2020-21 NJC Ray Murray Awards

THE NEW JERSEY COLONIALS ANNOUNCE 2020-21 RAY MURRAY ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

The New Jersey Colonials proudly announce the Boys Team Award Recipients for the 2020-21 season. Ray Murray Achievement Award (Boys) – Players demonstrating the values shown by former Colonial, Ray Murray: hard work, determination, team spirit, good sportsmanship, discipline, and leadership were selected by their coaches. Ray Murray, was a founding member of the New Jersey Colonials who served as a coach and Board Member. He was a prominent figure in New Jersey hockey, having started the Morris County Colonials. Ray embodied the true essence of sportsmanship and promoted strong personal values that serve as the foundation for this award.

18U National AAA – Max Zarkhin

“Max has been with the New Jersey Colonial’s program for three seasons now. I have coached Max for two seasons both at the 16U and 18U midget levels. The amount of growth I have seen as a person and player has been significant. From the onset he demonstrated leadership by taking initiative and establishing himself as one of the leaders on the team. Max is a player I seek out regularly to collaborate on team culture and gain insight into team feedback. He has a positive attitude and embraces team spirit, leading both vocally and by his actions. Max has demonstrated accountability, by owning his mistakes and being determined to improve. He consistently works hard and is committed to both his teammates and his own development. Due to injuries and COVID protocols we have needed someone to step in as a center and defensemen. Max did not hesitate to volunteer demonstrating his team first attitude and eagerness to develop as a player. Further his growth mindset has enabled him to establish himself as a very strong center. He has practiced self-discipline and good sportsmanship throughout bot seasons. I am happy to nominate Max for the Ray Murray Achievement Award for the second year in a row.” – Coach Dave Crandall

18U AA – Jack Maurer

16U AA – Jordan Cross

“Jordan was an extremely hard working individual who game in and out brought his skill, determination and work ethic. He was one of the leaders on the team and would always lead by example. No matter the score of the game Jordan would continue to set the tone and work hard until the final buzzer.” – Coach Tyler Lee

15 Pure 2005 AAA – Ian Tamboowalla

“Tambo plays Center and has always been a team motivator for us. His countdown before our team call can be heard around the rink before every period. His progress has been one of the biggest among the team. He has become a solid defensive presence and is a backbone of the team. It is a no brainer presenting Ian Tamboowalla with this award.” – Coach Ilya Yavtuhovich

14U Major 2006 AAA – Jack Genovese

14U Minor 2007 AAA – Rasmus Bergman

“Rasmus Bergman deserves this award due to his hard work, leadership, focus, and competitive spirit. Rasmus is not a vocal guy on the ice but is always focused and ready to go. He wanted to get better and learn all year long. His maturity and growth from two years ago when I last worked with Rasmus stood out to me. He is a good teammate and never gets too high or low and always keeps a good attitude. He will continue to develop because of these traits.” – Coach Chase Watson

14U AA – Kyle Piechnik

13 Pure A – Collin Chapin

“New to the team this year, Collin was able to quickly make an impact on the team and did by displaying all of the components that are expected from the Ray Murray Achievement Award winner. First and foremost, Collin is a very coachable and a team first player. We’ve asked him to play several different roles throughout the season and he has always stepped up to the challenge. He is a great teammate and brings his best efforts in all he does in both game and practice situations. Collin has a true love for the game and works hard both on the ice and off the ice and his impact within the game is evident given these efforts. Congratulations to Collin on his success this year and look forward to watching his continued development!” – Coach Michael Sullivan

12U Major 2008 AAA – Gavin York

“Gavin showed incredible work ethic and determination this year, he was a pleasure to coach. Coming in as a new player to our group this season he quickly established his spot on our team with his dedication to getting better every practice and in every off-ice workout. Gavin led by example every game this year whether he was in net or rooting for his teammates on the bench.” – Coach Alex Velischek

12U Minor 2009 AAA – Dean Zarro

12U AA – Chase Dreher

“Chase is the epitome of hard work and dedication, never having missed a practice, and always hitting the ice with determination and a resolve to learn and improve. He is highly focused and is able to apply our teachings to his on ice and in game performance. Chase is a quiet, “lead by example,” teammate who puts the needs of his team above his own. He is always positive and excited to be at the rink, playing the game he loves.” – Coach Amanda Linklater

12U B National – Noah Martin

“Noah has overcome all the obstacles that this season has thrown at him. His positive energy and attitude throughout a challenging year has been inspirational to his teammates. He continuously brings 110% effort every time he takes the ice and is a pleasure to coach.” – Coach Mike Braviak

10U Major 2010 AAA – Mason Zhang

10U Minor 2011 AAA – Charlie Sadai

“Charlie is extremely loyal and has been with Colonials since Mites. Charlie always puts his teammates first and makes everyone around him better. When Charlie can score, he looks to pass and consistently makes the right decision. Charlie competes, works hard and is not afraid to take a hit to make a play. Charlie will never retaliate, and he jumps to his feet to make another play. Charlie makes everyone around him better. The one thing that sticks out to me the most about Charlie is that he does the right thing when no one is looking.” – Coach Ryan Williams

10U AA – Luca DeNichilo

“Luca is one of the hardest working players that I have ever coached. His determination and leadership on the ice is exceptional for a player at this age. Luca would go through a wall for any of his teammates and to help the team succeed. His example on the ice has encouraged other players to push themselves to be even better. Luca is dedicated to his sport and is often known to be training multiple times on his off days. He is a role model for the younger players on this team, and his “never give up” attitude is incredible at the 10U level. Congratulations Luca on a tremendous season and keep it up!” – Coach DJ Book

10U B National – Connor Fei

“Alex came to the rink with a smile on his face, ready to play, all season long. His willingness to listen to coaching feedback and immediately apply it on ice was second to none on this team. It didn’t matter if we were up 5, down 5, or in a tie game; Alex brought intensity to every shift and that intensity rubbed off on other players. Alex was also often the most positive player on the bench – cheering on teammates, discussing plays and how to improve the outcome next time they came across that play, and knowing when to remain quiet.” – Coach Jordan Cardillo

08U Gold – Bryce Wenzel

“Bryce is a true leader, excellent player, always has a positive attitude and exhibits great sportsmanship. He is always smiling, happy and loves being with and supporting his teammates. As an elder statesman on a young team, he was seen by coaches and players as someone who never stopped skating and never gave up. His defensive prowess, unselfish play and teamwork led the team to many victories. As the season went on his play only got stronger. He will be greatly missed by next year’s returning Mites as he moves to the next level. Congratulations Bryce!” – Coach Jimmy Wilson

08U Silver – Gavin Romano

“Gavin was a pleasure to coach and worked hard every time he was on the ice. He fits the description for the Ray Murray award perfectly.” – Coaches Matthew Capone & Pip Decker