22-23 NJC 8U RED
22-23 NJC 8U RED
Leagues: MAWHA/NJYHL
Tournaments/Showcases:
AAHA North 8U Jamboree – Wayne, NJ (September 17-18, 2022)
Halloween Howl – Hershey, PA (October 28-30, 2022)
MAWHA New Year’s Resolution – Hatfield, PA (January 8, 2023)
Mite March Madness – Woodbridge, NJ (March 10-12, 2023)
MEET THE COACHES
Experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for athlete growth and development.
NICOLE ZAJAC
COACH
CEP Level 1
Coaching Experience:
- New Jersey Colonials
Playing Experience:
- University of New Hampshire (NCAA D1)
Nicole Zajac joins the Colonials coaching staff with a teaching background and an impressive hockey resume. Her coaching philosophy is influenced through both her experience and education. It revolves around her players enjoying the game while learning how to improve skating, positioning, conditioning, and specific skill development.
Zajac served as captain of the UNH women's hockey team in her junior and senior seasons. UNH won 2 Hockey East Championships and had a Frozen Four appearance during her tenure. She was Hockey East Scoring Leader, All Hockey East 1st team, and a top 10 finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award (top female D1 Hockey Player).
Coach Zajac earned a Masters in Teaching and has three children, a boy and two girls, who also play hockey.
BROCK GIORDANO
COACH
CEP Level 2
Coaching Experience:
- New Jersey Colonials
- Cranford Hockey Club
Playing Experience:
- Salve Regina University (ECAC D3)
- Christian Brothers Academy
- American Eagles
Brock Giordano played 12U through 18U hockey for the American Eagles in Wall, NJ. He played NJ high school hockey for Christian Brothers Academy (CBA). His 1995-1996 CBA team was inducted into the NJ High School Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012 and the CBA Hall of Fame in 2013.
Giordano played Division III college hockey at Salve Regina University in RI.
Coach Giordano has been coaching in various capacities since his children began 8U hockey and is starting his second season with the 8U Girls program.
RYAN BOURKE
COACH
CEP Level 1
Coaching experience:
- New Jersey Colonials
- Montclair State University (AC)
- Mountain Lakes HS (AC)
- Hockey Techniques Skills
Playing experience:
- Montclair State (ACHA)
- Trinity Pawling Prep
- New Jersey Colonials
- Pope John HS
Coach Ryan Bourke believes in maximizing skill development with the introduction of hockey concepts and rules for early age groups. Most important is keeping them engaged by keeping things light and FUN while peaking player interest in the sport.