Goal Getters - Rubber Magazine

Block enjoying success in NAHL b Local teams shine at NARCh event b Wave’s play earning recognition b Atkinson standing tall for Bombers
CaliRubber b com
TEAL
San Jose Jr.
APPEAL
Sharks continue
to bring NorCal
hockey to the
forefront
Hannah England
and the Lady
Ducks stole the
show at last
month’s Martin
Luther King
Invitational in
San Jose
Goal Getters
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 February 2009
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey

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Block enjoying success in NAHL Local teams shine at NARCh event Wave’s play earning recognition Atkinson standing tall for Bombers
Sharks continue
to bring NorCal
hockey to the
forefront
VOLUME 2 ISSUE 6 February 2009
CaliRubber com
Hannah England
and the Lady
Ducks stole the
show at last
month’s Martin
Luther King
Invitational in
San Jose
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
Inside...
Alex Milhouse and the California Wave Midget 18AAA team
got some well-deserved exposure at last month’s Richmond
International Tournament in British Columbia (see story on
Page 14).
California Rubber Magazine is published by:
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and once in the summer.
Postmaster: send address changes to:
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Photo / Bob White
TEAL
San Jose Jr.
On the cover:
APPEAL
Goal Getters
Main photo:Members
of the San Jose Jr.
Sharks: Front Row:
Max Scott; Middle Row
(from left): Aashika
Korrapati, Nick Scott,
Chris Vonderach,
Domenika Reushe,
Chase Fryfogle; Back
Row: David Marten,
Sam Cimino, Jared
Melman, Pierce Baron
Photo/Dan Senkbeil
Insert Photo: Hannah England and her 12U
team were one of four Lady Ducks squads to
bring home banners from last month’s MLK
tourney in San Jose. Photo/Troy Reyes
California Rubber Magazine
is a production of:
senior editor & publisher: Brian McDonough
content & multimedia editor: Chris Bayee
senior designer: Jennifer Hron
4

Wave Makers
b West Hills product Matt Ford,
who plays for the Charlotte Checkers,
was named MVP of the ECHL All-
Star Game last month after tallying
three goals and an assist for the
American Conference in an 11-5
victory.
b Antonio Venezio backstopped the
Silicon Valley Quakes to the Bantam
Gold title at last month’s NARCh
WinterNationals, allowing only one
goal in the playoffs and finishing
with a 1.80 goals-against average.
b Three Californians committed
to Division I schools last month:
San Jacinto’s Jake Newton
(Northeastern); San Clemente’s
Brandon Richardson (Nebraska-
Omaha); and Simi Valley’s Darren
Rowe (Massachusetts). All three are
playing in the USHL this season.
b Two Californians committed
to Division I schools last month:
San Jacinto’s Jake Newton
(Northeastern) and San Clemente’s
Brandon Richardson (Nebraska-
Omaha). Both are playing in the
USHL this season.
Q & A
USA Hockey unveils American
Development Model
What is the American Development Model?
In a nutshell, the American Development Model (ADM) uses long-term athlete
development (LTAD) principles as a basis to provide an age-appropriate development
structure for associations throughout the country to utilize. It is based on
sport science and consensus child development research. A new High Performance
Club (HPC) program is part of the overall American Development Model.
Will the American Development Model benefit all youth associations, or is
it just for the High Performance Clubs?
The ADM is intended for all our member organizations to follow. All materials
developed will be available to every USA Hockey club. It is our hope that clubs
across the United States will adopt the long-term athlete development principles
of the ADM.
Are there other sport federations that have successfully implemented the
LTAD principles that the ADM is based upon?
Yes, LTAD principles are being utilized by over 100 different sport federations
and government health ministries from countries around the globe.
Are there other hockey organizations that have implemented LTAD principles?
Yes, LTAD principles have been used in successful hockey playing nations like
Sweden, Finland and the Czech Republic with very positive results.
The NHL has endorsed the American Development Model, including the
High Performance Club program, and provided funding to USA Hockey to
support the initiative. Why?
USA Hockey and the National Hockey League share a mutual interest in having
more American players participate in our great sport, as well as more American
players able to compete at the highest level of our game.
Listen to February’s Podcasts at CaliRubber.com!
Podcasts
OCHC Midget Minor coach Erik Brown
LA Kings defenseman Peter Harrold
Watch Video!
Tier I State Tournament Highlights
Will the HPC program replace existing Tier 1 or Tier 2 hockey levels?
No, the HPC program is a separate program and is not intended to replace any
current USA Hockey programs.
When will USA Hockey offer member clubs positions as HPC programs?
Applications to become part of this voluntary program will be accepted from
Jan. 26-March 15. Materials will be available at www.USAHockey.com/adm.
Is the NHL supporting other USA Hockey initiatives?
USA Hockey and the NHL share many common objectives, including expanding
the player pool and fan base in the United States. Resources from the National
Hockey League will help support the growth and development initiatives of USA
Hockey.
The above Q & A was reprinted from USAHockey.com. For more information on the American
Development Model, visit http://www.USAHockey.com/ADM
Play Hockey in College: RightFitHockey.com
CaliRubber.com 5

Fresno Jr. Falcons
Mites skate to tourney
win in Vacaville
Led by coaches George Leetch, Jimmy Quan and
Brandy Semchuk, the Fresno Jr. Falcons’ Mite team
took home the championship in its division at last month’s
Vacaville MLK tournament.
I’m extremely proud of the boys,” said Leetch. “They
played hard all tournament and showed real determination
by coming from behind in the final.”
The Mites went undefeated in round-robin play before
overcoming a two-goal deficit in the championship game to
down the host Jets, 6-4.
“We had some individual players who played great,
but in the end it was a total team effort that won us the
tournament,” Leetch added.
Fresno’s Peewee B team, coached by John Rice, is also
enjoying success this season, as is the program’s Bantam
B club, thanks in part to great goaltending from Lindsay
Scaicca.
“He’s been extremely consistent this year and, at times,
has been a game-saver for us,” said Semchuk, who also
coaches the Bantams.
The Bantams’ defense, anchored by Kyle Baker, Kevin
Moody, Willie Sahatjian, Kevin Warner and Markie
Shroyer, have also stood tall while adding some offense
along the way.
Upfront, captain Joey Hampf, along with Carson
Gadeake and Conner Piche, continue to lead the charge
for Fresno’s Bantams, with first-year ice hockey player Jake
Medelin surprising at every turn.
“He’s a great athlete who’s turning into a great hockey
player,” said Semchuk.
- Brian McDonough
2010 ECHL All-Star Game
coming to Ontario
The Ontario Reign, which is averaging more than
5,000 fans per game in its first season, including two
crowds of more than 8,500 at Citizens Business Bank
Arena, which opened its doors in October, will host the
2010 ECHL All-Star Game.
“The ECHL is proud to bring our annual showcase
event to the City of Ontario,” said ECHL commissioner
Brian McKenna. “The state-of-the-art arena,
nearby airport and convenient hotel, shopping and
entertainment options make Ontario an ideal choice to
host our players, team officials, sponsors, partners and
fans from across the continent.”
“We’re very excited and honored about being chosen
as the host for the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game” said
Justin Kemp, executive vice president of business
operations for the Reign. “It not only provides our fans
the opportunity to see the best prospects the ECHL
has to offer, but allows us to showcase our arena and
community by providing a first-class experience to the
league, its members and their fans.”
The annual midseason showcase is attended by
representatives from the National Hockey League and
the American Hockey League, and has produced more
than 50 players who have gone on to play in the NHL,
including 33 since 2002 when the format was changed to
feature younger prospects.
The past seven ECHL All-Star
Games have generated more than
$1 million each for the local economy
as guests, players, coaches
and fans occupy hundreds of hotel
rooms and spend three days in the
host city. b
calirubber 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 com
ave of opportunity
California continues to groom emerging talent
Haley works way to Division I deal
PIHA rolls into Northern California
Interview: CAHA’s Charles Fuertsch
SDSU evolving into national power
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 January 2008 California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 Spring 2008
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4 April 2008
calirubber com
Interview:
Kevin Culbertson
Inline studentathletes
honored
LA Selects
celebrate
national title
S UTHERN
EXP SURE
Hockey’s future in San Diego is brighter than ever
Path to Promise
The LA Selects have established themselves as one of the top
developmental programs in the country
Stoddard
recognized for
charitable work
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
Promote your
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Discounted Rates Available!
Call 612-929-2171 or e-mail info@calirubber.com for details!
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6

