Tuesday, January 31, 2012

PAC 8 playoff schedule announced


The PAC 8 Hockey Conference has released the game and event schedule for the 2012 Championship Tournament in Seattle, WA on February 10-11.

The tournament is being hosted by the University of Washington at Olympicview Ice Arena, located at 22202 70th Avenue West in Mountlake Terrace, WA.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
  • 4:00pm: #2 Utah vs. #3 USC
  • 7:15pm: #1 Washington vs. #4 ucla
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
  • 2:00pm: 3rd Place Consolation Game
  • 5:15pm: Championship Game
Immediately after Championship, the PAC 8 Awards Banquet will be held at the Columbia Tower Club in Downtown Seattle.

To purchase tickets to the games and/or banquet online, visit:

Statement: Saturday's game vs. UCLA canceled

To our fans, and all hockey fans,

It is with regret that we must announce the cancellation of our game on Saturday, February 4 against UCLA.

The cancellation is due to the fact that the UCLA hockey team has been placed on an administrative suspension by their university, and is effective from February 1 to February 7. During this team, their team is not allowed to practice or play; however, this includes an exception to allow UCLA to play LMU on Friday, February 3.

The UCLA team has decided to file an appeal, and we are assisting them as much as we can, however the likelihood of a successful result is slim.

We thought it was prudent to inform our fans and family immediately of the change in schedule.

We share in your severe disappointment in this outcome, as Saturday's game was not only to determine the winner of the Crosstown Cup, but was also going to be our send off for our graduating seniors. As well, the last USC/UCLA matchup is always one of our most popular games of the season, and UCLA's suspension will severely affect USC Hockey both tangibly and intangibly.

Senior Night will now be rescheduled for our Friday, February 3 game against Cal State Fullerton (Facebook event page).

USC will also win this season's Crosstown Cup by forfeit. As a competitive team, we obviously would much prefer to win the Cup on the ice.

We will make announcements if and when further details are available.

We thank you for your continued support as we look towards our game on Friday against CSUF and to PAC 8s next weekend.

Fight On!

Johnny Nguyen
General Manager of Hockey Operations
USC Ice Hockey

Monday, January 30, 2012

USC Hockey's CHOC Night & Teddy Bear Toss a Success

Loss to Oregon doesn't dampen spirits

ANAHEIM, CA - On Saturday, January 28, the USC men's ice hockey team hosted its 2nd Annual CHOC Night, a charity hockey game that benefited the Children's Hospital of Orange County.

This was also the first year of the Teddy Bear Toss for the Trojans, and it was easily the highlight of the evening.

Fans were encouraged to bring new, unwrapped teddy bears or other stuffed animals, which were to be thrown onto the ice on the Trojans' first goal.

While a charity game, this was still a regular season matchup between USC and the visiting Oregon Ducks, and the Ducks showed no charity towards the Trojans, scoring the first two goals of the game including their first just 25 seconds into the 1st period.

However, this did not stop the roar of the crowd when USC scored their first goal at the 12:21 mark of the 1st period. Almost instantly, stuffed animals of all kinds, shapes and sizes came raining down from the stands (video).

The honor of scoring the "Teddy Bear Goal" went to Trojan forward Ryan Kucinski, his 9th goal of the season.

"It doesn't matter how long you have played," Kucinski said, "every time you score a goal, it's a thrill.

"The best part about the teddy bear goal was seeing so many teddy bears being tossed onto the ice, and knowing we have so many great fans who support us and support CHOC."

Teammate Adam Zacuto agreed, "It was an awesome sight to see those teddy bears raining down on the ice after our first goal. We are all glad to be all able to give back to a good cause."

Even the Oregon team was touched by the scene.

"It was a bummer given it meant that we'd been scored on," stated Ducks forward Matt Hanlon, "but it was impressive to see such support from the community for a such good cause. And who doesn't love watching teddy bears being thrown around?"

As the toss was happening, the USC Ice Girls were tasked with collecting the bears.

"It looked like a tidal wave of teddy bears falling onto the ice!" exclaimed Ice Girls co-captain Alexandria after the bears were gathered up.

"It was like every kid's dream," said Rachel, another member of the squad. "It was literally raining toys. I was so excited I got to be a part of an event that will make so many children happy."

Co-captain Daniele added to the sentiments.

"We were stunned to see so many bears land on the ice. When we went out to collect them we were overcome with joy, as all the teddies were going to children who really need them. Being a part of this event made me realize that we can’t forget about those who are struggling and all it takes is something small like a teddy bear to make a difference."

All told, the Trojans collected almost 200 stuffed animals on behalf of CHOC.

Along with the teddy bear toss, the night also included a silent auction, raffle, and hardest shot contest. The NHL's Anaheim Ducks contributed many of the items for auction, and The Rinks - Anaheim ICE provided the ice time at cost for the event.

As well, the police and fire departments from the City of Anaheim were on hand before the game to create a family-oriented, fun atmosphere.

Many other local businesses contributed to the event with raffle prizes and discount offerings.

While the Trojans ultimately fell to the visiting team 6-4, the night's event will surely remain a fond memory for all who were there.


Special thanks to all who contributed to a fantastic night!
And to all of the fans and supporters of CHOC and USC Ice Hockey!

Thursday, January 26, 2012

It's official: USC is going to PAC 8s

"We got in?"

That was the mantra among players, coaches, and fans alike when official word came from the PAC 8 Conference that USC did indeed qualify for the PAC 8 Tournament after their 2 wins last weekend against archrival UCLA. The players found out at practice the following Monday.

