NJ to SoCal, I don't know if you've found a team yet but, contrary to another's assessment, several players make the commute from San Clemente and Laguna Beach area to OCHC in Yorba Linda and haven't died yet. You might be able to do a carpool like Transplant mentioned. The 241 toll road is a must and makes it not a bad drive. OCHC is forming 2 PW AA teams so choices. Saints is also close for you. I don't know the coaching there, but they have some good players. If you're good with PW A, Gold Rush Hockey Club just formed and will be out of Lake Forest. No AA or playoffs, as they just formed. They have some talented kids from their tournament teams, so should be a good core and good coaching. JD are a good club, but they usually practice in Anaheim or Westminster. Don't buy into any promises of their practicing in South County until they build the 4-sheet facility. Laddy Kohn is the only option for PW AA from them, and he makes the drive from San Clemente to Anaheim/Westminster to coach. JDs other team PW AA team is an 07 team. Wave is a good club, but it will be a drive for you and no AA this year. The 405 and 5 fwys are tough, to put it mildly, and required to get to Artesia Wave or Lakewood Ice.
I wouldn't recommend venturing further than that until you get a feel for the daily commute hell. But it just depends on how much time you want to spend on the fwy. I think all would agree all of the clubs mentioned would be fine for your player's development. You might want to tweak your changes the following season, as you become familiar with the area and programs. Welcome to SoCal. Good luck.