Team Information

Jim grew up in New Jersey playing hockey, notably winning three straight NJ State Championships with Christian Brothers Academy. Coach Henkel played for the Springfield Jr. Pics in the EJHL, winning league championships twice, before attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and earning a degree in Business Management. He then played professionally for eight years in the AHL and ECHL, winning the Kelly Cup with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies. Jim also gained coaching experience as an assistant at the NESCAC school Connecticut College for two years. Since 2014, Coach Henkel has been with the CT Junior Rangers, coaching at various levels (16s, 18s, and Jr.). He holds a USA Hockey Level IV coaching certification and a Level III Officials Certification.

Rob grew up playing local youth hockey in Connecticut. He played for Guilford HS ‘92-‘96 and helped bring his team to a DII State Championship. After high school Rob went on to play at the University of Scranton in the ECAC from ‘96-‘00. Rob has been coaching youth hockey for the last 16 years in CT. In 2019 he further pursued his passion and love for hockey and opened SKATE Training Facility in Hamden where he worked with numerous players from mites through Prep School. His reputation over the years has grown for outstanding individual training and skill development. In 2022 Rob started with EHA and will be returning for his third season. In addition to EHA Rob is the Assistant Coach for the West Haven High School Blue Devils.

Twelve year coaching veteran and former Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) forward, Peter Alden was named the head coach of the 18U & 16U Elite Hockey Academy teams.  He enters his fourth season as head coach of the Elite Hockey Academy along with being the President of the Academy. Before coaching, Alden was a Division 1 hockey player. He played his freshman year at UMass Amherst in Hockey East under the tutelage of the legendary Don “Toot” Cahoon. After a year he transferred home to play for Rand Pecknold and the Quinnipiac University Bobcats. He played three years for the Bobcats and was a part of the first team that played in the ECAC in the history of Quinnipiac. After college he spent four years at the Choate Rosemary Hall School in Wallingford CT, coaching the boys’ hockey program. As a coach, he has developed three NHL draftees and over 20 Division 1 athletes. His most recent 18U Academy NHL draft pick was Sebastian Bradshaw who was selected in 2023 by the Dallas Stars.

Originally from Khabarovsk, Russia, Stepan Sidorkin brings a unique international perspective to Elite Hockey Academy. A former EHA player himself, Stepan spent five years competing in the United States, including two standout seasons with Elite Hockey Academy—where he was honored with the prestigious Colin Burke Award for Best Humanitarian. Stepan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, team culture, and character building. Drawing from his experiences both overseas and in the U.S., he helps young athletes develop the skills, discipline, and mindset needed to succeed—on and off the ice.

Rob grew up playing local youth hockey in Connecticut. He played for Guilford HS ‘92-‘96 and helped bring his team to a DII State Championship. After high school Rob went on to play at the University of Scranton in the ECAC from ‘96-‘00. Rob has been coaching youth hockey for the last 16 years in CT. In 2019 he further pursued his passion and love for hockey and opened SKATE Training Facility in Hamden where he worked with numerous players from mites through Prep School. His reputation over the years has grown for outstanding individual training and skill development. In 2022 Rob started with EHA and will be returning for his third season. In addition to EHA Rob is the Assistant Coach for the West Haven High School Blue Devils.

Matt was raised in North Branford, CT, where he played high school hockey with North Branford from ’04 – ’08. During his high school years, he also competed at the 16U and 18U AAA levels for the South in ern Stars, winning two New England Championships. Matt brings two years of coaching experience with 8U Mites, where he discovered a passion for mentoring and developing young players. He is excited about the opportunity to guide the next generation of athletes and is eager to contribute to and benefit from EHA’s program as it continues to thrive competitively in the sport of hockey.

Tom Rascati is a dedicated and passionate coach at Elite Hockey Academy, currently guiding our Mite team. Tom’s true strength lies in his exceptional character, his ability to connect with young athletes, and his genuine care for their development both on and off the ice. Tom’s enthusiasm, patience, and positive attitude make him a trusted mentor for our players. He understands the importance of fostering confidence, teamwork, and a love for the game, and his commitment to creating a supportive environment helps young players grow into confident, well-rounded athletes. We are proud to have Tom as part of our coaching staff, where his dedication and care truly make a difference in the lives of our young hockey players.