Category Archives: Youth
Who are these masked men?
December 13th, 2014John Blue almost doesn’t recognize the goaltender position these days. The first – and thus far only – goalie from California to reach the NHL is amazed when he looks between the pipes. “The way the game has evolved, size is necessary; 5-10 isn’t going to cut it anymore,” said Blue, who played 46 games…
Vacaville’s Mite program ready for takeoff
November 14th, 2014By Greg Ball There’s something exciting going on at Vacaville Ice Sports northeast of San Francisco, and it’s bringing more and more young players into the Vacaville Jets program. The Jets have traditionally had trouble putting a full Mite team on the ice, yet this season they have enough players to ice two teams. The…
Jr. Sharks score with Model Association status
October 28th, 2014By Greg Ball It’s been more than a year since the San Jose Jr. Sharks were first named a Model Association by USA Hockey, and the program is enjoying the benefits. On the weekend of Sept. 30-Oct. 1, the Jr. Sharks hosted a group of officials from USA Hockey, who put on a series of…
Jackson, Texeira tabbed NHL draft prospects
October 13th, 2014By Chris Bayee The co-captains went their separate ways in the fall of 2013 – Keoni Texeira to the Western Hockey League (WHL) and Robby Jackson to the United States Hockey League (USHL). But if NHL Central Scouting’s “Players to Watch” list is to be believed the former LA Selects and Los Angeles Jr. Kings teammates…
Jr. Kings embrace new philosophy
October 11th, 2014By Brian McDonough Scour the rosters of high-level junior, NCAA and minor-professional teams over the last 10 years and you won’t have a hard time finding your fair share of Southern California-groomed players. Thing is, it won’t take long to count the very few who’ve stuck in the NHL, either, and Kelly Sorensen, the Los…
Jr. Kings’ Pee Wees begin ‘Quest for Quebec’
October 7th, 2014Ask any player on the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Pee Wee AAA Major team what they’re most excited about this year and the answer will undoubtedly be Quebec – the prestigious Quebec Pee Wee International Hockey Tournament to be precise. The club will make the trip to the 56th annual showcase, which this season will…
Jr. Ducks’ Bantams enjoy success in Canada
October 3rd, 2014Several talented hockey teams from California have played in the U14 CAN/AM Showcase at Burnaby, British Columbia, over the years, but none won the elite tournament … until the Anaheim Jr. Ducks’ Bantam AAA team accomplished the feat on Sept. 14. The Jr. Ducks defeated Okanagan Hockey Academy, 5-4, in the first-place game to avenge…
Jr. Kings’ fundraising efforts in full force
October 2nd, 2014It’s no secret ice hockey is an expensive sport, and for participating players and their families – especially in Southern California – it’s not getting any cheaper. Higher-ups in the Los Angeles Jr. Kings organization are well aware, and working harder than ever to architect and execute innovative fundraising strategies that will drive its members’…