The PAC 8 Tournament is hosted again this year by Washington; the Huskies also hosted last season.

The typical excitement surrounding playoffs was replaced with some confusion because of the complicated ranking system the PAC 8 uses to determine conference standings, which includes a weighted point system which values victories over teams with higher winning percentages higher than wins against underperforming teams.

In fact, before playing the Bruins, on behalf of USC, I asked for clarification from PAC 8 Commissioner Roger Kulpa, who is an accountant by day, on how different results would have affected the final standings.

"I was wondering about that myself," quipped USC head coach Jeff Langille.

Based on the information provided by the league, most scenarios required USC to win at least one game against Oregon the following week to secure a spot in the playoffs. The information also seemed to indicate that UCLA was a lock for going to Seattle.

"Are you sure?" UCLA head coach Mark Francis asked me before Friday's game in Anaheim. It seems confusion is just a part of being a member of the PAC 8.

It was clear that Washington (being the host and receiving an automatic bid) and Utah (2nd place and well ahead of 3rd place UCLA) would be at the tourney. What was unclear was the effect that #5 Oregon would have should they win against their remaining opponents, 1st-place UW (which would given UO bonus points under the PAC 8 system) and 4th-place USC, who was trying to hold off UO in the standings, especially with the head-to-head match up.

USC decided to bring in some Zen and simplify things: win the last remaining games and there's no question about who's going and who's not.

So when the buzzer sounded last Saturday after the 2nd win against UCLA, half of the mission was complete, and the Trojans were celebrating because of the crosstown victory, with no thought given to PAC 8s at that point.

USC also got some help from Washington, who defeated Oregon twice on the weekend.

When the new standings came out, we thought it was a typo: the Trojans had skipped over the Bruins into the 3rd spot, pushing UCLA into 4th.

Queue the phone calls, emails, and texts being exchanged between all parties, along with the mad calculations and recalculations. After 2 days, the official confirmation came through.

There was indeed a mistake, and not only was the field of 4 teams finalized, we even know the matchups... (1) Washington vs. (4) UCLA, and (2) Utah vs. (3) USC. There was no possibility for Oregon to gain enough points to secure their berth, even with help from other teams.

And there you have it... the wild and wacky world of PAC 8 hockey.

- Johnny

Notes:
- While this week's game vs. Oregon will have no effect on PAC 8 standings, they still count for ACHA consideration.
- Game 5 of the Crosstown Cup series vs. UCLA does not count for PAC 8 standings; a league rule counts only a maximum of 4 games per opponent.

Press Release: USC Ice Hockey Hosts 2nd Annual Charity Game for CHOC Children's Hospital

CHOC Night to include family-oriented activities & demonstrations before the game.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(click here for a .pdf version)

ANAHEIM, Calif., January 26, 2012 – The University of Southern California men’s ice hockey team, in partnership with the Anaheim Ducks of the National Hockey League and The Rinks – Anaheim ICE, hosts their 2nd Annual “CHOC Night & Teddy Bear Toss” on Saturday, January 28, to benefit the Children’s Hospital of Orange County.

Full details can be found on the event webpage, USCIceHockey.com/CHOC.

The game itself will feature a regular-season matchup between the USC Trojans and the visiting University of Oregon Ducks. Warmups will begin at 7:15pm, with the game to start at approximately 7:30pm.

This year’s game will include a “Teddy Bear Toss,” where spectators can bring a new, unwrapped teddy bear or stuffed animal to throw onto the ice after USC’s first goal. All the bears collected, as well as proceeds from the night, will be donated to CHOC; plastic bags will be provided to keep them dry and clean.

Those bringing stuffed animals will receive $5 off their admission to the game (usually $10), as well as a special flyer of deals from various local businesses. Those with military, fire, or police ID or USC student IDs will receive a further $5 discount.

There will also be a silent auction during the game of autographed Ducks memorabilia and other items.

Starting at 6:00pm, there will be family-friendly pre-game festivities in front of Anaheim ICE. Scheduled to participate are SWAT and K-9 units from the Anaheim Police Department; fire trucks from Anaheim Fire & Rescue; and the Anaheim Ducks Street Team with a street hockey rink. Food and refreshments will be available from the Refresh Truck.

The pre-game portion of CHOC Night is free and open to the public.

The USC Ice Girls, collegiate hockey’s only ice crew, will also be on hand to meet and greet fans during the festivities and game.

CHOC Night is one of the highlights of the formal partnership announced last season between USC Ice Hockey and the Anaheim Ducks, the first and only one of its kind between a Southern California college hockey team and an NHL club. (more on next page)

# # #

Johnny Nguyen
Assistant General Manager/Executive Director of Operations | USC Ice Hockey
Email - jnguyen@uscicehockey.com | Phone - (213) 290-6080
Lyon University Center | 1026 West 34th Street | Los Angeles, CA 90089-2500

USCIceHockey.com | facebook.com/USCIceHockey | twitter.com/USCHockey, @USCHockey
USCIceGirls.com | facebook.com/USCIceGirls | twitter.com/USCIceGirls, @USCIceGirls

About USC Ice Hockey

Established in 1925, USC Ice Hockey is a student-run, student-funded organization at the University of Southern California. The Trojans are members of the PAC 8 Conference, and are the reigning 2010 champions. The team is a sanctioned member of USA Hockey and the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the national governing body of non-varsity intercollegiate college hockey. USC Ice Hockey plays approximately 25 games a season, playing teams locally, nationally, and even internationally. In 2002, USC became the first American collegiate hockey team to visit China, and also the first to play against their national team. Other past trips include to Iceland, Italy, and Japan.

