Coaching Staff - Elite Hockey Academy

PETER ALDEN

18U & 16U ACADEMY | NOTRE DAME-BOYS PROGRAM DIRECTOR
14U BANTAM MAJOR | NATIONAL BOUND

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.

Alden was asked about the strategy on building teams for the future at EHA.

“It’s really mostly about building relationships, creating a strong culture and getting quality players who want to be held to a high standard, everyday.” Said Peter Alden

Peter is married to his wife Elisabeth for 16 years. He has two sets of twins Caiden and Connor 12-years-old, Elise, and Emma 6-years-old.

CHRIS ANDREUCCI

10U SQUIRT MAJOR

Chris is back for his second year with the Elite Hockey Academy. Grew up in Guilford, CT, playing youth hockey with the Southern Stars, is a Xavier High School graduate. At Xavier, he played both Division I hockey and lacrosse. After high school, Chris played men’s club ice hockey at Merrimack College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. After Merrimack, Andreucci continued his academics at Albertus College, earning his master’s degree in accounting.

After graduation, Chris began working for one of the largest hospital systems, specializing in physician compensation. Outside of his individual playing career, Chris has spent time assisting many different organizations on the ice over the last several years and looks to bring all of his knowledge and experience to Elite.

ANTHONY CUOMO

14U BANTAM MINOR | NATIONAL BOUND

Anthony went on playing for the Hartford Junior Wolfpack in the MJHL. This allowed him to grind his way into the AJHL, where he had a brief stint with the Washington Junior Nationals. He began his coaching career in 2020, for the GNH Warriors where he coached squirts and mites for 3 years gaining knowledge developing young hockey players. In year 4, he was given the chance to coach the PeeWee AA team where he lead the team to a Tier 3 State Championship.

“Hockey has been a long time passion of mine, and I continue to look for new ways to change the game. I am excited to continue my career at EHA to develop players beyond their perceived potential.”

TYLER ENGLISH

15U PURE | NATIONAL BOUND

Tyler English, originally from Fairfield, CT, has made significant contributions to the hockey community through his achievements and participation in various leagues and teams. He was part of the National Championship-winning Southern Stars team in the 2015-2016 season and later became one of the first to don an Elite Hockey uniform. Tyler was also recognized as an ECEL (Tier 1) All-Star during the 2016-2017 season. He continued his journey with the NY Apple Core after being acquired in a late edition trade from the Junior Flyers, concluding his tenure with the club in 2019. Following this, he pursued higher education at NCAA Division III Johnson & Wales University, where he competed in the NEHC. Tyler’s dedication to the sport and his team-oriented approach have left a positive impact on the hockey community, having played alongside notable figures in the sport such as Tage Thompson and Trevor Zegras during their formative years in the Fairfield County area. He has transitioned to playing Roller Hockey at the Professional Level, competing for prize pots in tournaments across North America. Tyler’s deep roots in hockey stem from his father, Darren, who played at Plymouth State University and was involved in running the Greater Bridgeport Riverhawks Organization. Growing up in this environment, Tyler began learning to coach at an early age, frequently assisting his father during practices and eventually lending a hand to other teams. During his teen years, he further honed his coaching skills by assisting with the Ice Hawks, under the mentorship of Eric Lind and Chris Seifert. With over 23 years of immersion in the game of hockey and coaching experience since the age of 14, Tyler is eager and enthusiastic about helping players achieve their goals and dreams.

KURT GARCAEU

10U SQUIRT MINOR

Kurt is back for his forth year with the Elite Hockey Academy. Kurt has an extensive sports background as he played both hockey and lacrosse for The Canterbury School and played Division 1 Lacrosse at West Point. Kurt is the owner of North Haven Crossfit and has competed in the National Pro Grid League, and three times has competed in the New England Crossfit Regionals.

MATT IANNUCCI

8U MITE MINOR

I was raised in North Branford, CT, where I played high school hockey with North Branford from ’04 – ‘08. Additionally, I played 16U & 18U AAA hockey for the Southern Stars during my high school years, where we won two New England Championships. I look forward to the opportunity to mentor and develop the future generations of hockey. I am eager to contribute to and benefit from EHA’s program to thrive and advance competitively in the sport of hockey.

NICK MANGONE

16U & 18U ACADEMY | NOTRE DAME

Nick Mangone is back for his second season with the Elite Hockey Academy 18u & 16u academy teams. Growing up Nick played his entire youth / junior career on Long Island , NY (Long Island Gulls & PAL Junior Islanders). Following Nick’s youth & junior years he headed off to play NCAA Division 3 at Nichols College where he played 108 games and was a member of a conference championship team / making an Elite 8 appearance in the NCAA tournament which was first time in school history for the Bison. Nick graduated Nichols College with his Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice.

Following college Nick went on to play three seasons at the professional level. Spending majority of his time in the SPHL while also playing a handful of games in the ECHL. Nick went on to play a total of 116 professional games.
“Teamwork before individual glory if everyone is pulling in the same direction there will be team success which leads to individual success.”

“Teamwork before individual glory if everyone is pulling in the same direction there will be team success which leads to individual success.”

DEAN MCGLYNN

8U MITE MINOR
18U SPLIT SEASON

Coach Dean McGlynn’s extensive background, see the information below.

