head or assistant coach. Each team also had a Bantam
coach from the state behind the bench as well as a current WHL player from the
state. After a Friday practice, each team played three games total between Saturday and Sunday. The league also held an informational session on their education
package.
Fifty-seven of the 85 players at the camp were from California, and 12 different clubs from California were represented. The clubs were: Anaheim Jr. Ducks,
Beach City Lightning, California Heat, California Stars, California Wave, JSerra
High, LA Jr. Kings, LA Hockey Club/Selects, Orange County Hockey Club, San
Diego Jr. Gulls, San Jose Jr. Sharks and West Valley Wolves.
WHL coaches were Dave Hunchak of Moose Jaw, Mark Holick of Kootenay,
Jesse Wallin of Red Deer and Travis Green – a former Anaheim Duck – of Portland.
California Bantam coaches were Troy Mick of the Southern California
Titans, Mitch O’Brien of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks and Louis Pacella of the LA
Selects.
WHL players behind the bench included Kamloops’ CJ Stretch of Irvine,
Prince George’s Parker Stanfield of Orange Country, Portland’s Colin Reddin
of Corona del Mar, and Everett’s Tyler Maxwell of Manhattan Beach.
The presence of the alumni left a big impression on Anaheim Jr. Duck Bantam
Connor O’Brien.
“It was fun to have the WHL players involved in our practices,” O’Brien said.
“The coaches really made us work hard.”
O’Brien also said he appreciated the special attention his position received
from goalie coaches Steve Switzer of Portland and Shane Clifford of Everett.
“The goalie coaches really were helpful, pointing out things with my game,”
O’Brien said.
Jr. Ducks teammate Kayden Muzila also enjoyed the work but did discover
one surprise.
“The practices were very competitive,” the forward said. “One thing that surprised me was there were some pretty big guys.” b
b
CaliRubber.com
26
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