April 23, 2019

Guilford, Conn., - There’s a lot of optimism surrounding the Elite Hockey Program for next season, and most of it rests in the well-regarded group of returning players and top-level additions, that will suit up for the program this upcoming fall.

“We want to bring pride to the program, to the alumni, and it’s a great way for our incoming players to leave their footprint on the program and be a part of something special,” Added President Peter Alden.

The Elite Hockey Program has been able to solidify high-level players from the heart of Connecticut, to go along with attracting players from all over the United States and Internationally.  The 18U, 16U & 13U levels all have a lot of promise for the upcoming 2019-2020 season.  The Elite Hockey Program will remain in the state of art facility Northford Ice Pavilion and participate in the highly regarded AYHL, East Coast Elite League (ECEL) and fall prep leagues. 

At the U18 level, we are excited to welcome new players that will join the encompassing core of our team. We have added players from New Jersey, Arizona, Colorado, and Alaska.  With those players coming up a level, they will have chemistry already from last year playing together. "Anytime you can have a lot of a team return, it will lead to success as they have chemistry already established and know the culture of the program to help ease the transition of new members to the team," said Peter Alden. 

At the U16 level, the program will feature two teams at this level. We will have a U16 Premier and U16 Elite team. The Premier team is coached by Peter Alden will consist of mostly 2003 players and a limited group of 2004's that will play in the AYHL and ECEL for the upcoming season. The Elite team is coached by Peter Gintoli and is made up of a strong group of 2004's and 2003's that will also play in the AYHL and ECEL.  Both groups have been able to solidify players coming from Arizona, Alaska, Texas, Pennslyvania, Switzerland and Connecticut come to play for the program. "We are really excited about these teams and the upcoming season with the players at this level," announced Peter Alden. 

Meanwhile, at the U13 level, we want to focus on the development of each player at this level. You will play in one of the best youth leagues in the country in the Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) where you will face good competition in every game. You will also play in East Coast Classic Tournaments (ECC), to go along with the games in the AYHL.   "I think the team has a lot of potential.  We have some dynamic players and goaltending and I am excited to get to work." Head coach, Frank Butler 

At the Elite Hockey Program, goaltenders will see their development accelerate at a quick rate, as they will train exclusively with Quinnipiac Goalie Coach Jared Waimon and UCONN Goalie Coach Matt Michno. Waimon and Michno both had goalies sign NHL deals after the season in Andrew Shortridge (Quinnipiac) and Adam Huska (UCONN).  

We are also making strong gains off the ice as our players will also receive excellent off-ice training from Mike Bouchard at MB Sports Training two to three times a week. 

"At these levels, development is the most important thing as this will help your child get better on and off the ice," explained Peter Alden.

Elite Hockey we want to be the best and build something that is really special. “We are a program that is striving for more.  That is part of building a successful program.  We think as a staff, we have been able to establish a strong culture, and the incoming players know what it demands to raise the bar even higher.”  Added Alden.

The Elite Hockey Program is also excited as an organization to highlight our Elite Prep Academy for student-athletes. The goal of Elite Prep Academy is to create an innovative program that will allow student-athletes to learn, grow and develop their skills in the classroom and on the ice. 

Head of Academics, Mitch Brown is the full-time academic counselor that will assist and overseeing the students daily, along with professional support staff to customize your son's curriculum.

"The Elite Prep Academy offers a different and cutting edge approach that fosters independent learning in a supportive environment, "I am excited about the growth of the Prep Academy and opportunity I have to help further these young players education at the next level." said the head of Academics, Mitch Brown.

The Elite Hockey Program will enter its third season in 2019 and every year have managed to attract quality players to Connecticut. This isn’t something foreign to Alden or his staff, who also had stopped at Connecticut Wolf Pack where he helped rebuild struggling programs into national championship winners – 2015 Tier 1 18U  USA Hockey National Champions.  “We feel the groups coming in; have the potential for more college commits, Junior A draft picks and prep school placements." This is a player driven program and we are excited about to keep building on the momentum,” explained Alden. 

For more information on the Elite Hockey Program and player opportunities please visit, www.EliteHockeyProgram.com or email Peter Alden (e) Palden@EliteHockeyAAA.com.