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The LA Jr Kings would like to wish a Happy Birthday to the following players...
Jeremy Libenstein from the team turns 17 today.
Nanthan Seekins from the Mite A team turns 10 today.
Birthdays coming up this month are...
Maximilian Eddy
Ethan Fink
Sterling Flannery
Dashiell Greely
Austin Ho
Dexter Isbell
Jacob Palmer
Jack Pollard
Nicholas Reader
Myles Robinson
Robert Tirea
Denis Vezina
Garrett Vincent
Keanu Yamamoto
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| Jr. Kings Nolan Stevens to Join the US NTDP |
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LA Jr. Kings 16 AAA forward, Nolan Stevens, has committed to play for the U.S. National Team Development program based in Ann Arbor Michigan for the next two years. “To play for the NTDP is the biggest honor that I could be given by this game. To play for the next two years representing my country will be a great privilege and I am excited for this opportunity. My goal was to make the NTDP and I could not have done it without the help of my coaches and the support of my teammates,” said Stevens.
Despite being limited to just 24 games in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League due to injury, 6’2”, 175lb forward tallied 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points. Stevens added 7 points in 5 games at USA Hockey Nationals. “Nolan is as special a player as I’ve coached. From his skill level, to his hockey IQ, to his pedigree and personality, the young man has a bright future in this sport,” said Jr. Kings head coach Louis Pacella. When asked what impressed him the most, Pacella responded “easily his character and ability to handle adversity. He came to a new city, with new coaches and teammates, had to deal with a couple of injuries, which took him out of the lineup, but he handled all of it like a pro. The sky is the limit for him with mental toughness like that.”
Stevens credited his success, in part, to his time with the Jr. Kings this past season. “I feel I have made great strides in my game over the past season playing for the LA Junior Kings. My coaches, Louis Pacella and Stephen Cohen pushed me everyday to get better. Their practices were high tempo, competitive, and demanding in all the areas I needed to improve on. I have never been a part of such a closer group of guys. Even though we lost at Nationals I still feel like we finished the year as CHAMPIONS!”
Stevens, the son of current LA Kings assistant coach John Stevens, becomes the fifth player who has played for Louis Pacella and Stephen Cohen in recent years to make USA Hockey’s prestigious NTDP, joining Nicolas Kerdiles (’94), Nikolas Olsson (’94), Miles Koules (’94) and Scott Savage (’95).
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| Garrett Gamez Commits to Denver University... |
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Jr. King 16 AAA forward Garrett Gamez committed today to the Denver University Pioneers, on a full scholarship for the 2014 season. “Garrett had a tremendous season, and became one of the most coveted forwards in the country for junior teams and colleges,” said 16 AAA head coach Louis Pacella, who added “he just got better and better each month, and has earned everything that has come his way of late. As coaches, we are extremely proud of him in every respect.” In 40 games in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, Gamez tallied 27 goals and 28 assists for 55 points, good enough for fourth overall in league scoring.
“Going to Denver has been a very specific goal of mine since I was a Squirt. It is a dream come true,” said Gamez. “Playing on the Jr. Kings 16 AAA team this year helped me both physically and mentally. I learned how to push through many different types of adversity, and really feel the program helped me prepare for juniors.”
Gamez becomes the second member of the Jr. Kings 16 AAA team to commit to a top NCAA Division 1 program this season. Teammate Ryan Siroky commit to the University of Miami-Ohio Redhawks on a full scholarship, in February. |
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| FORMER JR KINGS GOALIE TOMAS SHOLL COMMITS TO BOWLING GREEN... |
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The Fresno Monsters, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have announced that former LA Jr. King goaltender Tomas Sholl has committed to NCAA Division I Bowling Green State University of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) for the 2013 season.
Sholl, a 17-year-old from Hermosa Beach, California, posted a record of 20-14-6 with 2 shutouts in his 2011-12 rookie season. He finished the season with a goals against average of 2.38 and a .920 save percentage for the Monsters. Sholl also participated in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Michigan where he played on the NAHL 18U Selects Team.
“We couldn’t be happier for Tomas,” stated GM/NAHL Head Coach Eric Ballard. “He is a wonderful young man that has all the ingredients of a high-end college hockey player both on and off the ice. Tomas got better every day, and we noticed early on that his path was going to be a successful one.”
