HOCKEY. EDUCATION. LIFE SKILLS.
USPHL ONTARIO JR REIGN
PROUD AFFILIATE ONTARIO REIGN AND LA KINGS
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Official Recruiting Guide
Click here to viewProgram Overview
President's Message
Ben Frank
Jr Reign President
As President of the Ontario Jr. Reign, I could not be more pleased to introduce you to our organization. With over two decades of experience in hockey, a successful junior hockey program must possess both the drive to win championships and the core value of creating better people as a result of the team experience.
Guided by the leadership of Head Coach and General Manager Jeremy Blumes, our team took another step forward in our second season while staying true to our value of developing players both on and off the ice.
The Ontario Jr. Reign is supported by professional staff including experienced education consultants, physical therapists, sports psychologists, the marketing department, and, of course, coaches. We have the infrastructure in place to help our athletes navigate the junior-hockey experience with a tremendous amount of support, setting them up for success.
Great things are ahead for our organization and we are ready to welcome you.
Testimonial
DAMON AGYEMAN
Grande Prairie Storm, AJHL
I've enjoyed playing for the jr reign and coaching staff here in Ontario. They not only push me to be a better player but also to become a better person outside the sport of hockey.
Testimonial
AIDEN SZAUTNER
#19 Forward
Playing for the reign was an experience I won't forget for a long time. The weather is what brought me to Ontario but the teammates and friends I made along the way are what made me stay.
THE REIGN ADVANTAGE:
Meet the Coaches
Jeremy Blumes
Head Coach
Jeremy Blumes B.A., B.Ed. has been involved in hockey for over twenty years in a number of roles: Player, Coach (Junior A, B, Midget AAA, AA), General Manager, Scout, Mentor, Coach Coordinator, Board Member, Consultant, Web Developer, as well as Commissioner of the Calgary Summer Hockey League.
Jeremy Blumes B.A., B.Ed. has been involved in hockey for over twenty years in a number of roles: Player, Coach (Junior A, B, Midget AAA, AA), General Manager, Scout, Mentor, Coach Coordinator, Board Member, Consultant, Web Developer, as well as Commissioner of the Calgary Summer Hockey League.
Coach Blumes joins the Ontario Jr. Reign after a year as an Assistant Coach with Nipawin in the SJHL. Before Nipawin, Coach Blumes was in Golden, BC (KIJHL) as Head Coach and General Manager. While in Golden, BC, he engineered a remarkable turnaround for the franchise. Blumes recruited a team consisting of 20 rookies that would win more games in their first season than the previous three years - combined. The franchise also made the playoffs for the first time in four seasons. Coach Blumes would then go on; to help advance more than a third of those athletes to a higher level.
Tony Vargas
Assistant Coach
Coach Vargas grew up playing youth hockey in Southern California, where he developed his skills and hockey knowledge before heading to Texas to play in the WSHL for the Texas Brahmas.
Coach Vargas grew up playing youth hockey in Southern California, where he developed his skills and hockey knowledge before heading to Texas to play in the WSHL for the Texas Brahmas.
Afterward, Coach Vargas attended Finlandia University to play NCAA D3 hockey. While attending Finlandia University, Coach Vargas earned his bachelor's degree in Business Management, with a focus on Entrepreneurship.
Since then, he returned to Southern California to help grow the game of hockey by partnering with Empire Hockey Club as a Head Coach and Assistant Coach for the California Wave.
SPENCER MCLAY
GOALIE COACH
A native of La Verne, CA, Spencer is the USA Hockey Goaltending Development Lead for the Southern California region.
A native of La Verne, CA, Spencer is the USA Hockey Goaltending Development Lead for the Southern California region.
Spencer competed in Juniors for the Walpole Express before being recruited to the ECHL by the Ontario Reign. Shortly afterward, he moved to the Southern Pro Hockey League to compete with the Mississippi RiverKings and Pensacola Ice Flyers.
He is also the co-founder and director of Goaltending Development at Rose City Pats Tier Hockey Program.
Previous Players Say
Testimonial
Josh Teves
Coach Blumes was instrumental in my development and helped me in midget get to the NCAA today. His coaching style rewarded hardworking players and created a positive platform for skill development and improvement. Jeremy’s ability to find untapped potential in players will lead his teams and players to success.
- Josh Teves, Princeton Tigers, RBC National Junior A Scholarship (Merritt Centennials) 2016-2017, NCAA (ECAC) All-Tournament Team, NCAA (ECAC) Champion 2017-2018, Vancouver Canucks, NHL 2019
Support Staff
Testimonial
Jackson Wade
#17 Defenceman
Playing for the Reign gave me an opportunity and experience like I’ve never had and am very happy I made the decision to play in Ontario. Being able to live in a place I’d never be able to, all while letting me play the game I love which is incredible. Our coaching staff is great and coach Jeremy is a big reason I came to play for the Reign.
Winter Showcase
United States Premier Hockey League
The Ontario Jr. Reign belongs to the Pacific Division of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), which operates in 24 of the 50 United States. The league is currently the largest amateur ice hockey league in the United States.