The USC Ice Girls were formed in 2010 and is the only NHL-style ice crew for any college hockey team at any level in the United States.

In October of 2010, USC Ice Hockey and the Anaheim Ducks signed a formal partnership and marketing agreement to support and promote both teams, as well as help develop the sport of hockey in the Southern California region. The Rinks – Anaheim ICE is the official practice and training facility for the Ducks, and has served as the Trojans’ home rink for the past fifteen seasons.

END

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Game Recap: Trojans take two vs. UCLA, tie series 2-2, clinch PAC 8 berth.

The USC ice hockey team entered last weekend's 2-game contest against UCLA needing to win both games to keep the Crosstown Cup as well as remain in playoff contention.

UCLA won the previous two regular season meetings by close margins: a 4-3 shootout victory on October 15, and a 5-4 win on November 8, where game-winning goal was scored with 12.6 seconds left on the clock. The Bruins also won a pre-season contest on September 21, 5-4.
However, this was the Trojans' weekend, as they outscored the Bruins 10-3 to take both games, which not only tied the Crosstown Cup series up 2-2, but also guaranteed the Trojans a trip to Seattle for the PAC 8 playoffs, to be hosted by Washington on February 10-11.

UCLA had previously clinched their spot in the PAC 8s.

Friday, January 20 - USC 3, UCLA 1

In Friday's match at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE, the teams were evenly matched for most of the game. Five minutes into the 1st period, USC's Mike Mowrey (assists from Ryan Manning, Luke Walker) struck first to give the Trojans the early lead, 1-0.

However, the Bruins answered less than 3 minutes later with a power play goal from Zack Tenney (John Lee) to tie it up at one a piece.

In the last minute of the 1st, Trojan Adam Zacuto (unassisted) nets a the go-ahead goal to lead USC into the 1st intermission leading 2-1.

The 2nd period was a scoreless defensive struggle for both teams, but remained relatively quiet with only 3 penalties called, two of which were on USC defenseman Tom Duffy.

The defensive game continued until late in the 3rd period, when Bruin captain Jon Lee was called for tripping. The Trojans capitalized on the power play, when David Knight (Duffy, James Huebner) scored just 15 seconds into the man-advantage and extended the USC lead to the final score of 3-1.

The Trojans avoided handing over the Cup over to the hopeful Bruins at least for one more night, with UCLA still holding the series lead 2-1.

Saturday, January 21 - USC 7, UCLA 3

The series shifted Saturday night to UCLA's home rink, Valley Ice Center, with both teams carrying momentum from the previous night's tilt into a more aggressive game.

It was a quiet first half of the 1st period, until USC defenseman Ryan Manning (Eliot Dawson) broke the stalemate and picked up his first goal of the season on a rocket from the blue line.

UCLA answered back late in the 1st, with Tenney (Lee) notching one with 27 seconds before intermission and tying it up 1-1.

The last two periods were marked by skirmishes between the players, starting with USC netminder Eric Chiccone (42 saves) picking up a roughing penalty early in the 2nd.

Four minutes into the frame, Zacuto scored his first of 2 goals on the night, off a feed from Huebner.

The Bruins answered minutes later, as Yost (Michael Carder, Doo Soo Kim) tied up the score 2-2.

The Trojans grabbed the lead again, 3-2, when Knight (unassisted) followed through on his own shot and slipped one past UCLA goalie Al Ricchiardelli (20 saves) for the first of his 2 goals on the night.

UCLA would not be held down however, as Tenney (unassisted) scored his 2nd goal of the night, leading the Bruins into the break with another tie game, this time 3-3.

The 3rd period was a different story, as USC dominated the offensive end and scored 4 unanswered goals.

With the Trojans starting the 3rd on the penalty kill, Huebner (unassisted) lead the onslaught when he picked up the loose puck and buried one past Ricciardelli for the game-winning, short-handed goal just 45 seconds into the period.

Just a few minutes later, USC forward Ryan Kucinski put the puck past Ricciardelli, but it was ruled "no goal" by the referee for a dislodged net.

Halfway through the 3rd, Zacuto (Newman, Huebner) picked up his 2nd score of the night on a 3-on-1 breakaway and a shot through the 5-hole, giving the Trojans a 5-3 lead.

Frustration from both teams became evident as the period wore on. USC's Manning picked up a minor penalty for holding plus a 10-minute misconduct with 9 minutes on the clock, resulting in the defenseman sitting in the box for the remainder of the game.

USC extended the lead to 6-3 in the 13th minute as Kucinski (unassisted) scored his first official goal on a breakaway.

Two minutes later, Knight (Kucinski) tacked on one more to put the game out of reach 7-3 with 4 minutes remaining.

Emotions boiled over at the end of the game, sending players to the locker room early. In the final 3 minutes of play, combined 20 penalty minutes and an ejection were handed out to both teams.

UCLA's Mark Yost started the extracurriculars with a roughing penalty in the 17th minute, with Frank Witt joining him in the box a minute and a half later.

With 6 seconds left on the clock, USC's Kucinski got dinged for a slash; UCLA's Carder took exception and the 6'4" Bruin captain took a swing at 5'7" Zacuto, which earned him a roughing call.

The final penalties were assessed after the game ended, when Bruin assistant captain Nick Panzica threw a high hit on USC captain Noah Comisar, who was skating down along the USC bench after the horn sounded. Players from both teams joined in the scrum, which lead to the officials calling off the traditional post-game handshake between the teams.

