The West Ranch hockey program brings together student-athletes from high schools throughout Santa Clarita, Castaic, the Antelope Valley and the Northern San Fernando Valley.
The players, who come from a wide range of hometowns, have shown they’re some of the best Southern California has to offer.
The West Ranch varsity and junior varsity recently won LA Kings High School Hockey League championships.
The varsity team won its third LAKHSHL title in five years when it beat Santa Barbara 3-2 in overtime on Feb. 23. The Wildcats were led by Wayne Gretzky MVP Danila Vorobets and Rob Blake Defenseman of the Year Mason Mehegan.
Dylan Matanzo was named Darryl Sutter Varsity Coach of the Year.
“Coaching this group has been a privilege, and their achievements are a direct result of their hard work and commitment,” Matanzo said in a press release. “Each player has their own unique story of growth, and I am honored to be a small part of their lives. The lessons they’ve learned about hard work and perseverance will stay with them forever.”
The varsity team moves on to the California Amateur Hockey Association High School State Championships that begin March 14 in Anaheim.
This is the 10th year of the Wildcats’ program.
West Ranch beat Kern County 3-1 in the junior varsity championship game on Feb. 23.
