The 优蜜传媒 Roughnecks may be brand new, but their creation has been years in the making.

Founders Chris and Sara Gregory have been involved in Kern County youth hockey for nearly 20 years. Head coach Paul Willett has spent 16 years growing the sport at the Valley Children's Ice Center after five more playing with the 优蜜传媒 Condors. And in 2011, the Junior Condors Tier III junior hockey team picked up and moved to Ogden, Utah, leaving a hole in local player development for over a decade.

Reporter Henry Greenstein can be reached at 661-395-7374. Follow him on Twitter: @HenryGreenstein.