Panzica was assessed a minor penalty for roughing, a misconduct penalty, and a game misconduct which resulted in a technical ejection from the game.

No USC player was given any penalties in the final series; as well, no disqualifications were handed out, meaning no players were given suspensions from either team.

USC hosts PAC 8 foe Oregon for two games this Friday and Saturday; Saturday is also USC's CHOC Night & Teddy Bear Toss, a charity game to benefit the Children's Hospital of Orange County.

UCLA travels to Santa Barbara to play Division III UCSB.

From the Stands: USC Sweeps UCLA


The crosstown rivalry intensified this past weekend, as the USC Trojans swept the UCLA Bruins in back-to-back wins, positioning themselves to keep the Crosstown Cup closer to Downtown Los Angeles.

UCLA had swept all three previous meetings this season, which meant that one more win and the Trojans would have to hand over the treasured piece of hardware.

Senior Adam Zacuto and graduate student Dave Knight each had three goals this past weekend, as they and four other Trojans rallied together to outscore their rivals 10-4 in two games.

Friday night’s game-time atmosphere had a serious undertone to it, as the Trojans on and off the ice knew what was at stake. Not only were bragging rights in Los Angeles on the line, but USC was still fighting for PAC 8 playoff contention.

Regardless of potentially losing the Crosstown Cup this season after sweeping the best of five series last year, the Trojans marched into battle and ended up victorious.

Friday’s game took place at The Rinks - Anaheim ICE California in front of enthusiastic fans ready to see either a USC victory or a Bruins sweep.

‘SC produced a solid first period, resulting in senior Mike Mowrey’s scoring the first goal of the night, with sophomore Ryan Manning and grad student Luke Walker on the assist.

Manning was the first sent off to the penalty box for a check from behind, but the Trojans were successful and killed off the penalty.

UCLA eventually managed to tie the game up with just seven minutes left to the first, when Zack Tenney was fed the puck from Jonathan Lee.

Play was momentarily stopped when a fan in the stands blew a whistle that caused confusion on the ice. The game resumed uninterrupted after taking time to resolve the situation and announcing that such noise making devices were prohibited.

With just 53.1 seconds until the first intermission Zacuto rifled the puck bar down regaining the Trojan’s lead.

Despite an exciting start to the game the Trojans returned to the ice with an uninspiring second period performance. The referees penalized Trojans’ sophomore Thomas Duffy twice: once for holding and then for tripping, while UCLA only had Mark Yost called for tripping.

The mundane play ended when USC goalie junior Eric Chiccone injected life back into the game, making an unreal glove save that proved to be the game changing moment.

The Trojans were able to hold the Bruins from scoring for the rest of the night, but picked up a few penalties along the way. USC junior James Anderson was called for a boarding penalty just a couple minutes into the start of the third, while sophomore Derek Peters was called for slashing just a couple minutes later.

UCLA managed to kill ‘SC’s powerplay when Michael Carder was called for crosschecking. However, when Lee was called for tripping with just three minutes left in regulation, Knight took advantage of the fantastic opportunity and scored just 15 seconds into the power play, scoring the final goal of the game and extending the lead to 3-1.

USC’s momentum continued into UCLA’s home rink, as the Trojans confidently took to the ice the following evening in Bruins’ territory at the Valley Ice Center in Panorama City, California.

Halfway through the first period, senior Eliot Dawson sent the puck to Manning who then put ‘SC on the scoreboard.

Ten seconds later, USC freshman Cory Newman was called for tripping, giving the Bruins their first of nine power plays.

Bruins’ Doo Soo Kim was called for slashing, but the Trojans’ could not find a way to capitalize on the power play.

USC had two players find their way to the penalty box when grad student Ryan Kucinski was called for tripping and sophomore James Huebner for highsticking.

There was some sort of confusion when Kucinski returned to the ice that led to the Trojans receiving an icing call. Although the Trojans contested, the ruling on ice stood and the Bruins were given the faceoff in the Trojan’s zone.

The Bruins got a shot on goal right off the faceoff, but Chiccone was there to snatch it out of the air with a glorious glove save that had the stands and players stunned. Yet again, Chiccone’s spot-on play provided the Trojan’s with a boost of confidence that helped carry them through the end of the game.

Immediately after returning to full strength after Huebner’s penalty, Zack Tenney tied it up giving his team the hope of turning the game around in their favor.

UCLA was given a power play just a couple minutes into the second when Chiccone got called for roughing after he shoved a UCLA player behind his net. The Trojans were able to kill off the power play and resume their attempts to increase their lead.

Zacuto wasted no time in finding the net, as he and Huebner slithered and zoomed through the Bruins’ players and down the ice to regain the Trojans’ lead once more.

Yost responded almost immediately by scoring a goal of his own after he, Carder and Kim found a way to get past Chiccone.

David Giroux gave the Trojans a power play when he was called for interference. Although the Bruins had a successful penalty kill, they were not able to stop Knight from scoring an unassisted goal, bringing the score to 3-2.

The goal happened after a cluster of players fought for the puck in front of UCLA’s net. For a brief moment, Knight was the only one in the building who knew that the puck went in, as the dog pile of players lost track of the puck’s actual location. Once his teammates realized what had happened, the arena erupted in cheers.

Afterward, UCLA’s Tenney scored his second goal of the evening, but it would be the last time. UCLA would score that night. (You don’t really attempt hat tricks, they just are)

Tension intensified during the third period as USC dominated in every possible way.

Huebner scored his first goal of the evening 45 seconds into the period and the realization that the Trojans just may pull off the finally sunk in.