Photo / Dan Senkbeil
If natural progression has any routine pattern, the
San Jose Jr. Sharks program will be among the
nation’s top organizations soon enough.
Approaching their 10th anniversary season this
fall, the Jr. Sharks pride themselves on player development
first and foremost with wins and losses taking a
backseat.
According to Jr. Sharks director and Under-18 AAA head coach Tony Zasowski, having a program that grows leaps and
bounds each year is something that’s not uncommon in the Midwest, but in Northern California, not so much.
“I’m a Chicago boy and when I was growing up playing for Team Illinois and the Chicago Young Americans, we always
looked at the Detroit teams as what we wanted to eventually be like,” said Zasowski. “Now, it seems like more and more
people talk about the Chicago teams. So maybe in 10 years, a new market will get a AAA program and say they want to be
like the Jr. Sharks.”
Starting up in 2000, the Jr. Sharks are now comprised of 23 teams - nine travel, eight tier and six girls and women’s. Zasowski
also noted that there are 126 adult teams in the San Jose area, 20 high school teams and an ACHA squad at San Jose
State.
“All those numbers show the dedication to hockey in San Jose,” Zasowski added. “We have a wide spectrum of teams and
at each level, we don’t focus on the wins and losses. I mean, wins and losses are good, but we want to develop each player to
their fullest potential and develop them as people, too.”
Support from the community is rampant, as is the backing of the NHL’s Sharks.
Todd McLellan, first-year head coach of the NHL contingent, was an assistant coach with the Detroit Red Wings from
2006-08 and sees many similarities between the Jr. Sharks and some of the AAA programs in Michigan.
“I’ve only been here six months, but I know the numbers are growing in terms of membership,” said McLellan. “I can see
there’s a real interest here. Back in Detroit, there’s very little interaction with kids and the NHL guys at the rink. Here, we
share the same building (HP Pavilion), so it’s not uncommon to bump into a Joe Thornton or a Patrick Marleau at the
rink.”
McLellan’s sons both play in the Jr. Sharks program as well, at the Peewee and House league level.
“They’re both enjoying their time,” McLellan said. “The program really goes out of their way to develop the kids as players
and as individuals.”
Perhaps the biggest point to note in the philosophy
of the Jr. Sharks is the goal they have
in starting a player in the program at the Mite
level and pushing them all the way to Midgets at
the A, AA and AAA level.
“We’ve added so many teams over the years,”
said Zasowski. “As the talent grows, so do the
teams. We have about 400 in-house players and
we want to start out these kids from the bottom
and have them work their way up through
our program. We want to give these kids every
opportunity to develop while staying here in San
Jose.
“Just in Northern California, we have four
Midget AA programs and they each keep getting
more and more competitive. We like the fact that
we get to take these kids and develop them in
their own region.
“Like I said, we try and develop the whole person
and we do that at every level. For instance,
we have Monday night skill sessions and then
Tuesday night goalie schools. We’ve also developed
a guide for all our coaches to work on agespecific
drills and skills and also give each kid a
weekly progress report.”
Over the years, several high-end players have
come through the Jr. Sharks system, such as
Dalton Speelman (USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers),
Mike DiPuma (NAHL’s Wenatchee
Wild), Brett Sutter (while his father, Darryl,
was coaching the Sharks), Jared Katz (Western
Michigan University), Alec Martinez (Los
The Jr. Sharks’ top
priority is developing
local players all the way
through the Midget
ranks.
Growth Spurt
Year after year, Jr. Sharks program gets bigger, better
By Matt Mackinder
Angeles Kings prospect) and Bryon Paulazzo
(NAHL’s Topeka RoadRunners).
All in all, there have been six NHL draft picks
who at one time or another played for the Jr.
Sharks. b
CaliRubber.com
7

Anaheim Jr. Wildcats
Squirt B squad rides winning momentum
The Anaheim Jr. Wildcats’ Squirt B team is looking to feed
off its strong holiday play and make a run at the SCAHA
playoffs, which begin next month.
Not only are the Wildcats be battling for playoff
position, but they’ll also be hitting the freeway for the drive
to Las Vegas this month for the Kilroy’s President’s Day
Tournament.
“I believe the kids are ready and prepared to take
their game to the next level,” said assistant coach Billy
Hanshaw. “Our kids have battled through some hard-fought
games recently, which will make them stronger for the
stretch run.”
The Wildcats went into January on a high from an
undefeated 3-0-1 run during a holiday tournament at
Anaheim Ice.
Led by goaltender Rhett Bruckner and defensemen
Scotty Cunningham, Nolan Lahmon, Michael Patros
and Joey Gutierrez, the Wildcats allowed only two goals in
four games, which was a tournament best.
In addition to their great defensive play and strong
goaltending, the Wildcats’ forwards, including Jacob Furry,
Vail Ardizzone, Matthew Knutson, Haydon Hoyt, Ben
Snyder, Patrick Conroy, Austin Hanshaw, Tatum
Coats and Mikey Yochum, continually applied pressure
to the opposing teams with strong forechecking and good
passing.
“It was wonderful to see the kids implement our offensive
system in game situations,” said head coach Jeff Bruckner.
SoCal Titans
Commitment,
camaraderie define 16AA’s
For coaches Jim Marvin and Ed Norick, both of whom
led last year’s SoCal Titans’ Midget 16A team, it was a
clean transition to the 16AA level this season.
That’s not to say the wins came pouring in right away.
Injuries plagued the team early, but that didn’t stop it
from sticking to its development principles of hard practices,
including additional ice time, undertaken by “a quality and
patient coaching staff and a dedicated group of players,” said
Titans secretary David Marzullo.
The Titans’ first big step forward was appearing in the
finals of their own Thanksgiving tournament, while the team
also started to get players back from injuries and developed
fluidity and camaraderie.
“Jim and Ed have worked very hard to not only develop
the kids on the ice, but work with them to develop into good
quality young men off the ice,” said Marzullo.
“They have a team that recognizes the team concept
without any superstars and, win, lose or draw, this team has
learned that success is bred with hard work and teamwork.”
Goaltender Rhett Bruckner has been exceptional between the
Wildcats’ pipes this season.
“Our defense was able to make good breakout passes and our
forwards passed the puck much better in the neutral zone,
which opened up the ice as we entered the attack zone.”
- Joshua Boyd
Inland Valley Wild
Resilient 18U AA’s
relish playoff berth
The Inland Valley Wild’s Midget 18U AA team outscored
its opponents 28-6 over its final weekend of games counting
towards the CAHA standings, going 2-1 to make the
playoffs as the sixth seed.
“We’re extremely excited to have made the playoffs,” said
the team’s assistant captain Elan Dunaev. “With our hard
work and team play, we were able to prove everybody wrong.
Over the past two months, our team has had great chemistry
and it’s really shown on the ice.
“Coach (Nick) Besheer has really put a lot of time
and effort into our team and is the main reason we’ve been
playing such great hockey,” said Dunaev.
It was never easy this season for the Wild, which started
out with a 1-3 record after its first CAHA weekend. It went
through some tough practices, grew together and the result
was back-to-back weekends of 2-1 and 1-1 records in the
second and third CAHA weekends, respectively.
The team also forged a 5-0 record and a championship at
a Thanksgiving weekend tournament in Phoenix this season.
- Joshua Boyd
- Joshua Boyd
8

Anaheim Jr. Ducks
Jr. Ducks welcome counterparts from China
The Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ Mite B team
extended a long-distance invitation
across the Pacific Ocean, and the Ice
Dragons were only too pleased to take
them up on it.
The Ice Dragons traveled for their
first games in the United States in mid-
January.
“Their team was extremely friendly
and respectful,” said Mite B team manager
Jenni Fischer. “The Jr. Ducks
enjoyed learning a little bit about the
Ice Dragons’ culture. The [Ducks’ players]
learned a couple of words in the Ice
Dragons’ language, and the Ice Dragons
learned a few words [in English].”
The definite common characteristic
between the teams was their love for
hockey. On Jan. 16, the first night of
the exchange, the two teams played
a friendly scrimmage at Anaheim’s
KHS Ice Arena, which the Jr. Ducks
won. The next night, the two teams
met again on the ice for a rematch at
Anaheim Ice.
To better get to know each other off
the ice, the team enjoyed a post-game
party on Jan. 17, which included a
surprise appearance by a very special
guest.
“One big surprise for the Ice Dragons
was that (Anaheim Ducks star)
Teemu Selanne came to our party,”
said Fischer. “He brought one of his
sticks from home,
signed the shaft of
it and had all of our Jr. Ducks players
sign the blade. We presented this to the
Ice Dragons at the end of the night.”
Jr. Ducks Continued / Page 12
The Jr. Ducks’ Mite B’s played gracious hosts to China’s Ice Dragons team last month in
Anaheim.
ad_7.25x4.96.indd 1
CaliRubber.com 9
8/8/08 10:35:31 AM

Vacaville Jets
Squirt B’s represent state well in Canada
The Vacaville Jets’ Squirt B team
traveled to Ontario, Canada, last
month to compete in the championship
finals of the Silver Stick Invitational,
where they advanced to the semifinals
and finished in the top four out of a field
of 16 teams from across the U.S. and
Ontario.
The team earned its trip to Canada
by sweeping five games during the
San Jose regional qualifier held over
Thanksgiving weekend.
“The coaches and parents are all
really proud of how the boys played in
Canada,” said assistant coach Cean
Burgeson. “We beat two good Canadian
teams and tied another one, which
is quite an accomplishment for a bunch
of kids from California.
“We definitely changed a lot of opinions
about the level of hockey we play
here.”
The Jets’ Squirts were the first from
Vacaville to ever compete in the Silver
Stick Invitational Finals, traveling the farthest of all the teams who competed.
Other teams in the Squirt B division hailed from Connecticut, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan.
Seven of the competing teams were from the province of Ontario, including the Ancaster Avalanche, which won the
championship in the Squirt B division.
- Brian McDonough
San Jose Jr. Sharks
U18 AAA’s garner
plenty of recognition
With a 30-17-7 record as of mid-January, there’s no question
the San Jose Jr. Sharks’ U18 AAA team is in the
midst of a season to remember.
Last month, the U18 AAA’s took to Richmond, British
Columbia, where they skated away with the Richmond International
Tournament championship.
The Jr. Sharks went 4-0-1 in the round robin and quarterfinals
before defeating the Alaska All-Stars in the semis,
5-3. In the title tilt, the Jr. Sharks faced off against the
California Wave and skated to a 4-2 triumph.
The Jr. Sharks’ Mike DiPuma, who racked up 16 points
in BC, was MVP of the championship game and Dan Senkbeil
was named the tournament’s MVP.
With all the success, a number of Jr. Sharks have caught
the eye of junior and NCAA scouts, including DiPuma, who
was added to the Wenatchee Wild’s roster of the NAHL for
the remainder for the season.
DiPuma joins former Jr. Sharks David Starr, Adam
McKenzie and Billy Miller on the Wild.
In addition, Gage Emerson was called up to the
NAHL’s Motor City Machine.
The Jets’ Squirts pose in front of the Stanley Cup while visiting the Hockey Hall of Fame in
Toronto as part of their trip to Ontario last month to compete in the Silver Stick Finals.
Oakland Bears
Bantam B’s take
tourney in Oregon
The Oakland Bears’ Bantam B team traveled to Medford,
Ore., for a tournament over MLK weekend and skated
away with a well-deserved championship banner.
“This should be a good confidence-builder for us as we
get back into league play,” said coach Gump Rivera, whose
team finished the showcase with a 3-1 mark.
In the first game of the six-team tournament, Oakland
took down the Northwest Admirals, 5-4. In Game 2, the
Bears fell to the Puget Sound Tomahawks, 6-1.
The third game pitted Oakland against a league rival
in NorCal, the Santa Rosa Flyers. The Bears won that one,
3-1, to send them to the championship game and a rematch
against Puget Sound.
In an evenly matched, back-and-forth affair, the Bears
exacted revenge on the Tomahawks, skating to a 4-2 triumph
and the tournament title.
“I was glad to see my players bounce back and play so
well against that team, considering that they had beaten us
handily earlier in the tournament,” said Rivera.
Photo / Brian Bjorklund
- Brian McDonough
- Brian McDonough
10

