2024-25 NJC YOUTH AWARDS

THE NEW JERSEY COLONIALS ANNOUNCE HONORS FOR YOUTH TEAMS

The New Jersey Colonials announce the 2024-25 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.

Jack Ross, 18U AAA – Boys Charette Award Winner

Nominated by Coach Alex Velischek, Jack Ross served as co-team captain of 18U AAA this season. He was selected for the AYHL 18U All-Star game in January. A versatile player who helps the team in all zones while averaging a point per game. Ross also helped lead Delbarton to the 2025 New Jersey State Non-Public High School Championship.

Dylan Gibbs, 18U AA Red – Boys Charette Finalist

“Dylan had an outstanding year for 18AA Red. He amassed 18 goals and 21 assists in 21 league and showcase games. Dylan played both on the power play and penalty kill and was a reliable center late in games. Additionally, he was a great teammate and a pleasure to coach. We wish Dylan all the best going forward.” — Coach Brett Brophy

Zach Brooks, 18U AA White – Boys Charette Finalist

“Zach showed up to every practice and game to give his best effort. He accepted any role that we asked him to fill and played the game with an unmatched enthusiasm. He is an exceptional leader who gave everything to the team.” — Coach Scott Garrow

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 – Jack Gerne

Selected by Coach Alex Velischek, Jack Gerne has played 5 seasons with the Colonials. He shows leadership, sharing co-captain duties with Jack Ross, by using his speed, tenacity and toughness. Gerne was selected for the 18U AYHL All-Star game. He received the Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau Most Valuable Player Award after leading Delbarton to the 2025 New Jersey State Non-Public High School Championship on Monday, March 10, 2025.

18U AA Red – Luke Ench

“Luke was an instrumental piece of 18AA’s success the last two years. Luke won big games in the NJYHL regular season, NJYHL playoffs, Atlantic District playoffs, and was the first NJ Colonials T2 Boys goaltender to win a game at USA Hockey Nationals in 2024. Luke brought a great attitude to the rink and was respectful towards coaches, players, referees, and opponents. We wish Luke all the best going forward.”–- Coach Brett Brophy

18U AA White – Ryan White

“Ryan has a fantastic work ethic and a love of the game you can see every time he steps on the ice. He never quits on a puck which inspires the players in front of him to play even harder. He is a great teammate and also shows respect to coaches, referees, and opponents.” — Coach Scott Garrow

16U AAA – Stefan Filewicz

“Stef never misses a practice or a game – at the goalie position this is a difficult thing to do. He is the hardest working, most dedicated player on the team. He is a big reason why our team is headed into the AYHL playoffs. In his “spare time” he plays forward for Kinnelon High School varsity hockey team. He has skated here at the Colonials for the past two seasons.” — Coach Rich McLaughlin

16U AA – Landon Brisby

“Landon holds himself to a very high standard both on and off the ice and truly embodies the values and attributes of Ray Murray. On the ice, Landon is a strong, reliable defenseman that can be counted on in all situations and especially to shut down the opponents’ top players. He served as team captain for the 16U AA team and fully embraced the role and responsibility that comes with wearing the “C”. He is well respected amongst his teammates and his leadership was a huge reason why the team won the NJYHL Championship.“ –- Coach Mike Braviak

15 Pure 2009 AAA – Ryan Keller

“He’s a hard working and dedicated player who always put the team first.“ –- Coach Joe Ginsberg

14U Major 2010 AAA – Luke Williams

Luke is a dedicated player and gives it all for his team and teammates. Luke leads by example through hard work, determination and unwavering commitment to his team. His impact is beyond goals and assists, as Luke embodies unselfishness, sportsmanship, team spirit and great values that inspire his teammates around him on and off the ice. Luke is a true leader who rises to every challenge, ensuring his team stays positive and focused, no matter the situation. — Coach Marcello DeAngelis

14U A National – Evan Doraski

“Throughout the season, Evan has consistently demonstrated the characteristics of Ray Murray through good sportsmanship, being an excellent teammate, and always working hard. He always comes to the rink with a smile and does everything the coaches ask of him.“ –- Coach Nate Nussbaum

