2018-19 George Charette Award (Boys)

The New Jersey Colonials are proud to announce the Boys George Charette Award Winner for the 2018-19 season: Matt Ubertaccio of 18U Midget AA.

The “Charette Award,” goes to an outstanding male and female graduating senior. George Charette was a founder of the Morris County Youth Hockey League and coached for the New Jersey Colonials for many years.

The Colonials also recognize the outstanding effort of our Boys Finalists for the Charette Award: Jacob Ferguson and John Spitznagel.

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CHARETTE AWARD

Matt Ubertaccio – 18U Midget AA

Matt wrapped up his youth hockey career last Fall by leading the Colonials 18U Midget AA team to a first place regular season finish. He confidently continued his success for Madison High School where he helped his team capture it’s first ever Mennen Cup. He was named Mennen Division’s Player of the Year and received First-Team Honors.

“Matt was one of our two goalies on the 18U team last year. He joined our 18U AA team from Tier 1 to share the net, even though he was used to being the primary goaltender. He won the primary job down the final stretch of he season as we beat the two teams ahead of us to win the North. Matt has a remarkable 1.04 GAA and a 0.950 save percentage. Those are absolutely incredible numbers. 

His positive attitude and lack of panic was infectious and he led by example. I would put him on the net in any situation, he was not phased by any pressure situation. He kept the boys laughing as well, and absolutely loved a challenge.  I don’t think that. There could be anyone more deserving of this award.”

18U Midget AA Coach, Rick Stockton

Matt will attend Sacred Heart University this Fall and plans to play club hockey. The Colonials wish him all the best!

“The years I spent with the Colonials program made a significant impact on the person I am today. My teammates and coaches helped shape the way I view things and the approach I use to solve problems. Not only did I learn how to be a hockey player, I learned how to be a leader on and off the ice. I learned by observing how my coaches ran a practice and how the team worked together. Over the years we faced tough times and some challenges, and we got through these together. The NJ Colonials program was a strong foundation for my development. I learned early on that I am never alone and I can always ask for help when needed. The NJ Colonials have a strong network of coaches and friends that were there for me while I was part of the program and I know they will always be there for me in the future.
I believe George Charette and I share a similar passion for youth hockey. As I venture off to a new chapter in my life this fall, I will reflect back on my hockey experiences and gain strength from them to achieve the new goals I have set for myself. Hockey is a game that makes you strong; mentally and physically. I believe my participation in a team sport has better prepared me for my future endeavors. I will always be part of a team whether in sports or in my future career and I learned how to be a team player while growing within the Colonial program. My experiences throughout my hockey career have taught me to be strong and to face challenges head on. These lessons made me realize I am a stronger person then I thought I was and no goal I set for myself is unattainable.“

— Matt Ubertaccio, 2019 Boys George Charette Award Recipient

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CHARETTE FINALISTS

Jake Ferguson – 18U Midget National AAA

Jake finished his youth hockey career after many seasons with the New Jersey Colonials. He also competed for Pope John in Sparta.

“Jacob is a graduating senior and a unique player in that he puts a lot on his plate but finds a way to make it work. Jake played HS and Colonial travel hockey, and is very into acting at school. He finds the time and energy to take his schooling very seriously and still be committed to our Colonial team. Jake has given everything he has to the team and played huge minutes for much of the season. A Colonial for many years, he has a great attitude as well. He will do anything to help the team. Jake is very honest and communicates well. Jake will be successful in life no matter what path he chooses for a number of reasons but especially because of his work ethic.”

— Coach Chase Watson

Jake reflected on his time with the Colonials:

“In my time with the New Jersey Colonials organization, I have experienced many things. I have had the privilege to be among some of the best hockey players, coaches, and people I have ever known. These people helped give me a clearer perspective of how a team works together. Along with my teammates, including John Spitznagel and Matt Ubertaccio, we learned to lean on each other to battle our hearts out. My coaches McKnight, Lucas, and Watson led our teams with that same heart. Each of them in their own way helped teach me how I can be a leader both on and off the ice. The Colonials organization has taught me to seize every opportunity. In taking advantage of every chance, win or lose, I have been able to prove to myself and others how much heart I have. In fact, perhaps the most important takeaway for me is how important heart and caring are in one’s daily life. The same way heart can change the pace of a game, it can also take people to greater heights. As such, my time at the Colonials organization has prepared me to face adversity, to lose to it sometimes, and also how to get on my feet and push right back.”

Jacob Ferguson – 18U Midget National AAA

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John Spitznagel – 18U Midget A

John and his family are long-time Colonials. He just completed his senior year at Oratory Prep where he scored 105 points over 3 seasons.

“John has shown what it means to be a leader and role model not only to myself and his peers on the ice, but as well off the ice. His focus on his education off the ice and consistent determination on the ice makes him the perfect candidate for this award. John is the type of person who sets his mind to a task and will achieve it. That’s a trait that is hard to come by and almost impossible to teach.”

— Coach Jeff Lucas