Toyota Sports Center
Despite injuries, Jr. Kings’ 18s have sights set high T
By Chris Bayee
here’s no truth to the rumor the Los Angeles Jr. Kings’ Midget 18U AAA team is considering incorporating a Band-Aid into their logo.
The Jr. Kings have yet to field any- thing close to a full lineup this season, and at times have competed in Tier I Elite League showcases down as many as six players. Just seven players have dressed for all of the first 27 league games, in which LA has gone 12-13- 2. The Jr. Kings had a 7-1-2 record in CAHA play with just two games remain- ing.
The players learned quickly to adapt to the injury report.
“The bad part about having so many injuries is we have a lot of kids who have to play with people they don’t usually play with,” said captain Christian Salvato, who has overcome a knee injury. “The biggest thing about our team coming together is that we all have to be on the same page. We have to make sure to keep our shifts short so we don’t get worn out.”
Cody Slocum said he’s been paired with every defenseman on the roster at one point, and one weekend stands out. “In Dallas, we had to roll three D most of the game,” he said. “All coach (Jack Bowkus) told us was, ‘Just keep breathing.’ I was honestly ready to die.”
Assistant captain Kurtis Klinger noted one positive side effect: “It shows our team has a good amount of character to overcome adversity and get a win with a short bench.”
Adapting to ever-changing roles is important for a team that lacks star players, Bowkus said.
“This group has pretty good chemis- try and competes hard for one another,” he said. “You can see the will is there. This is a hard-working team with no one top-end player.”
And that’s allowed various players to step up throughout the season. Every regular has at least three points in Tier I play, and five have at least 10 points. “We all have to play as a team,”
said forward Bryan Hodges, who has overcome a concussion and a hip flexor injury. “If we buy into the system and work, we can win; if we don’t, we won’t.” The offense often starts with the
defense.
“The defense is probably the strength of this team as far as its skill, puck-han- dling ability, vision and skating,” Bowkus said. “It’s one of the stronger groups I’ve had.”
Salvato, one of just four 93s on the
team, and Matty O’Donnell, the lone 95, are among the leading scorers and are joined by Slocum, Austin Ho, Dean Rhymer and Garrett Vincent. “As a group, they’re producing a lot
With a healthy lineup, the LA Jr. Kings’ 18U AAA team is confident it can accomplish big things during the second half of the season. Photo/Chris Bayee
of numbers for us,” Klinger said of the defensemen. “They get shots through, and they’re not afraid to rush the puck. Each of the guys brings something different.”
Klinger and Hodges are part of a forward group that includes leading- scorers Adriano Mungioli and Joseph Kaszupski, as well as Joe Cicoria, Ethan Fink, Ian Hoang, Devin Linker, Kyle Matsumoto, Paul Ramsey, Harout Sarkisian and Jake Vitta.
The goaltending tandem of David
Jacobson (6-7-1, 2.49 goals-against aver- age and .913 save percentage in Tier I
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play) and Alexis Paiement (6-6-1, 2.80, .895) also has contributed.
“Both are good goaltenders who are competing hard,” Bowkus said. The team hopes to be at or near full strength when it hosts a Tier I showcase from Feb. 3-5 at Toyota Sports Center. And then?
“Our goal is nationals,” Hodges said. “Jack’s coached a bunch of good teams, and we want to be another one of them.” As hosts, the Jr. Kings receive an automatic berth to the Pacific District regional, putting them a step closer. “Once we get healthy, I’m pretty excited about this group,” Bowkus said.
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