Sholl played for the L.A. Jr. Kings from Mites all the way through Midget 16 AAA before landing in Fresno for the 2011-12 season. “I’m just totally excited,” explains Sholl. “I loved the coaching staff and campus at Bowling Green. It was just the right fit for me. The Monsters gave me a huge opportunity to play this year and be exposed, and I am proud to be a future Bowling Green Falcon.” Sholl added “every single coach that I have ever played for with the Jr. Kings has had a positive influence on me not only as a hockey player but as a young adult” In particular Sholl would like to acknowledge Jamie Storr. Jamie helped me so much in building my confidence and allowing me to learn how to handle the game from a mental standpoint. Sholl also credits his father Brad Sholl, the General Manager at TSC and a former goaltender for his guidance and for being hard on him when he felt he needed it.
Sholl played 40 games for the Fresno Monsters this season, and Coach Ballard couldn’t say enough of his work ethic and compete levels. “Tomas showed up every day ready to work and get better every time he stepped on the ice. Bowling Green is getting an exceptional goaltender, and it is very exciting for Tomas and for the Monsters’ organization,” said Ballard.
For more click here. |
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| FORMER JR KINGS CAPTAIN NAME ROOKIE OF THE YEAR @ PRINCETON... |
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The Princeton Hobey Baker Trophy was presented to freshman Tyler Maugeri. The trophy is awarded annually to the team's freshman hockey player who, among his classmates, in play, sportsmanship and influence has contributed most to the sport, and has been handed out in each since 1950. Maugeri played in 26 games and finished with nine points on three goals and six assists. His first career goal was a memorable one, as he skated end-to-end to score the game-winning goal against Providence at the Denver Cup.
Full story click here... |
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| BEAU BENNETT SIGNS WITH PITTSBURGH PENGUINS... |
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The Pittsburgh Penguins have signed their 2010 first-round draft pick, forward Beau Bennett, to a three-year entry-level contract, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.
Beau Bennett
The deal begins with the 2012-13 season and runs through the 2014-15 campaign.
Bennett, 20, became the highest-drafted California native to be selected in the NHL Draft when he was chosen by the Penguins with the 20th overall selection in 2010. The Gardena, Calif. native has spent the past two seasons at the University of Denver, where he has accumulated 38 points (13G-25A) in 47 collegiate games.
The 6-foot-1, 190 pound Bennett got off to a good start this season with the Pioneers by tallying four goals, nine assists and 13 points through 10 games – before his season ended prematurely due to a wrist injury. Bennett was a member of the All-WCHA Academic Team.
As a freshman last season, Bennett notched nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in 37 games. Bennett closed the season strong with a six-game assist/point streak from March 4-19.
Before joining the Pioneers, Bennett played one season with the Penticton Vees of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in 2009-10. Bennett was named Interior Conference Rookie of the Year after tying for the BCHL scoring title with 120 points (41G-79A) in 56 contests. He added 14 points (5G-9A) in 15 postseason games.
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| JR KINGS-LA HOCKEY CLUB MERGER ANNOUNCEMENT & PRESS RELEASE... |
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El Segundo, California April 4, 2012 --- The LA Jr. Kings and the LA Hockey Club/LA Selects have agreed to merge both youth hockey organizations under the LA Jr. Kings banner. Each respective Board of Directors recognized that both organizations share mutual hockey philosophies and both club mission statements promoted similar ideals. Continuing operations as a non-profit organization, the merged effort is about creating a new LA Jr. Kings program to better serve hockey growth and development in Southern California. Together with the Toyota Sports Center, the focus will be on developing entry level players within the TSC Legends Youth House Hockey League and their eventual graduation into the Jr. Kings youth travel hockey program.
The transition toward this collective effort will be seamless. The new LA Jr. Kings program will enhance the player/parent experience by offering:
• A coaching staff of nationally recognized teaching professionals
• Focus on individual skills development at all levels
• Offer a beginner to advanced hockey curriculum from Mites to Midgets
• Foster growth and guidance for players looking to move to the next level
• Increased number of teams offering greater opportunities for all players at all levels
• Continued membership in Tier 1 Elite League for 16AAA and 18AAA
• Ongoing effort to make hockey more affordable
• The club will operate at both the Toyota Sports Center and Glacial Gardens Skating Arena
The club leadership will be addressing specific organizational priorities over the next couple of weeks and will provide updates to our current collective membership as well as new prospective members. Please monitor our website at: www.lajrkings.com or email Kelly Sorensen at Kelly@kellysorensen.com or Andrew Cohen at lajrkings@gmail.com
Click here for complete press release.... |
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| LA JR KINGS WIN U16 & U18 PACIFIC DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS... |
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 The Toyota Sports Center rafters got a little more crowded after both the Midget 16U and 18U teams won Tier I Pacific District championships on March 11 in El Segundo.
