Category Archives: Youth
Jr. Sharks’ 14U AAA team sparked by top trio
December 31st, 2015When the San Jose Jr. Sharks’ 14U AAA team has needed a jumpstart this season, one line in particular has become a go-to for assistant coach John Beaulieu. The trio of Barak Braslavski, Sami Hakkaranian and Coalson Wolford has been red-hot for the Jr. Sharks, and with all three players averaging over a point-per-game Beaulieu…
Jr. Ducks’ Pee Wee AAA1 team readies for Quebec
December 26th, 2015Jean Labbe grew up in Montreal and played in the Quebec International Pee Wee Tournament as a youth, but the longtime coach has never stood behind the bench at the legendary event. That will change in February when his Anaheim Jr. Ducks Pee Wee AAA1 team takes the ice in Quebec City. “I’m very excited…
Renovations give Lakewood rink a needed facelift
December 4th, 2015Though hockey in Southern California had been around for a number of years prior to his arrival, it can be argued that Wayne Gretzky’s trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988 was when it truly established itself locally. Since that time, California has added two NHL franchises in the San Jose Sharks and the Mighty Ducks…
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…
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…
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…
Golden State Elite boasts electric Bantam line
November 26th, 2015Most teams usually have a go-to top forward line. This season, the Golden State Elite (GSE) Eagles nest one of the most dangerous in all of California’s Bantam AAA ranks. Benjamin Biester, Dalton Garcia and Kaleb Ross have pooled their vastly diverse talents to form a line that rang up 18 goals and 36 points…
Jr. Kings’ Bantams gets behind cancer fight
November 18th, 2015The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Bantam AA1 team scored big in the fight against cancer recently, raising over $1,500 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation of Los Angeles. As part of a “Pucks for Bucks” fundraiser, each family on the club pledged a specific dollar amount per goal scored – ranging from $1…
CAHA stands firm on SafeSport protocols
November 18th, 2015The California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) isn’t solely focused on the training and development of its players on the ice; off-ice safety is also a high priority. SafeSport is a program designed to look out for players by implementing child protection safeguards within both CAHA and USA Hockey. Ensuring the safety of hockey players off…
Wildcats introduce groundbreaking curriculum
November 13th, 2015Visitors to Wildcats Hockey Club in Riverside and Carlsbad this season may notice something different about what they’re seeing on the ice. Practices are more focused, there’s more emphasis on skill development and overall organization is a higher priority. That’s because the Wildcats have implemented a new curriculum – something that’s long been in the…