Coaches & Staff
Chris White
Head Coach / General Manager
Coach White is in his first year as Head Coach & GM of the Long Beach Bombers ice hockey team. He
has been involved in Southern California hockey since birth. His past coaching experience includes the
WSHL’s Jr. A Long Beach Bombers, and the Midget AAA u18 Long Beach Jr. Ice Dogs. As a local youth,
he played for the South Coast Sabres and the Los Angeles Jr. Kings. Coach White played four years of
New England Prep School Hockey at Cushing Academy in Ashburnham, Massachusetts. He then earned
a scholarship to attend Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. After four years of Division One
NCAA hockey, he had earned a spot on the college’s prestigious “100 Point Club” and played in an NCAA
National Championship Tournament. His offensive mindset, and special teams knowledge, will be key to the
Bombers success in 2011-2012. He will be focused on developing a winning culture within the organization.
Coach White currently lives in Belmont Shore, CA.
Blake Pickett
Associate Head Coach
Coach Pickett is in his first year as Associate Head Coach of the Long Beach Bombers ice hockey team.
Like Coach White, he is a local Southern California hockey product. In fact, the two were teammates from
the age of five up until college. After attending Cushing Academy, Coach Pickett earned a scholarship
to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He was known as a physical, shut-down
defenseman in his four years of Division One NCAA hockey. Immediately after college, he also had the
honor of playing in the ECHL for the Trenton Titans. His hard-nosed, defensive mentality will be a valuable
asset for the team this season. Coach Pickett currently lives in Huntington Beach, CA.
Thomas Watkins
Assistant Coach
Coach Watkins is in his first year as Assistant Coach of the Long Beach Bombers ice hockey team. His
coaching resume includes being an Associate Head Coach for the Midget AAA u18 Long Beach Jr. Ice
Dogs. He started his playing days in the Colorado Springs youth hockey program. He then played in the
North American Hockey League for the Danville Wings, and in the USHL for the Lincoln Stars. His abilities
earned him a scholarship to Quinnipiac University, where he teamed up with Coach White for four years of
Division One NCAA hockey. He was known as a fierce competitor, and a shutdown defenseman, which
earned him the honor of Assistant Captain his Senior year. Coach Watkins will bring a wealth of experience
and knowledge from his years of Jr. A hockey, and a defensive mentality to the Bombers. Coach Watkins
currently lives in Hermosa Beach, CA.
Seth Cardwell
Assistant Coach
Coach Cardwell is back for his second coaching stint with the Long Beach Bombers ice hockey team. He
was a stand-out defenseman for the team, during his playing career. The Bombers are honored to have
one of their own standing behind the bench for another season. His passion for the game will be welcomed,
again, by the entire organization. His experience of grinding through an entire WSHL season will be a
benefit to the Bombers team this year. Seth currently lives in Long Beach, CA.
Gary Hendricks
Executive Vice President COO / Member of the Board of Governors
Gary Hendricks returns this year for his 9th season as the Bombers Chief Operating Officer and Governor
to the Board of Directors of the WSHL. Gary’s leadership and knowledge of the junior hockey game has
been instrumental in the successful operation of the Bomber Hockey Group during his tenure as COO. Gary
represents the Bombers at all league meetings and serves the Board of Governors of the WSHL as the
longest seated member on the Board.
Laura Ellis
Assistant General Manager / Athletic Trainer
Assistant GM Laura Ellis returns for her 15th year with the Bombers. Laura acts as senior administrator for
the Bombers and coordinates all activities of the team with USA Hockey, the Junior Council, WSHL, and
team player contracts. Laura also is a member of the Board of Directors of the WSHL for 10 years. At
practices and games Laura is the Team Certified Athletic Trainer maintaining a healthy and physically fit
on and off ice team. Laura is known within the WSHL for her concern for all players health and safety. It
wouldn’t be another season of Bomber Hockey without Laura on the bench for games.
Ron White
President / CEO
Ron White has been with the Bomber Hockey Group for 12 years in the position of CEO. In addition to his
leadership duties with the Bombers, Ron also serves as the CEO/Chairman of the Board of the Western
States Hockey League for the last 11 years. Ron also has served on the Junior Council at USA Hockey for
10 years and as the Pacific District Coach in Chief for USA Hockey for 12 years. Ron’s knowledge of the
game as owner, coach, administrator continues to serve the Bombers.