skip navigation

Squirt BB1 team celebrates CAHA state title

By Brian McDonough, 04/08/18, 2:15PM PDT

Share

The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Squirt BB1 team took home the top prize in its division at this year’s California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) State Championships after its 3-1 victory over the Oakland Bears in the title game, which was contested today (April 8) at Ice Station Valencia.

The Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Squirt BB1 team took home the top prize in its division at this year’s California Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) State Championships after its 3-1 victory over the Oakland Bears in the title game, which was contested today (April 8) at Ice Station Valencia.

Forwards Liam Schnorr (shorthanded), Hayden Walkinshaw (game-winner) and Keirstyn Camiolo (power play) lit the lamp for the Jr. Kings, and goaltender Anthony Cecola picked up the win between the pipes.

“I couldn’t be more proud of this entire group,” said Jr. Kings head coach Jeff Bain, who’s assisted behind the bench by Joe Consolazio and Dan DeFranco. “Every one of these kids has worked extremely hard all season and truly personifies what it means to be a good teammate, on and off the ice.”

The Jr. Kings opened pool play at states on Friday with a 4-3 victory over the Capital Thunder before doubling-up the Bears, 4-2. L.A. bested Gold Rush Hockey Club on Saturday, 2-1, before Sunday’s championship game victory.

Other members of the squad include: forwards Preston Duncan, Joseph Gannon, Bradley Hamburger, Kyle Oracion and Brandon Thompson; and defensemen Marcus Bonanni, Lucas Chao, Benjamin DeFranco, Karsten Hirasawa, Ethan Klapper, Darron Pierce and Elijah Scheggenburger.

Kara Camiolo is the team’s manger.

“It’s a special group of kids and a special group of families; they’re just a real pleasure to coach,” added Bain, who led the Jr. Kings’ Squirt B2 team to a state championship last season. “To see their commitment and support for each other is inspiring, and they deserve everything they’ve accomplished this season."

The Jr. Kings’ Squirt B team also advanced to the championship game in its division at the CAHA State Championships - also played at Ice Station Valencia - falling to San Diego Jr. Gulls 1, 6-1, in the finale.

The Chet Carlbom-led squad, which captured the Southern California Amateur Hockey Association championship in its division last month in Anaheim, began pool play with a 7-1 triumph over the Bears on Friday before besting the San Jose Jr. Sharks, 8-4. The club fell to the Jr. Gulls on Saturday, 3-1, before Sunday’s title game.

Click here for more information on the CAHA A/BB/B State Championships

At the USA Hockey National Championships, the Jr. Kings’ Bantam Major team finished its tournament, which began on Thursday in Charlotte, N.C., with a 1-1-1 record.

Under the direction of head coach Jeff Turcotte, the club opened the Tier I 14U event with a 7-1 victory over Florida Alliance on Thursday before falling to Shattuck-St. Mary’s on Friday, 4-0. The Jr. Kings closed pool play with a 4-3 overtime victory over the Buffalo Jr. Sabres on Saturday to place third in its four-team division and failing to qualify for Sunday’s quarterfinals.

Click here for more information on the Tier I 14U USA Hockey National Championships