Youth roundup: Extreme hockey squads all play well in Stockon

Three teams from the NorCal Extreme Roller Hockey Club competed in the Pacific Inline Hockey League tournament in Stockton last weekend, combining for several wins and one division title.

The NorCal 14U squad earned the gold medal by rolling to four straight victories. After dropping the Rampage, Tsunami and Stockton Junior Thunder in round-robin play, the locals trounced San Jose in the seeded round.

Joe Blakewell led the 14U team with 12 goals in the tournament, while Sam Blakewell (six), Michael Cognetti (three), Miguel Witham (two) and Dylan Lee (two) also provided scoring. Brandon Pacciorini added three assists, Max Landy contributed strong defense and Extreme goalie Nicholas Leacox turned in a save rate of 94 percent.

The NorCal 16U group got off to a strong start as they topped Ripon Savage then shut out the San Jose Tsunami. However, a loss to powerhouse San Jose Rampage slowed the local momentum and they could get another win.

Jacob Lipson, Seth Lipson and Joe Blakewell each posted three goals for the Extreme, Ricky Pacciorini and Tyler Schafer added one apiece and Henry Campbell contributed two assists. Dalton Byard provided good defense in front of Leacox, who turned away 71 shots for an 87 percent save rate.

Like the older teams, the NorCal 12Us started well, posting wins over the Antioch Delta River Rats and the San Jose Tsunami. Following a tie with the Junior Thunder, the locals earned a rematch with the River Rats in the finale. Antioch, however, edged the Extreme, 4-3, and NorCal finished in second place.

Sam Blakewell scored eight goals in the tournament, Cole Skoog tallied four and Brandon Pacciorini, Jack Shields and Nick Blakewell netted two apiece for NorCal. Thomas Witham added two assists, Daniel Phelps paced the local defense and Extreme goalie Max Muller had 58 saves (85 percent).

Youth rugby

The Davis High School boys Rugby Club is recruiting players for the upcoming season, which begins this month.

Local athletes in grades nine through 12 are encouraged to come out and try the sport, as varsity and frosh/soph teams are each being formed. The club is especially looking for ninth-graders and no experience is necessary.

Registration fees can be paid after an athlete has tried a few practices and decide he wants to play. January practices are Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Halden Field.

Safety, fun and competition are emphasized by the coaching staff, which is headed by former USA National 7’s and UC Davis rugby coach Steve Gray.

According to team officials, no athlete is too small or too big to play rugby and the sport features very specific tackling restrictions to keep players safe.

For more information, contact Mike Goodison at mhjdnm@sbcglobal.net or 530-758-6761.

DHS cheer clinic

Blue Devil cheerleaders will conduct Cheer Clinic 2013 from 9 a.m. to noon Sunday, Jan. 27, at DHS’ South Gym.

Hopefuls ages 6 to 13 are invited to learn cheers, jumps, tumbling and dance from the award-winning Devil cheerleaders and their coaches.

Cost for the session is $40 in advance and $45 at the event. The fee includes a T-shirt, small group instruction by age, snacks and beverages, and a free ticket to the Feb. 1 DHS boys basketball game, which is Break the Record Night. Clinic participants also will have a chance to perform on the court that night with the Devil cheerleaders.

To learn more and reserve a spot, contact Megan Hupe at 530-753-0424 or meganhupe@gmail.com.

Find more information about the Blue Devil spirit team at www.dhscheer.org.