2023-24 NJC YOUTH AWARDS
2023-24 NJC YOUTH AWARDS
THE NEW JERSEY COLONIALS ANNOUNCE HONORS FOR YOUTH TEAMS
The New Jersey Colonials announce the 2023-24 award recipients for each team in the Youth Tier 1 and Tier 2 programs.
The “Charette Award,” goes to the outstanding Boys and Girls graduating senior. George Charette was a founder of the Morris County Youth Hockey League and coached for the New Jersey Colonials for many years.
Michael Padula, 18U AAA – Boys Charette Award Winner
Michael Padula was the Ray Murray Award winner last season for 16U AAA. Padula has captained his team the past 2 seasons. In addition to his leadership qualities, he has shown great resilience and character throughout his career. Michael Padula has played his entire AAA youth hockey with the Colonials. He is always there to support his teammates.
Hudson Rocheville, 18U AA Blue – Boys Charette Finalist
“Hudson is the backbone of the defensive core for 18AA Blue. He has a great skill set and brings a key element of physicality. Hudson plays the game the right way and is willing to put his body on the line for his teammates. Additionally, he is very respectful to coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees. He has been a pleasure to coach and we are glad to have him in red, white, and blue. We wish Hudson nothing but the best as he moves on to play lacrosse at Stevens next year.” – Coach Brett Brophy
Mike Monahan, 18U AA White – Boys Charette Finalist
Mike Monahan was the team leader in goals, assists and points for the team. He was a great addition to 18U AA and the Colonials this season.
The Ray Murray Achievement Award (Boys) goes to 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 AAA – Ryan Murphy
Selected by Coach Joe Ginsberg, Ryan Murphy joined the Colonials at 16U and has been the starting netminder for his team the past 2 seasons. He shows leadership and gritty play when he is out there.
18U AA Blue – Andrew Raber
“Andrew was a great addition to 18AA Blue this year. He posted an impressive 1.10 GAA and .931 save percentage. He played outstanding in the NJYHL final, leading the team to a 2-1 OT victory to win the league championship. Andrew is a great teammate on and off the ice. He represents all of the values that have built the success and reputation of the NJ Colonials. We wish Andrew nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”– Coach Brett Brophy
18U AA White – Kyle Piechnik
Selected by Coach Fred Hedengren, Kyle Piechnik has earned the Ray Murray award an unprecedented 5 times during his Colonials career. He is a fine example for all his teammates and younger players.
16U AAA – Alex Benkert
“Alex has unanimously been elected team captain and has displayed great leadership throughout the season. His hard work and dedication resonate with the group, earning him this award.” – Ilya Yavtuhovich
16U AA – Bryson Findling
“Bryson brought energy and effort to every practice and every game. His positive attitude and strong work ethic provided a model for others to follow.“ – Coach Scott Garrow
15 Pure 2008 AAA – Stefan Filewicz
“Works hard to improve each day. Missed one practice all year long. Well liked by his teammates. He has a 2.10 goals against avg and .908 save percentage in the AYHL. He is a pleasure to coach and is the most reliable player on the team.“ – Rich McLaughlin
14U Major 2009 AAA – Schaefer Pinotti
Selected by Coaches Alex Velischek and Henrik Tallinder, Schaefer Pinotti joined the 2009 team this year. He has been an excellent addition to the team.
