SOCAL HOCKEY: Welcome

                   Learn From The Pro's

Welcome to SOCAL HOCKEY'S Player Development Program (PDP)                                

The PDP was formed by Vic Venasky to help Southern California hockey players compete with players across the country, with daily instruction from good coaches, and being on the ice with thier team 5 plus hours a week. With former NHL veterans, Vic Venasky, Mel Bridgman and Ian Turnbull teaching the players daily, with players that are committed to getting better each day, great results have happened . We will have 20  player in the program at the Bantam and Midget U16 age Levels for 2008-2009.

Our goal is to give the players the best possible training (instruction) on how to play the game, as well as allow them time to hone there skills, while still living at home. Most players from the Southern California area who have went on to play Div 1 Hockey or Junior Hockey, have left home prior to thier 15th Birthday's. I know what this is like from the experince of having a kid leave home at such a young age. Our goal is to keep them home with there families as long as possible and still have them have the skill set to move to the next levels.

 The Bantam and Midget U16 teams will each be comprised of 20 players from the PDP.  It is our goal to get these players exposure to the next level, and the instruction through the PDP, to get them there. We would like to have our players gain the ability to move on to play Juniors at the age of 17 if that is there desire. This would put them on a good track to play college hockey.

The players that will be selected for this program are highly committed players, are on the ice Tuesday through Friday at 4:30 PM, and spend the weekends playing games or are in tournaments. These players come from an assortment of ability level's with the same goal in mind, to work there tails off, and become the best players they can be.

 "The players we have had in the program have worked hard and are putting in the time nessessary to get better", comments, Vic Venasky. "They are the type of players that are fun to coach, and with our focus on each player getting better shift to shift, and not necessarily on wins and losses, we are sure these players will get better". "Wins and losses will take care of themselves, as the players learn the game, and become better team players". "It is our responsibility to teach them the game and what it takes to play at the higher levels.". Ian Turnbull stated, "It is fun to work with players that have made the committment to the work it takes to get to the next level. "You can't help but get better when you dedicate yourself to daily training". Mel stated, "I am excited to coach in a program where the kids have made a committment and are dedicated to getting better."

The PDP will have 125 hours of practice sessions this year. They will also have an off-ice trainer that will work with them on a daily program to increase there strength and agility.  They will have a 6 week off/ice summer training program prior to training camp in August.

 If you have interest in this program, you can contact Vic Venasky at 310-977-1707 or email him at vicsproshop.com or Contact General Manager Jerry Wilhite at 310-933-7808

Bantam and Midget U16 Programs age are looking for participants for the upcoming 2008-2009 Session. We need 3 more Midgets and 5 more Bantams

Call 310-977-1707 or 310-933-7808

Making a college hockey team is tough, but getting playing time, can be even tougher. Marc has found this out just 4 games into the season. He was a healthy scratch the 1st three games, but after reading the media guide we understand why.

Playing in the WSHL for the last two years was MarcWilhite (Torrance, CA). “Among the league leaders in points, Marc possesses the ability to create offense. There is no doubt Marc put up some good numbers the last few seasons and is an indication of his offensive skills,” says Davies. “I’m not so sure Marc will get the same opportunities this year as he had over the last two years because we have some older guys for those roles. But I do believe Marc possesses the ability to step into that role down the road. “Marc has good vision with a good set of hands,” states Davies.

 Marc got his 1st opportunity last night, and made the most of it, getting robbed on a great shot from the high slot and getting an assist in a 6-2 win. After being the main guy for two years, playing almost all the time, this has been a major adjustment. We will see where it takes him the rest of the schedule.

The 2nd CAHA weekend proved to be a much better result, both in outcome. and in effort. Even in the 2 games we lost it was by a combined 3 goal deficit. This weekend kept the door open for us to compete for a playoff spot with just 2 points separating about 4 teams. We have played all but 1 of the top 5 teams and the others have at least two left. This one should come down to the wire and we have a great opportunity if we play our game.

