California Stars Hockey Club

The Stars earned their way into the State Championship game this past Sunday in Escondido, playing the LA Selects for the title. And play they did! As the number one seed for the regular season as well as the playoffs, LA Selects were heavily favored to win the championship game and many believed they would win it easily. It became everything but as the Stars forced the game into triple overtime in an epic contest that legends are made of!

It appeared the game would go as expected when LA scored a goal early in the first period, but it proved to be difficult for them to score after that. As the game progressed, the Stars increased their intensity helping them score to tie the game. The game would continue in a back and forth throughout. Scoring chances for both sides in a high speed volley of shots and skating. The fight was relentless on both sides and looked like it would never end.

An LA goal early in the 3rd overtime would end the game with a victory for the Selects, but not without paying the price of one of the most hard fought games most can recall in recent time. Both teams played very hard and the Stars displayed why they were one of the top teams in the division all season.

I’m not sure there are words to convey how much the players should be commended for their efforts. They played at an amazing level all season and I consider myself lucky to have been able to witness it. Great jobs Stars, keep the momentum as you go through districts!

The California Stars announce their offseason workout programs for 2010

Workout clinics for Mites/Squirts, PeeWee/Bantam and Midget Tier are scheduled and pre-registration forms are available. For details and downloadable registration forms, see the Offseason Clinics page.

The California Stars Hockey Club is proud to congratulate the Stars teams making the playoffs for the 2009-2010 season!

The Midget 16AAA, Squirt A & Mite B teams have made playoffs this season and bolster the continuing tradition of one of Southern California’s premiere youth hockey programs.

Coaches Rob O’Rourke (Midget 16AAA), Chris Annunziato (Squirt A) and JD McDonald (Mite B), along with the entire Stars coaching staff, have helped establish a sound, fundamental hockey development program, allowing young hockey players to achieve the highest levels of their game.

The Midget 16AAA team will compete for the State Championship the weekend of March 5th, 2010.

The Squirt A & Mite B teams will compete in the playoffs the weekend of March 13th, 2010.

Please join us in supporting our teams and wishing them good luck!!

CALIFORNIA STARS U18AAA

Spring Program 2010

Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday
On Ice 6:10pm – 7:10pm
Off Ice 7:30pm – 8:15pm
All Skates @ Center Ice Arena in Ontario

Skates are LIMITED to 30 Players
You Must CALL to reserve a spot

THESE WILL BE ACTUAL PRACTICE AND TRAINING SESSIONS

Head Coach:
Brent Agrusa
(586) 246-5319
bagrusa@aol.com

Assistant Coach:
Alex Semenov

ADVANCE YOUR GAME TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THE STARS
(3) – Players signed to North American Hockey League Tenders
(2) – Players going to NCAA Division III Hockey Programs

March 2010:
1,2,4,8,9,11,15,16,18,22,23,25,29,30
14 Skates = $350.00 or
Individual Skates = $30.00 per skate

April 2010:
1,5,6,8,12,13,15,19,20,22,26,27,29
13 Skates = $325.00 or
Individual Skates = $30.00 per skate

May 2010:
3,4,10,11,13,17,18,20,24,25,27,31
12 Skates = $300.00 or
Individual Skates = $30.00 per skate

Will be taking a team to:
Chowder Cup / Pre Draft Tournament
Foxboro, MA May 6-9

*** Will continue Program into June and after tryouts, info to come later ***

California Stars U18AAA Captain commits to NCAA Division III College…. Becomes the fourth player to commit to either NAHL or NCAA programs from the Stars!

The California Stars are proud to announce that Josh Rasmussen has officially committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for the Becker Ice Hawks. The Hawks are located in Worcester, MA, and play in the ECAC Northeast Division. Becker is currently in fourth place with a 6-5-0 division record, and are 10-10-1 overall. Rasmussen becomes the fourth Stars player to commit to either a North American Hockey League team, or NCAA College Hockey Program in the past month joining teammates Chad Spiller (Alexandria Blizzard – NAHL), Tyler Giovannetti (Alaska Avalanche – NAHL), and Randon Caceres II (Fresno Monsters – NAHL). “It’s a great day for our team today. To now have players not only committing to NAHL Junior “A” teams, but NCAA Division III College programs as well is a huge accomplishment for our players, and program. It once again shows that hard work, development, and opportunity, is what a player needs to advance his career. I am excited about all of the success we are having right now seeing our players get the opportunity to advance up the ladder of the game. I am very proud to see our players getting recognized as top level athletes.” Commented California Stars Head Coach Brent Agrusa

