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The WPH CA Next Gen Icebreaker: SoCal vs. NorCal Doubles Showdown Recap

WPH Press

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

DV: David Vincent formed the World Players of Handball in 2005 and ushered live handball viewing into our living rooms for the first time. Since its inception, the World Players of Handball has broadcast over 1,500 matches live. Dave Vincent serves as the lead play-by-play announcer for virtually all matches, combining his unique perspective and personality with a lifetime of handball experience. DV brings 25 years of broadcast radio experience (in Oregon and California) to World Players of Handball & ESPN broadcasts and provides professionalism and wit to the amazing game of handball. DV also serves as the Executive Director of the World Player of Handball at the WPH headquarters in Tucson, AZ, working daily to grow the game of handball through innovation.
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