The Jr. Kings 18s rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the final 5:18 of regulation and capped a compelling comeback when Paul Ramsey deflected Christian Salvato’s slap shot from the left circle 6:34 into overtime for a 4-3 victory over the Alaska Wolves. “No one thought we were going to lose,” assistant captain Devin Linker said. “Down 3-1, we kept fighting. A lot of us have been in the playoffs before, and our experience helped.” Added Salvato, the team’s captain: “We just played as a team, didn't give up and just kept working.”
Ian Hoang, who gave the Jr. Kings a 1-0 lead in the second period, sparked the comeback after Alaska scored the next three goals, the last coming with 6:43 to play. Hoang walked in from the left circle during a power play and scored to cut the deficit to 3-2 with 5:18 to go. Hoang then collected a pass from assistant captain Kurtis Klinger to begin a sequence that culminated with Austin Ho’s give-and-go with Harout Sarkisian to tie it with 36 seconds remaining. “That was the hugest goal of our season,” said Hoang, who had three of his tournament-leading five points in the final. Added coach Jack Bowkus, “It was amazing to see their composure that late in the game. “Ian Hoang played an outstanding game. He got us started on the comeback.” The win was characteristic of the group’s effort all season. “We don’t need one person to score for us to win,” Klinger said. “We know it can be anyone any day.”
The triumph also was a testimony the group’s character. “There are no superstars on this team, but if everyone pulls his weight then we can win games like these,” Bowkus said. “The kids knew they could play with (Alaska).” David Jacobson stopped 33 shots for the Jr. Kings, who fired 42 shots at the Wolves. For the tournament, he had a 1.59 goals-against average and .940 save percentage. With that, a team that struggled with injuries and uneven performances during the first half of the season rallied to extend their season by avenging a 1-0 round-robin loss. “The feeling is amazing,” said forward Joey Cicoria. “It’s unreal. We came back and won in overtime.”
 Meanwhile, the 16s also faced – and defeated – Alaska, 3-1. Taylor Maruya, Keanu Yamamoto and Riley Alferd each had a goal and an assist to pace the Jr. Kings, who went 5-0 over the weekend. “This is incredibly special because this was a team we put together on the fly,” coach Louis Pacella said. “We have no egos, just a lot of talented players who work hard. They wanted to make this their goal and they accomplished it.” After the final horn sounded, captain Ryan Siroky let Maruya, who has played for the Jr. Kings since he was 6 and was the team’s only returning player from a season ago accept the trophy and hold the banner. “It meant a great deal to me to hold the banner,” said Maruya, whose second-period power-play goal ended up being the winner.
The Jr. Kings’ speed advantage was evident when Yamamoto opened the scoring with a breakaway set up by Alferd’s break-out pass and Siroky’s cross-ice feed in the first period. “Our speed advantage was something we talked about,” Yamamoto said. Maruya’s goal came from the slot after a pass from Yamamoto, who was stationed on the right boards. “We have a great system for our special teams, and coach has had us focus on that in practice,” Maruya said. Alferd jumped into the play early in the third period and scored after a scramble near the crease to make it 3-0.
Siroky led the tournament with 10 points, and Maruya and Yamamoto each had nine. Nolan Stevens and Garrett Gamez each chipped in six. Gavin Nieto (3-0, .088 GAA, .917 save percentage) and Tyler Caronia (2-0, 0.00 GAA, 1.000 save percentage) led the way in net. “I’m excited to go to Nationals for the first time,” Yamamoto said.
In Simi Valley, the LAJK U14 and U12 teams lost hard fought battles in their bids to attend the National Championships also. Tomas Kapusta's Bantam AAA Jr Kings were beaten Sunday after an emotional win on Saturday night put them in the championship. Earlier, Brandon Convery's Peewee AAA team lost an overtime heartbreaker 5-4 after leading 2-0, and 4-3 with 2 mins left. Both Coaches were extremely proud of the efforts their teams displayed all tournament.
The Midget finals wrapped out a sterling effort by the Jr. Kings at Districts. They were the only California club to have a team in each of the four Tier I playoffs, and all four teams reached their respective finals. This is a remarkable accomplishment for both Midget teams and the club is proud of the efforts of the players, parents, coaches and managers and looks forward to the USA Hockey National Championship tournament in Buffalo, N.Y., March 28th – April 1st.
