Jr. Kings’ BB2 squad wins Cal State Games title
The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Squirt BB2 team celebrated the championship in its division at this year’s California State Games, which were showcased last weekend in the San Diego area.
The Jr. Kings ran the table with a perfect 4-0 record at the event, including victories over the San Diego Jr. Gulls (3-2), San Jose Jr. Sharks (5-0) and Santa Clara Blackhawks (7-1) before knocking off the Jr. Gulls again in the title game, 2-1.
L.A. had reached a tournament finale two other times this season; the Cal State Games marked its first triumph.
“With this tournament win, the boys proved they can persevere through pressure and tough situations and come out on top in a big game,” said Jr. Kings head coach Dimitri Voulelikas. “I’m very happy for them.”
Goaltender Jackson Silverberg stood tall between the pipes all weekend, allowing only four goals in the four contests. Offensively, forward Grant Edwards struck for seven goals and two assists, including a hat trick against Santa Clara.
“The most impressive thing about this group is that there’s never a lack of effort,” added Voulelikas, whose team holds a nine-game unbeaten streak and an 18-6-2 overall record on the season. “Over the course of the year, their confidence in themselves and in their teammates has grown exponentially.”