The Connecticut Junior Wolfpack

Wolfpack Main Camp

admin — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 06:08:19 +0000

Here is a possible schedule for April 12-14. An updated schedule will be mailed to each registered player within 4 days of the start of camp. There will be no schedule/team changes made after April 2nd.

April 12th Friday

3:00pm Teams 1 + 2 (Check in 2pm)

4:00pm Teams 3 + 4 (Check in 3pm)

5:00pm Teams 5 + 6 (Check in 4pm)

6:00pm Teams 7 + 8 (Check in 5pm)

7:00pm Goalie Session Team 5-8

April 13th Saturday

9:00am Team 1 v 2

10:00 Team 3 v 4

11:00 Team 5 v 6

12:00 Goalie Session Team 1-4

2:00 Team 7 v 8

3:00 Goalie Session 5-8

4:00 Team 1 v 3

5:00 Team 2 v 4

6:00 Team 5 v 7

7:00 Team 6 v 8

April 14th Sunday

9:00am Goalie Session 1-4

10:00 Team 1 v 8

11:00 Team 2 v 7

11:00 Team 3 v 6

12:00 Team 4 v 5

Notes:

*Pre Registered players will receive an email by April 9th with their team number and itinerary.

*All Walk-Up players please sign in Friday by 4pm. We recommend all players to pre register by mailing in payment and Main Camp application.

*On Sunday after each players final game their will be a list posted on the Jr A Wolfpack Locker Room door in the lower rink and those players will need to meet with the Jr Wolfpack Coaching Staff.

Thank you and good luck. Jr Wolfpack Hockey, come make some noise with the Big Boys!!!

WOLVERINES SPLIT SEASON U18 FORMED BY JR WOLFPACK HOCKEY GROUP

admin — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 05:03:38 +0000

The CT Jr Wolfpack Hockey team will now be adding a split season U18 option for players in the CT area who need an option before prep school or high school hockey begins. The CT Wolverines U18 will be managed by Chris Cerrella the Head Coach of the Wolfpack Junior Teams and will be Coached by Ciro Longobardi a former Div I player(UConn) and minor pro player. The Wolverines will skate out of Champions Arena in Cromwell, CT and will play a 16 game schedule (plus 1 tournament) with one practice per week and one team training session per week with Certified Strength Coach Neil Breen. “The Wolverines were formed to give players in the area an opportunity to stay on the ice in a competitive atmosphere before the start of their full season team whether it be Prep or High School. The team will have very good coaching and off ice training and will play a competitive schedule. This is a great opportunity for players to prepare for their season,” said Chris Cerrella. The Jr Wolpack is part of the AJHL, MJHL, AYHL U16 (Full Season) and will now host a Split Season U18 team. This will now make the Junior Wolfpack the only organization in CT to provide players with all options for their hockey career. For more information please email Chris Cerrella Ccerrella@ctwolfpack.org. We will have a link up in the next few days, please continue to check out www,ctwolfpack.org for more updates.

Wolfpack Bites: Frank Butler

admin — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 01:23:58 +0000

What is the biggest difference between Junior Hockey and College Hockey?
The biggest difference between Junior and College hockey is definitely the intensity of the games. Everyone is always going all out every shift. You can’t take any shifts or games off because 1 mistake can really cost you at this level. Another difference is the reaction time and speed of the games. You don’t have as much time in College to make plays because guys are right on you.

How hard do you have to prepare in the off-season to play in the ECAC Northeast?
There really is no off-season anymore. Immediately after the season I am in the gym training to get better in every way I can, whether it be my strength or my endurance. You need to be in top notch shape in order to play at the next level. College is a whole different level compared to Junior’s.

What can you say about your experience with the Jr Wolfpack over the last 2 seasons?
Playing for the Jr Wolfpack was the best decision I could have ever made for my hockey career. I had the time of my life and it really developed me into the player I am today. Coach Cerrella and the entire Wolfpack staff really are the best at what they do with getting players into College. They teach you the hard work on and off the ice that helps prepare you for College and I am very grateful I had the chance to experience playing with the Jr Wolfpack.

How did it help you prepare to play at Nichols?
The competition level day in and day out with the Jr Wolfpack is what really helped. In College you are competing every day to be in the lineup and the Jr Wolfpack has the same mentality, the best players are going to play and it’s the same way at the next level. The practices and workouts were very similar to College so it was a very easy transition for me and I felt like I was a step ahead of the other freshman having been well prepared.

What is your experience like so far at Nichols?
My experience at Nichols has been great so far. The hockey is great and I really enjoy it and am grateful I have the chance to play at this level. The team and I individually both had a great season. I played in all the games and I feel like I was well prepared by the Jr Wolfpack which is why I achieved this. It is tough adjusting to the school work at first but once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier.