Zacuto found the net for the second time that night on a three-on-one breakaway goal assisted by Newman and Huebner.

Halfway through the period, Manning received a two-and-ten penalty: two minutes for holding and a ten-minute game misconduct for a hit deemed malicious by the referees.

Peaceful relations ceased in the final three minutes once Yost was called for roughing, followed by a tripping penalty given to UCLA’s Frank Witt.

Unbeknownst to the officials, the clock did not run for about 45 seconds of play. However, once the oversight was acknowledged only 15 seconds was subtracted on the clock.

With just a minute left in regulation, ‘SC’s Kucinski was called for slashing and UCLA’s Carder for roughing.

Frustration got the best of Carder when he began to antagonize Zacuto. Words were not enough and Carder took a swing at Zacuto that landed the UCLA player with a two-minute roughing call that sent the Bruin to the lockerroom early, with only 5 seconds left on the clock.

Following Carder’s exit, a brawl broke out and chirping between the teams continued past the final buzzer. Bruin Nick Panzica tangled with Trojan captain Noah Comisar, which lead to players mobbing around them. Panzica was given a two-minute minor penalty for roughing, a 10-minute misconduct penalty and a game misconduct penalty, resulting in a technical ejection from the game, which had already ended. Three other players were given minor penalties, but no disqualifications were assessed. Players were riled up and clearly displeased with each other. Even the teams’ coaches got in on the action as they exchanged heated words briefly as both teams slowly left the ice; the teams skipped the traditional handshake.

After a tumultuous ending to a thrilling game, the Trojans left with the Crosstown Cup still in their possession and a 7-3 win over their archrivals.

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Game Preview: USC vs. UCLA – January 20-21

Not an enviable position for USC to be in.

In the second to last weekend of games that count for PAC 8 Conference Standings, the Trojans (8-10-1, 4-5-1 PAC 8) find themselves in the precarious situation of having to face their crosstown rivals not only to keep their playoff chances alive, but also to maintain possession of the Crosstown Cup.

UCLA (9-6-0, 8-2-0) has a 2-games-to-none lead on USC in the best-of-5 season series. Both of the previous meetings between the teams came down to the wire, with the first game going to a shootout, and the second won by the Bruins in the last :26 of regulation time.

The Trojans look to turn the tide this weekend; Game 3 is on Friday, January 20 at The Rinks – Anaheim ICE, with Game 4 the following day at Valley Ice in Panorama City. A sweep of the Bruins would force the Crosstown Cup winner to be decided in Game 5, to be held at the Trojans’ home rink in Anaheim on February 4.

Two wins this weekend would also solidify USC’s hold on the 4th and final PAC 8 playoff spot, with Oregon (9-7-0, 4-5-0) just behind in the standings in the 5th spot and facing top-ranked Washington for two games this same weekend.

This weekend's results then set up the final showdown for 4th, as Oregon travels down to Southern California to face USC January 27-28.

UCLA has already clinched their invitation to the PAC 8s as the 3rd place team, as have 2nd-place Utah (22-6-0, 7-2-0) and Washington (12-6-1, 10-0-0), who is hosting this year’s playoffs near Seattle.

The PAC 8 uses a complicated but proven weighted-point system based on records of opponents, so knowing playoff scenarios requires more than a simple glance at team records and upcoming schedule.

Under the system, USC has a slight advantage over the Ducks, but could still use some help from the Huskies. Because of Washington’s high value as the top team, a sweep by the Ducks would turn the fortunes and place USC in the hole playoff-wise.

Below is a table of possible playoff scenarios and outcomes for USC and Oregon.

For the Trojans, it’s all too simple: sweep both UCLA and Oregon, and there’s nothing to worry about.


USC/ucla results
USC sweeps ucla USC splits with ucla USC loses both to ucla
UO/UW results UO sweeps UW USC must sweep UO UO goes to PAC 8s UO goes to PAC 8s
UO splits with UW UO must sweep USC UO must sweep USC USC must sweep UO
UO loses both to UW UO must sweep USC UO must sweep USC UO must sweep USC

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Player Profile: Luke Walker

Defenseman Luke Walker is a 22-year-old graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Southern California. He previously attended the University of Wyoming for undergrad, where he played for four years with the Cowboys.


In addition to hockey, Luke also played soccer and has an affinity for kayaking.Born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Luke was inspired by his parents and friends to play hockey at the age of four. Luke insists that it requires no work to love this demanding sport, “I have been playing basically all my life. It’s not hard to keep loving hockey.”

An effervescent person both on and off the ice, Luke believes that “there is no such thing as too much fun” in life. Watching him play hockey or spending time with him off the ice, it is easy to realize that Luke loves to enjoy every moment and live it to the fullest.

Over his 18-year career, there have been many memorable events that Luke can be proud of. However, winning state and placing second at the Rocky Mountain Regionals are particularly special to him, “There were two years in high school that we won Wyoming State and then went to the Rocky Mountain Regional Tournament and lost in the championship.

Luke brings his experience to the Trojans, and has made his presence known on defense, with bone crushing hits worthy of the highlight reel. Just this past weekend, Luke annihilated an LMU player that sent the player’s body and hockey stick flying in opposite directions. While the crowd was riled up, Luke just looked back at his team on the bench with an accomplished look on his face. Moments like these show just how much of his heart and soul he puts into the game.

Get to know Luke:

1. If you could trade places with any NHL player, living or dead, who would it be and why? Peter Forsberg (recently retired from the Colorado Avalanche)

2. If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would play you? Chuck Norris

3. What would the title of your movie be? Walker, Wyoming Ranger

4. If you could time travel to any time before our own, which would it be and why? 1960 and on because you could do whatever you want.