 In game one of the CAHA weekend we played the undefeated Cal Wave. We got on the board first on a nice dish from Chris Wilhite to Travis Shortt to lead one nothing. With .17 seconds left in the period, the wave even it up on a PP goal. The score stayed even through 2 periods and the Wave went up 2 3-1 on PP goals and The Ice Dogs scored their 2nd on a goal by Michael Hakimi and assist to Zinn and Morales.

In game two, the Ice Dogs played the #93 Beach City Lightning, a team in which they hadn't beaten in two years. They tied them a few weeks ago but hadn't notched a victory. This one was a nail bitter all the way through with Brenden Manquen stopping all 34 shots he saw and the Ice Dogs scoring the only goal in the 2nd period, on a nifty move from Jason Horikawa and an assists to Rumbaut and Day.

In the 3rd game of the weekend, probably our toughest loss was a 4-2 downing by the Titans. We started off well again with an early goal from CJ Geeza on an assist from Marc LaGreca. But just 40 seconds later the Titan with get their 1st of two in the 1st period to take a 2-1 lead. CJ Geeza would get his 2nd of the game on an assist from Michael Hakimi early in the 2nd to knot it at two but again just 50 seconds later the Titans would answer to take the lead and got the insurance goal with 2 minutes left in the 3rd.

In game four, with a weekend record of 1-2, it was a must win for the DOGS. Discipline was the name of this game with Mel Bridgman rolling all 4 lines and a disciplined attack. It was discipline on the ice as well, as the Jr Sharks had 9 penalties, to the iJr Ice Dogs one. Just 25 seconds into the game the Dogs bit first on a goal from Michael Hakimi and assists to Morales and Geeza. The sharks answered to tie the game at one at the 1st intermission. The Dogs would "Bite" again half way through the 2nd but again just 50 seconds later would give up the lead and the 2nd would end tied at two. The Dogs decided that they were ready to go deep sea fishing and took the bite out of the sharks with 3 goals in 6 minutes of play in the 3rd and the game was in hand. The Sharks got one late but it was just that, too late and the Jr Ice Dogs end the weekend at 2-2. The 1st goal of the 3rd came on a goal Morales from Horikawa and Wilhite. The 2nd was a goal from Zinn with the assist to Shortt and the 3rd a goal by Bryce Nielsen with assist to Horikawa and Silberstein.

 Brenden Manquen was the 1st star of the weekend playing all four games in the pipes while stopping 158 of the 169 shots he saw. (93.5 Save Percentage) Goaltending played a big part in the effort this weekend. (Vintage Manquen)

The Dogs play next weekend in San Diego. They finish the SCAHA schedule playing 4 of the top 5 teams between now and the end of January.

The Jr Ice Dogs (Midget 16 AA Team) adds two veterans to its roster.  Jason Horikawa (Jr Kings Midget 16AA) and Johnny Linehan (WSHL Jr A) forwards add speed and experience to the team. "I am excited about the additions and they should make us better", commented Bridgman. "It never hurts to add older guys that have experience, and can play, to your roster". 

Jason Horikawa played for a very good, Midget 16 AA Jr Kings team this past season and Johnny Linehan had over 20 points in the Jr A Tlll WSHL. Although Johnny was young (played amongst 16-20 yr olds) he suited for almost every game and came on strong late in the season.

"I forgot how fun hockey was.............This has been allot of fun this last week", commented Linehan.

"Practice has been fun and there is a good group of guys here and I am looking forward to being part of this", stated Horikawa.

Jr Ice Dogs with face the BCL lightening in there 6th scheduled SCAHA game of the season this Sunday at KHS.

"I am excited about going back and seeing some of my teammates, the Philly fans, and seeing the old barn one last time", Bridgman said. I have many fond memories and I am sure it will be an electric afternoon. There are no fans like the Philly fans".

Coach Bridgman along with many Flyer and 76'er greats, will be honored one last time in a building in which they built a reputation for winning. 