Photos / San Jose Sharks
PlayStation Future Sharks hit HP Pavilion ice
For over 10 years, youth hockey
clubs (12-and-under) from Northern
California have graced the ice at
HP Pavilion, displaying their skills
in front of thousands of fans as they
participate in the PlayStation Future
Sharks program.
Ten lucky teams each season are
chosen from an extensive waitlist to
showcase their talent on NHL ice.
Teams can dress 12 players and have
the opportunity to play either a twominute
hockey game or 5-on-5 shootout
during the first intermission of
selected Sharks home games.
This season, the Vacaville Jets’
Mites and Squirts, Stockton Colts’ and
California Cougars’ Mites and Squirts,
San Jose Jr. Sharks’ Mites, Santa
Clara Blackhawks’ Mites and Tri-Valley
Blue Devils have been selected
to make visits to HP Pavilion for the
program.
In addition to getting a rare
chance to skate between periods of a
Sharks game, players receive 36 complimentary
tickets for their family and
friends, courtesy of PlayStation, and
a DVD copy of their appearance that
they can share for years to come.
“That was so much fun,” said one
of the PlayStation Future Sharks.
“The ice felt so big with all of the
people watching and cheering. Sharkie
was there and I scored a goal in the
shootout!”
“My son had such a great time,”
said Sandra Elliott, a mother of one
of the Mites. “This is the biggest crowd
they have every played for. Even if
they don’t grow up and play in the
NHL, this will be a day these boys
remember forever.”
“We’ve participated twice now
in the PlayStation Future Sharks
program,” said Christy Johnston.
“It’s been a blast both times. Some of
the kids who didn’t get to play the first
time were able to play this time. All I
have to say is, ‘Go Sharks!’”
The PlayStation Future Sharks
program will be highlighted during
intermissions at 10 home games this
season. A waiting list has already
begun for the 2009-10 season. If your
hockey club would like the opportunity
to participate, contact Erin Buchanan
at ebuchanan@svse.net. b
‘Reading Is Cool’
takes students
behind Sharks’ scene
Being one of the best teams in the
NHL, the San Jose Sharks are
used to having fans in the stands during
a morning practice session. But for
four dates in January, the bleachers
were especially packed with nearly
300 students participating in the Reading Is Cool Private Practices each day.
During that time, the Sharks’ practices were completely closed to the general
public, giving the students an intimate look at how the Sharks stay sharp on a
daily basis.
The mornings began with students being welcomed by the Reading Is Cool
staff and the host of the practice, Jamie Baker, the Sharks’ radio color analyst.
All students were provided with a “Hockey 101” handout for use while Baker,
an NHL alum, covered the basics of hockey, explaining how practice works and
describing what the students will see on the ice.
Just before the players took to the ice, the students had a question-and-answer
session with a few members of the team to get even further insight into
what it’s like to be a professional hockey player.
Defenseman Rob Blake, right wing Devin Setoguchi and goaltender
Brian Boucher all fielded questions ranging from their favorite book growing up
to their most memorable experiences in the NHL. Each player tried to use their
influence as professional athletes to reinforce the message of literacy with the
students.
“It’s great to come out here and talk to the kids about the importance of reading,”
Setoguchi said. “Growing up, I tried to read as many books as possible. It’s
important to let the kids know that education is just as important as sports.”
After practice, the students have the option to stay for lunch and purchase passes
to the open public skate sessions.
“It was cold!” said one fifth-grade student as her classmates nodded in agreement.
“But I still had fun! I learned about hockey. And we got to see the Sharks
up close and then I got to ice skate.”
Reading Is Cool, a free literacy program for K-6th grade classrooms in Santa
Clara and southern Alameda counties, reached a record number of registrations
this year with more than 880 classrooms and 20,000 students participating. For
more information, visit www.sharksfoundation.org. b
Sharks radio
color analyst
Jamie Baker
addresses
students at a
recent Reading
Is Cool Private
Practices
gathering.
The Santa
Rosa Flyers
are one of
many NorCal
associations
taking
part in the
PlayStation
Future Sharks
program this
season.
CaliRubber.com 11

California Heat
16AA’s skate to title
in Canada
The California Heat’s 16AA team entered the Ontario
Stars Winter Classic in a 10-team field and came out
with a 5-0 record and a championship win over the host
Stars after a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
The team got top-notch defense and goaltending towards
its undefeated record in the tournament.
“The defense really stepped up,” said Heat assistant
coach Greg Fiol. “The forwards helped out defensively and
the defensemen stuck to the game plan and kept mistakes to
a bare minimum.”
As for goaltending, Taylor Spesak recorded a shutout
in the one game he was cleared to play despite fighting the
flu. His partner-in-crime in net, Max Leffler, won a well-deserved
MVP award for his stellar performance at the Classic.
“The end to 2008 should be considered nothing short of a
huge success for the inaugural season of our program,” said
Heat hockey director John Devereaux. “With all three of
the program’s teams at or near the top of their respective divisions,
we hope to continue this success going into the New
Year.”
- Joshua Boyd
Orange County Hockey Club
U16 AAA’s show well
north of border
It was like a youth hockey convention hit the town when
the Orange County Hockey Club’s U16 AAA team traveled
to Richmond, British Columbia, last month for the Richmond
International Tournament.
“Over 60 Midget Major and Minor teams were in the
tournament, with a mix of Canadian and U.S. teams,” said
OCHC parent Sharon Keeney.
The OCHC played up, registering in the U18 AAA
Midget Elite division, and things started out just fine, with
the OCHC squad beating the Arctic Lions’ U16 AAA club,
8-2. The same day, it beat the Canadian NE & BC Yukon
Flyers, 5-0.
The next day, the team downed the North Island Silvertips,
8-6, and ended up taking first seed in its division with a
5-1 win over the Arctic Lions’ U18 AAA squad.
OCHC then blanked Surrey AAA, 5-0, to move into the
semifinal round.
There, it met the California Wave’s U18 AAA team in
an all-Southern California semifinals. The Wave triumphed
in overtime before losing in the finals to the San Jose Jr.
Sharks, 4-2.
- Joshua Boyd
Channel Islands Riptide
Midget 16A’s have
tournament touch
The Channel Islands Riptide’s Midget 16A team was simply
“less stupid” than it had been earlier in the season,
according to coach Bobby Hull, Jr.
He said that in explaining how the Midget 16A’s were
the victors in not one, but two, holiday tournaments this
season.
The team has the L.A. Jr. Kings Thanksgiving Tournament
and the Anaheim Jr. Ducks Christmas Tournament
titles under its wings now, twin feats that coaches Hull,
Dave Coulier and Rachael Benninger and all the players
can take great pride in.
The Kings tournament saw a thrilling end, with the
Riptide beating Sacramento’s Capital Thunder in a 16-shot
shootout. Channel Islands beat the Beach City Lightning,
4-1, in the championship game of the Ducks tournament.
The Riptide also downed the San Diego Ice Arena Oilers
(11-1), Inland Valley Wild (10-1) and Pasadena Maple Leafs
(7-1) after a tourney-opening 5-1 loss to Beach City.
On the other coast, the Riptide’s Midget 18AA’s also
fared well over the holidays, reaching the semifinals of the
Florida Jr. Everblades tournament in Ft. Myers.
- Joshua Boyd
Continued from Page 9
Selanne also stayed through the
course of the party, taking photos
with the players from both teams and
signing autographs.
The Jr. Ducks also treated their international guests to
some of the finest cuisine the United States has to offer in
the form of a good old-fashioned barbecue.
“The Jr. Ducks head coach, Berkley Hoagland, has his
own barbecue business, Berkley’s Backyard BBQ, and he put
on an awesome meal for everyone,” said Fischer.
Virginia Bennett, a Jr. Ducks “hockey mom,” baked a
cake shaped like a hockey jersey, with the U.S. flag on one
half and the Chinese flag on the other.
There were also T-shirts with a similar
design and both team rosters on the back.
The Ice Dragons’ visit didn’t end there.
On Jan. 18, the Jr. Ducks played a regular-season game
against the California Golden Bears and the Ice Dragons “sat
in the stands with signs, cheering our team on towards a victory,”
Fischer noted.
“Most importantly, the kids got the most memorable
experience, which will stay with them for a lifetime,” said
Fischer. “Thanks also go to coach Vicky Wang for getting us
all in touch.
“Our door will always be open for them and maybe,
someday, we’ll be able to travel to China to be with them
again,” Fischer added.
- Joshua Boyd
12

