The Connecticut Junior Wolf Pack organization has been busy this preseason!! This weekend they hosted the 6th annual McGraw Midget Tournament, along with that they are celebrating their 10 year anniversary and have also announced the inaugural season of the Junior Wolf Pack U-16 full year team. Based in Cromwell, Connecticut, the U-16 Team is ready to embark on its first season of Midget developmental hockey and will play their home games at Champions Ice Center. The team was formed to provide alternative opportunities for serious hockey players who are interested in pursuing Junior Hockey. The team is coached by former Quinnipiac standout Neil Breen and long time youth hockey coach and enthusiast, Craig Millard. The team conducted tryouts at Champions Skating center last April in conjunction with the Jr. Wolf Pack program. The players participated in skills sessions and games with Jr. Wolf Pack A and B players. The three day session provided a measuring stick for all those players who have the desire and passion to pursue Jr. Hockey. “This is a great opportunity for Midget U16 age players to play something other than local HS hockey and begin to form their path to college hockey. We are excited about the addition to our program it makes us better,” said Chris Cerrella. This year’s roster U-16 consists of players from Connecticut and Massachusetts with birth years from 1996-1998. Teamwork, work ethic and passion were constantly reinforced during the on and off ice training camp that was conducted last week. Once again the players had to opportunity to work out with the Jr. Program and experienced what it takes (both physically and mentally) to play hockey at the Jr. level. “Our preseason this year has been intense, so far we have completed a 4 day Training Camp with Mike Harder and Junior Wolf Pack staff, we have also had 2 practices and 3 tournament showcases in Ma, CT and NY. The common thread pulling us all together is commitment! A 100% commitment between the players, the families and the Jr Wolf Pack organization is in full swing and it’s only August! ”, says, Coach Craig Millard. In order to achieve the development goal set forth by the program and coaching the staff the players will participate in the following each week: On Ice – three sessions per week, including a skills session with the Jr Team and coaching staff. Off Ice – Two sessions per week with licensed physical fitness and sports trainer, Michael Bouchard. The Team will play a 50-55 aggressive full year schedule with the goal of playing high level competition throughout the New England and New York regions. This weekend the team is off to Brewster, New York to participate in the Labor Day showcase. Stay tuned for more U-16 updates throughout the season