The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Squirt B team celebrated the Southern California Amateur Hockey Association (SCAHA) championship in its division after its 5-4 triumph over San Diego Jr. Gulls 1 in the title game, which was contested yesterday (March 24) at The Rinks-Anaheim Ice.

In the SCAHA championship game of the Squirt BB division, the Jr. Kings’ BB1 team fell to Gold Rush Hockey Club, 7-2.

In the Squirt B finale, forwards Stepan Kirilenko (game-winner) and Anthony Trutanich struck for two goals apiece in the victory, and forward Laith Johnson rang up four assists. Forward Mackenzie Hunter added the other Jr. Kings marker.

Between the pipes, goaltender Hudson Feller turned aside 15 shots.

“What an amazing team effort from top to bottom - and not just during our playoff run, but the entire season,” said Jr. Kings head coach Chet Carlbom, who’s assisted behind the bench by Syrena Weber. “These kids and their families have worked so hard since September, on and off the ice, and to be crowned SCAHA champions is a well-deserved honor to say the least.”

Other members of the squad include: forwards Austin Cragg, Alexander Moral, Broden Scissors and Brett Yu; defensemen Connor Hitzig, Ronan Holtzman, Moses Newmark and Shane Sheth; and goaltender Tuvia Perets.

Holly Feller is the team’s manager.

Both the Jr. Kings and Jr. Gulls 1 will advance to the California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) A/BB/B State Championships, which will be showcased from April 6-8 at Ice Station Valencia.

The Jr. Kings’ Squirt BB1 team, led by head coach Jeff Bain, will also compete for a CAHA state title in its division over the same weekend in Valencia.

“Obviously, we know we’re going to run into more strong competition at states, but our kids will be ready to go,” Carlbom added. “They’re excited for the opportunity and I have no doubt they’ll play with tons of heart and, most importantly, for each other like they have all year long.”

Photo/Tony Panzica/ActionPhotos.net