The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Bantam Major AAA team celebrated the championship at this year’s Rocky Mountain Classic Northwest Calgary Athletic Association-hosted Bantam AAA Invitational, which was showcased from Nov. 9-12.

The Jr. Kings posted a near-perfect 5-0-1 record at the prestigious event that featured many top teams from Western Canada, including a 5-4 shootout victory over NAX (Alberta) in the championship game.

“It was a great top-to-bottom effort from our entire group, and that’s what it takes to be successful against competition of this caliber,” said Jr. Kings head coach Jeff Turcotte, who’s assisted behind the bench by James Gasseau and Glen Murray. “The boys worked hard all weekend and were deservedly rewarded.”

The Jr. Kings opened the sixth-annual tournament with a 2-2 tie with NAX on Thursday before rattling off two Friday victories: 8-1 over the Notre Dame Hounds (Saskatchewan) and 8-2 over the Calgary Flames.

On Saturday, L.A. bested the Bisons (Alberta), 5-1, before skating to a 6-4 semifinal victory over Delta (British Columbia).

“We were playing against some of the best Bantam AAA teams in all of North America, and I think our success speaks volumes about the character and work ethic of our entire club, on and off the ice,” said Turcotte. “This was a challenging test for our boys, and they responded.”

Forwards Noah Alverez and Arvega Hovsepyan, along with goaltender Alex Bonrouhi, who played all six games in net for the Jr. Kings, were recognized with Player of the Game honors during the tournament.

Other members of the team include: forwards Jordy Brisson, Andre Gasseau, Paul Minnehan, Parker Murray, Riley Ruh, Blake Simons and Ean Somoza; and defensemen Kenny Baek, Kyle Baek, Aidan Hreschuk, Ty Murchison, Niko Panameno and Brandon Plaga.

Lani Ruh is the team’s manager.

“We have a special group and its a pleasure to coach,” Turcotte added. “I’m looking forward to see what else these talented young men can accomplish as we head into the heart of the season.”