Junior hockey offseasons and usually filled with players keeping in shape, getting some rest and relaxation, and numerous talents making college commitments.

Several players from the Golden State – and one from Nevada – have made their decisions for future seasons.

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Clayton Cosentino grew up in San Carlos playing for the Santa Clara Blackhawks, Black Stars and Golden State Elite Eagles/California Cougars and played the 2019-20 season for the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings. He has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the Air Force Academy.

During the 2019-20 season, Cosentino (pictured) compiled 15 goals and 31 points in 51 games for the Wings.

“Clay is an extremely hard-working player that has a lot of detail to his game,” said Aberdeen head coach Scott Langer. “He’s become a 200-foot center that can play up and down our lineup. He is a first-class person that puts his teammates ahead of his own needs, and he always competes for the Wings logo. The solid staff at Air Force is getting a high-end individual in Clay.”

On track to arrive in Colorado Springs in the fall of 2021, Cosentino is excited to see what opportunities present themselves at Air Force.

“I am expecting to be challenged both on the ice and in the classroom through the challenge of moving up to Division I hockey, where you need to perform day in and day out, and in the classroom through classes that I strive to succeed in while also juggling hockey at the same time,” said Cosentino. “Air Force really appealed to me because it’s the full package. With both the opportunity to play D-I hockey, you are also given the opportunity to both serve your country and prepare yourself for success after college in my desired job field.”

Las Vegas native Joey Allegrini, who also spent a good chunk of his childhood in Valencia, played this past season on the blue line for the NA3HL’s Atlanta Capitals and is off to NCAA Division III Nichols College in the fall.

“Joey is a great leader, on and off the ice,” said Capitals head coach Jason Smith. “He works hard and sets a good example for the rest of the team. We can always count on him to make a play in big moments in games. As a coaching staff, we are proud of Joey’s hard work and he has earned this opportunity to grow his education and hockey experience.”

Allegrini tallied 15 goals and 39 assists in 47 games this season, leading all NA3HL defensemen with 12 power-play goals and 21 power-play assists.

Manhattan Beach native and Los Angles Jr. Kings graduate Ian Shane will play his D-I hockey at Cornell University following his junior career.

A 2000-born goaltender, Shane forged a 16-3-1 record to compliment a 3.25 goals-against average and .886 save percentage in 21 appearances this season with the USHL’s Chicago Steel.

“I think it’s been awesome (playing for Chicago),” Shane said. “Coming in, I didn’t really know a whole lot of what to expect, especially first year of juniors coming from a completely different environment in prep school (Westminster Prep). I love it. I love all the guys and I couldn’t have asked for a better situation to land in.”

Northern Cyclones (USPHL Premier) forward Alec Grace has committed to play D-III hockey at St. Anselm College.

A Laguna Hills product, Grace played in 31 games this year and registered 13 goals and added 21 assists for 34 points.

Orange native, California Wave and Anaheim Jr. Ducks alum Zachary Pires played for the WSHL’s Ogden Mustangs in 2019-20 and will play at D-III Nazareth College this fall. He had 29 goals and 67 points in 42 games for the Mustangs.

Photo/Aberdeen Wings

— Matt Mackinder

(May 5, 2020)