Category Archives: Pro
AHL clubs open season on promising note
October 11th, 2015The American Hockey League’s (AHL) new western pod of five California teams faced off their inaugural season the weekend of Oct. 9-10 with high expectations and excitement rippling through opening-night crowds as a new era in professional ice hockey dawned on the West Coast. READ OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE The Bakersfield Condors, Ontario Reign, San…
State’s pro presence stronger than ever
September 27th, 2015Doug Wilson has seen a lot since he first arrived in California. Winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1982, Wilson was traded from the Windy City to the San Jose Sharks in 1991 to provide leadership and stability on the blue line for the expansion team…
Taking Liberties With… Kevan Miller
September 22nd, 2015Defenseman, Boston Bruins Hometown: Canyon Country Last Amateur Team: University of Vermont (Hockey East) Local Youth Programs: West Valley Wolves, Ventura Mariners, Los Angeles Jr. Kings The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder is a study in hard work and perseverance. A 1987 birth year, Kevan Miller made his NHL debut with the Boston Bruins after his 26th birthday despite…
Fedorin Cup scores in fight against cancer
September 19th, 2015The Fedorin Cup continues to make a difference, one year at a time. Held late last month at The Rinks-Anaheim Ice, the annual charity hockey game and casino night raises money to fight cancer by hosting a day’s worth of activities that allow participants to be immersed in hockey while being part of a great…
AHL going ‘all-in’ on strong California markets
March 3rd, 2015Could it be another turning point in the ongoing growth of hockey in California? If the reaction from the January announcement that the American Hockey League (AHL) has approved the formation of a five-team Pacific Division that would include affiliates of all three California NHL teams is any measure, then it’s a resounding yes. The…
Taking Liberties With… Mitch Callahan
February 25th, 2015Forward, Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) Hometown: Whittier Last Amateur Team: Kelowna Rockets (WHL) Age: 23 Youth Programs: Norwalk Knights, Paramount Panthers, LA Hockey Club, Los Angeles Jr. Kings Not only has Mitch Callahan, a 6-foot, 195-pound forward, improved his point total during each of his seasons in junior and the pros, but he’s won two…
Reign’s White happy to be home
January 19th, 2015Matt White got a late start with the Ontario Reign this season. Getting up to speed took a bit more time. That’s understandable given the workout his passport has gotten in the past six months. Shortly after leading the ECHL franchise in scoring last season, the skilled forward played for the U.S. National Inline Team…
Taking Liberties With… Shane Harper
October 28th, 2014Forward, Chicago Wolves (AHL) Hometown: Valencia Last Amateur Team: Everett Silvertips (WHL) Youth Programs: Valencia Flyers, California Wave, Los Angeles Jr. Kings California Rubber: What’s the best piece of advice you have for a youth hockey player or parent? Shane Harper: When I think back to why I was successful, it’s because I had fun…
Passion for the game continues to fuel Ford
October 18th, 2014Matthew Ford has never taken hockey for granted, particularly going into this season. Ford (West Hills) spent nearly six months recovering from neck surgery after getting hit from behind in the Oklahoma City Barons’ final regular-season game. “It was similar to Peyton Manning’s injury,” Ford said. “I lost about 85 percent of the strength in…
Hall’s call a homecoming for Blake
October 3rd, 2014Los Angeles Kings assistant general manager Rob Blake will make another special trip back to Ontario next month. There will be family and friends to see but the focus will be on his well-deserved induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. The 20-year veteran spent 14 of those seasons with the Kings and the last…