Coach Bridgman was one of only seventeen player's, ever to wear the "C" as Captain, in Philadelphia Flyer history. (The seventeenth being 23 yr. old Mike Richards this season) 

 All of the Socal Midget 16 AA players and their families wish you a great weekend Coach! We will try and bring home a few victories while you are away!!!!!!!!!

Johnny Morales scores the 1st and only goal of the 1st period on a nice feed from Robbie Zinn and Matt Day. Morales also scored the 2nd with 8 minutes to go in the 2nd, with an assist to Nick Kurugian and Zach Yee. Zach would also have two goals on the night, the 1st being the 4th goal of the game on an assist from Johnny Morales, but Zach took advantage of an opportunity and had the game winner with 4 minutes to go in the game (unassisted)when he stole an outlet pass and put it past the goaltender from high in slot.

Matt Day also had had a good game with a goal (3rd goal of night on an assist from Robby Zinn and Aaron Caro with his 1st point in just his 1st game) for Day's 2nd point of the game.

Justin Chavez had 15 saves and earned his 1st victory of the season 5-4.

Socal out-shot the Stars 35-19. The Jr Ice Dogs SCAHA league record is 1-0 and overall record moves to 3-2.

With the sun out, and #10 Texas playing UTEP in El Paso in the sold out Sun Bowl, it was Brenden Manquen and Chris Wilhite that were shining in the main camp, of the WSHL Junior A Thorne Cup Champion, El Paso Rhino's.

Manquen played well allowing just 2 goals in 3 of the 4 games in which he played. "Brenden has been very well coached, you can see it in his style and positioning, said Rhino Head Coach Cory Herman. Honestly, he could have been our third goaltender this season, but being 15 years old, he needs to be playing and getting in more games and game situations."  

 Chris had a goal and 3 assists in the 4 games in which he competed. "Chris had a very good camp as well, he is really good with the puck and knows where to be in all situations, commented Coach Herman. Chris makes very smart plays with the puck, plays that a 20 year old veteran makes. At age 15, Chris needs to be in more game situations, and needs to get a little stronger. I told Chris if he wasn't playing in the NAHL or USHL next season I wanted him to come play for us". 

This is just the start of opportunities we want to afford all of our players", said coaches Venasky and Bridgman. "That is what this is all about. It's about giving the players the chance to advance there hockey careers through hard work and dedication".

Vic Venasky Head Instructor and Bantam PDP Director and Bantam Head Coach)
Vic has coached at all levels of youth hockey, junior hockey, and college hockey. Vic has also coached the So-Cal Crowchild teams over the past four years and the So-Cal Prep Tour team this past year. Vic has also had a lot of experience from his achievements as a player. After all, Vic (430 games) was the 1st player selected by the Kings in the 1992 Amateur Draft and was with the Los Angeles Kings from 1972-1979. He was an All-American in 1972 at Denver University and led the NCAA in scoring. Therefore, it is no wonder that Vic was inducted in the University of Denver Hall of Fame in 2002. Moreover, he was inducted to the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2002 as well. Vic also had the experience of skating for the legendary coach Herb Brooks, just after the Miracle in 1980. He is well connected in the hockey communities, in both the US and Canada. His brother in law, Mike Murphy is the VP of operations for the NHL. Vic?s contacts are evident in having eight players that were invited to attend Shattuck St Mary?s school from his Prep Tour Team. Vic also has had 5 players that were invited to various Junior Camps for this upcoming season. Similarly, Vic as do the other coaches has many Junior Team contacts at all levels including the USNTDP. Vic made a single call to Coach George Gwozdecky of the DU Pioneers for one player and he was contacted immediately.

