The United States Premier Hockey League announced today that the Long Beach Shredders will join the USPHL Premier’s Pacific Division after purchasing the franchise formerly owned by the Anaheim Avalanche.

The owners of the Shredders are Emerson and Danette Etem.

Emerson, a native of Long Beach, was a first-round selection in the 2010 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks. Along with representing Team USA on the U.S. National Team Development Program, he also led the Western Hockey League in goals (61) in 2011-12, one year before making his NHL debut with the Ducks.

Etem went on to play in 173 regular season and 23 playoff games in the NHL, with the Ducks as well as the New York Rangers, posting 54 combined points in his NHL career. He also played in the American Hockey League for portions of seven seasons.

After his 2020 retirement from playing hockey, Etem was head coach and GM of the Missoula Jr. Bruins in the NA3HL for the 2020-21 season, prior to the purchase of the former Avalanche.

“I would like to thank Tom Meyer, who gave me his trust in taking what he started in Anaheim and allowing me to rebrand and make this into something huge,” said Etem. “I would also like to thank my wife Danette and parents Pat and Rick Etem for their continued support. Being from Long Beach, this team will open up a ton of doors for local hockey players and others across the world who are looking for the highest quality Tier III junior experience.”

Along with being co-owner with Danette, Etem will be the head coach and general manager for the Shredders.

You can find the Shredders on social media, on Twitter (@lbshredders), Instagram (@longbeachshredders) and on Facebook (Long Beach Shredders). A Shredders website is forthcoming.

(May 8, 2021)