MILTON, Mass. - With the season approaching and the Colonels' Hockey Team ready to travel to 10th-ranked Babson College, we announce the addition of a new assistant coach and 13 freshmen players.
Assistant Coach Steve Wiedler joins the program replacing Ryan Warsofsky (Curry '11) who left to take an assistant coaching job with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. Wiedler is a 2011 graduate and former captain at the University of Southern Maine. Following graduation, Wiedler played two professional seasons with the Knoxville Icebears of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
"Steve will be instrumental in skill development, recruiting, and coaching the defense. We are fortunate to have his skills and passion in the program," said Head Coach TJ Manastersky.
The large freshmen class is comprised of eight players from Ontario, Canada, three from Massachusetts, one from Michigan and one from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
#1 Goaltender Brett Sinclair, played for the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Brett had a 2.72 GAA and a .920 SVS %.
#6 Defenseman Ellery O'Hara, played for the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). O'Hara is a strong and steady player who had five goals and 12 assists in 50 games last season.
#23 Defenseman Mike Apreda, played for the Lakeshore Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Apreda can play all situations and had five goals and 23 assists in 50 games last season.
#9 Forward Tommy Tsicos, played for the Orangeville Flyers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL). Tsicso is a power forward who had six goals and 15 assists in a shortened 34 game season due to injury.
#10 Forward Joe Scarfo, played for the Valley Jr. Warriors of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) posting three goals and two assists in 19 games. Scarfo has great stick skills and a heavy shot.
#12 Forward Sean Nelson, was the captain of the Portland Jr. Pirates of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL) scoring nine goals and 23 assists in 43 games. Nelson brings grit, energy and responsible play.
#15 Forward Tyler Vankleef, played for the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) scoring 21 goals and 20 assists in 40 games. VanKleef is a power forward who can find the back of the net.
#16 Forward Mike Sones, played for the Burlington Cougars and the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) scoring 12 goals and nine assists in addition to seven goals and four assists in just four playoff games. Sones is a dynamic, high energy player.
#17 Forward James Murphy, played for the Governor's Academy of the New England Prep league. Murphy scored 10 goals and 10 assists in 29 games. He plays both ends of the ice and competes every shift.
#20 Forward Justin Nice, played for the Aurora Tigers of the OJHL scoring 4 goals and 6 assists in 51 games. Justin is a reliable, tough, and smart player.
#21 Forward Dan McGinnis, played for the South Shore Kings of the EJHL scoring 8 goals and 12 assists in 37 games. Dan competes and plays with passion.
#24 Forward Michael Vallescuro, played for the Lakeshore Patriots of the OJHL scoring 10 goals and 25 assists in 50 games. Michael is a strong playmaker with offensive touch.
#28 Forward Jake Heisinger, played for the Winnipeg Blues of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, scoring 19 goals and 39 assists in 60 games. Jake is a competitive person who has the ability to produce offense.
"This year's freshmen class provides a great mix of skill, toughness and hockey sense that will contribute greatly to our team depth and identity. Most importantly, it is a great group of people who will help us reach our potential on the ice, in the classroom and in the community," said Manastersky.
The Curry College Colonel's Hockey Team opens up the home schedule on Thursday, November 14 vs. Western New England University at 6:40 p.m. The next home game is slated for Saturday, November 16 vs. Johnson & Wales University at 4:40 p.m. Both games are held at the Max Ulin Rink in Milton, Mass. All hockey alumni are encouraged to attend the game on November 16 and join us at the Alumni House on campus for an Alumni Reception.
