Gulls Sign Seventh Player, Right Wing Nichols

The San Diego Gulls of the International Hockey League announced Thursday the signing of Robbie Nichols, a 6-foot-1 free agent from Phoenix.

Nichols, 25, who played right wing for the IHL’s Roadrunners, became a free agent when the Los Angeles Kings became their parent club. In 69 games, he led the team with 25 goals, 25 assists and 265 penalty minutes.

Nichols is the seventh player signed by the Gulls, who open training camp Sept. 18.

COACHING

Rancho Bernardo High School filled its final three coaching positions in preparation for its September opening.

Don Jones will head the cross-country program. He coached girls’ cross-country at Monte Vista in 1984, and the Monarchs took third in the Grossmont League and seventh in the San Diego Section championships. He also assisted at Poway in 1985-86.

Joe Davalos will begin the water polo program. He coached the past three years at Bonita Vista High School and will continue to work as a social science teacher within the Sweetwater School District. He also coached at Monte Vista High.

Karen Zinzer was named the gymnastics coach and will be on campus as a physical education instructor. Zinzer coached at Glendale Junior College for 10 years, and her team once finished third in the community college national championships.