5. Cats or Dogs: Cats

6. Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate

7. Favorite pasta shape? Bowtie

8. What is your favorite language other than your native language? Spanish

9. Your favorite color M&M? Blue

10. The Zombie Apocalypse is here! Who on your team survives, is the first killed, the one who has a plan to survive such an event, and the one who has secretly been a zombie all along. This one has already been answered.

11. Favorite holiday. Why? Thanksgiving for good food and good friends

12. Coke or Pepsi? Gatorade in a double gulp with lots of water

13. Do you prefer hot or cold weather? Cold

14. Do you have a nickname? Wyoming

15. Last song you heard? Right back where we started from... slapshot

16. What is your signature dish? Eggs, bacon, and taters

17. Most recorded show on your DVR? Prison Break

18. If you were an animal which would you be? Peregrine Falcon

19. What is the last book you read? Outliers

20. What super power would you have? Fly

21. Favorite pick up line? Bad dance moves + big grin

22. Your favorite meal? Breakfast

23. How did you end up playing the position that you play? How did you decide on your jersey number? 27 in high school because it was one of the only numbers left.

24. Favorite NHL team? Avalanche

25. Who is your inspiration? Coach fer sure

26. Favorite pre-game meal? Spaghetti

27. What do you do to pass the time on the plane when you fly to away games? Watch movies and talk with the team

28. What do you do to pass the time between games when you are on the road? Usually homework and experience the town.

29. Favorite away game location? Pig barn in Nebraska

30. Before each game, I must... Pick up Ernst and Sunshine

31. After graduation, I am going to... Travel for a while

Friday, January 13, 2012

Recap: Dramatic shootout victory for USC over LMU, 6-5

Harbor City, CA - After a five week break for the winter (except for a single practice this past Monday), the USC Trojans (8-8-1) kicked off the spring semester with a 6-5 shootout win (Game Log | Box Score) over the Loyola Marymount Lions (6-11-0) in front of a raucous hostile crowd in Harbor City on Thursday night.

The game was the start of a three-game weekend for the Trojans, who have won 6 of their last 8 games, including against then-6th ranked San Diego State to go into the break. The win completes a sweep of the annual Century Cup series between USC and LMU, with the Trojans having taken the previous two meetings (5-2, 6-5).

The Century Cup was supposed to have been presented to USC last night, however LMU failed to bring the trophy to the game.

The Trojans were led by the offensive tandem of senior Adam Zacuto (2 goals, 2 assist) and sophomore James Huebner (2 goals, 1 assist), as well as the goaltending of junior Eric Chiccone during the shootout (24 saves).

The first period got off to an electrifying start with Zacuto scoring USC’s first two goals: the first with an assist from James Huebner just 3 minutes into the game, then again shortly afterward while shorthanded (unassisted).

About a minute after the second goal, LMU responded with their first goal of the game, on a power play by Nick DelBueno (Michael Indigaro, Robert Yanotta) after USC’s Ryan Manning was called for slashing.

USC’s Hank Griesbach scored unassisted to extend the lead to 3-1. LMU’s starting goalie, Tyler Payne, was replaced by Vitto Banez after allowing the 3 goals on just 6 shots.

Total shots-on-goal for the game was 32-29 in USC’s favor.

The physicality of the match picked up when Luke Walker delivered a bone crushing hit on an LMU attacker late in the period that sent the Lion’s stick flying in the opposite direction than his body.

With just 7 minutes before the first intermission LMU’s Indigaro (Kevin Keomanee, Kyle Burch) cut into the lead and the period ended with USC maintaining a 3-2 advantage.

The 2nd period was more physical and defensive in nature. USC’s Huebner scored his first goal of the game trailing on a 2-on-1 shorthanded breakaway, receiving a pass on the weak side from Zacuto and putting in the backhand to extend the Trojans’ lead to 4-2.

Three minutes later, the Lions answered with their own shorthanded goal to make it 4-3, when Jack Hyman blocked a slapshot from the blue line that careened toward center ice, leading to a 1-on-0 breakaway for Hyman, who put it around USC goalie Eric Chiccone.

Emotions boiled over for both teams with 19 seconds left in the 2nd, when a couple of LMU players got too close to Chiccone and a shoveling match broke out in and around the USC crease. However, no penalties were called and the teams went into the locker rooms with the score at 4-3 USC.

The Lions mounted a strong comeback in the 3rd period. LMU took advantage of an interference call on Max Ernst halfway through the period, and scored the power play goal (Hunter Costin, assisted by Yanotta) to tie the game up at 4 goals apiece.

Another penalty on USC with 3:27 left (Tom Duffy – 2 minutes for slashing) almost proved costly for the Trojans, as LMU’s Jim McDonald (Kalei Tipon) scored just 6 seconds into the power play to take the lead, 5-4.

The Lions’ aggressive forechecking contained the Trojans in the USC zone for most of the remaining time, preventing Chiccone from reaching the bench for the extra attacker until just 40 seconds remained.

LMU had an opportunity to put the game away after gaining possession of the puck in the neutral zone with an empty net, but shot the puck wide. A subsequent blown whistle for a dislodged net allowed USC to call a timeout with 25 seconds remaining to set up one last push; however the faceoff remained on the USC end, forcing Chiccone back into the net.

After the faceoff, the Trojans grabbed the puck behind the net, and Mike Mowrey stretched a pass up to Zacuto, who drove to the net and passed off to Huebner who buried the equalizer with just 3 seconds remaining on the clock, sending the game into overtime with the teams tied 5-5.

