California Dreamin'
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In April 1970 Dick Ernst, Cranston East assistant coach, and Ray Ruggieri, former 'Bolt star goalie and president of the Cranston East Hockey Alumni Association, helped organize a team of high school stars (under 20 years old) to compete in the Sunset Invitational Tournament in Los Angeles, California. The invitation was extended by the Santa Monica Hockey Club, sponsors of the tournament. The Cranston Junior Reds wore uniforms loaned by the R.I. Reds. They won their opening game 5-3 over West Valley-Van Nuys All-Stars on Doug Smith's 2 goals. The Reds were upended 8-6 by the San Diego All-Stars (with 205 lb. future Boston Bruin Peter McNabb) and 2-1 by Springfield Western Massachusetts All-Stars in the next two games. They got back on track with a 2-0 win over the Los Angeles All-Stars. San Diego knocked off the Reds again 4-1 before the Reds bounced Los Angeles again 4-2 on an Ashley Atherton third period winner to finish the tour 3-3. Otto Tingley led all scorers with 10 assists while Dave Poole and Phil Youngelaus had 6 goals each.
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