EDUCATION:

The King’s College, Briarcliff Manor, NY -1985
Yale University- RA- 1986

RELEVANT PLAYING EXPERIENCE:

Acton Sabres, Acton Ontario, Canada- OHL – 1979
Orangeville Stone Crushers, Orangeville, Ontario, Canada- OHL-1980

COACHING EXPERIENCE:

2017-2018 Elite Hockey Program U18 / U16 Asst. Coach
2017-18 Xavier High Boys JV Coach
2010-12 Hand High of Madison Boys Varsity Coach, SCC Championship
1999 New York Jr. Rangers Select Team for Championnats Mondeauix Pee Wee – Quebec City, PQ – Head Coach
1998-01 Connecticut Coyotes AAA Int’l Select Team- Head Coach and GM (Numerous Tournament Championships)
1996-01 Greater New Haven Youth Hockey- Director of Coaching, BOD
1996-01 Greater New Haven Youth Hockey- Head Coach- State Champions
1993-96 East Haven Youth Hockey- Head Coach – 3 State Championships

STEVE MINIO

12U PEE WEE MINOR
10U SQUIRT MINOR

Steve grew up playing youth hockey on Long Island for the Nassau County Lions, reaching the New York State Championships several times. He also played High School hockey for Kellenberg in the CHSHL. After high school Steve went on to play college hockey at Rider University, where he received Rookie of the Year honors. From Rider Steve went on to play at Siena College. Steve continues to play in men’s league and brings a love for the game and dedication to the kids he is coaching. Steve is a USA Hockey Level 3 certified coach

NICHOLAS JUNKIN

ACADEMY GOALIE COACH

Nick has over 12 year of playing experience as a goalie. He was the goalie coach at CT Jr. Whalers from 2022-2023 and has coached for CT Crease, John Elkin’s Goalie School.

Nick believes every player has their own unique style, and it is the coaches job to help them reach their full potential using whatever style they fee comfortable.

KEN PIA

10U SQUIRT MAJOR

Ken grew up in Guilford, CT playing hockey and baseball. He started his 25+ year hockey career playing his youth hockey with the Southern Stars. Ken attended Xavier High School, playing hockey and baseball for the Falcons. After Xavier, Ken did a post graduate year at Hebron Academy where he played hockey, baseball, and soccer. After Hebron, Ken went on to play college hockey for Assumption University.

Ken is excited to bring his hockey experience to Elite where he can pass his knowledge from the different levels of competitive hockey onto the teams he coaches.

ROB SALZANO

12U PEEWEE MAJOR
16U SPLIT SEASON

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 ‘96-‘00. He has been coaching youth hockey for the last 13 years. In 2019 he further pursued his passion and love for hockey and opened SKATE Training Facility in Hamden, CT. Rob spent his last 3 years working with numerous youth hockey players, Mites through Prep School. His reputation has grown for outstanding individual training and skill development. He will be returning to EHA for his second season in 24-25.

“I am looking forward to returning to EHA and to be able to continue to help the great community of players, learn, build and succeed in the game of hockey”, said Salzano.

PAT SHORTT

8U MITE A/B MINOR

Pat is a graduate of North Branford 2007 and All state/all conference 2007. He was also a Southern Star AAA 05/06 New England champions. Pat graduate from New Hampton School Post Grad in 2008 and played 4 seasons NCAA with Franklin Pierce University .

Pat was a volunteer coach for Mid Fairfield girls U14 in 2014 and is currently coaching our Mite Development group.

Pat is very excited to contribute in the development and positive experience of the next wave of young players in the program.

ALEX STEVENS

12U PEE WEE AA

“Excited to join EHA because they continue to grow the best youth hockey talent in the state and I believe I can add to that. Having played my travel hockey growing up at Mid Fairfield. Winning two Tier 1 national championships during my youth hockey career. Multiple selections to try out for USA NDTP u16-18, playing alongside future NHL talent. Then translating that into High School with an all state selection at NDW. I believe my decades of playing and learning from the best coaches/players will translate into todays game. Offering a competitive and passionate perspective.”

EDDIE STROSNICK

8U MITE MAJOR

Eddie grew up in East Haven, CT as a multi sport athlete playing with the CT Wolves and East Haven High School leading his team in scoring multiple seasons. Additionally, Ed was an All-American Track and Field Athlete and continued his career as an athlete at University of Connecticut. Following his collegiate career he has worked in sports performance and rehabilitation with the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL and recently local professional, college, and high school athletes at Connecticut Orthopaedics. He continues his own love for the sport of hockey playing in local men’s leagues and coaching. He has been coaching Mite and learn to skate hockey for the past 3 years and looks forward to bringing his diverse background in high level athletics to the Elite Program.”

STEPHEN THIBAULT

12U PEE WEE MAJOR
16U SPLIT SEASON

Stephen Thibault is entering this third season as a coach for Elite Hockey Academy. Thibault came in as an assistant coach for the 13U and 14U programs in the 2021-2022 season and is now the acting head coach for the 14U team, served as the Head Coach for the 16U Full season Prep team for the 2022-2023 season and will not be coaching the 16U Split Season team. Thibault has an extensive hockey background with 20 years of playing experience including high school and junior level hockey. He served has head captain at Guilford High School where he lead his team through a playoff season. He was honored with being named MVP and All State during his senior year. He actively assisted in and around Connecticut youth hockey during and post his playing career. Thibault currently attends Southern Connecticut State University where he is pursuing a business degree.

PETER ALDEN AND EHA STAFF

LEARN TO PLAY HOCKEY

Eleven year coaching veteran and former Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) forward, Peter Alden was named the head coach of the 18U & 16U Elite Hockey Program 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 freshmen 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 apart of the first team that played in the ECAC in the history of Quinnipiac.

Alden was asked the strategy on building teams for the future at EHA.