24-25 NJC 12U Major AAA 2012

Manager:  Krissy Wenzel

League:  AYHL

Tournaments/Showcases:

Chicago Reapers Labor Day Classic – Chicago, IL (August 30-September 1, 2024)

Eastern Exposure Cup – Boston, MA (October 25-27, 2024)

Middlesex Islanders Showcase – Boston, MA (December 13-15, 2024)

Ottawa Bell Capital Cup – Ottawa, ON (December 28-30, 2024)

MEET THE COACHES

Experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for athlete growth and development.

Zajac, T 23

TRAVIS ZAJAC

HEAD COACH

CEP Level 4

Coaching Experience:

  • New Jersey Colonials

Playing Experience:

  • New Jersey Devils (NHL)
  • New York Islanders (NHL)
  • Team Canada (2009, 2011)
  • University of North Dakota
  • Salmon Arm (BCHL)

Coach Travis Zajac is ready to take today's youth to the next level.  His coaching philosophy is about teaching real skills that help kids make proper reads, create good habits, and stay safe on the ice.

The long-time New Jersey Devils alternate captain was a key member in the run to the 2012 Stanley Cup finals. He earned a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2009 World Championships. In college, he scored 47 points in 46 games for the 2006 NCAA Champion, North Dakota.

Prestifilippo, J 23

JR PRESTIFILIPPO

ASSISTANT COACH

CEP Level 3

Coaching Experience

  • New Jersey Colonials

Playing Experience

  • Greensboro, Augusta, Pee Dee (ECHL)
  • Harvard University (ECAC D1)
  • Hotchkiss School

Joseph Prestifilippo has assisted with several NJC teams and programs.

Coach Prestifilippo was a 1996 NHL Entry Draft Selection of the New York Islanders.  He played in goal at Harvard where he earned ECAC All-Rookie Team and ECAC Rookie of the Year honors after the 1996-97 season.

 

Loftus, F 23

FRANKIE LOFTUS

ASSISTANT COACH

CEP Level 4

Coaching Experience:

  • NHL New Jersey Devils Skills
  • USA Player Development
  • New Jersey Colonials
  • New Jersey Devils Youth
  • NJ Devils Quebec PeeWee
  • Ironbound

Playing Experience:

  • New Jersey Rockets
  • Parsippany Hills HS
  • Wooster Oilers AEHL

Frankie Loftus is a highly recognized skills coach who works with the NHL Devils and has a long list of successful NHL, Olympic, NCAA, Junior, and Prep players who have trained with him.

Coach Loftus focuses on overspeed training and encourages creativity.

Wenzel, B 23

BRIAN WENZEL

ASSISTANT COACH

CEP Level 4

Coaching Experience:

  • New Jersey Colonials

Playing Experience:

  • Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
  • Canterbury School
  • Randolph High School

Brian Wenzel grew up playing travel with Devils Youth.  He played varsity at Randolph High School before heading out to Canterbury School in Connecticut. 

Coach Wenzel continued at RIT for 4 seasons as a defenseman.  He scored 16 points (4g-12a) with a +52 (plus/minus) in 32 games his senior year.

OUR MISSION

The New Jersey Colonials Youth Hockey Association's mission is to provide a quality environment for learning, playing and enjoying the game of ice hockey.