The Trojans carried the momentum into the 4-on-4 OT period and outshot LMU 3-1, but with no goals for either team, the game went to a shootout.

ACHA shootout rules are similar to the NHL, with 3 players from each team having an opportunity to go against the opposing goalie, followed by 1-and-1 if still tied after the initial three.

Both goalies stood their ground, keeping denying the shooters through the first 4 rounds.

Shooting for USC were Zacuto, Huebner, graduate David Knight, and junior Corey Newman, who were all stopped on their attempts.

Finally in the fifth frame, USC graduate Ryan Kucinski deked to his right and sent a forehand wrister past Banez, leaving LMU having to answer to keep the game going.

However Chiccone had other plans, and with his fifth consecutive shootout save, captured the win and the Trojans rushed the ice to celebrate their win and sweep of the season series.

The Trojans continue their weekend tonight and tomorrow in Anaheim against the visiting 6th-ranked (and PAC 8 newcomer) Utah Utes (19-6-0), who defeated 7th-ranked SDSU (12-10-0) last night 3-1.

Warmups for tonight starts at 8:20; tomorrow, 7:15pm.

LMU hosts SDSU in Harbor City on Saturday.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Player Profile: Dante Caravaggio

Dante Caravaggio is a 21-year-old senior at the University of Southern California majoring in Chemical Engineering with a Petroleum emphasis. Born in Southern California, Dante has moved around the map but most recently calls Newport Beach, California home. He has three siblings: Alex, 19 (and also a goalie for USC); Lauren, 16; and Nicholas, 15.

Growing up, Dante played soccer and swam competitively. However, when the future ‘SC defenseman saw “The Mighty Ducks” movies in first grade, he began playing roller hockey, then in second grade he made the transition to Ice Hockey where he played for the “Irvine Ice Puppies.”

Having played forward most of his life, Dante came to the realization that he was better suited as a defenseman and ultimately became more successful on the ice after making the switch. “At a certain point, though, you find out if you are capable of scoring goals at higher levels [.] I was physical but lacked the ability to produce consistently. Defense kept me playing at the higher levels through high school.”

Not surprisingly, the hockey world in Southern California is quite small, so it should come as no surprise that Dante and USC teammate, senior Adam Zacuto, unknowingly crossed paths when they were much younger. They skated together during the Under-16 and Under-17 USA Pacific Development Camps in Washington. This camp was a distinct honor as only the top 30 players of each position from six states are invited to participate.

Dante also had the privilege of playing AA Midget in Calgary for the Bruins during his junior and senior years in high school. At USC, he was Rookie of the Year (2009), Defensive MVP (2009, 2010), and was named Second Team All PAC 8 in 2010, which he says, “was a surreal experience.”

With more than enough memories to last a lifetime, Dante feels that some of his “favorite hockey memories stem from skating on lakes and outdoor rinks with friends and family when we lived in Calgary, Alberta. Alex and I loved how unique of an experience it was [.] We can’t get that type of atmosphere in California, Houston or anywhere else we’ve lived.”

Family is near and dear to Dante’s heart and he cites his family as his source of inspiration that pushes him and ultimately keeps him going. “I draw inspiration from a lot of sources, but my family has always kept me pushing my limits. I helped train my brother Alex in high school for his junior year. He had already won several awards on previous teams, but he continued to set his sights higher […] He has given up everything since age 12 to play hockey, and somehow he isn’t sick of it. This really kept my love for hockey alive, as I have been prone to injury throughout my life, and sometimes it’s hard to find motivation to keep the skills high.”

After graduating this May, Dante will move to Dallas, Texas where he will work for Encana as a petroleum engineer. A hockey player in every sense of the word, he hopes to find an adult hockey league there to continue playing the game he loves.

  1. Full name: Dante Matthew Caravaggio
  2. Favorite NHL team? Calgary Flames or Anaheim Ducks
  3. Best advice you ever received? Don’t always live in the present, or you’ll lose your way.
  4. Favorite pre-game meal? Spaghetti & Meatballs
  5. What do you do to pass the time on the plane when you fly to away games? Sleeping, reading, and listening to music, typically. I love flying.
  6. What do you do to pass the time between games when you are on the road? Every guy on this team I’ve met over the four years has been hilarious. Between games on the road, going out anywhere is usually a good story.
  7. Favorite away game location? Oregon
  8. Before each game, I must…stay focused or I’ll end up too loose on the ice.
  9. What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Frank’s Red Hot sauce, leftover pad thai, and a bottle of wine. Not much else, actually.
  10. If you could trade places with any NHL player, living or dead, who would it be and why? Jerome Iginla because he lives the dream. Calgary loves him, and I hope they never trade him.
  11. If Hollywood were to make a movie about your life, who would play you? Ben Schwartz
  12. What would the title of your movie be? Livin’ La Vida Loca
  13. If you could time travel to any time before our own, which would it be and why? Yesterday. I’m now rethinking my choice of going to Chipotle and El Cholo in the same day.
  14. Cats or Dogs: Dogs
  15. Chocolate or Vanilla: Chocolate
  16. Favorite pasta shape: Penne
  17. What is your favorite language other than your native language? Italian, unfortunately I do not speak it.
  18. Your favorite color M&M? I eat them so fast I couldn’t tell you.
  19. The Zombie Apocalypse is here! Who on your team survives, is the first killed, the one who has a plan to survive such an event, and the one who has secretly been a zombie all along. Everyone in the hockey house dies except Hite and Alex because they have zombie plans. Ernst dies prior to infection while cooking up too much crack. Elliot and Noah die by trying to bite zombies themselves. Mowrey and I fight until we’re starving and tired, and then get lazy and superman dive into a pile of zombies. Yen dies while dancing in the common room. Dave was a zombie the whole time. James was missing.
  20. Favorite holiday. Why? Christmas. Everyone is happy during the Holidays.
  21. If you owned your own hockey team, what would you name it? Cheese Wranglers
  22. Coke or Pepsi? Coke
  23. Do you prefer hot or cold weather? Hot
  24. Do you have a nickname? Nope.
  25. What is your signature dish? Kraft Dinner
  26. Most recorded show on your DVR? Sadly I don’t record TV
  27. If you were an animal which would you be? Pterodactyl
  28. What is the last book you read? The Sun Also Rises – Ernest Hemingway. Surprisingly no, it wasn’t for a class.
  29. What super power would you have? Fly
  30. Favorite pick up/wing-man line? –Without any introduction: “Have you met my friend?” compliments of Mike Mowrey
  31. Your favorite meal? Chipotle Burrito
  32. How did you decide on your jersey number? I chose 2 because it’s been a frequent part of my hockey life. Somehow, tryout after tryout and camp after camp, the number 2 always came up. I decided not to fight it, and just wear number 2.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Editorial: NBC LA drops the ball; interrupts Winter Classic