Photo/Robert J. Meyer
Block Buster
Alaskan adventure paying off for Northridge native
By Matt Mackinder
Austin Block may have a name destined for headline puns, but the Northridge
native is creating his own publicity by being a big-time player for the NAHL’s
Fairbanks Ice Dogs and earning a Division I scholarship in the process.
He’s also one of a growing number of California natives moving up the hockey
ladder after starting his career in his home state.
Block, off to the United States Air Force Academy next season, will be hard to
replace in Fairbanks.
“Austin is an unbelievable kid,” Ice Dogs head coach Josh Hauge said of the
second-year forward. “He’s a difference maker on the ice and is as natural a goalscorer
as you’ll ever see.”
The past two seasons have been the first time Block has ever lived away from
home. He spent his minor hockey days with the Valencia Express, Ventura Mariners
and LA Selects before finishing up with the SoCal Titans in 2006-07.
“My coach with the Titans is friends with (Fairbanks GM Rob Proffitt) and
they tendered me early in my Midget season that year,” said Block, 19. “I was
nervous going up there, but it’s all worked out for the best.”
Block also said moving out of the comforts of his family home to a place like
Alaska was also nerve-racking.
“I had heard all the crazy rumors about how it’s always dark and it’s always
cold and there are like no girls up there,” laughed Block. “I was skeptical in hearing
that, but I think I’ve made the best of it. Everything about Fairbanks has been
fun.”
What also makes it fun is the fact that Block is leading Fairbanks in scoring
and has the Ice Dogs comfortably in first place in the NAHL’s West Division.
“Both Hauge and Proffitt stress consistency and I think that’s what’s helped
me the most the past two years,” Block said. “They’ve taught me to do things that
Southern Californiagroomed
Austin Block
will play hockey at Air
Force next season.
you really don’t see on the scoresheet
and how to play both ends of the ice. I
owe both those guys a lot.”
Next season will see Block’s hockey
days and, really, his life take a dramatic
change. Going to a service academy
gives players many options of what to
do after graduation. With Air Force,
Block did his homework and knows
what may lie ahead.
“It’s funny, but I never envisioned
myself in the military,” said Block. “But
I did a lot of research on jobs and once
I went to see the campus, I could definitely
see myself going there. I know I’ll
get a lot of education in four years and
when I’m done, I know there will be so
many choices of what to do. I can fly
planes, work in an office, who knows.”
Hauge sees no reason why Block
shouldn’t continue to excel on the ice at
the Division I level.
“He’ll have a lot of success in the
college game,” boasted Hauge. “He
knows he has to get stronger and
faster, but I’m excited to see where he’ll
go.”
Hauge also said that it’s been night
and day from last season to this year
when it comes to Block’s confidence.
“His first year, I think he was a
little bit unsure,” Hauge said. “But his
maturity has gone up so much that I
wish I could keep him past this year or
at least have a player like Austin every
year.”
Still, Block took time to reflect on
his roots in Southern California and
feels humbled that those roots have
helped him play high-level junior
hockey and, eventually, college hockey.
“You look around at rosters in the
USHL and the NAHL and there are a
lot of kids from California and it’s good
to see so many success stories,” said
Block.
“When you see guys like Mitch
Wahl and Jonathan Blum playing for
the U.S. World Junior team, and they
started in California, it makes me think
that yeah, I can make this work.
“I think there’ll always be that stereotype
of how kids are from California
playing hockey, but the more the sport
grows out there, I think we’re going to
be demanding respect and getting it,
too.” b
CaliRubber.com 13

Talent Wave
By Joshua Boyd
W
“ here have these players been?”
That was the reaction from coaches and scouts working
for Junior A British Columbia Hockey League and Major
Junior Western Hockey League teams when the California
Wave played in Richmond, British Columbia, last month.
“The Richmond tournament was a great success for our
team, individually,” said Holly Golightly, team manager
of the California Wave’s Midget 18AAA team. “We accomplished
the two things we set out for: exposure and more
games.
“Scouts from the BCHL and WHL were all over our
boys. The comment from them was how disciplined our team
was, how organized we were and ‘Where have these players
been’?” said Golightly. “They were also very impressed with
the time that head coach Michael Lewis took to talk to all
of them.”
“The focus of this season is to continue the development
of our players for the years beyond Midgets,” added Lewis.
“Richmond was a barometer to see where we’re currently
at. By the exposure the boys received, I’m pleased with our
progress thus far.
“We got a lot of good experience at Richmond, it being
our first trip. Players got scouted and that’s what we’re supposed
to be doing at this level, that’s what it’s supposed to be
about.”
The Wave wants to be able to play against well-known
AAA teams out of the Midwest, but that’s been a rarity this
year.
“The Midwest Elite League has hurt our team when it
comes to tournaments,” Golightly said. “Two of the tournaments
that we were scheduled to go to were canceled because
not enough teams entered them. When
we go to tournaments,
we want to see how we
stack up against (highpowered
Michiganbased
programs) Compuware,
Honeybaked
and Little Caesars,
but they’re all in that
league, so they don’t go
to many tournaments.”
The 18AAA Wave
heads to Wisconsin
and Colorado Springs
this month and hopes
to see some of the
Midwest Elite teams
at those tournaments,
with additional hopes
of getting their players
looked at by college
and USHL scouts.
“A lot of the boys
on this team would
like to stay in the
Wave coach Mike Lewis
continues to develop and expose
some of California’s brightest
young hockey players.
18AAA’s British Columbia trip
opens scouts’ eyes
United States and pursue that route,” Golightly added.
Golightly noted that Lewis is the Wave’s greatest asset
as an organization.
“Being in Tier I, it’s always been a challenge to get
games together,” said Golightly. “[Coach Lewis] does a great
job of getting his teams ready for games through practices.
He knows what to do with each individual team to get them
game-ready. Not a lot of coaches can do that.
“We’ve skated with him for three years, and he handles
each team differently,” she added. “I feel like he puts a lot of
thought into what each individual team needs and adjusts
accordingly.”
The Wave has five teams total (other teams in the
California Hockey Club skate under the Artesia Avalanche
banner). Four of them are headed to the state championships
this year.
Lewis, specifically, coaches the Peewee AA and the
Midget 18AAA teams, keeping him on the ice from 5-10:45
p.m. every Thursday night, as well as other nights with less
hours.
“This club is his project and he wants to keep it successful,”
said Golightly. “He’s a very hands-on coach and the
manager of the coaches.”
As for the Midget 18AAA team, Golightly sees a very
tight bond among them.
“A lot of times when you’re on a team, the coach has to
do a lot of team bonding things because, sometimes, not all
the players like each other or even know each other,” said
Golightly.
“From the beginning of the year, the boys have had great
chemistry, on and off the ice. They really enjoy each other
and I think they all look forward to the trips so they can
hang out together.” b
Photo / Bob White
14

Phoenix’s Lady Coyotes fare well
in Connecticut
The Phoenix VOSHA Lady
Coyotes’ U17 team made a
loud statement at the country’s
largest girls tournament in Connecticut
over the holidays, going
3-1-1 over the weekend.
“We have a three-year program competing against some
teams that have a history of over 20 years,” said head coach
Gayle Shalloo. “It’s great watching the girls compete and
beat teams that had no idea Arizona even had ice.”
With more than 3,700 female players competing in the
23rd annual event, the U17’s fell to Massachusetts powerhouse
Assabet Valley in the semifinals, 4-1.
“That’s nothing to be embarrassed by,” said Shalloo. “It
shows how far our program has come in three short years.”
The Lady Coyotes’ U14 squad also fared well in the Nutmeg
State. Its highlight was a 2-1 victory over Team Illinois.
“That was a huge step for those girls this season,” said
Shalloo, whose program’s goal is to develop and expose each
player to top-notch AAA hockey and college coaches.
For more information on the Lady Coyotes, visit Lady-
CoyotesHockey.com.
- Brian McDonough
Parental Guidance
Ice time: The
four-letter
word of hockey
Ice time. It’s one of the most difficult
topics to talk about in youth hockey.
Everyone has a different philosophy
about the amount each player
should get, making it a common topic
of debate among coaches and parents.
The most often heard argument
is that every kid should get the exact
same amount of ice time. Everyone
pays the same fees, right? In theory
this makes sense, but there are a
number of factors involved in how
shifts are doled out during a game.
For instance, should a player who
misses practices or doesn’t work as
hard in practices or games still get
equal ice time? And what if a player
isn’t conditioned as well physically?
Coaches have to account for
differing levels of ability, athleticism
and physical fitness.
There are also differing expectations
between house and travel teams.
Travel teams are more competitive,
cost more, and require more time and
commitment from players as well as
parents. Therefore, parents need to
understand there’s a built-in expectation
that better players will get more
ice time.
Tournaments also carry with them
some different expectations. Do you
try to give every player equal time or
with Cean Burgeson
do you play to win a little bit harder
than during regular-season games?
Coaches and parents need to clearly
understand and communicate these
types of team goals so everyone is
on the same page before the season
starts.
The most important thing is to
trust your coach to follow the rules
of fair ice time. And if you feel you’re
getting shortchanged, have a candid
discussion with your coach to find
out how they develops their ice-time
plan. You might find out that there
are simple things you can do to help
increase your child’s playing time.
Managing ice time is not an exact
science, but I’ve found that most
coaches in USA Hockey do a good job
of getting all of their players the time
they need to develop their skills and
improve their game. b
Cean Burgeson is a hockey parent and coach in
the Vacaville Jets’ youth association.
CaliRubber.com 15