14U AA – Ryan McSherry
“Ryan is the type of player that leads by example and elevates everyone around him. He brings a strong compete level to the rink for every game and practice and pushes his teammates to be at their best. Ryan is relied upon to play in all situations and exemplifies all of the values and qualities of Ray Murray“ – Coach Mike Braviak
13 Pure 2010 AAA – Asher Squires
“Asher Squires is the Heart and Soul of our team. He is a soft spoken player who leads by example. His efforts throughout the course of the season in practices and games is one that every hockey player should admire. Asher is our most consistent player in offensive productivity. His ability to play various positions and do them correctly is why Asher is the recipient of the Tier I,13 Pure Ray Murray Achievement Award. Congratulations Asher, You’ve earned it!“ – Coach Craig Wicker
12U Major 2011 AAA – Chase Van Gorder
“Chase exemplifies a team player. He leads by example. Not only is Chase one of our leading scorers, he is a relentless defensive player. He is great on the penalty kill. His work ethic is exceptional and he has a bright future in ice hockey.” – Coach Bruce Shatel
12U Minor 2012 AAA – Christian Leary
“I’m lucky enough to coach an outstanding group of 2012 athletes. Christian has developed into a leader on and off ice through his work ethic and his commitment away from the rink. He treats his teammates and coaches with respect and loves the game of hockey.” – Coach Travis Zajac
10U Major 2013 AAA – Jackson Riczko
“Jackson (Riz) Riczko is what it means to be a New Jersey Colonial. He leads by example not only on the ice but off the ice and plays a huge role in our team’s success and culture!“ – Coach Ryan Thomas
10U Minor 2014 AAA – Austin Adamsky
“Austin was the bedrock for our team. He was resilient, hard working, and an outstanding teammate throughout the year. His positive attitude and dedication to our team personify the exact qualities of the Ray Murray award. We are lucky to have him and appreciate all of his efforts this past year!” — Coach Ren Fauci
10U B National – Jonathan Antonaccio
“He is an easy choice considering his commitment, positive attitude, and excellent work ethic. Coming to nearly every practice and game all season, Jonny can always be relied on as the hardest worker, and one of the most supportive teammates on a consistent basis. It has been a pleasure to watch him lead by example and improve not only his game, but his teammates as well over the season.” — Coach Anthony Scholz
8U Gold – Jake Prestifilippo
“Jake is a true leader that sets the bar high, working tirelessly with great sportsmanship and self-discipline, always with a positive and uplifting attitude. His genuine love for the sport is evident, as he’s always looking to be the last off the ice and takes any off-ice time as an opportunity for skill development. Jake is a great teammate, always willing to offer uplifting words of support and encouragement. His fist-bump of gratitude to coaches, refs, and teammates after each ice session reflects his genuine appreciation for everyone that supports him. Jake’s a very talented and quickly developing player, and we look forward to watching his story unfold!” — Coach Jason Kishbaugh
8U Gold – Jack Tomsey
“Jack is an outstanding addition to this incredible group of talented players, showing a maturity level well beyond his years on and off the ice from day one. Throughout the hockey season, it was not uncommon for Jack to beat all his teammates/coaches to games and practices, eager to get on the ice and outwork everyone. Jack is an incredibly supportive teammate and one of the most coachable kids we have ever had the pleasure to work with. He is the first to implement a new skill, an advanced tactic or play a new position and always impresses with how well he executes. This “silent ninja’s” work ethic is unmatched and he was a rock for the coaches throughout this amazing and challenging season. We have no doubt Jack will continue to grow immensely in this game and be an integral part of this exceptional group for years to come!” — Coach Jason Kishbaugh
8U Silver – GianKarlo Barranca
“Gianni Barranca personifies the Colonials core values with his work ethic, love for hockey, and constant-compete. He’s a player that his teammates look up to, leading by example both on and off the ice. On the ice, his compete is like no-other in Mite hockey- whether it’s a game or a practice, he’s always pushing himself harder and making those around him better. And off the ice, Gianni will always always have a few things- the sweatiest head, the biggest smile, and some form of Rangers gear. Gianni has been an absolute pleasure to coach, his future in hockey is very bright, and we look forward to seeing him continue to grow, develop, and lead by example.” — Coaches Tyler Boyle & Dan Yacey
8U Bronze – Cooper Barnes
“Cooper has personified the qualities of what every coach could hope for in a player. Cooper has a relentless passion for becoming a better player at every practice and every shift during games, has the determination to battle, to fail and get back up, and ultimately win when challenged. Cooper is extremely coachable and self-disciplined as seen with how he listens to direction, grasps concepts and then successfully executes on the ice. Cooper also illustrates great team spirit and sportsmanship, which is visible with just about everything he does, on and off the ice, and has proven that he is a true leader by example. We as a coaching staff are very proud to have Cooper as our nomination for the Ray Murray Achievement Award! Keep up the great work Cooper, these values will help shape who you are as a player, and as a person, as you continue to grow in the exciting years ahead of you!!!” — Coach Michael Hindley