Jr. Sharks bring home Western Shootout crown
September 5, 2013
Over the Labor Day Weekend, five North American Prospect Hockey League (NAPHL) teams took part in the USHL Western Shootout, hosted by NAPHL member organization, the San Jose Jr. Sharks at Sharks Ice in San Jose, CA. NAPHL members included the San Jose Jr. Sharks and California Titans in both the 16U & 18U Divisions, as well as, the Anaheim Jr. Ducks 16U team.
The NAPHL teams were extremely successful in the competitive 16U Division as the San Jose Jr. Sharks ended up winning the 16U Division, defeating fellow NAPHL member Anaheim Jr. Ducks 6-4, this past Monday.
The champion San Jose Jr. Sharks were first in the National Division earning a 1-0-2 record in round-robin play on their way to the championship game. The Anaheim Jr. Ducks went 3-0 winning the American Division with four Jr. Ducks players leading the 16U Division in points. The California Titans finished 4th in the competitive National Division losing to the top seeded Ducks in the first round of elimination play. Other 16U teams in the tournament were the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes, San Diego Gulls, Alaska Jr. Aces, Utah Regulators and Anaheim Wildcats.
The 18U NAPHL teams, California Titans and San Jose Jr. Sharks, both reached the Semi-Finals of the 18U Division after coming in 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the American Division.
The California Titans amassed a 2-1 record during round-robin play before advancing to the elimination round where they first beat the Utah Regulators before falling to the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes in the Semi-Final. The San Jose Jr. Sharks went 1-2 in round robin play before beating the Ontario Avalanche in the first elimination game then losing to eventual 18U champion Alaska Jr. Aces. Other 18U teams in the tournament were the Golden State Eagles and Compete Rams.
The NAPHL would like to congratulate all five teams in placing well in this pre-season tournament and look forward to seeing them all compete at the NAHL Showcase coming up in Blaine, Minnesota.