San Diego Ice Arena
Two teams skate to Coyote Cup crowns
The San Diego Ice Arena’s Mite B and Peewee B teams were able
to come up with a two-fer from their trip to Phoenix over the
holidays, as both teams earned Coyote Cup banners in their respective
divisions.
Mite B
The biggest story was the Peewee B team’s victory, as it came on
the heels of a 1-8 record to start the season.
“The hopes were high during the long drive to Phoenix, but I’m
not sure if anyone expected this most improved youth team to bring
home the cup,” said Wendy Pierce, the Peewee B team manager.
The team, consisting mostly of 11-and 12-year-old boys from Poway
and Rancho Penasquitos, went 3-1 before downing the Phoenixarea
Ozzie Bears in the championship game, 2-0.
With a
4-0 record heading into the championship, the Mites, led by Ryan
Antonakis’s five goals, blitzed the Phoenix Polar Bears, 9-1, to
take the banner.
Along with Antonakis, Stewart Pond and Tanner Kelly
also ended up in the top five in scoring, while forwards Boyd Hall,
Seamus Radley, Cole Parker, Ryan Lampheer, Oskari Vakki,
Jake Belland and Conner Noon added goals, assists and “tremendous
play,” according to SDIA hockey director Craig Sterling.
Defenders Tanner Gates, Cole Rorick, Jack Thornton,
Kazuma Matsuo, Brad Larsen and Pond all held the team to
minimal shots, and Alec Clair gave up just two goals in the entire
tournament.
Peewee B
- Joshua Boyd
Photo / Brian Bjorklund
Official Business
Proper attitude,
respect goes a
long way
positive attitude towards officiating
A is essential to development, and that
means hustling and showing determination
and enthusiasm every step of the
way. Basically, always give 100 percent
when working a game.
Sometimes, officials get assignments
they feel are below their ability or below
an age level they usually work. Regardless,
it’s very important to do your best
job every game.
Even though you may officiate many
games over the course of a day or week,
each game is the most important to the
participants, and, if your supervisors
notice that you work hard every time you
take the ice, you’ll be rewarded.
It’s important to accept constructive
criticism from supervisors and use it as
feedback to become a better official. A
good official will listen, watch and learn.
No matter the level, you can always get
better and improve your skills.
Help your fellow officials and treat
them with the same courtesy and respect
that you’d like to be treated. After all,
we’re all in this together. The same
holds true for off-ice officials.
Also, never talk negatively about
a fellow official. If you’re working with
someone who has less experience than
with Michel Voyer
you, remember what it was like when
you were at that point in their career and
try to mentor that official.
Set a good example. Dress the part.
Wear a clean uniform, white laces and
polished skates. All of these details go
a long ways when it comes to showing a
dedication to your craft, and people will
notice.
Finally, remember that the more
games you do, the more chance there is
for you to be recognized off the ice. Bad
behavior and acting unprofessionally can
affect your credibility, so act mature and
responsible in front of parents, fans and
coaches away from the rink.
Plain and simple, a bad attitude and
a poor perception can quickly eliminate
you from any aspirations you might have
climbing the ranks. b
Michel Voyer is the director of the California
Referee School, an NHL video goal judge and the
director of officials at El Segundo’s Toyota Sports
Center.
16

Junior Hockey
Bombers reaching for WSHL playoff berth
If the Southern California
Bombers miss the
Western States League
playoffs this season, it
won’t be for lack of effort.
First-year head coach
J.F. Picard realizes his
team is last in the Western
Division standings,
but knows with a couple
bounces and a little luck
that can all change in an
instant.
“We’ve definitely been
improving since the season
began,” Picard said. “I look at our
record and the standings and it’s not
where I’d like to be, but we’re battling
for a playoff spot and we’re still battling
hard in games and in practice.”
With an 8-23-0-4 record as of mid-
January, the Bombers’ fortunes could
actually have been worse had it not
been for goaltender Brad Atkinson,
the winner of all eight games to date.
Atkinson, a Huntington Beach
WESTERN DIVISION
Brad Atkinson
Southern California Bombers
Glacial Gardens Arena
2400 E. Carson Ave,
Lakewood, CA
Contact: Nick Ganga
E-mail:nickganga21@hotmail.com
native who turns 18 this
month, has been a saving
grace, literally, for the
Bombers this season.
“Brad’s a big kid
(6-foot, 210 pounds) and
covers a lot of net,” noted
Picard. “He has a great
work ethic, a great glove
hand and he plays the
puck extremely well. That’s
a great asset to have in
juniors, too.”
Picard went on to say
that he’d hate to think what
Southern California’s win-loss record
would be if Atkinson, or even newcomer
Taylor Nelson, hadn’t been in net.
“Brad’s one of the top goalies in the
league,” said Picard. “He’s won probably
three games for us strictly on his
own. And he faces 40, 50, 60 shots a
game and keeps us in those games.
That’s why I say he’s one of the best
goalies in the league. With Nelson, he’s
another guy that I’m not afraid to play
WESTERN STATES HOCKEY LEAGUE
Commissioner/President: Ron White • wshloffice@aol.com
Glacial Gardens Ice Arena • 3975 Pixie Ave. • Lakewood, CA 90712
(714) 502-9185 x 240 • www.wshl.org
Phoenix Polar Bears
Polar Ice Arena
2001 W. Alameda Dr.
Chandler, AZ 85282
Contact: Tyler Ramsey
E-mail: tramsey@phoenixpolarbears.com
on any given night.”
Still, being stuck in the division
basement along with the equally-struggling
Capital Thunder isn’t all bad.
Picard said if teams take them lightly,
that’s when a club like the Bombers can
take advantage.
“I’ve been there and I’ve won a
championship (with the Memphis
RiverKings of the Central Hockey
League in 2002),” boasted Picard. “It’s
always a bit easier for the players to
want to win a championship when the
coach wants to win, too.
“I know some of these kids aren’t
used to playing 50-plus games a season,
but if you want to take it to the next
level and play in college or even overseas,
that’s the price you have to pay.
“I hope we can pull it off, make the
playoffs and then go from there.”
WSHL NOTEBOOK: Phoenix
Polar Bears goaltender Kevin Moore
joined the University of Massachusetts’
Hockey East program last month. b
- Matt Mackinder
San Diego Gulls
IceoPlex
555 N. Tulip St
Escondido, CA 92025
Contact: Bruce Miller
E-mail: brucejmiller8@yahoo.com
Dallas Hawks
Addison Square Garden
15100 Midway Rd.
Addison, TX
Contact: Brad Lason
E-mail: Brad@playershockey.com
Valencia Flyers
Ice Station Valencia
27745 N. Smyth Rd.
Valencia, CA 91355
Contact: Larry Bruyere
E-mail: bruyere444@aol.com
Tulsa Rampage
Oilers Ice Center
6413 South Mingo
Tulsa, OK 74133
Contact: Julie Wilson
Email:julie@tulsarampage.com
Capital Thunder
Skatetown Ice Arena
1009 Orlando Ave.
Roseville, CA 95661
Contact: Bob Armando
E-mail:shark006@hotmail.com
MIDWESTERN DIVISION
San Antonio Diablos
Ice Center @ Northwood
17530 Henderson Pass
San Antonio, TX 78232
Contact: Ryan Egan
E-mail: coachegan@diabloshockey.net
Texas Renegades
NYTEX Sports Centre
8851 Ice House Drive
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
Phone: (907) 452-1643
E-mail: ronhandy@texasrenegades.net
Colorado Outlaws
10710 Westminster Blvd
Westminister, CO 80020
Phone: (303) 499-9610
Contact: Jeremy Chatman
E-mail: hockeylife102000@yahoo.com
Junior A Tier III
El Paso Rhinos
4100 E. Paisonia
El Paso, TX 79905
Phone: (915) 479-Puck
Contact: Cory Herman
E-mail: cherman@elpasohockey.org
CaliRubber.com 17

San Diego Jr. Gulls
Inexperienced Bantams
beating the odds
Coming into the season, the deck was stacked against the
San Diego Jr. Gulls’ Bantam B team.
After all, half of the club either had no travel hockey
experience or played Peewee B last year. Only three played
Bantam travel previously.
Despite the odds, the 16 boys have found a way to succeed.
“It’s been a lot of fun to coach this team,” said coach
Randy Moy. “They’ve worked very hard and want to learn
and improve as much as they can.
“On top of that, all of the players and parents get along
extremely well. It’s a very special group of families and
coaches. I feel fortunate to be part of this team.”
Camaraderie has played a key role in the Bantam’s success.
“While they’re developing good friendships, they’re having
a fun time winning a bunch of games along the way,”
added coach Yaanis Golubeckis.
“Coachable kids, supportive families and an excellent
coaching staff keeps this team continuing on its journey with
hopes and wishes yet to be fulfilled,” said Jr. Gulls hockey
director Larry Cahn.
- Joshua Boyd
Los Angeles Jr. Kings
Bantams, Midgets shine
in Arizona
Trips to Arizona certainly agreed with Los Angeles Jr.
Kings’ AAA-level teams in January.
The Bantam AAA team defeated the San Jose Jr. Sharks,
3-2, in a shootout to win the P.F. Chang’s Invitational.
The Bantams went 3-1 in the tournament and avenged a
5-2 loss to the Jr. Sharks in round-robin play.
In the championship game, the Jr. Sharks tied the score
in the final seconds with an extra attacker on the ice. However,
the Jr. Kings won the shootout, 3-1, on tallies by Chase
Souto, Matthew Alayra and Liam Stewart.
The 16U Midget AAA team also won a P.F. Chang’s-hosted
tournament in Scottsdale.
Colby Rios, Nickolas Newman and Nicholas Matejovsky
scored shootout goals to lift the Jr. Kings to a 5-4 victory
over the hosts in the championship game. The Jr. Kings
went 3-1 over the three-day event.
The 16Us overcame an early 3-0 deficit in the final on
goals by Christian Salvato, Harout Sarkisian and Rios.
Jaren Taenaka scored the go-ahead goal before Chang’s
tied it late in the period.
- Chris Bayee
West Valley Wolves
Mite A squad continues
to progress
The West Valley Wolves’ Mite A squad was knocking on
the playoff door as January neared its end.
“The boys are really improving and the [Winter Classic
in San Jose] tournament showed just how much their skills
have progressed since the beginning of this season,” said assistant
coach Brian Sprow.
At the Winter Classic, the Wolves went 2-1-1 for a third
overall finish. The event consisted of the San Jose Jr. Sharks
and the Santa Clara Blackhawks, as well as the Wolves and
the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
Hayden Goldstein started the tournament with a
game-tying goal against Santa Clara, while Jin Lee scored
five goals and an assist to help the Wolves beat the Jr. Kings,
6-1.
The Jr. Sharks beat the Wolves, 6-4, to put West Valley
into the consolation round and a rematch against the Jr.
Kings. Wesley Kunin and Lee both scored two goals as the
Wolves handily defeat LA, 9-1.
Lee finished with a points-per-game average of 3.5,
thanks to his nine goals and five assists in four games.
- Joshua Boyd
Beach City Lightning
Midget 16AA’s secure
postseason berth
For the Beach City Lightning’s Midget 16AA 92 team, its
playoff berth was a well-deserved reward.
“The season started out slow, but all the players believed
in each other, the coaches and the system,” said head coach
Jeff Shields. “We’ve worked very hard and we continued to
focus on our goals.
“It’s hard to recognize key players because the team is
key. The beauty of this team is that everyone contributes in
their way and they respect each others’ strengths and weaknesses.”
Jacob Holmes, a 1993-born defenseman, was especially
helpful this season, even after just coming out of Bantam A
in 2007-08.
“Jacob was turned down by a few other teams to our benefit,
because I think he’s the real deal,” added Shields. “He’s
a force all over the ice, physically and puck possession-wise.
He’s dominated all season long with this play and his ability
to see and access plays.
“In addition, he’s a great young man off the ice; very
respectful and focused. He’s been our most valuable defenseman
and, arguably, our most valuable player.”
- Joshua Boyd
18

