The WPH is thrilled to present the CA Next Gen Icebreaker, featuring four of the top 20-something stars in the sport. Northern Californians Loren Collado and Erik Torres and Southern Californians Dylan Hernandez and Ricardo Palma traveled from the Golden State to the Grand Canyon State and Tucson’s Clark Park to battle for the second WPH Icebreaker crown.
The WPH CA Next Gen Icebreaker was played with all of the CDC protocols in place, as the players were socially distanced from one another and the WPH staff, the park was closed to the public, and all non-playing participants and staff wore masks throughout the event.
“We want to show people that we could safely hold an event with all of the COVID protocols in place,” stated WPH Executive Director David Vincent. “We closed the park, had the referee wearing a mask, and had the limited number of fans social distance in masks, while ensuring the players were distanced as much as possible.”
Meet the four CA Icebreaker Next Gen Stars
Dylan Hernandez HERE
Erik Torres HERE
Ricardo Palma HERE
Loren Collado HERE
NOTE: TO WATCH ALL MATCHES FROM THIS EVENT IN THEIR ENTIRETY, PLEASE GO TO PATREON.COM/WPHLIVE AND BECOME A PLEDGE SUPPORTER (This video will be available to WPH members within two weeks)
SoCal vs. NorCal Icebreaker Doubles Showdown: Hernandez/Palma vs. Collado/Torres Full Recap
The four CA superstars were extremely motivated for the SoCal vs. NorCal Showdown, as the LAAC’s Hernandez and Palma faced the Olympic Club’s Collado and Torres. “At least I have the doubles,” lamented Collado after losing both of his Icebreaker singles matches.
Team SoCal dominated the action in the early-goings, building a 15-8 lead by rising Palma’s hit front court play and Hernandez’s steady play from the back court. Appearing dejected, Team NorCal mounted a furious rally to take a 16-15 lead. Team SoCal would not be denied, as a quick side out and a string of Palma and Hernandez kills clinched the title for the Southern Californians. With the doubles win, Hernandez became the first to win the Icebreaker Slam.
Final: Team SoCal (Palma/Hernandez) def Team NorCal (Collado/Torres): 21-16
Thank you to the four players for participating in the second WPH Icebreaker, and thank you to the WPH staff and board of directors for enabling handball to be played safely during this pandemic.
David Fink
WPH Senior Writer