Jr. Kings’ Squirt BB1 team wins in Vegas
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Squirt BB1 team took home the top prize in its division at this year’s Las Vegas Ice Center Presidents’ Day Tournament, which was contested last weekend.
The Jr. Kings forged a perfect 5-0 record at the event, including a 5-2 triumph over the Nevada Storm in the championship game.
L.A. opened the tournament with a 2-1 victory over the California Wave, followed by wins over the Storm (5-0), Bakersfield Dragons (6-2) and Texas-based Pond Hockey Club (4-1).
“The kids really came together over the weekend and played some of their best hockey of the season,” said Jr. Kings head coach German Chumachuk. “I was extremely impressed with and proud of the effort the entire team put forth from start to finish.”
Goaltender Nolan Strause came up big between the pipes all weekend, allowing just six goals in the five contests. His brother, Ian, struck for at least a goal in every game, including a hat trick in the Jr. Kings’ first win against Nevada.
Defenseman Nicholas Christianson proved to be a force along the blue line and also chipped in offensively, lighting the lamp in every game.
Forwards Brian Chun and Kevin Yousefpour recorded five assists apiece.
“We have such a great group of families, and this tournament victory was well-deserved,” Chumachuk added. “It was a rewarding weekend across the board.”