Midget U16 

Coach Mel Bridgman

Mel Bridgman (U16 Director of Player Development & Head Coach)
Mel played 14 NHL seasons with Philadelphia, Calgary, New Jersey, Detroit and Vancouver. He scored 252 goals and 449 assists for 701 points in 977 games. Mel had an 87 point season with Philly and Calgary in 1982. He also had 1,625 penalty minutes. Bridgman backed down from no one in what was hockey's toughest era. Mel was selected 1st overall in the 1975 NHL Amateur Draft and was Captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, Captain of the New Jersey Devils and was GM of the Ottawa Senators, and has held numerous coaching positions. "I grew up in the Fort William part of Thunder Bay where we had cold winters and everyone played hockey, morning until night," Bridgman said. "It was a great environment. My mother would bring lunch for my brother and me, to the landing, and we'd never take our skates off. I was really lucky and grew up loving hockey. The big star there when I was a kid was Vic Venasky, who played for the junior team and later the Los Angeles Kings. I met him a few years ago in L.A. I played with his younger brother, Frank, at the Fort William Gardens." I moved to Victoria when I was 14," Bridgman said. "That's where I became a better player. We moved in September and all the clubs were filled. The racquet club next to my school had a rink and I played for them. We were one of the weakest teams, losing some games 21-1 and 18-0. Talk about getting an opportunity to play! We didn't have as many good players as the other teams, so I got to play a lot and really developed faster than I would in another situation." Mel will tell you today he was a ?late bloomer?, but by getting a chance to develop boy did he do the most with it. Ages thirteen through sixteen are very important years in your development as a hockey player. It is important that you are in a program that allows you the time ?on the ice? to develop. As you can see by the comments above, hockey is truly a small community, and we believe Mel has the right contacts to help players with there hockey goals, and preparing for the next level.

Asst Coaches

Ian Turnbull Assistant Player Development Program Coach)
Turnbull selected #15 by Toronto in the ?73? amateur draft played 10 seasons and 628 career NHL games, scoring 123 goals and 317 assists for 440 points. In his best offensive season, (1976?77 while with the Maple Leafs), he set career highs with 22 goals, 57 assists, 79 points, and a +47 plus/minus rating. He holds the NHL record for most goals in a game by a defenceman, with 5 in a game on Feb 2nd 1977 in a 9?1 victory against the Detroit Red Wings. (On five consecutive shots!) He also was an NHL All star in 1977. He was also on the ice when Daryl Settler set the NHL record and was helped by Ian in the process. Ian has also stated that he has been reluctant to coach over the years because of the lack of one ice time for the committed player. Ians comments were all year that the light comes on at different stages for each player and he recently watched the players from the 1st Socal Development Program play and said if the light hasn't come on yet it sure is burning brighter, an is a testiment to the kids hard work, and Ians tutelage this past year.

Steve Switzer (Goaltender Consultant Player Development Program)
Steve has been a Goaltending Professional Instructor since 1982.He was a Former European Junior A / Elite Division Goaltender and was a US Olympic Team Nominee. Steve is the owner of AAAGoaltending and is a coach and consultant for many Junior a program around the country and runs a World Wide Instructional Program.

DJ Nader (Co head Coach of the Bantam AA Team and Off-Ice Training Director)
DJ has been the coach of the Stanford Cardinal; and The Cal Bears ACHA hockey teams. He also coached in the WSHL Junior Program and has coached many youth teams at the Tier Level.

Visit us at: www.eteamz.com/socalhockey or email vicsproshop@msn.com or call 310-933-7808

SOCAL HOCKEY BANTAM AAA

 IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN ITS INAGURAL SEASON

CAHA State Championship Teams 

 Tier I & Tier II

2008 CAHA Tier I & Tier II State Championship Teams Announced

Congratulations to the following teams who have qualified for the CAHA Tier I & Tier II State Championships: 

 "What we clearly understand in our program, is it isn't how you start, it is how you finish", commented Coach Venasky. "These young men have worked thier tails off, and now they get a chance to taste the fruit, of that labor." Our boys have competed, everyday, for over 6 months, and have improved greatly, and we have the chance to showcase thier work. I will make sure they, each of them, know to cherish this opportunity, as it dosen't come along all the time. Something special happened in "1980" for the USA world of Hockey and it can again! This is our Stanley Cup run..... and we are looking forward to it!