The Santa Barbara Gold captured the High School Roller Hockey State Cup in Irvine. The team consists of, front row, from left: Devon Cetti, Kevin Hough, Daniel Solomon, Thomas Ochsner. Back row: coach Erik Norton, coach Steven Polchinski, Nolan Cope, Soren Wilde, Colette Brown, Taylor Dixon, Ben Essig and head coach Zach Barrett.
Santa Barbara’s “Gold” varsity club roller hockey team captured the championship at the California High School Roller Hockey State Cup in Irvine.
Santa Barbara defeated Fountain Valley 3-1 in the final and became the first team from the Central Coast High School Hockey League to bring home the championship.
Nolan Cope scored two goals and Soren Wilde added one to pace the offense. Colette Brown played rugged defense before suffering a broken wrist in the first period. Kevin Hough provided outstanding goalkeeping throughout the weekend, helping the team to a 5-0-1 record in the tournament.
The tournament drew the top CIF and club teams from each of the six leagues, consisting of 107 teams in the state.
Santa Barbara had a big season, going 10-1-1 in the Central Coast High School Hockey League and capturing its third straight league title.
Santa Barbara also sent an additional varsity and a JV team to the State Cup. Each team enjoyed more success than previously experienced, all of which capped a historic season for the local club teams, said Rich Dixon of the Santa Barbara Hockey Association.
“This success has mirrored the rapid growth of the Santa Barbara Hockey Association, which includes recreation leagues for men, women, children, and families in addition to the competitive high school hockey teams,” said Dixon.
For more information on how to participate in hockey, visit www.sbhockey.com.