13 Pure 2011 AAA – Luke Grzyb

“Luke is arguably our most improved player from a year ago. He is a selfless player who is responsible defensively. He has scored more than a handful of big goals for our team this season. He is coachable and a great teammate.“ –- Coach Bruce Shatel

12U Major 2012 AAA – Kellen McDaniell

“Hockey is a team game and success comes from teamwork and relentless effort. Kellen has demonstrated this throughout the year showing the ability to push through challenges while displaying respect for his coaches and teammates.” –- Coach Travis Zajac

12U Minor 2013 AAA – Drew Sallo

“Drew constantly brings a great effort and positive energy to our team leading by example and constantly working hard to improve.” –- Coach Ryan Thomas

12U B National – Clayton Lugerner

“From Day 1 of our season, Clayton has shown a team first mindset. He switched from forward to defense to help the team out and has continued to work hard at every practice and game turning into a reliable, shot blocking defenseman. He brings the team together and is a true leader in the locker room.” –- Coach Ian Anderson

10U Major 2014 AAA – Zachary Goosman

“Zach has shown tremendous growth this season. He has an excellent work ethic and consistently shows up ready to play for every practice and game. He is a great teammate, very disciplined, and extremely coachable. Zach constantly demonstrated the ability to take a concept learned and execute it in a game. As a result, he regularly played in key moments of our games throughout the year. I look forward to watching his continued progression and thank him for his outstanding efforts for our team this past year!“ –- Coach Ren Fauci

10U Minor 2015 AAA – Jack Tomsey

“Jack Tomsey is every coach’s dream! His work ethic and positive attitude are contagious. He elevates our practices by pushing his teammates to continue to improve. Jack is one of the silent leaders on and off the ice. We are proud to award Jack with the Ray Murray Achievement Award!” — Coach Garrett Brown

10U A American – Jonathan Antonaccio

“Jonny is an amazing hockey player and teammate. He is always positive on and off the ice and works very hard in practice. Jonny also stands out to me for how much effort he gives every time he steps on the ice.” — Coach Joe Carey

10U B National – Jack Ruiz

“While there were several people in consideration for this award, Jack came to mind first with his quiet, hardworking demeanor. Jack stays on an even keel and always helps pick up pucks after practice. He routinely saves us with some monster backchecks and responsible positional play in games.” — Coach Taylor Koze

8U Gold – Ryan Kishbaugh

“Ryan Kishbaugh exemplifies hard work, determination, team spirit, good sportsmanship, and self-discipline. From the start of the season, he has been a leader both on and off the ice, leading his team during practices, games, and team events. His passion for hockey is evident in his commitment and dedication, whether playing for the Colonials or supporting his two sisters. Ryan’s positive attitude and cheerful personality are well known at Mennen Arena. He is developing strong leadership skills and sets a great example for his teammates, constantly working to help them improve their skills. Ryan is not only an exceptional hockey player but also a remarkable young man.” — Coach Tyler Boyle

8U Silver – Nathan Zhang

“Nathan exemplifies the qualities every coach hopes for in a player. His unwavering dedication to growth is evident in every practice and game, showcasing his determination to tackle challenges and strive for success. His coachability and discipline stand out, as he eagerly absorbs feedback, grasps new concepts, and applies them seamlessly on the ice. Beyond his skills, Nathan embodies true sportsmanship and team spirit, leading by example both on and off the ice. It is with great excitement that we nominate Nathan for the Ray Murray Achievement Award. Keep up the outstanding work, Nathan—these qualities will continue to shape you on and off the ice!” — Coach Patrick Reilly

8U Bronze – Gregory Dickson

“Greg is a fearless skater who played each game with high intensity. He scored some beautiful goals but his back checking and defensive plays were most impressive. His hard work and dedication to the game of hockey made him a natural leader.” — Coach John Sabo

8U Bronze – Colton Klug

“Colton’s on-ice performance was exceptional throughout the season. He had several great goals but it was his dedication to practice and games that made him stand out as a leader on the team. Colton will continue to develop into a great hockey player!” — Coach John Sabo