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) comprises more than 550 teams, fielding more than 11,000 athletes in more than 100 organizations, with player ages ranging from 6 to 21. Teams are geographically diverse, ranging from North and South to the Midwest and West Coast.
The Structure
The USPHL is uniquely positioned to facilitate a clear pathway for athletes graduating from Bantam who are looking to progress through Midget and Junior Hockey on to college and professional hockey. Each division provides a critical step in the progression to fulfilling a player’s ultimate goal of becoming a collegiate or professional hockey player.
Teams have been selected to participate in specific USPHL divisions based upon geography, strong player pools, rink ownership, financial strength, and history of success and integrity at the highest level.
The Mission
The ultimate goal of the USPHL is to prepare and develop athletes for college hockey and beyond through a tiered development program.
Unlike any other league in North America, within the USPHL it is possible for a player to advance through an organization starting at mites and ending in junior hockey.
THE RESULTS
The United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is the Nation’s largest amateur ice hockey league. Players in the USPHL Premier are 16 to 21 years of age. Overall, the USPHL has had over 2,500 athletes advance to the collegiate level and NHL. Alumni of USPHL organizations currently skating in the NHL include players such as Jack Eichel, Charlie Coyle, John Marino, Jimmy Vesey, and Stanley Cup Champions Zach Sanford, Trevor Van Riemsdyk, and Brian Dumoulin.
Meet the Strength Coaches
CHRIS PHILLIPS
HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER
Chris is the Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab and sets the standard for Compete’s performance training and sports medicine programs. He is a recognized board-certified Athletic Trainer (NATA) and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) that possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of performance training and sports rehabilitation. Chris is also an Integrative Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Power Plate Trainer, certified Sports Safety Specialist, a member of the Medical Fitness Network, and a preferred provider for US Figure Skating’s National Network of Sports Medicine.
Chris is the Founder and Owner of Compete Sports Performance & Rehab and sets the standard for Compete’s performance training and sports medicine programs. He is a recognized board-certified Athletic Trainer (NATA) and Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA) that possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of performance training and sports rehabilitation. Chris is also an Integrative Corrective Exercise Specialist, Certified Power Plate Trainer, certified Sports Safety Specialist, a member of the Medical Fitness Network, and a preferred provider for US Figure Skating’s National Network of Sports Medicine.
With more than 20 years of experience in professional sports, Chris has served as the Athletic Trainer for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim and the Washington Capitals in the National Hockey League, The Los Angeles Sol of the Women's Professional Soccer League, and has served as both the Head Athletic Trainer and Head Strength Coach for the Los Angeles Avengers of the Arena Football League. More recently, Chris has supervised the sports medicine and performance training programs for the Orange County Blues of the Men’s USL Pro League and Anaheim Bolts of the Professional Indoor Soccer League. Chris is also one of the Co-Founders for 90strong.com, a soccer performance training website where Chris frequently contributes his knowledge of sports medicine and strength & conditioning. He has written for High School Illustrated Magazine, Cali Rubber Magazine, OC Parenting, and Men’s Journal.
While working in the NHL, Chris’s proudest moment was being a member of the 2003 Stanley Cup Finalist, Mighty Ducks. He was also selected as the Head Athletic Trainer for the 2002 Men’s USA Hockey National Team that competed in Sweden. Throughout his career, Chris has worked with elite athletes including Alex Ovechkin, Teemu Selanne, Paul Kariya, JS Giguere, Joy Fawcett, Marta, Shannon Boxx, and Mariah Bell.
MIKE HANNEGAN
ATHLETIC TRAINER
Mike Hannegan comes to Compete following 15 years as an Athletic Trainer in the National Hockey League. An Orange County native, his resume includes over 17 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer in professional sports including over 1000 Professional Hockey games worked.
Mike Hannegan comes to Compete following 15 years as an Athletic Trainer in the National Hockey League. An Orange County native, his resume includes over 17 years of experience as a Certified Athletic Trainer in professional sports including over 1000 Professional Hockey games worked.
Hannegan received his B.S. in Movement and Exercise Science and Exercise Physiology from Chapman University and went on to complete his Masters of Science degree in Athletic Training from the California University of Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Athletic Trainer with the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with the National Strength Coaches Association, Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach, Corrective Exercise Specialist, and Performance Enhancement Specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
JENNA JANADI
GAMEDAY ATHLETIC TRAINER
Jenna is a certified athletic trainer and graduate of Plymouth State University, where she received her Master’s in Athletic Training. She attended Cal State University, Fullerton for undergrad, where she got her Bachelor’s in Kinesiology. Her primary responsibilities at Compete include serving as the Athletic Trainer at Capistrano Valley Christian School, the Ontario Avalanche Junior Hockey Team, and Socal Blues club soccer. Jenna also manages Athletic Training coverage of events.
MOÉ OKUDA
YOGA INSTRUCTOR
Moé Okuda is a professional figure skater, performer, and coach with 17+ years of skating experience and 8+ years of coaching experience. Moé is also a 5x Southwest Pacific Regional competitor and has earned the title of US Figure Skating Double Gold Medalist. Moé works with various athletes in the Inland Empire area, specializing in skating skills, edge work, on and off-ice conditioning, yoga, and dynamic stretch.
