Wolverines Compete at Aneheim Ducks Honda Center

 Season Kickoff at the Honda Center Arena 

Saturday, September 21st the ADHSHL started their league season at the one and only Honda Center! Each team and player worked hard to make it a memorable game day. Saturday consisted of 18 games that ranged from Division 1 through 3. One of those games was the Inland Empire United JV Wolverines, versus Beach Cities JV from the Harbor and Lincoln conference. 

IE United versus Beach Cities 

While the turnout of the game was not what the home team had hoped for, the players were thrilled to be playing on professional ice. Within the first period, Beach Cities scored in the last 3 minutes and 27 seconds, IE United Joe Rene Jimenez came back and scored tying the first period in the remaining 23 seconds assisted by Elliott Tanner. Throughout the first period, the Wolverines had two minor penalties, one for cross-checking and the other for roughing, but that didn't stop the team from playing assertively. Beach Cities contained three minor penalties for hooking, tripping, and unsportsmanlike conduct.                        

Five minutes into the second period, Beach Cities Andrew Salazar shot the team’s second and only goal within the period, with assists from Michael Snow and Mason Oard. The Wolverines swapped goalies and into the next period they went. The match was now sitting at 2-1, Beach Cities. 

In the third period, IE United took a shot at the goal 11 times, and Beach Cities 3 times. Another cross-checking penalty was called on Beach Cities Andrew Salazar which shortly sat him out of the game. With just 44 seconds left, Grayson Gilderman made an unassisted goal and Michael Snow followed suit just half a minute later. IE United took goalie GavinDetert out of the net for the last 40 seconds for one last strenuous effort to tie up the game, but the clock was outrunning the players. The horn sounded, and the JV match was over for a final score of 4-1, Beach Cities.                        

Thoughts on the Game 

The experience in itself was indescribable and will always be a core memory. “Everything about the Honda Center was new and exciting, I know everyone had an amazing time and wanted to play their hearts out because we don’t know if we will get another chance to play there again. Stepping on the ice felt like a championship game, something you only get one shot at, and everyone was determined to win,” said Team Captain Elliott Tanner. 

“Coaching at the Honda center was a great experience and I am happy that the team was chosen this season. After winning the championship last year, I am happy our new players got to experience something special. Although we didn’t get the win, we played hard and I think our team is building camaraderie and will continue to improve each game”, said by Head Coach Jake Dyck. 

Inland Empire United continues to work hard and capitalize on their mistakes. The team powers on with their record being (2 - 2 - 0), ranked third place with 6 points in the Lincoln conference. Continue to cheer on the Wolverines and good luck to them throughout the rest of the season!