West Ranch Wildcats Titter, Watts, and Badillo hanging out with LAKHSHL Commissioner Jim Fox and his LA Kings Stanley Cup rings!

The Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League launches its inaugural season this fall and West Ranch High School is proud to be the first Santa Clarita Valley high school team to join the new league. Following the success of the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League that was formed six years ago and now boasts over 40 teams, including the 2013 National Champions from Santa Margarita High School, the LA Kings High School Hockey League (LAKHSHL) is designed to continue the growth of ice hockey in Southern California. The league will directly connect the sport to local communities and high schools across Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Kern counties, at least initially.

Jim Fox, Kings Alumnus and broadcaster, will be acting League Commissioner. “The LAKHSHL will create a true high school model for the sport of hockey,” Fox said. ”The league will stress the concept of honest work ethic, combined with a team-first attitude. We will provide leadership for our scholar athletes to learn, practice, and use these concepts to become better teammates, students, and of course, take this model for success with them long after they have left high school.”

The journey to bring high school hockey to the Santa Clarita Valley began when Jason McNamara and Stacey Titter, President and Vice President of the West Ranch Hockey Club (WRHC), teamed up to find a way for their sons to play the sport they love for their high school. “At freshman orientation last August, my son, Jack, was inspired by the West Ranch ASB president’s speech to the incoming freshman encouraging them to get involved with West Ranch, telling them it would make their four years of high school some of the best years of their lives,” said Titter. “Seeing local families send their children out of state to play high school hockey because we didn’t have that option here in the SCV struck a chord with me. Hockey is the only sport my son plays, it’s his passion, he wants to get involved with his high school, and sending him away for his high school years just wasn’t an option for us. What to do about it? Bring hockey to West Ranch, of course! Jack and his teammates are excited about playing hockey for their high school and showing their Wildcat pride.”

WRHC President Jason McNamara grew up playing hockey in Wisconsin and Minnesota and is looking to bring that model to WRHC. “Where I am from, every high school aged player plays high school hockey. In Wisconsin and Minnesota we play club hockey during our youth just like we do in California, but every kid’s goal is to one day play on the Varsity team at your high school. California only offers club hockey, there is a missing product at the high school level that is hindering the exposure and limiting the excitement of the sport here in California. The success of the Anaheim league and the Los Angeles Kings decision to create the LAKHSHL proves this. I’m so happy for the kids, the pride and passion that comes with wearing your school colors will create lifelong memories and friendships. It’s a great model, it keeps kids playing hockey instead of finding trouble and encourages younger kids to play hockey because now when they get to high school they can letter in the sport they love to play.”

West Ranch Hockey has incredible support from the school’s administration. “In high

Coach Greene explains a drill to prospective Wildcat hockey players during on-ice evals in March.

school we are always looking for new ways to get our students involved,” said West Ranch High School Principal, Mark Crawford. “School involvement, in any manner, is a good indication on how well that student will perform in high school.  Our new Ice Hockey team is another avenue of involvement, and I believe it will create an even greater sense of school pride.  The students are excited. The parents are very supportive.  I believe it is a win-win scenario for all involved.  I am looking forward to our first game with our students taking the ice with their West Ranch jerseys on.”

The WRHC faculty advisors, Todd Arrowsmith, ASB Director, and Casey Burrill, head baseball coach, are excited to lend their support. “There is a buzz around campus about having a hockey team on campus,” said Arrowsmith. “Students are really looking forward to coming out and supporting West Ranch Hockey. We hope to have our student section, ‘The Pack’ at the games and hopefully get the cheer squad to come out as well. Just another way for students to get involved and show West Ranch Pride.”

The WRHC held two evaluations in March with 30 players participating. Players participated in on-ice drills and scrimmages in addition to an off-ice combine to test strength and conditioning. WRHC is holding its third and final on-ice evaluation Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30 pm at Ice Station Valencia. All current and incoming West Ranch students interested in playing hockey for their high school and representing Wildcat pride are invited to attend. Details regarding pre-registration are posted on the WRHC website at www.westranchhockey.com.

Jackson Vercellono, an incoming West Ranch freshman this fall, is excited to have the opportunity to play high school hockey. “I always wanted hockey to be a major part of my high school experience,” said Vercellono. “Living in Santa Clarita, I never thought that would be possible. Last spring when I found out about this team (WRHC), I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I want hockey to be my future and even my career, and I know this team could help me get there.”

WRHC has assembled a team of coaches with a combined total of over 90 years hockey playing and coaching experience. “I’m incredibly excited about being a part of the inaugural season of the West Ranch Hockey Club,” said WRHC Coach Chris LeCornu. “The possibilities of the upcoming season are tremendous. We have an opportunity to build a foundation for a new level of hockey that can change the way the game is viewed in the Santa Clarita Valley. This is going to be an amazing experience for all the players, coaches and fans.”

“Hockey is a sport involving unselfish sacrifices and high level passion,” said Fox. “When combined with the community driven passion of high school athletics, it is a perfect match for the Los Angeles Kings. Along with the fitness and athletic benefits, hockey can teach so many life-lessons that our youth can take with them the rest of their lives. In coordination with the quality professionals at West Ranch High School, dedicated educators, and parents, the LA Kings will help WRHC build a high school hockey program that the entire community will be proud to be a part of. The three pillars of the WRHC – Skill, Academics, and Character – perfectly encompass our goal.”

Players getting ready for the WRHC combine events March 21 at West Ranch High School

League practices start in August with Wildcat players practicing five days a week, just like any other high school sports team. On-ice practices will be held at Ice Station Valencia and strength and conditioning sessions will be held at West Ranch where coaches and players have access to the weight room and field areas to maximize their off-ice practice time.

League games begin in September and all home games will be played at Ice Station Valencia. Come on out to the rink and join the WRHC for the excitement of high school hockey sponsored by the LA Kings in our local community!

For more information regarding the West Ranch Hockey Club, visit their website at www.westranchhockey.com and check out their social media sites, www.facebook.com/westranchhockey and www.twitter.com/westranchhockey. For information on the LAKHSHL, visit www.lakings.com/highschool.