What was your favorite Wolfpack memory?
My favorite memory with the Jr Wolfpack would have to be just going to the rink everyday seeing the guys. You really create friendships with those guys that will last a life time. I enjoyed every minute spent with the Wolfpack and wouldn’t trade it for anything. Best time of my life.

AJHL SEASON COMES TO END FOR JR A WOLFPACK

admin — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 14:08:07 +0000

The Jr Wolfpack season has come to an end with a tragic 3-2 loss in game 2 of the semi final round of the AJHL playoffs. Although the loss was tough to swallow as the game winning goal was scored with :10 seconds left after a mystery too many men on the ice was called by the referee putting the team down 5-4 for the last minute of the game. This was not the way the Jr. Wolfpack players or coaching staff envisioned their season coming to an end. “Some times you get the breaks and sometimes you don’t. I have not seen a call like that in my 7 years coaching in the AJHL and it definitely made the loss that much harder for the boys, but hey you can not dwell on that we had a tremendous season,” said Chris Cerrella. The team has all the resources for players to develop and get ready for the college level both on and off the ice. There is no one more proud of their program success than the teams co-owner “I would like to say on behalf of the Wolfpack organization, a great season by all 3 of our teams in the AJHL, MJHL and Full Season Midget U16. I am so proud of the dedication and work ethic of all our players. This years players, coaches and parents brought a code of excellence in hockey named “the CT Jr. Wolfpack”, said Dan McCarthy. This seasons team has placed 12 players to college hockey making it the 5th straight season that the organization placed more than 10 players to the college level making the Jr Wolfpack one of the top paths to college hockey. Players from all over the country have recognized the organizations success at college placements and has made the team one of the most attractable places to play junior hockey on the East Coast. “Dan McCarthy and Chris Cerrella and their staff have again exceeded expectations and results for their student athletes. I am so proud of the effort they put into the college placements and on ice development of our players. We are again the number one placement program on the East Coast. Chris and Dan are by far the best in the business and the kids are a joy to have as part of our family here is Hartford,” said Co Owner Bob Crawford. With the season finally coming to an end the Jr. Wolfpack is getting prepared for their 2013-14 Main Camp this April. For more information please email Head Coach/GM Chris Cerrella ccerrella@ctwolfpack.org.

Wolfpack Alumni Turns Pro

admin — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 21:25:51 +0000

The Ct Jr Wolfpack is proud to announce the 2008-09 alumni Mike Lysyj has signed with the Orlando Solar Bears in the ECHL. Orlando is the “AA” affiliate for the Minnesota Wild of the NHL. Lysyj played his college hockey with Suny Cortland in the SUNYAC Div 3 hockey conference and was one of the teams top scorers. We wish Mike the best of luck in the future and we are very proud that he was part of our program.

On to the Semis

admin — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 04:56:52 +0000

A new season and the same team but this time a different result for the Jr Wolfpack AJHL team this season. After finishing 3rd in the AJHL and securing home ice in the first round the Jr Wolfpack squared off against the NY Bobcats a team who has haunted the Pack the last few seasons in the playoffs, however this time it was the Jr Wolfpack who broke out the broom for the series sweep. In game one the two teams battled through 60 minutes of up and down hockey rookie forward Ryan Kangas tipped in a point shot from James Hyatt to seal an impressive 4-3 OT winner. Gene Lane (Babson ’13) stopped 36 shots on the night and conitnued to bring W’s to the Wolfpack locker room. In game 2 the teams once again battled through two periods with with the scored tied at 2. But veteran forwards Joe Quintana and Vincent Caligiuri scored two goals within 2 minutes of each other to give the Pack the lead for good and a first round sweep of the Bobcats. Once again veteran goalie Gene Lane stopped 35 shots and secured a path to the semi final round. “The first round was a battle I think this series was the tightest series and consisted of two very good teams. It was 124 minutes of intense, hard hitting puck moving hockey games, the games could of went either way. We were fortunate to come out of it with 2 straight wins but we will take it. We are excited and ready for round 2 and all that matters at this point in the season is a WIN,” said Chris Cerrella. Come down and check out the Semi Final round this weekend March 9-11th at Champions Arena, your home of the CT Jr Wolfpack.

Semi Final Round vs Wilkes Barre Knights
All games will be played at Champions Arena

Saturday 2:45PM
Sunday 11:30AM
Monday 2:30PM *if necessary

Wolfpack U16 Finishes a Competitive Season

admin — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 05:26:42 +0000

The 2012-2013 Midget U16 Jr Wolfpack finished up their season this last weekend. The Wolfpack Organization is excited about the growth and development of their Midget Program and looking forward to their debut season in the AYHL. The U16 Pack finishing their season a competitive 14-17- 5. ” Our goal this year was to be competitive, and in a way set a path for more success in the future. We wanted to establish ourselves this year, figure out where we belong, and build from there.” Said Coach Breen of the Jr Wolfpack. “Our schedule was diverse this season, we played a large number of games against excellent teams throughout the North East and competed every night.”

