Blog
Jr. Duck’s coach Johnson represents U.S. in Germany
December 4th, 2015Not long after his playing career ended in 2008, Craig Johnson got into coaching youth hockey, in part because of his sons’ interest in playing. Now the Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ director of coaches as well as the head coach of the program’s Bantam AAA1 team, Johnson’s coaching journey took him on another path earlier this…
Pair of local sharpshooters lighting up SJHL
December 4th, 2015One is a three-year veteran of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), while the other is only 20-odd games into his junior career, but Igor Leonenko and Coby Downs have more in common than both hailing from California. Both are giving goalies north of the border fits. The Battlefords North Stars were off to a…
Chalk Talk: Stats, science commonplace
December 4th, 2015It’s apparent to me that hockey has become like so many other sports. Computers and statisticians are beginning to control the game. We’ve learned how to track every stat and every aspect of every minute of every game to the point where players can gauge their strengths and deficiencies in pin-pointed detail. Not to mention,…
Give Blood Play Hockey reaches new heights
December 3rd, 2015The largest charity inline tournament in the world, Give Blood Play Hockey (GBPH) rolled out its ninth annual edition from Oct. 22-25 at The Rinks-Irvine Inline. Tournament co-founder Mary Quayle had one word to sum up the weekend: “Amazing.” The festive, family-friendly event featured a sold-out field of 106 teams that competed in divisions ranging…
Canadian group offers ideal spring tourney options
December 3rd, 2015Two of the largest and most well-established youth hockey tournaments in Western Canada are ready for another season, and while they’re still a few months away, organizers of the Alberta Champions Cup and Stampede Challenge are encouraging teams to register soon so they don’t miss out. Kip Reghenas, who heads up the team of veteran…
Parental Guidance: Veteran hockey dad savvy
December 2nd, 2015After many, many years, I think I have this hockey dad thing down pretty good. With only a few good years of senility left, I feel like I should pass this knowledge on to someone. A hockey dad is part general, part philosopher, part psychologist. He has to be patient, caring and strong. It also…
Jr. Sharks giving goaltenders more guidance
December 2nd, 2015The San Jose Jr. Sharks have expanded their network of coaches this season to include some specialized training for the organization’s goaltenders. Former goalies Rick Cazares and Evgeni Nabokov – the latter an ex-San Jose Shark who spent parts of 14 seasons in the NHL – have both been brought on board to help out…
Takings Liberties With… Chad Ruhwedel
December 2nd, 2015Chad Ruhwedel Defenseman, Rochester Americans (American Hockey League) Hometown: Scripps Ranch (San Diego) Last Amateur Team: University of Massachusetts-Lowell (Hockey East) Youth Programs: San Diego Stars, La Jolla Jaguars, San Diego Jr. Gulls, Los Angeles Jr. Kings A switch from forward to defense paid dividends for Chad Ruhwedel when he was a Pee Wee, helping…
Champs crowned at Jr. Kings’ Thanksgiving tourney
December 1st, 2015Fifty-four teams from Northern and Southern California, Nevada and Winnipeg competed in this year’s Los Angeles Jr. Kings-hosted Thanksgiving Extravaganza Tournament, which was showcased from Nov. 26-29 at three Southern California rinks. Champions were crowned in nine divisions: High School (Shaftesbury Titans); Bantam A (Pasadena Maple Leafs); Pee Wee AA (Anaheim Jr. Ducks); Pee Wee…
Industry Profile: Sandra Frame, NOTORIOUS Red
November 26th, 2015Sandra Frame knows the struggle hockey players (and parents) endure when it comes to smelly equipment. As a roller derby competitor for many years, the Los Angeles resident tried endless sprays, solutions and homemade concoctions in an effort to combat the sweat and stink that soaked elbow and knee pads, helmet liners and skates. When…