Kelly Sorensen, the LAJK Executive Director commented: "We are very pleased with our results from this past weekend. Having all four of our Tier 1 teams competing on championship Sunday was an incredible display of coaching, leadership and work ethic. We are very excited for our Midget 18U and 16U teams who will represent our club at Nationals, and very proud of our Bantam and Peewee teams who came within one game of heading to Buffalo! Also, our Squirt B1’s and Squirt A1’s managed to come out of this past weekend and are both advancing to the next round of the SCAHA playoffs, best of luck to both of these teams as well.” |
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| 3rd ANNUAL CARMEN STARR MAY CLASSIC MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT..... |
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The LA JR KINGS would like to invite you to join us for our 3rd Annual Carmen Starr May Classic Memorial Day Tournament...
The May Classic Tournament is dedicated to the memory of Carmen Starr, a former Jr. Kings Board member, SCAHA Director of Services and CAHA Director who passed away in May of 2004.
Carmen was a woman of remarkable dedication and passion for the development of youth hockey in Southern California. Carmen had the kind of courage and wisdom that it took to never give up on dreams, and one of her dreams was to see youth hockey grow and prosper in Southern California. A formidable and talented woman, Carmen devoted over twenty years of volunteer service and commitment to youth hockey. She was one of the corner stones that helped in forming the Los Angeles Junior Kings and it is with great pride, respect and love that we honor her with this tournament.
Click here to download the application form...
On behalf of the 2011 – 2012 Los Angeles Jr. Kings Board of Directors let the games begin! |
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| Jr. Kings Newsflash: Ryan Siroky Scholarship & Jr. Kings Playoff Announcement... |
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Dear Jr. Kings Membership:
The Los Angeles Jr. King organization is extremely proud to announce that our U16AAA team captain Ryan Siroky has committed to the University of Miami-Ohio for the start of the 2014 season on full athletic scholarship. “I cannot say enough of Ryan’s accomplishment of earning a full scholarship to a top NCAA D1 program like Miami,” said Louis Pacella, head coach of the 16 AAA team. “This is a special day for Ryan, his family, the Jr. Kings and the entire Southern California hockey community. As the captain of the 16 AAA team, Ryan has had a strong season competing in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League, earning 21 goals and 25 assists in 38 games, finishing 9th overall in league scoring. Ryan’s contributions helped the Jr. Kings win their division in the 24-team league. Before joining the Redhawks, Ryan will play his next two seasons for the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL. Currently ranked 11th in the nation, Miami has established itself as a powerhouse in Division I hockey, advancing to the prestigious “Frozen Four” in both 2009 and 2010. Current tuition, room and board for one year at Miami is $38,917 for non-Ohio residents.
For any interested members you can watch Ryan and all four (4) of our AAA teams participate next weekend March 8-11 as they compete for the Pacific District Championships and a chance to play in Buffalo, NY March 27th thru April 1st for the National Championship.
The Peewee AAA 99’s and Bantam AAA 97’s will compete in Simi Valley at the Easy Street Arena. Their schedule will be posted on www.californiatitans.com. The Midget 16AAA and 18AAA teams will compete at our own Toyota Sports Center as we are hosting teams from Alaska, Washington, Oregon as well as five (5) California teams between these two divisions. The schedule will be posted on www.lajrkings.com . We will be hosting breakfast, lunch and dinner for the Coaches, Managers, Scouts, Referees and District officials. This is a tremendous undertaking to coordinate logistics, schedules, volunteers and food. We are reaching out to members of the community to ask for assistance to help offset some of the food expenses. Please contact Helen Alex Halexhkypuck@aol.com or Terri Bain Bainfamily1@aol.com if you know of a business that can donate an auction item or meals for the event. Please be sure to wear your Jr. Kings jersey and note that there is an entry fee for both events of $15 for adults, $10 for kids 6-12 , 5 and under are free. There are also weekend passes available, $40 for adults, $25 for kids 6-12. Entry fees are used to offset the cost of hosting districts incurred by the Los Angeles Jr. Kings.