The Pack most recently were finalist at the Rochester Presidential Power-Play Tournament. Losing the final game to a AAA tier 1 team from Ontario Canada in a competitive match. “It was a good test, and excellent gauge for us heading into next season,” Said Breen. “AAA hockey in Canada is about as good as it gets at the midget level. Being competitive with a team like that is great, but also shows us where we need to improve by the fall. We are very excited about the caliber of players we have coming in for tryout camp, and quite happy with our veteran players from this season… this is always a good situation to be in.”

The Jr. Wolfpack U16 season ends March 9th in Westchester, NY against the Vipers. The Jr. Wolfpack main camp tryouts will be held at Champions Arena in Cromwell on April 12-15th. Current number one ranked Quinnipiac University Hall of Fame recipient and all time career points leader, Chris Cerrella, Head Coach and GM of the Cromwell organization along with Assistant coach Neil Breen, also a QU Hall of Fame athlete, will be on the ice and in the stands selecting the best talent from around the country for the 2013-2014 season.
Take pride in the Pack, and check out our website www.ctwolfpack.org!

admin — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 04:14:05 +0000

The Ct Jr Wolfpack has continued to show why they are one of the best organizations for inspiring student athletes. With their full time coaching staff, full time goalie coach and full time team strength coach the Jr Wolfpack has been able to consistently produce competitive Junior Hockey teams in the AJHL and MJHL. Making them one of the top Tier III Junior hockey organizations in the country
This season the AJHL Wolfpack finished with an impressive 28-13-2-1 record good for 3rd place and has placed 11 players into the college hockey world with a few more players close to committing. This would be the 5th consecutive season that their AJHL team has placed 10 plus players into college hockey from their roster making them one of the top paths to college hockey on the East Coast.
The 2012-13 season was a good one for the Jr. Wolfpack MJHL development team. The team finished 23-11-0-3 and finished 3rd in the entire MJHL in goals against out of 18 teams. They saw 3 players 1996 Machlan Sawden, 1994 Connor Jones and 1994 Tyler Hines each play games at the AJHL level as they continue to develop players from within their own organization. For this organization player development and college placement have gone hand and hand and have been a key to their success.

Wolfpack Bites: Steve Carlette

admin — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 01:39:45 +0000

The Jr Wolfpack was able to catch up with former Captain Stephen Carlette. Carlette lead the Jr Wolfpack to two playoff appearances before heading off to Elmira College in the ECAC West Div III conference.

What is the biggest difference between Junior and College hockey?

The biggest difference between Juniors and College for me would have to be the time and space you have on the ice. Playing for Elmira you don’t have the time to skate around deciding where is the best place to move the puck. You have to be very quick with your decisions or else there will be someone all over you in a second trying to put you through the glass.

How hard do you have to prepare in the off-season to play in the ECAC West?

The off-season was very important to making it in the ECAC West. Early in the summer we were sent a training packet with workouts to help us train, as well as tests that would take place upon arrival. Following these packets was extremely important, without them I would have been no where near in shape for what was ahead. When training began during tryouts the tests were all able to show who had been doing their work and who did not. I have never played with players of this caliber before; everyone’s skills and stamina were a step above me forcing me to continue to push even harder to compete at their level.

What can you say about your experience with the Jr Wolfpack over the last 2 seasons?

With out my time spent with the Jr. Wolfpack I would not be where I am today with hockey. The offered me every opportunity to grow as a player both on and off the ice. Coach Cerrella and Dan McCarthy pushed me through thick and thin whether I had troubles on or off the ice he was always there to help. Without the Jr. Wolfpack I would not be anywhere close to the player I am today. My experience with this team will always be remembered.

How did it help you prepare to play at Elmira?

The hard work ethic I developed grinding in the corners for Coach Cerrella help me tremendously for earning a spot in the line up for the Soaring Eagles. I may not be the most skilled guy on the ice, but I give 100 percent every shift that I get. This work ethic that I developed made it one step easier to step up to the next level since I had one less thing to work on. This left more time to work on adjustments in other aspects of my game.

What is your experience like so far at Elmira?

So far Elmira College has been a great experience. The guys on the team, our facility, and all of the staff are amazing. I would only have one complaint about the work, but its college, that’s college. I have never played in front of much of a crowd before, but our fan base whether it be the towns people or the students is fantastic. Coming out to a building packed with screaming fans really adds a lot more to the game. I am looking forward to hopefully a great four years here.

What was your favorite Wolfpack memory?

My favorite Wolfpack memory would have to be the Outdoor game at Uconn’s football stadium. Playing on an outdoor rink was something that not many can say they have done. It was definitely the coldest rink I have ever played in, but we all had an amazing time.

2013-14 Main Camp Announced

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:19:53 +0000

Click here for info