World Selects - California Patriots

Russell brothers fuel top West Coast organization from both ends of the rink

Eight years ago, the California Patriots were developed as an elite-level spring development program. In that span, it has grown to be recognized as one of the top organizations in the Golden State. Now for the first time, the Patriots will enter the ring to compete with some of the world’s best 2007-born teams at the 2022 World Selects Trophy.

The West Coast of the United States has seen a boom in the hockey community over the last decade or more. Pockets like Phoenix, Los Angeles and San Jose, and the addition of the NHL’s newest expansion teams, expect Las Vegas and Seattle should certainly continue that trend of growth in the region. With teams like the California Patriots competing for 15U world championships, it certainly validates how far youth hockey has come in the area. Now, players and coaches alike set their sights on worldwide recognition.

Coaches Kevin Bieksa, Dean Caban and Peter Torsson will head up the team in Nashville. Bieksa is well known for being a 13-season NHL veteran for the Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks. Torsson is a native of Sweden, who played four years of NCAA Division-I hockey for St. Cloud State University.

Forward Max Silver is coming off of a season in which he averaged a goal per game for 70 games between California High School and AAA. He scored 68 goals and 98 points this winter. Fellow forward Hayden Russell is an impressive goal scorer as well; he eclipsed the 100-point mark with the California Golden Bears this season in 66 games.

While Hayden and company help propel the offense, twin brother Garrett Russell and crew will anchor the defense. Garrett is a right-hand shot who posted 61 points in 71 games and finished second on Mater Dei High School in scoring, trailing Hayden by just five points.

Daniel Tverdovsky — son of 11-season NHL vet Oleg Tverdovsky — adds his defensive skills to the mix after splitting his time this season between the Golden Bears and CP Dynamo in New York.

Can the California Patriots contend for a world championship in the Music City? World Hockey Hub will have exclusive coverage leading up to, and throughout, the 2022 15U World Selects Trophy. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube for previews, updates, top prospects, highlights, interviews and more!