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Coaching Staff

Peter Alden

18U & 16U ACADEMY / NOTRE DAME

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.

KEVIN KERVICK

18U SPLIT SEASON

Kevin Kervick will be coaching the 18U Split Prep Teams. Kevin's hockey career goes back to his days at Cathedral High School where he was awarded the Bessone Trophy. That success continues to follow him, being inducted in the Cathedral Hall of Fame in 2016. From Cathedral, Kevin went on to play at Saint Anselm College. We are excited to welcome Kevin and his 30 years of coaching experience to our program both as a Head Coach and mentor for our players. 

SCOTT DANIELS

18U SPLIT SEASON

Former NHLer over the course of 10 years with teams including the Springfield Indians/Falcons, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers & New Jersey Devils. Former scout for the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and Assistant Coach for the Springfield Junior Pics JR A team.

As a Major Junior A player, he played in the Western Hockey League with the Kamloops Blazers, the New Westminster Bruins and the Regina Pats.

PHIL ESPOSITO

PEEWEE MAJOR AYHL 

 

ROB SALZANO

PEEWEE MINOR AYHL & 16U PREP

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 12 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. 
 
"I have always enjoyed this pivotal age in hockey, where as a coach I can focus on enhancing individual skills while building a strong team community", said Salzano.

 

STEPHEN BANFFY

PEEWEE MINOR AYHL

I've been coaching youth hockey for over 20 years now at every age level.  Though I played hockey all my life,  my experience comes from coaching the game. I now currently hold a level 4 USA Hockey Certificate and was also lucky enough to coach 8 years of CT High School hockey at Housatonic.  I truly believe this sport makes you a better person.  There are so many life lessons and teachable moments that lie in the game. I feel my biggest job as a coach is, developing players skills as well as passion for the game! I've been married to my wife Bonnie for 17 years and live in Kent CT with our daughter,  Lyla ( mid Fairfield stars U12 and our son Henrik ( Elite Hockey Academy U10) Our oldest daughter Justine lives in Canaan Ct.

Stephen Thibault

PEEWEE MINOR

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.

CHRIS ANDREUCCI

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.  

KEN PIA

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.

ALEX STEVENS

SQUIRT MINOR

"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."

KURT GARCAEU

SQUIRT MAJOR & MITE A

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. 

STEVE MINIO

MITE A

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 2 certified coach

MATT IANNUCCI

MITE DEVELOPMENT

I grew up in North Branford, CT, played high school hockey for the North Branford ‘04-‘08, as well as Midget AAA hockey for Southern Stars, who were New England Regional Champions ‘05-‘06, ‘06-07. I was 3-time Coaches All State at North Branford. This will be my first year coaching with Elite and very excited to coach and train the next generation of hockey players. 

DEAN MCGLYNN

MITE DEVELOPMENT

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

 

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. 

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 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 14 years. He has two sets of twins Caiden and Connor 11-years-old, Elise, and Emma 5-years-old.

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