Photo / Tony Gast
Lady Ducks fly high at
San Jose tourney
By Lindsay Czarnecki
For five seasons, the Martin Luther
King Invitational hosted by the San
Jr. Sharks has been the springboard
leading into the Pacific District Tournament.
It’s considered the last big showcase
before the most important one of
the season for all girls teams on the
West Coast.
The sixth annual event in San Jose
exhibited more of the same.
“Overall, the MLK tournament
provided the nationally-bound teams
a great opportunity to play before the
Districts at the end of March,” tournament
organizer Diana Sunshine said.
Six champions were crowned in
the 10U, 12U, 14U, 17U and Senior B
and Senior C divisions, with the Lady
Ducks organization powering through
the younger age levels, winning titles
in all four age brackets.
The 10U team defeated the LA
Selects, 4-2, in the championships. The
LDs were led by Baylee Trani, who
had a goal and two assists in the victory.
Nicole Dunbar added two goals
and Tia Stoddard had a goal and an
assist.
In the 12U division, the LDs
handled the Northwest Selects, 9-0.
Hannah England led all scorers with
25 points in the tournament. The LDs
shutout success continued at the 14U
level with an 8-0 victory over the LA
Selects.
With the commanding victory, the
14U Ducks look slated to take the Pacific
District Tournament, as Dylanne
Crugnale led all scorers with 11 goals
and seven assists.
In the title game, four first-period
goals, two by Crugnale, got the LDs off
to the right start and the LA Selects
could never recover.
The 17U division meant more success
for the LDs as the defeated the
host Jr. Sharks by a 3-2 count.
The LDs emerged out of the 10
teams, the biggest pack in the tournament,
by fighting back in the third
period after the Sharks went up 2-1 on
a goal by Shelley Moore.
Anaheim came out with the victory
on a goal by Megan Myers with just
over a minute left after Katie Tong
had tied the game earlier in the period.
Perhaps the biggest accomplishment
of the entire tournament was the
promising display in the 8U division.
The Jr. Sharks and Lady Ducks
played a three-game series with the
Sharks taking the trio 8-0, 3-0 and 6-0
and, despite the lopsided scores, the
fact that the division was available
shows the promising future of California
hockey.
“Although these were exhibition
games, these girls represent the future
of the Girls Jr. Sharks and the Lady
Ducks,” said Sheela Mohan-Peterson,
a first-time helper with the MLK
tournament. “These girls are very
cute and extremely enthusiastic. We
consider them our best ambassadors for
girls hockey.”
Since the three games were considered
exhibition, the ice time provided
the teams with an opportunity to face
girls their own age rather than boys.
For the divisions with more teams,
two silver championships were awarded.
The LA Selects 17U team defeated
the North Shore Avalanche, 2-1, as
Sam Holcombe won the individual
scoring title with six goals and seven
assists.
By goal differential, the LA Selects’
12U team also took the silver crown.
This year, the tournament didn’t
field a 19-and-Under division, which
left the LA Selects’ oldest team back in
Southern California. Both the Sharks
and the Lady Ducks don’t have a team
in that division this season.
“The tournament was a little smaller
than last year, 37 teams compared
to 40 teams last year,” tournament
organizer Mike Johansson said. “We
had four committed teams drop out late
this year due to the economy.”
Despite those bumps in the road
getting the tournament up and running,
the Sharks were able to host yet
another successful tournament.
“The feedback has all been positive
on the way the tournament is run,
especially the venue and the fact that
the games all run on time,” Johansson
said. b
Dylanne Crugnale led the Lady Ducks’ 14U offensive charge at last month’s Martin Luther
King Invitational.
CaliRubber.com 19

Mane of the Month
Sascha Raymond of the
California North Stars’
Peewee B Team
Sascha wins
a FREE
composite
stick,
compliments
of Warrior
Hockey!
To enter, send a photo of your hockey hair to maneofthegame@calirubber.com
Away From The Rubber
Four recognized by NHL Central Scouting
Four players with California ties
are among those charted
by the NHL Central
Scouting Bureau on
its midterm rankings
of 2009 Entry Draft
prospects.
Defenseman Bjorn
Krupp (Manhattan
Beach) is ranked No. 88
among North American skaters.
The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Krupp, who plays for the Belleville
Bulls of the Ontario Hockey League, is the son of former
NHL defenseman Uwe Krupp.
Center Tyler Maxwell (Manhattan Beach) is rated
No. 152. A former Jr. Kings player, the 5-foot-9, 174-pound
Maxwell is one of the Western Hockey League’s top rookie
scorers for the Everett Silvertips.
Forward Cory Kane (Irvine) is ranked No. 162. The
6-foot-3, 195-pound Kane plays for Vernon of the British
Columbia League.
Defenseman Matthew Konan (Tustin) is rated No. 197.
The 6-foot-2, 179-pound Konan played in the LA Selects
program before joining Medicine Hat of the WHL.
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft will be held in Montreal in
June. b
with Mike Potenza
20
Recharge
properly to be
at your best
There’s a Gatorade commercial in
which Derek Jeter says, “The
next game begins where the last one
ends.” I love that line because it makes a
passionate athlete think about what they
can do now to be at their best the next
time out.
That type of thinking is important
at all levels, not just the professional
ranks, and the reality is it takes only 10
minutes to perform post-activity recovery
to allow your body to recharge for the
next contest.
A carbohydrate/protein shake taken
immediately after training, practice
or a game will get nutrients into your
muscles to allow muscular healing and
energy repletion immediately.
If you’re a high school athlete or
younger, then have chocolate milk and
a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on
wheat bread; it will have the same effect.
Young athletes should eat and not enter
the world of supplements until they’re in
college. Whole foods are always the most
beneficial.
Stretching after games will allow
your muscle fibers to realign, which will
make a better pathway for blood and
fresh nutrients to enter the muscle when
healing. Stretching also keeps muscle
and tendon structures from tightening
and prevents any decrease in mobility
in those structures. When stretching,
focus on the hips, groins, hamstrings, low
back, quads and abdomen.
Soft-tissue work can be done on a
“foam roller,” which acts like a rolling pin
on baking dough. The “rolling” realigns
the muscle tissue, removes knots from
the tissue and improves the circulation of
nutrient-rich blood to the muscles. Focus
the rolling on the same areas that you
stretch.
Cool-down activities will gradually
reduce one’s heart rate and flush out
lactic acid, a byproduct of high-intensity
work. Removing lactic acid reduces
muscular soreness post-activity. In San
Jose, we ride a stationary bike for 8-12
minutes at a mid- to low-level heart rate.
You can perform a light jog or skip rope if
you don’t have a bike.
These activities done post-practice,
post-training or post-game will help the
muscles and nervous system recover
from physical stress. b
Mike Potenza is the San Jose Sharks’ strength and
conditioning coordinator.

Officiating a family affair for San Francisco father, son
father-son outing took on a whole new meaning for Richard Whitehead
A and his son, Sebastian, last month, as the two officials from San Francisco
worked their first game together at the Lake Tahoe Invitational Tournament.
“Hockey is a great way for par-
ents to spend valuable quality
time with their kids,” said Richard.
“Sebastian loves that his time
doesn’t just end at the locker
Richard Whitehead and his
son, Sebastian, worked a Lake
Tahoe Grizzlies-California
Cougars Squirt B game together
last month at the Lake Tahoe
Invitational Tournament.
room door; we get to spend
time together in the referee
room, on the ice and on the
bench between periods.”
Because there was
no local Squirt
team available
for Sebastian
to play for last
year, Richard
thought it
might be a
good idea
for him
to give
officiating a try in an effort to stay
involved in the game.
“I love that it gives Sebastian an
extra dimension to the game, and he
loves that he gets paid,” said Richard.
Richard, who attended a referee
course last year with his son, works
youth and adult games. Ten-year-old
Sebastian, considered the “senior ref”
among the two, officiates Squirt B-level
games and below.
“I love looking at the expression on
some of the players’ faces when they
realize Sebastian will be officiating
their game,” said Richard. “But it just
goes to show that with some skill and
knowledge, respect and authority can
be achieved at any age.”
As for Sebastian, he can’t get
enough.
“He likes working Mite games,”
said Richard. “It gives him an opportunity
to share his love of the game with
younger kids. He never hesitates to
talk to them and encourage them.” b
- Brian McDonough
CaliRubber.com 21

