Coaches Spotlight
Featuring Mite Minor Coach, Matt Iannucci
Coaches play a huge role in player development. They’re responsible for teaching skills, setting up practices, providing feedback, and motivating players. Matt Iannucci, and his staff have been hard at work with the Mite Minor team this season. Their approach through a process of development involves the focus is on skill development, learning the game, and fostering a love for hockey. Not only does Iannucci provide strong guidance on the ice but also off the ice too, as he helps his players reach their full potential by fostering a positive and supportive environment.
Coach Iannucci and his staff had a successful weekend at the Challenge Cup in Marlborough, MA over the weekend. Iannucci and his staff were extremely happy with the outcome of the team’s success and all the special memories the players and families will have for a lifetime!
Heading into this tournament, we wanted to see how we stacked up against some of the talent around New England. The players and especially our goalie Greyson Taylor, came out and delivered some of the best hockey they’ve played all season. The coaching staff couldn’t be prouder of the team’s effort, resilience, and improvement. The way we represented Elite Hockey Academy and Connecticut on and off the ice was nothing short of commendable.
This past weekend, the Elite Mite A/B team traveled to Marlborough, MA, to compete in the 2025 Challenge Cup. After a competitive four-game round-robin, we secured 5th place with a strong 3-1 record, showcasing the progress and determination of our players.
The tournament kicked off on Friday, January 24, with a commanding 16-2 victory over the Martha’s Vineyard Mariners. Later that day, we faced the Westfield Jr. Bombers B team. Despite creating plenty of opportunities, we were defeated 11-1.
Saturday was where our team’s grit and resilience truly stood out. In the morning, we faced the Danvers Falcons in what proved to be our most exciting matchup yet. Our team delivered an outstanding performance, earning a hard-fought 10-7 victory. Later in the day, we squared off against the Peabody Tanners, where another strong showing led us to a 7-4 win.
On Sunday, we played the Danvers Falcons again in a highly competitive rematch. Despite a valiant effort from our players, the game ended in a narrow 4-3 defeat.
Heading into this tournament, we wanted to see how we stacked up against some of the talent around New England. The players and especially our goalie Greyson Taylor, came out and delivered some of the best hockey they’ve played all season. The coaching staff couldn’t be prouder of the team’s effort, resilience, and improvement. The way we represented Elite Hockey Academy and Connecticut on and off the ice was nothing short of commendable.
Thank you to all the players, and parents for making this weekend such a memorable experience. We’re excited to carry this momentum forward and continue playing great hockey through to the end of the season.