24-25 NJC 8U RED

8U COACH ZAJAC

8U MANAGERS

SCHEDULE / ROSTER

Managers: Erin DaSilva, James DaSilva

Leagues: MAWHA/NJYHL

Tournaments/Showcases:

AAHA 8U Jamboree – Wayne, NJ (September 21-22, 2024)

Rhode Island Sting Columbus Day Invitational – RI (October 11-14, 2024)

MAWHA Winter Classic – Princeton, NJ (January 12, 2025)

MEET THE COACHES

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

NICOLE ZAJAC

HEAD COACH

CEP Level 2

Coaching Experience:

New Jersey Colonials
- 10U AA, 8U

Playing Experience:

University of New Hampshire (NCAA D1)

Nicole Zajac returns to the 8U Girls bench. She earned a Masters in Teaching and holds 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.

Coach 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).

Zajac has three children, 2 playing for Colonials!

DON BENNETT

ASSISTANT COACH

CEP Level 4

Coaching Experience:

New Jersey Colonials
- 10U, 8U, ADM
Williams Paterson University

Playing Experience:

William Paterson University (ACHA)
Toms River HS South (NJ)
Toms River HC (NJYHL)

Don Bennett enters his 5^th season with the Colonials where he has served in various coaching roles from ADM – 10U. He enjoys helping younger players develop foundational hockey skills and good habits while keeping the game fun.

Bennett’s hockey experience includes coaching and general manager roles with William Paterson University’s ACHA Division 1 program for over 20 years. He played collegiately at William Paterson University and served as team captain during his senior season. He captained Toms River High School South to a McInnis Cup Championship and played youth hockey for the Toms River Hockey Club (8U – 18U).

Coach Bennett lives in Basking Ridge with his wife and two kids, who both play hockey.