Oakland Bears News - The Final Issue... of 2024

December 2024 - Issue 20

Author

Jason Dearborn
December 12, 2024

It’s not really the final final issue. Just the last issue of the year. Made you look, didn’t I?

We’re heading into the holiday season. It’s crazy to me to think that it’s already December, which means we’re past the halfway mark of the season for many teams. January brings MLK tournaments and lots of travel. I don’t know how I’m going to get another newsletter out on schedule in January but I’ll certainly try.

There are lots of video clips this month. Instead of putting them all in one place, you can find them throughout this issue. Enjoy! In fact, here’s the first one, featuring a cameo by yours truly.

Videography is dangerous work!

Later this month is the Bears Holiday Skate and Jordan Kocian Memorial Tournament. More on that below, so keep reading.

2024 Silver Stick Regional 10B Champs!

Remembering Jordan H. Kocian 🎅🦌🏒 

Imagine a hockey tournament where reindeer ears are just as important as hockey sticks, and where the fun of playing matters more than the score. This is the magic of the Jordan Kocian Memorial Tournament, a fun New Year's event that celebrates both community and hope.

Hosted annually at Oakland Ice Center by Lois and Craig Kocian, the tournament honors the memory of their son, Jordan. A promising young hockey player, Jordan tragically passed away at 20 due to Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome. Craig Kocian, former Oakland City Manager, and Lois Kocian host this event to celebrate youth hockey, filled with love, remembrance, and an incredible spirit.

On December 31st, youth players of all ages take to the ice in a unique tournament. Teams play 3-on-3 cross-ice games, with younger groups starting earlier in the day. The best part is that the tournament throws traditional competition out the window. Kids are encouraged to get creative—think silly team names, playful jerseys or costumes, and moments that make everyone smile.

It's a day where goalies might take face-offs or players might wear reindeer ears or be adorned with Christmas lights. It’s not about winning—it’s about bringing families together and keeping Jordan's memory alive.

The Jordan Kocian tournament proves that sometimes the most important moments in sports have nothing to do with keeping score—and everything to do with making memories.

Put together your team and sign up today!

  • NORCAL Travel Schedule - Schedules and standings for every NORCAL Travel Team 🏒🗓️

  • CAHA Tier Hockey Schedule - Honestly, if your kid plays tier you probably don’t need this newsletter to tell you where the schedule is. 🙃🗓️

  • Sharks High School Hockey Schedule - Schedules and standings for SHSHL teams. 🦈🗓️

  • MyHockeyRankings - See how your team is ranked nationally. Useful when facing out of state teams or for local bragging rights. Fun to track when the team is doing well. Best to ignore during bad seasons. 🤓📋

  • NORCAL Suspension List - Who’s on Santa’s Naughty List 👹📋

Bears Holiday Skate 2024

Bears Holiday Skate - December 20th - 5:30pm

The Oakland Bears Holiday skate is coming up on Friday December 20th at 5:30pm. This is a family event open to youth hockey players and families. It’s a fun opportunity for Mom, Dad, and the whole family to get on the ice. The rink will provide pizza but encourages families to bring drinks, snacks, and other food items to share.

Oakland Bears Team Updates 🐻🏆

  • Bears 18AA had a light schedule in November, but performed well in their three scheduled games. The November CAHA weekend in Vacaville resulted in a 2-1 record. However, last weekend's CAHA games in San Jose saw them facing tougher competition, including the league-leading Jr Anaheim Ducks. This time, they finished with an 0-2-1 result. This weekend the team faces off against the Blackhawks in a critical push for the last remaining playoff spot. Every game counts right now. Come support the team this Saturday in Oakland at 5:45pm.

  • The Bears 16AA team traveled to Massachusetts last month for a weekend of NAPHL games, where they went 2-2 and currently stand in 8th place out of 26—pretty solid! However, their recent CAHA weekend in San Jose wasn’t as successful, ending with an 0-4 result. Despite keeping the games close and avoiding any blowout losses, the Bears couldn’t outscore their competition to secure a win. This is a season of growing pains for the 16U boys as they learn how officiating and competition differs from east coast to west.

  • Bears 14B played great at Silver Stick with a smaller than normal roster. They went 3-1-0 over the weekend which unfortunately wasn’t good enough to make it to the Regional final. The team is currently tied for 2nd place in their NORCAL division. The final stretch is against tough teams so every point matters in the hunt for a playoff spot.

  • The Bears 12AA remain in second place behind only the Jr. Sharks 12AA-1. Their record improved to 5-2-1. Still sitting behind those pesky Sharks in the standings.

  • Bears 12B slipped a little in the past month with a 4-5-0 record, remaining in 4th place.

  • Bears 10B continue their undefeated streak with a 8-0-1 record. They also went undefeated (3-0-1) in the Silver Stick Tournament to clinch the regional championship. The team advances to the 10B International Final in Pelham, Ontario on January 9th.

  • The East Bay Bears Varsity High School team previously sat one point behind the first place Sabercats but now trail by 5 points. The 3rd place Colts are suddenly within striking distance of the 2nd place Bears. The Bears Varsity record is 5-2-1. Can they hold on to second place?

  • The East Bay Bears JV-C high school team has also struggled to maintain momentum last month. Now tied with a rapidly advancing Tri-Valley team, will they be able to improve on their 6-3-0 record this month?

Pop Quiz - What is the 24 Hour Rule?

Holiday Gift Guide for Hockey Players

Last minute gift ideas and stocking stuffers for the hockey lover in your family.

Stick Handling and Shooting

Toys and Accessories

Tips, Feedback and Submissions 📢

I need your help!

Got a tip? Did I miss something? Something you’d like to see in next month’s issue? Let me know!