MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Five Marines from the MCAGCC Bulldogs were recently selected as all-stars in the Big League Dreams Winter In-line Hockey League at the Big League Dreams Sports Park in Cathedral City, Calif.
Darin Barnett, goalie, Jon LaRose, forward, Tommy Jacquemin, forward, Billy Powell, defense, and Ken Jordan, defense, were selected from a talented roster of Bulldogs to represent the team in the all-star skills competition and all-star game.
"It is an honor to be selected from a team with so much talent," said Barnett. "I'm sure it was a tough decision, but I am more than happy to step up and represent the Bulldogs in the all-star game."
The coach of each team selects which players from their team will participate in the all-star game, according to LaRose. The league usually allots each team between two and four slots. The coach of the Bulldogs was given the opportunity to send two offensive players, two defensive players and a goalie to the all-star game.
"We have a lot of good players, but the decision wasn't too difficult," said Jeff Hanson, coach for the Bulldogs. "The players who really performed in practice and in games were pretty clear."
This all-star selection is especially important to two of these Marines because it is the last season they will play with the Bulldogs. Jordan will be leaving Twentynine Palms before the end of this season, and LaRose will be leaving after the season.
"I think this is a great way to finish out here at Twentynine Palms," said LaRose. "I have played with some great players and had a lot of fun with the Bulldogs. I'm excited to be going out on a good note."
The all-star game is scheduled for April 11 at the Big League Dreams Sports Park. The skills competition begins at 7 p.m., and the all-star game begins at 8:30 p.m.
The Bulldogs have five more games left this season before the playoffs begin, and they are looking strong going in to these final weeks, according to Hanson.
"We looked good last week and we have picked up a couple players who are going to help us a lot," said Hanson. "It is very possible we could win the whole thing."
"The top four teams in the league go to the playoffs and we'll be there," said LaRose. "Playing in the all-star game is an honor, but I really want the league championship to be my final memory of hockey at (MCAGCC)."
The Bulldogs play every Wednesday night at the sports park, and would like to have some Combat Center support.
"There are only five more games left before the playoffs and we would love to have some fan support from the base. Come down and cheer us on while we represent MCAGCC and win some games," said Barnett.