Rasmussen is a Trabuco Canyon, California native.  The 6”2 185lb power forward has had a tremendous season for the Stars.  He has been a great leader both on and off the ice this season.  “Josh is a true leader. He had a tough task this season being one of the few 91’s on a team dominated by 92’s, and was our only player with U18AAA experience. Josh took a lot of pride in leading this team everyday. He was accountable to himself and his teammates everyday, and lead by example every minute he was here. It makes your job as a coach much easier when you have a captain that has the ultimate respect of his teammates. He will have a great college career.” Commented Agrusa

The 18 year old Rasmussen thought hard this past summer what direction his career in the game was going, and if he really would had an opportunity to move on in the game.  Ultimately he decided to play the game he loves one more year with his brother Stars goalie Kyle Rasmussen. Josh’s goal was to be able to surpass Junior “A” hockey, and go right to a NCAA program.  Goal Accomplished.  “Coach Agrusa’s commitment to us on and off the ice this season is something I’ve never experienced before. His knowledge and expertise has been invaluable which I am extremely grateful for. A season is not always measured by where you placed in the standings; but by the growth you gained as an individual. At the end of the day my teammates and I came out as winners because of him and his endless hours of commitment to us. I would like to thank my parents for always believing in me and inspiring me to never give up on my dreams. Without them this would have never been possible. I owe it to my teammates too for giving it their all and the amount of dedication they put into the team.” Commented Rasmussen

The Stars Captain is very excited to start this new chapter in his hockey career.  Playing College hockey has been a lifelong goal for him, and one that he can’t wait to begin.  “To be able to play NCAA hockey is a dream come true. I have always wanted this opportunity as long as I can remember. College was always going to be the path I took after graduating from high school. I am studying at Concordia University in Irvine as a business major while playing under Coach Agrusa. I feel as though he guided me this season and gave me the key to be able to step into NCAA Division III hockey at Becker College.” Commented Rasmussen

Rasmussen will be going to play for a coach that Agrusa knows very well.  The Head Coach of the Becker Hawks is Steve Hoar.  In four seasons Hoar has revived the Hawks program into a well respected, playoff contending program.  “First off, Steve is a good friend, and a good hockey man. The job he has done turning around the Becker program has been amazing. Committing to a college program is a big deal because you are really committing the next four years of your career to play for that coach. I couldn’t be happier to see Josh going to play for a top notch coach, who will take a genuine interest not only in his hockey career, but his education as well.” Commented Agrusa

The Hawks are also very excited to have Rasmussen committed for the 2010-11 season.  “We are looking forward to having Josh play for the Hawks next season. I have had a great relationship with coach Agrusa over the years, and know that any player coming from his team will be well prepared to play college hockey. We have selected some talented players from California in the past few years, and are very excited to keep that trend going with the commitment from Josh. I look forward to having more Stars players coming to our program in the future.” Commented Becker Ice Hawks Head Coach Steve Hoar

California Stars U18AAA Manager Ken Moyseyev was very happy to hear the great news.  “Josh has been a great leader for our young team this season. To see him achieve his goals are great to see. He will be an impact player for the Becker program. With his attitude and maturity level there is no doubt he will be a successful college athlete. I have a good feeling that in the years to come you will be seeing his name at the minor pro level. I am extremely proud of our team this season, and having all these players committing to programs at the next level is a great feeling.” Commented Moyseyev

California Stars U18 AAA team scores a hat-trick… Standout Defensemen becomes the third Stars player to sign a NAHL Tender for the 2010-11 Season!

The California Stars are proud to announce that Randon Caceres II has officially signed a North American Hockey League Tender to be part of the 2010-11 Fresno Monsters squad. The Monsters are going to be an expansion team in NAHL western division. The North American Hockey League is the only sanctioned Tier II Junior A league in the United States. Caceres becomes the third Stars player to sign in the North American Hockey League in the past month. “I am very happy for the Stars Organization.    Seeing all these players sign from our team shows that Midget “AAA” hockey in California is giving players an opportunity to further their careers. Ultimately helping players move on in the game is the highest achievement there is for a coach, and organization. We all love to win championships, but I think few could challenge that moments like this, are the real championships.  Having our third player sign now is a good sign that we are a viable place for players to train, and advance their careers.” Commented California Stars Head Coach Brent Agrusa.

Caceres is a Pico Rivera, California native.  The 6”2 185lb Defensemen has been a stand-out player for the Stars all season long.  Caceres is what every coach at the next level strives to find.  He is a strong, physical, mobile defenseman who plays on both the power-play and penalty-kill units for the Stars.  He is also a hard working player, who leads by example everyday.  “The hardest thing to find as a coach, are defensemen who are both mobile, and physical.  Randon is both of these, not only that, he is the definition of a hard working character person.  These traits will be what help him have a long and successful career in this game.  It has been a pleasure to work with such a great young man.  He will do great things for the Monsters next season.” Commented Agrusa.

