A defenseman, who made his NHL debut in March, expresses his desire to play against the Los Angeles Kings, stating that it would fulfill a lifelong dream.
Jack St. Ivany, hailing from Manhattan Beach, has embarked on a mission to challenge the notion that the South Bay isn’t a breeding ground for hockey talent. His journey to the NHL began when he debuted with the Pittsburgh Penguins on March 22 against the Dallas Stars, marking him as one of the few NHL players from Southern California to have played high school hockey in the area.
St. Ivany’s achievement has brought pride to his friends and family, particularly those from Mira Costa High School, where he became the first Mustangs hockey player to reach the NHL since Brian Salcido in 2009.
Despite Southern California’s burgeoning youth hockey system, which includes leagues like the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League and the Los Angeles Kings High School Hockey League, St. Ivany’s Mira Costa hockey program, established in 2000, operates independently in the spring and is not affiliated with these leagues.
St. Ivany’s talent was evident from a young age, winning the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament at age 12. His coach at the time, Shawn Pitcher, recognized his exceptional skills and composure on the ice.
Unlike many elite players who typically leave the area for more established hockey regions during high school, St. Ivany chose to stay, continuing to play for the Jr. Kings while representing Mira Costa.
According to his former coach Trevor Oystrick, St. Ivany’s presence on the team contributed to a diverse range of skill levels among players, fostering camaraderie and a positive team environment.
St. Ivany’s mother, Tricia, highlights the benefits of high school hockey as a less competitive environment where players can enjoy the game and explore new aspects of their play.
Reflecting on his high school experience, St. Ivany fondly recalls a championship game against Beverly Hills High, where he had the opportunity to compete against former club teammates with his Mira Costa friends.
St. Ivany believes in the potential to further develop hockey in Southern California, expressing a desire to contribute to the growth of youth programs and envisioning the involvement of local universities like UCLA and USC in NCAA hockey.
Following his tenure at Mira Costa, St. Ivany pursued his hockey career further, playing junior hockey for the Sioux Falls Stampede in South Dakota before being drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2018 NHL draft.
After completing his college career, St. Ivany embarked on his professional journey, signing with the Penguins in 2022 and making his NHL debut in March 2024.
Looking ahead, St. Ivany hopes to return to the Penguins’ roster by the time they face the Los Angeles Kings, an opportunity that would hold significant meaning for him and those who supported him throughout his journey.
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