California Alumni
22
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
COLLEGE HOCKEY
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
CCHA
Adam Cardwell (Long Beach) - University Alaska-Fairbanks
JJ Crew (Placentia) - Western Michigan University
Alex Hudson (Corona) - University of Nebraska-Omaha
Jared Katz (San Jose) - Western Michigan University
Peter Kavaya (San Clemente) - Western Michigan University
John Kemp (Arcadia) - University of Nebraska-Omaha
TJ Miller (Placentia) - Northern Michigan University
Nathan Sigmund (San Diego) - Northern Michigan University
Scooter Vaughn (Placentia) - University of Michigan
ECAC
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
Steve Jakiel (Santa Clarita) - 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
Russell Anderson (Riverside) - Utica College
Bryce Dale (Fresno) - Utica College
Kregg Guestin (Kingsburg) - Utica College
Kyle Guestin (Kingsburg) - Utica College
Matt Jimenez (Santa Rosa) - Utica College
Shaun Mathur (Laguna Hills) - Lebanon Valley College
Blake Rielly (Newport Beach) - Manhattanville College
Nicholas Schultz (Lakewood) - Lebanon Valley College
MCHA
Chase Haubursin (Santa Rosa) - Minnesota Crookston
Jesse Jacobs (Pacifica) - Lawrence University
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

Photo / Robert J. Meyer
U.S. WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM
Chanda Gunn (Huntington Beach)
Jessical Koizumi (Simi Valley)
Angela Ruggiero (Simi Valley)
Division III - Women
ECAC East
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
Amy Zappen (Huntingon Beach) - St. Anselm College
ECAC West
Kaitlyn Denton (Tracy) - Chatham University
Jamie Huntley (La Jolla) - Elmira College
Elyse McGinnity (Temecula) - Utica College
Ashley Reid (Chino Hills) - Chatham University
MIAC
Kelly Biddle (La Mirada) - St. Olaf College
Brittany Vander Kooy (Redlands) - Concordia College
NESCAC
Michelle Chee (San Francisco) - Trinity College
Domi DiDia (Studio City) - Trinity College
Courtney Hanlon (Fullerton) - Amherst College
Caroline Hu (Cerritos) - Amherst College
NCHA
Shana Katz (San Jose) - University of
Wisconsin-Superior
JUNIOR HOCKEY
Alberta Junior Hockey League
Kyle Moffett (Calabasas) - Canmore Eagles
Atlantic Junior Hockey League
Travis Owens (Burbank) - Walpole Express
BCHL
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
Steve Weinstein (Los Angeles) - Vernon Vipers
GMHL
Brenden Kelso (Lake Isabella) - Brock Bucks
Derek Rodgers (Los Angeles) - South Muskoka Shield
Tim Wender (Thousand Oaks) - South Muskoka Shield
MJHL
Justin Apcar-Blaszak (Valley Village) - Hudson Crusaders
Morgan Sanchez (Corona) - Minnesota Ice Hawks
NAHL
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
Kyle Delaurell (Mission Viejo) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Gage Emerson (San Jose) - Motor City Machine
Emerson Etem (Long Beach) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Jake Fallon (Orange County) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Jeffrey Harris (Simi Valley) - Bismarck Bobcats
Kevin Harris
Mountain View’s
Soren Jonzzen is
developing into a top
college prospect with the
NAHL’s St. Louis Bandits.
(Simi Valley) - Bismarck
Bobcats
Jake Hutt (Menlo Park)
- Topeka RoadRunners
Shawn Jameson (Long Beach)
- St. Louis Bandits
Soren Jonzzen (Mountain
View) - St. Louis Bandits
Michael Juola (Lake Forest) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Brett Kaneshiro (Laguna Niguel) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Andy Kitt (Corona) - Springfield Jr. Blues
David Kurbatsky (San Ramon) - Wenatchee Wild
Adam McKenzie (Petaluma) - Wenatchee Wild
Billy Miller (Morgan Hill) - Wenatchee Wild
Jason Nash (Oxnard) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
Matt Nieto (Long Beach) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Bryon Paulazzo (Redwood City) - Topeka RoadRunners
Troy Puente (Thousand Oaks) - Owatonna Express
Mark Pustin (Northridge) - Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Dan Radke (Orinda) - Traverse City North Stars
Shane Sooth (Canyon Country) - U.S. Under-17 Team
Travis Stevens (Montclair) - Topeka RoadRunners
Randy Swank (Nuevo) - Topeka RoadRunners
Branson Yost (Capistrano Beach) - Wichita Falls Wildcats
SJHL
Cameron Gibson (Valencia) - Humboldt Broncos
USHL
Loren Barron (Glendora) - Indiana Ice
Brett Beebe (Redondo Beach) - Chicago Steel
Dennis Brown (Cypress) - Omaha Lancers
Jeff Ceccacci (Placentia) - Green Bay Gamblers
Dakota Eveland (Anaheim) - Omaha Lancers
Luke Greiner (Newport Beach) - Sioux Falls Stampede
Donnie Hallmark (Ontario) - Sioux City Musketeers
Taylor Holstrom (Yorba Linda) - Omaha Lancers
Nick Hopper (Culver City) - Tri-City Storm
Brady Horn (Yorba Linda) – Sioux Falls Stampede
Steven Hoshaw (Vista) - Waterloo Black Hawks
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
Dalton Speelman (San Jose) - Green Bay Gamblers
Matthew Tennyson (Pleasanton) - Cedar Rapids RoughRiders
Matt White (Whittier) - Omaha Lancers
WHL
Jonathon Blum (Rancho Santa Margarita) - Vancouver Giants
Brandon Brossoit (Los Alamitos) - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Adam Brown (Yorba Linda) - Kelowna Rockets
Mitchell Callahan (Whittier) - Kelowna Rockets
Cameron Cepek (Huntington Beach) - Prince George Cougars
Shane Harper (Valencia) - Everett Silvertips
Matthew Konan (Tustin) - Medicine Hat Tigers
Ryan Letts (Newport Beach) - Spokane Chiefs
Colin Long (Santa Ana) - Kelowna Rockets
Uriah Machuga (Norco) - Kamloops Blazes
Tyler Maxwell (Manhattan Beach) - Everett Silvertips
Markus McCrea (Canyon Lake) - Everett Silvertips
Todd Mathews (Covina) - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Jon Parker (Solana Beach) - Seattle Thunderbirds
Tyler Parker (Livermore) - Everett Silvertips
Colin Reddin (Corona del Mar) - Portland Winter Hawks
Matt Sokol (Los Angeles) - Saskatoon Blades
Parker Stanfield (Orange County) - Prince George Cougars
CJ Stretch (Irvine) - Kamloops Blazers
Garrett Taylor (San Diego) - Lethbridge Hurricanes
Brandon Underwood (San Marcos) - Kamloops Blazers
Tyler Vanscourt (Corona) - Kootenay Ice
Mitch Wahl (Seal Beach) - Spokane Chiefs
Marcus Watson (San Jose) - Prince George Cougars
PREP SCHOOL
Division I - New England
Jake Abrahams (Los Angeles) - Exeter
Max Balaban (San Diego) - Tilton
Michael Basist (Aliso Viejo) - Kimball Union
Tucker Dayton (San Francisco) - Deerfield
Stefan Demopoulos (San Diego) - Avon Old Farms
Grant Dennis (Newport Beach) - Deerfield
Lucas Digati (Santa Monica) - Milton
Raphael Durand (Menlo Park) - Governor’s
Max Edson (Hermosa Beach) - Salisbury
Evan Hutson (Pasadena) - Tilton
Doo Soo Kim (Los Angeles) - Milton
CM Liotta (Menlo Park) - Taft
Ryne Lubert (Yorba Linda) - Tilton
Vinnie Smith (Fresno) - Kimball Union
Andrew Mason (Manhattan Beach) - Proctor
Sean Okita (Newport) - Milton
Xavier Reed (Oakland) - Taft
Division I-US/Canada
Matthew Robertson (Rohnert Park) - Stanstead College
Send additions, deletions and corrections to
info@calirubber.com
CaliRubber.com 23

Inline Hockey
Thousand Oaks’ Squirts
surprise at NARCh
By Alex Dodt
Last month’s NARCh WinterNationals
in San Jose were a huge success
for the Thousand Oaks Bruins, based
out of Southern California’s Roller-
Dome.
The Bruins only sent two teams
to the event, but came home with two
medals: one gold, one silver. That gold
medal came from a special group of
kids on the Bruins’ Squirt team that
had been together
for less than six
weeks before WinterNationals.
“RollerDome
put together a
select group of
boys and girls that
play in our house
leagues,” said
Bruins coach Dave
Serriane. “Few of
them had played in
NARCh before, but
they came together
as a team in such a
short time.”
Things didn’t
come easy for Thousand
Oaks early
on as they suffered
a tough loss to
Team Redline in the
tournament’s opening
game. It rebounded, though, with
a big win over the NorCal Extreme.
Familiarity with those two teams later
played to the Bruins’ advantage in
playoff-round rematches.
Thousand Oaks concluded the
round robin with a loss to a talented
West Coast Warriors team, which
would move up for the elimination
round and win the Squirt Gold division.
The Bruins shook off that loss to
the more experienced Warriors, winning
their first playoff game in the
Squirt Silver division, 7-2, over the
Santa Cruz Twisters.
24
“In the playoffs, we moved some of
our stronger players back to defense
and that helped,” said Serriane. “That
strengthened our defense and made it
easier on our goalie, Gabriel Zelico,
who played great in the playoffs.”
The semifinal brought a rematch
against Team Redline and this time
the Bruins were more prepared for the
attack. The offensive duo of Cameron
Poe and Jeffry Payne helped Thousand
Oaks to a 5-2 victory and a berth
in the Squirt Silver championship game
against the Extreme.
“You could feel the anxiousness
from both benches prior to the championship
game,” said Bruins coach
Jason Schwetz. “We were two evenlymatched
teams.”
Early in the game, the nerves were
even on both sides as they played a
near-scoreless first period. Just before
the period ended, the Extreme got on
the board to make it 1-0. It carried the
momentum into the second period, scoring
early to make it a 2-0 game.
“We had a lot of players who lack
experience in those kind of games,” said
Serriane. “We called a timeout, settled
the players down, and just told them to
take it a shift at a time.”
Thousand Oaks struck back quickly
as James Sullivan scored on an assist
from Poe. Minutes later, after finishing
his Mite division game on another rink,
Payne joined the fray and scored on his
first shift to tie the game up.
“When he arrived, we got a good
bounce and within 30 seconds he
scored,” added Serriane. “That gave us
momentum and really pumped up the
bench.”
The Extreme retook the lead, however,
and held a 3-2 advantage into the
final minute.
Poe would perform
the first
crunch-time
heroics for the
Bruins, scoring
off a feed from
Neil Villiadolid
with
52 seconds left
in the game to
force overtime.
In the extra
period, both
teams registered
a handful
of shots on
net. Finally,
more than
seven minutes
into overtime,
Ryder Deluca
ended up alone
in front with the
puck on his stick and lit the lamp for
the gold-medal-clinching goal.
“It’s great to see the kids accomplish
what they did,” said Serriane.
“Since we returned, they’re chomping
at the bit, anticipating the next tournament.”
Serriane and the Bruins plan on
practicing all year, playing in more
tournaments and completing their
season with a run at the NARCh Finals
in Toronto.
“Our goal is to go to Toronto,” said
Serriane. “After that WinterNationals
experience, the kids just can’t wait.” b
Having only played together for six weeks, the Thousand Oaks Bruins’ Squirt team won a gold
medal at last month’s NARCh WinterNationals.