The 18 year old Caceres has been dreaming his whole life that he would get the opportunity to move to the next level of hockey.  “I am very excited to get the opportunity to play for the Monsters next season.  This is a dream coming true for me.  I am grateful not only for the opportunity to play at this level, but to do it so close to home is a real blessing.  I would not be getting this opportunity if it wasn’t for the sacrifices my parents have made to let me play AAA hockey.  I am so thankful that they have given me the opportunity to chase what I love to do, and have supported me 100% of the way.  I also want to thank my teammates; this season has been so rewarding to be surrounded by other players with so much passion, and dedication.  Lastly, I want to thank my coaches for believing in me, teaching me what it takes to be a player at the next level, and helping me further my career.” Commented Caceres.

Caceres will be going to play for coaches that Agrusa has known for many years.  The Head Coach for the Monsters is Eric Ballard who has an extensive background at the high levels of hockey, and the Assistant Coach is Mike Perkins a long time friend of Agrusa.  Perkins was the Associate Head Coach of the Wichita Falls Wildcats of the NAHL back in the early 2000’s when Agrusa coached the Helena Bighorns of the NAHL.  “Randon is getting the opportunity to play for some exceptional people and coaches, both Eric and Mike have great track records in this game.  This will be a great fit for Randon, and he will be in a place where the coaches truly are there to advance players to college and pro hockey.  As a player you can’t ask for much more than that.” Commented Agrusa.

The Monsters are also very excited to have Caceres committed for the 2010-11 season.  “We are excited that Randon has signed a tender to play for the Fresno Monsters of the NAHL for the 2010-11 Season.  His size, natural athletic ability and work ethic is exactly the type of player we want here.” Commented Fresno Monsters Head Coach Eric Ballard.

California Stars General Manager Ken Moyseyev was once again very excited to hear the news.  “What can I say other than I am so proud of Randon and this team.  These players have worked and trained so hard this season, and to see all these players signing is just a great thing.  I have known Randon for many years, and to see him achieving this is certainly a very special moment for me.  I can’t wait to get the opportunity to watch him play next season in a Monster uniform.  I am looking forward to hearing more good news in the weeks to come.” Commented Moyseyev.

For the full home game schedule, please check out the Schedules page.

The Midget 16AAA team clinched a playoff spot with a victory over the SoCal Titans Saturday night. Beginning in March, the team will compete for the Tier I state championship in San Diego and a chance to move on to District Regionals if they are successful. Congratulations to the players, coaches and parents for making playoffs! Good luck at States!

Another California Stars Midget “AAA” player signs…. Southern California native inks with the Alaska Avalanche of the North American Hockey League for the 2010-11 season.

The California Stars are proud to announce that Tyler Giovannetti has officially signed a tender to be part of the 2010-11 Avalanche squad. The Avalanche are currently 17-12-6, and in a fight for second place in the NAHL western division. The North American Hockey League is the only sanctioned Tier II Junior A league in the United States. Giovannetti becomes the second stars player to sign in the North American Hockey League in the past week. “This is a great day for the Stars Organization to see our second player signed in a week is definitely a step in the right direction. I think it shows that teams like ours are their to give players an opportunity to further their careers, and anytime you achieve that goal its an awesome feeling. Its also a sign of how good AAA hockey is in California”. commented California Stars Head Coach Brent Agrusa.

Giovannetti is a Temecula, California native. The 5″10 170lb forward has had a banner season in the scoring department thus far for the stars. Finding the back of the net has always been a trademark as last season at the U16 AAA level saw Giovannetti register over 75 points. This season has once again seen Giovannetti put up great offensive numbers, but has also seen him transform into a player that is ready to make the jump to the Junior A level. “This season has been such a huge help to me. Finally for the first time in my career I have been taught how to really play this game. I have learned how to use my skills in the right way to help me be an impact player every time I touch the ice. I want to thank my coach for showing me the path to achieving my goal of playing at this level. I want to thank my teammates, they are great competitors, and its been an honor to play with them this season” commented Giovannetti.

The 18 year old Giovannetti like many California players started his hockey career late after beginning in roller hockey, but this hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the top 1992’s in the country. He is ready to start a new chapter in his career path, and has always dreamed of this day coming “I can’t wait for this huge opportunity to further my career in hockey. I started hockey late, but from that first day I hit the ice I knew that this was the sport for me. My dream has always been to make it as far as I can, and this is another step in that process. I would never be in this position if it wasn’t for my parents sticking by me through the whole thing. I will always be grateful to them that they gave me this chance. I want to prove everybody that California hockey players are dedicated, tough, hard working, skilled players” commented Giovannetti.

