Junior hockey makes big impact

     By W.G. Ramirez
     View staff writer
      Local ice hockey fans are undoubtedly familiar with the Las Vegas Thunder.
      However, some may be interested in learning about a pair of competitive teams creating a storm of their own on the local scene.
      The Nevada Gamblers and Las Vegas Blackjacks are members of the eight-team Western States Junior B Hockey League, and according to their respective coaches, provide as much excitement as their local counterparts.
      "Junior B hockey is basically to get them up one level or on to the college level," said Gamblers coach Dave Laux. "Junior B is hockey's stepping stone, but there is plenty of excitement when the players hit the ice."
      Said Blackjacks coach Brian O'Neill: "An avid hockey fan might find it as exciting as a Thunder game, but at the same time, it's a different type of game.
      "It is a stepping stone, but the caliber of hockey with the Gamblers and Blackjacks can be quite exciting."
      For about 35 hockey players, it's a chance to improve their skills on their way to the next level -- Junior A hockey, collegiate hockey and eventually the pros.
      Junior hockey, available to players between the ages of 16 and 20, prepares players for career advancement in either college or the pros.
      "Everybody is always learning, even the pros," Laux said. "But it's not just about learning skills and fundamentals, but also the play of junior hockey. Being able to pull players from all over the continent has been the best thing. Developing a team camaraderie and pulling it together."
      Both the Gamblers and Blackjacks consist of players from across the United States and Canada, but have found a home here, for now.
      Although Southern Nevada isn't necessarily a hotbed for ice hockey talent, both Laux and O'Neill said it's the experience their players are receiving that is essential.
      "The reality for most of these guys is they're playing in a league they have an opportunity to develop themselves within, regardless of the city," O'Neill said. "As long as you feel your coach will develop you and do his best job to promote you to the next level.
      "I have a lot of contacts and I'm gaining more every day. The players have to put their trust in me to do my job, and I have to put my trust in them to do their job."
      Jobs is more like it, as many of the players maintain part-time jobs to pay for their everyday bills.
      While Junior A hockey players are compensated for their play, Junior B players have to pay to play.
      "A lot of these guys work nights to play, others are up early in the morning," Laux said. "They're basically living two lives. They have to work, pay rent, living expenses and hockey fees."
      Some are still in high school.
      Bryan McLaughlin, who has been playing ice hockey for seven years, is a senior at Cimarron-Memorial High School and has long-term goals of furthering his career.
      "It's busy. My schedule doesn't allow for much free time," said McLaughlin, a 6-foot defenseman and forward for the Gamblers. "It's been a lot of fun, though, and it's a good experience."
      Although his sights are set on a Division I college scholarship, McLaughlin said he is "not really thinking that far ahead."
      "I'm just trying to do the best I can this year," he said.
      Which most of the players are doing, including a pair of Canadians who are among the scoring leaders in the Western States Hockey League.
      "Looking at the big picture, we've been given an opportunity, and if anything, it's been an opportunity to grow as a person and experience new things," said Billy Osipenko, of Foleyet, Ontario. "I didn't know what to expect coming down here. As far as I'm concerned, I'm looking to get to college. My main goal is a scholarship."
      Through Nov. 2, Osipenko was third in the league with 40 points.
      Paul Veillette, of Timmins, Ontario, said he has already begun correspondence with several schools, including Lake Superior State, Notre Dame and the University of Massachusetts.
      Despite his dream to move on to the pros, Veillette said he definitely will pursue his college career, while getting his education out of the way.
      "If I get injured, then what?" said Veillette, who was sixth in the league with 33 points. "I'd like to have an education to fall back on."
      O'Neill, who has been involved with Junior B hockey for more than seven years, said the next level from Junior B is Junior A and it is tough to earn a college scholarship right away.