Yoga Instruction
Home sweet Home
Player Housing
Ontario Town Square Townhomes is the official home away from home of the Ontario Jr Reign athletes featuring an exclusive community and household amenities like walk-in closets, a fireplace, and granite countertops. Outside your front door, you’ll find a limitless opportunity for relaxing, socializing, and staying active. Enjoy their patio equipped with gas barbecues and outdoor eating areas, as well as their relaxing pool deck. The convenience continues with their state-of-the-art fitness center.
Conveniently located across the street from Ontario Center Ice Arena with easy access to the 10 freeway, Ontario Town Square Townhomes is just minutes away from Toyota Arena, Ontario International Airport, and Ontario Mills Mall, as well as all of the shopping, dining, and entertainment that downtown Ontario has to offer.
Billet Families
Families (Billet Families) who open their homes and hearts to Ontario Jr Reign student-athletes play a vital role in our success on and off the ice. Billet Families enable our athletes to pursue their dreams by providing them with a place to live and creating an environment where they can thrive physically, academically, and emotionally. Meanwhile, the essential values and principles to become a successful member of the Ontario Jr Reign will come from the rink, the home, school, and the community.
Testimonial
Junah Croteau
#9 Forward
Playing for the reign is about gaining experience as a player, but also growing up as a person. During a season, there are always highs and lows but the staff is always there to build on the positive and help the team achieve their maximum potential.
Leadership & Community
California Dreaming
Testimonial
Andrew Cervantes
#63 Defenceman
This year has been a roller coaster of emotions. Going from injury to injury I wasn't sure if I would have bounced back without the support of this organization. The coaches and teammates I met here are more than peers and elders, they became family. I look forward to the future of this team.
Exodus Escape Room
epic cycle
Christmas on Euclid
Alumni header
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Testimonial
James Palmer
#34 Goalie
The team, staff, and Coach Blumes have made the transition to a new team feel easy. I’m really excited to see what this team has in store for the future.
Testimonial
Nico Vazquez
#3 Forward
Playing for the reign was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me. The atmosphere of the team is amazing and the locker room was always energetic. The coaches are always pushing everyone to be the best version of themselves and it really helped the team grow and become better.
California Rubber Article
INAUGURAL USPHL SEASON FOR JR. REIGN BREEDS OPTIMISM, ENCOURAGEMENT FOR FUTURE
The Ontario Jr. Reign came into the USPHL at the start of the 2021-22 season with many question marks.
After going 19-23-2 and qualifying for the USPHL Pacific Division playoffs in their inaugural campaign, several of those questions were answered by the Jr. Reign over the course of the season.
“We came a long way this season,” said Ontario head coach Jeremy Blumes. “As a first-year club, we went from an expansion team prone to mental lapses to a hard-working, capable opponent, to the hottest team in a 64-team league down the stretch. After beating Fresno two of three games on the road, we had a very challenging schedule, and the final week of the season, we played five games in eight days and collected nine of 10 points, earning a playoff spot against the San Diego Sabers (with a 6-4 win), the team we were chasing on the final night. Come playoff time, we didn’t get the results we wanted, but I believe the foundation for success in the future has been paved.
“I was very proud of our efforts. The boys played, won races, finished checks, blocked shots, did all the little things to earn our way in. Along the way, we learned valuable lessons, that when we play the game the right way, the hard work pays off.”
When asked what players stood out to him the most, Blumes noted that “our first rule is that the team comes first.”
“I really believe our success was a result of everyone buying in – ‘we supersedes me,’” said Blumes. “That being said, our leadership group of our graduating 20-year-olds all elevated their level of play and led the way, both on and off the ice. Being a first-year team, it was critical that we found the right leaders, and looking back, I am certain we got the right guys with Jackson Wade, Junah Croteau, Aiden Szautner, and Brendan Bauer.”
Blumes was also impressed with the USPHL as a whole.
“The USPHL is a well-established league that offers players a clear path to advancement,” said Blumes. “I believe that we will see a handful of our players make the jump to a higher level next season. At the end of the day, player development, both on and off the ice, is what this all about. Transitioning to the USPHL, which plays by NCAA rules, meant an adjustment for players, coaches, and officials, but I think that by the end of the season, what fans enjoyed were fast, physical and extremely entertaining games.
“Naturally, with this being the first season of the Pacific Division in the USPHL, I think it’s important that we help educate the local hockey community that this is a strong option for player development.”
This season is complete for the Jr. Reign, the organization is already looking ahead to the 2022-23 season.
“I’m optimistic that we can build off of our second half,” Blumes said. “That being said, there is always a lot of turnover at this level, so it is critical that we identify and find talent going into next season.”
The Jr. Reign will be hosting tryout camps in the coming months to find players for next season – May 27-29 in Ontario, Calif., and June 3-5 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
To register for camp or learn more about the Jr. Reign program, visit www.ontariojrreign.com.
Top photo/Mike Zitek Photography; above photo/Mark Mauno
— Matt Mackinder