The talented goal scorer is ready, and excited to take on the challenge that the next level will bring his way. “This season has definitely prepared me for what to expect next season. Getting the opportunity to play for coach Agrusa this season has been unbelievable. He has shown all of us what it takes to play at the next level. He has taught us what it means to be accountable, and consistent each, and every day. I feel like I will have an advantage going into next season knowing that I have been prepared by a coach who has coached many years at the higher levels. The things I have learned this season have honestly shown me how much I really didn’t know. It has been exciting to learn these things, and can’t wait to continue that next season.” commented Giovannetti.

Giovannetti will be going to a team, and coach that Agrusa knows very well. Back in the early 2000’s Agrusa coached the Helena Bighorns of the NAHL, and present Alaska Avalanche coach Dave Boitz coached the Alexandria Blizzard. “We definitely had some scoring battles in those days, I remember a few 7-6 games. Dave is a great coach plain and simple. He has had great success in the NAHL both on, and off the ice. He is one of the true good people in this game. The Alaska Avalanche are a great organization, have a great facility, and have helped many players get to the collegiate, and pro levels.” commented Agrusa The Avalanche are also very excited to have Giovannetti joining them for the 2010-11 season. “We are extremely exited to have a terrific young player like Tyler coming to play for us next season. I have known Brent Agrusa for many years, and definitely know that any player he recommends will be a great player both on the ice, and in our community.” commented Alaska Avalanche Head Coach Dave Boitz.

Anytime you move up its definitely a challenge for a player. Agrusa feels strongly though that Giovannetti is ready for the opportunity. “Tyler is a great player. He has worked very hard this season on becoming a complete player, and has achieved that. He will have a lot of success at the next level. I think you will be seeing his name a lot in the years to come. It has been a pleasure to work with him this season” commented Agrusa.

The California Stars General Manager Ken Moyseyev was very excited when he received the news. “I am so happy to see one of our own Southern California players making it to the next level of play. Tyler is a great young man, and it is a very special moment for me to see him achieving this. He is the type of player that everyday reminds me why I do this. I couldn’t be happier right now words couldn’t express how proud I am of him, and this team.” commented Moyseyev.

California Stars Midget “AAA” standout signs with the Alexandria Blizzard of the North American Hockey League for the 2010-11 season.

The California Stars are proud to announce that Chad Spiller has officially signed a tender to be part of the 2010-11 Blizzard Squad. The Blizzard are currently 11-14-4, and in playoff contention in the NAHL. The North American Hockey League is the only sanctioned Tier II Junior A league in the United States. Each team in the NAHL only gets to sign (8) players to tenders before the NAHL draft. “Being tendered is a very prestigious thing for a player. Each team only gets to sign so many players before the draft so they are very selective on who those players are. You want those players to be impact players for you immediately. In most instances teams are losing around ten players a season to college, and pro so the first eight players you sign are very important.”commented California Stars Head Coach Brent Agrusa.

Spiller is a Newport News, Virginia native. The 5″10 175lb forward has been a dominate force in the past few months for the stars averaging over a point a game. Spiller is one of two players that have moved across the country to play for the stars this season. “I was excited to get the opportunity to come play here especially when I found out that I would have an opportunity to play for coach Agrusa who use to run the Junior Program in Hampton Roads where I played on the younger Junior B team. I saw first hand how many players off his team moved to NCAA hockey, and even got to skate with NHL draft pick Radoslav Illo who played for Agrusa, and is a Anaheim Ducks draft pick. In the summer time it was exciting to see so many of Agrusa’s former players who were Division I NCAA players, and Pro players come to Hampton Roads to train with him. It was motivating as a player to not just hear words from the coach, but to actually get to meet and train with these players, it made it seem so much more realistic.” commented Spiller.

The 18 year old Spiller came to the Stars wanting to go to the NAHL. “Chad is a very skilled, very talented, hard working player. He is passionate about the game, and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. Those are always the type players who make it in this game. I am very happy for him, he is certainly the type of player as a coach that you want to see succeed, because ultimately he deserves to.” commented Agrusa. Spiller will go to a team where one of Agrusa’s former NAHL players Kyle Clay is their leading scorer. “Chad plays a lot like Kyle and when I saw how well that he was doing their I new right away that this would be a great fit for him. Chad is getting a great opportunity as Doc Delcastillo is a top notch coach with many years of NCAA college coaching experience, I am a firm believer that as a player its not where you play, its who you play for that will further your career.” commented Agrusa.