Thanks in advance for supporting these teams and good luck to all (11) eleven of our teams on their upcoming playoff run;
Tier Teams advancing:
AAA18 ~ Districts at El Segundo ~ March 8-11
AAA16 ~ Districts at El Segundo ~ March 8-11
BN AAA ~ Districts at Simi Valley ~ March 8-11
PW AAA ~ Districts at Simi Valley ~ March 8-11
PW AA1 ~ CAHA Tier II State Playoffs at Escondido ~ March 9-11
A/B Teams advancing to SCAHA Playoffs: ~ Various venues ~ 1st Round starting March 10-11
Mite A ~ Seed #3 ~ 1st game at 8 am @ KHS
Mite B ~ Seed #8 ~ 1st game at 9:30 am @ Pickwick
Squirt B1 ~ Seed #6 ~ 1st game at 12:30 pm @ OC Ice Palace
Squirt A1~ Seed #1 ~ 1st game at 11:00 am @ KHS
Bantam A ~ Seed #8 ~ 1st game at 9:40 am @ East West Palace
Midget A16U ~ Seed #8 ~ 1st game at 8:15 am @ Lakewood Glacier Gardens |
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| BILLY FAUST COMMITS TO UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT... |
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Alta Loma, California - February 22, 2012
Billy Faust, goaltender for the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) has accepted an NCAA scholarship with the University of Vermont Catamounts.
Play statistics for Billy Faust through Feb. 20, 2012:
2nd in the BCHL with 2643 minutes played
tied for first in the BCHL with 45 games played
tied for second in the BCHL with 4 shutouts
3rd most shots in the BCHL with 1439
4th in the BCHL in wins with 21
6th in save percentage at .912%
In 2012, Billy Faust has started 17 straight games for the Nanaimo Clippers dating back to January 4 through February 18. In a 13 game stretch Billy was playing with a .927 SV% and a 2.35 GAA. He was selected as First Star 7 times, Second Star 6 times and Third Star twice in the first 52 games of the season.
"We are very proud of Billy," said Clippers head coach Mike Vandekamp. "He has been a solid member of our hockey club both on and off the ice and is very deserving of this opportunity.
"The University of Vermont will be a great place for Billy to develop as a player while obtaining a top notch education."
Vermont plays NCAA Division 1 Hockey in the Hockey East Conference, and has produced current NHLers Tim Thomas, goalie for the Boston Bruins, as well as Martin St. Louis who plays for the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Billy Faust is a Damien High School Alumni graduated in ’09. |
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| NOWICK TO NORTHERN MICHIGAN... |
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 Darren Nowick is the latest Vernon Viper to secure an NCAA Division 1 hockey scholarship.
The 20-year-old forward, who has missed the last few weeks with a should injury, has committed to the University of Northern Michigan Wildcats for next season.
Building off a strong second half in his rookie campaign, the product of Long Beach Calif. is enjoying a breakout year in his second season with the Snakes, compiling 25 goals and 42 points in 37 games. He is the ninth player on the roster to have secured an NCAA Scholarship.
“I was talking to them over the season, and it seemed like a good fit for me because the coaching staff there is the way I like to play," Nowick told the Morning Star.
Said Vipers' head coach Jason Williamson: “He’s arguably been one of our best players here, if not the best. His work ethic is second-to-none when he gets on the ice and when you work like that good things are going to come.”
Nowick is expected to return to B.C. Hockey League action this weekend as Vernon entertains the Merritt Centennials Friday night at Wesbild. They head to Chilliwack Saturday for an encounter with the Chiefs. |
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| A JR KINGS MOM IN NEED... |
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Dear LAJK Friends and Families,
Many of you know and have had the pleasure to be around Kelly Kinsey, one of our favorite people.
An amazing Mom to smooth skating son Jax and daughter Logan (who makes us all smile every time we see her), Kelly and her family really need our help. She's been battling an aggressive cancer that has now metastasized. The rounds of chemo have been exhausting and her wonderful husband Scott has been working long hours to try and stay ahead of the mounting expenses. Scott doesn't have the ability to get home in time to put dinner on the table for the kids so we've decided to try to remove that responsibility and make things a little easier for them in this very difficult time.
Through Mealtrain, we've put a mechanism in place which allows volunteers to sign up to provide a dinner for them on a specific date:
http://www.mealtrain.com/?id=mh8l0bl6v5dt
This is a huge help but perhaps not realistic for those of you who don't live nearby. So we've set up a fund to pool donations to get this done. Checks can be sent to:
The Kinsey Family Fund
c/o Sweeney825 Wilshire Blvd #712
Santa Monica, Ca 90401
Electronic deposit details can be provided, or you can use this paypal link:
CLICK HERE FOR PAYPAL DONATIONS FOR KELLY KINSEY
This is our community...our extended family, so PLEASE help us help the Kinseys any way you can. Through your generosity we also plan to keep their fridge stocked and their house cleaned.
Thanks for your support |
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