Inline Hockey
California enjoys WinterNationals success
By Alex Dodt
The 2009 NARCh West Coast WinterNationals returned
to Silver Creek Sportsplex in San Jose, the site of last
year’s NARCh Finals.
Champions were crowned from Mite all the way up to
Pro and, in the end, 18 California teams brought home a
gold medal.
One of the most intriguing individual stories was that
of San Diego’s Casey Escarcega. He and the Western
Capitals trailed the ISCA Grizzlies, 4-1, with just over three
minutes left in the Midget Platinum semifinal.
That’s when Escarcega took over, scoring four goals
in the final three minutes to secure a 5-4 victory for the
Capitals. In the championship game, he added two goals,
including the game-winner, in a 3-2 win over the Silicon
Valley Quakes.
“Some of the goals Casey scored were just incredible
snipes,” said NARCh president Daryn Goodwin, who used
to coach Escarcega. “It’s great to see him accomplish something
like that because there’s really nothing bad you can
say about him.”
Escarcega also made an impact in the High School division,
playing for San Diego County’s San Pasqual High. In
the gold-medal game against Bellarmine, Escarcega scored
four goals to lead his school to a 6-5 victory, avenging a loss
to Bellarmine earlier in the tournament.
“Most of our team had never played in a tournament
like NARCh before, so they had the jitters that first game,”
said Escarcega. “By the time the final game came around,
that was gone and they were ready to give it their all.”
The Thousand Oaks Bruins, one of the lesser-known
Southern California programs, made a name for themselves
in the younger age groups, advancing to the final in both
Mite Silver and Squirt Silver.
While the Squirt team struck gold (see more on opposite
page), the Bruins’ Mite team fell just short, losing 5-4 to the
High Country Hawks in the final. Joe Markel was the star
In the Midget Platinum final, the Western Capitals defeated the
Silicon Valley Quakes.
of that game, scoring a hat trick for the Hawks.
As usual, the NARCh Pro division garnered the most attention
from players, coaches and parents in attendance at the
showcase. In the end, four California teams were unable to
knock off the resurgent Tour Mudcats, who continued their hot
streak having also won the Pro division at TORHS WinterNationals.
“The last few years had been rough on us,” said Mudcats
captain CJ Yoder about his team’s struggles at NARCh.
“We’ve begun to mix in some younger guys that really complement
the older players we have and it’s worked out very well
for us.”
When he wasn’t on the floor for the Mudcats, Yoder manned
an informational booth for the Roller Hockey Alliance (RHA).
Players and parents alike came by the booth to ask questions
about the new direction RHA plans to take the sport.
“I got to talk to a lot of rink operators and there was a
good buzz around the booth,” Yoder said. “There was excitement
about seeing people in the sport actually trying to come
together.” b
Mite Silver
1st - High Country Mission
Hawks
2nd - Thousand Oaks Bruins
Mite Gold
2nd - 949 Anarchy
California NARCh Champions
Bantam Silver
1st - Western Capitals White
2nd - Team Redline
Bantam Gold
1st - Silicon Valley
Quakes
Midget Platinum
1st - Western Capitals
2nd - Silicon Valley Quakes
Junior Gold
1st - Revision Devil Dogs
2nd - Nor Cal Riot
Squirt Silver
1st - Thousand Oaks Bruins
2nd - Nor Cal Extreme
Bantam Platinum
1st - Western Capitals Black
2nd - Nor Cal Riot
Junior Platinum
1st - Team Hyper
2nd - Pama Cyclones
San Diego’s San Pasqual won the High School division
championship over San Jose’s Bellarmine.
Squirt Gold
2nd - Shark Bites
PeeWee Silver
1st - Mission Raiders Red
PeeWee Gold
1st - Western Capitals
White
PeeWee Platinum
1st - Nor Cal Riot
2nd - Revision Devil Dogs
Midget Club
1st - Silicon Valley Quakes
2nd - Mission Rampage
Midget Silver
1st - Bandits Hockey Club
2nd - Labeda XDH
Midget Gold
1st - Team Eschelon
2nd - Revision Devil Dogs
Women’s Gold
1st - Revision Pandemonium
2nd - Cereal Killers
Women’s Platinum
1st - Team Revision
2nd - Dry Ice
35 & Over
1st - Rinkside Rockets
2nd - Team Labeda
CaliRubber.com 25

Be land in the busine s of giving
Maley Ro lin’ in San Jose
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 6 Summer 2 08
caliru ber com
celebrate
CaliRu ber com
Chalk Talk
Good hockey
habits often
overlooked
With the recent rule changes in
the NHL, players now more
than ever must be able to skate,
pass, stickhandle and shoot, because
the days of the hulking player who
clutches and grabs his way to The
Show are over.
And that’s where good hockey
habits can make the difference.
Defensively, playing within the
dots, defensive-side positioning and
keeping your stick on the ice are three
important habits to embrace.
Defensemen often play outside
the dots when the puck is in the
neutral and offensive zones, which
leaves the middle of the ice wide open.
Defensemen need to stay in the middle
of the ice to force the opposition
to the outside. When a defensive
partner steps outside the dots, the
other should slide to the middle for
support.
Defensive-side positioning is just
that: Keep your body between the
puck or the opposing player and the
net. Make the opposition go around
you.
Keep your stick on the ice to shut
down passing lanes, intercept passes
and block shots.
Offensively, healthy habits include
headmaning the puck, creating
passing lanes and stopping in front of
the net, all of which lead to goals.
with Tony Zasowski
Headmaning the puck sounds
simple, but it’s often overlooked. If you
see a teammate ahead of you, get him
the puck. The closer the puck is to the
opposition’s goal, the more likely it’s
going to end up in the net.
Often, too, you hear players say,
“I was open.” While that may be true,
there’s no way for the puck to make it
to the player without a passing lane.
To be open, you need to create some
space for the passing player to get you
the puck.
And remember, the goal crease
is where the action is. Rebound, tips
and screens all happen eight feet from
the net. So don’t circle into the corner;
stop in front.
Nowadays, all players have good
fundamentals. By having good hockey
habits, you’ll separate yourself and
your team from the pack. b
Tony Zasowski is the director of coaching and the
U18 AAA head coach of the San Jose Jr. Sharks.
&
Locals rally to save
Berkeley Iceland
Jr. Kings’ McColgan
on fast track
Interview: AHC’s
Ben Frank
Ducks’ Marchant
a good guy
arizonaru ber com
Chang’s, CAHA strengthen
partnership
New Ro lerplex owners
step to forefront
Notre Dame again
crowned state champs
Inline’s AZ ‘92 cop Winter
State Wars title
caliru ber com
arizonaru ber
com
arizonarubber com
Captain Shelby Stringer
The U14 Lady Coyotes
make Arizona hockey history
Path to Promise
The LA Selects has established themselves as one of the top
developmental programs in the country
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 8 April 2 08
From Kids to Coyotes, the Desert’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 4 April 2 08
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
. All-American Flaishans
an Arizona first
. Senior Coyotes celebrate
national title
. Inaugural PIHA season
comes to a close
. Mesquite High helps
fallen teammate
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 9 May 2 08 From Kids to Coyotes, the Desert’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 Spring 2 08
Interview:
Kevin Culbertson
Inline student-
athletes honored
LA Selects
national title
Stoddard
recognized for
charitable work
S
UTHERN
EXP SURE
Hockey’s future in San Diego is brighter than ever
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
The
Sp elman, Watson doing NorCal proud
Interview: Pacific-Ice’s Je f Strachan
. Peoria’s Kelner a
champion in Spokane
. Coyotes keep building
through NHL draft
. Goltz the new boss
behind ASU’s bench
. P.F. Chang’s joins elite
Midget circuit
Chosen
Ones
VOLUME 3 ISSUE 10 Summer 2008 From Kids to Coyotes, the Desert’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
Seal Beach’s Mitch Wah leads California’s
charge at the NHL Draft
Arizona Sundogs captain
Chris Bartolone
TOP ‘DOGS!
Second-year Sundogs
waste little time winning
first CHL title
Phoenix Dragons
are PIHA’s national
champions!
California’s Authoritative Voice of Ice and Inline Hockey
26

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