EDITORIAL

Boy, did NBC Los Angeles (Channel 4) show its true feelings and ignorance of hockey on this one (I had other more colorful phrases I wanted to use, but decided to show a modicum of self-restraint).

Now, I know that Southern California isn't known as a traditional bastion for the sport of hockey, but it's certainly up and coming enough to be home to TWO National Hockey League teams (the LA Kings and the Anaheim Ducks, who actually won the Stanley Cup championship in 2007) and a smattering of a few minor league teams. The local ice rinks are filled to capacity with men's and kids' leagues, and high schools are now getting into the act. In fact, if it wasn't for our 16+ year relationship with The Rinks - Anaheim ICE, it would be nearly impossible to find ice time to host USC hockey games (many ice slots at all rinks are booked a year out, unless you wanted 4am or 12am times).

For those not familiar with the NHL's Winter Classic, here's the long and short of it: They build a hockey rink at an outdoor venue, and two of the more well known teams go at it at the beginning of the new year. This season, the Winter Classic is at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia (home to baseball's Phillies), and features the New York Rangers versus the hometown Flyers.

Just how big is this event? With social media now the gauge of all things, "Winter Classic" was trending on Twitter not only in Los Angeles, but worldwide.

Such an auspicious spectacle calls for NBC to even dust off and wheel out Bob Costas.

Another point of context for those not familiar with hockey: The annual Winter Classic is just about as high profile an event for the NHL as the Super Bowl is for the National Football League, possibly second only to the Stanley Cup Finals.

So what happened at approximately 12:02pm PST on Monday, January 2, 2012 caused what I'm sure I can describe as a collective scream of anguish and despair from LA-area hockey fans. Just after the NBC mothership started their coverage of the Winter Classic at noon, Channel 4 News butted in with "Breaking News."

My hockey-oriented mind raced through the possible scenarios that could have warranted a preemption of such a televised event. Had Japan suffered another massive earthquake? Did Stephen Hawking just confirm the Mayan calendar's prediction that the world will end in 2012? Did a nuclear World War III just break out?

I certainly had plenty of time to come up with such major catastrophes, since the "Breaking News" graphic alone lasted a full THIRTEEN SECONDS.

It was a bit of local news. The area of north of Downtown LA has been hit by a recent rash of arson fires, and they had just captured the suspected arsonist at 3am this morning. Let's be clear, this by no means is a small incident... the arsonist caused over $2 million in damages and terrorized the area for several days.

But does one interrupt the Winter Classic for a news conference about the capture, which happened 9 hours prior? Would you interrupt the Super Bowl? Here are some interesting tidbits for your consideration:

- ABC 7 did not interrupt coverage of the Outback Bowl to break to the press conference;
- CBS 2 did not interrupt their broadcast of The Young and the Restless;
- Most of us probably already heard about the arrest through reliable online sources, such as TMZ.com;

The information given at the press conference could have been summed up with the following statement: "We caught someone -more details later today."

Even Ana Garcia, the NBC newswoman who unwittingly and inadvertently became face of all who hate hockey, stated, "[T]he police aren't saying an awful lot."

While the "Breaking News" segment carried on for what seemed to be forever, as I hung on every word not because I was hoping for more details but rather wondering when the talking heads would stop talking, they got us back just in time for the national anthem.

But the damage was done. When I should have been taking in the moment, the pageantry of the Winter Classic, I was instead driven to contact NBC 4 to express my opinion and was motivated to take to this editorial. And I can't be the only hockey fan with similar feelings.

I certainly hope the NBC mothership catches wind of this, since one of their spawn decided it had found a more newsworthy event than the Winter Classic, which had been promoted for months. And the NHL can't be too happy, with Southern California being such a unstable market for them to warrant this level of disruption to their marquee game.

I hope, for NBC LA's program director's sake, that the coverage of non-news was worth creating a legion of hockey fans who hate Channel 4. Good on you, mate.

To send feedback to NBC 4, go to http://www.nbclosangeles.com/contact-us/

Johnny Nguyen is Assistant General Manager of USC Ice Hockey, and a USC alumnus. This editorial reflects his views alone, and does not necessarily represent statements or opinions by USC Ice Hockey or the University of Southern California.