25-26 NJC 8U RED
25-26 NJC 8U RED
Manager: Jamie Howard
Leagues: MAWHA/NJYHL
Tournaments/Showcases:
AAHA 8U Jamboree – Wayne, NJ (September 20-21, 2025)
Rhode Island Sting Columbus Day Invitational – RI (October 11-13, 2025)
Liberties Invitational – Voorhees, NJ (January 16-19, 2026)
MEET THE COACHES
Experienced staff with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for athlete growth and development.
NICOLE ZAJAC
HEAD COACH
CEP Level 3
Coaching Experience:
- New Jersey Colonials
- 10U, 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!
GLAUCO GRILLO
ASSISTANT COACH
CEP Level 1
Coaching Experience:
- New Jersey Colonials
- Berkeley Heights 8U Lacrosse
- Ski instructor
Playing Experience:
- Summit HS (NJ)
Glauco Grillo has a passion for the game of hockey. He played for Summit High School and continues to play at the recreational level.
Coach Grillo's philosophy is to ensure players are having fun while improving steadily throughout the season. Growth through life lessons (teamwork, self-improvement through iteration, enjoyment of the sport).
Grillo has 2 children playing for Colonials.
OSCAR WDOWIAK
ASSISTANT COACH
CEP Level 1
Coaching Experience:
- New Jersey Colonials
- Ramapo Saints
Playing Experience:
- University of Delaware Football (NCAA D1)
Oscar Wdowiak enters his fifth season coaching youth hockey. After a lifelong love of the sport, Wdowiak started playing hockey as an adult and introduced his two children to the game.
Wdowiak grew up in Orange County, NY where he was a multiple sport athlete in high school and captain of his varsity football team. He went on to play football at the University of Delaware.
Coach Wdowiak focuses on developing skating skills and teamwork, while maintaining a fun atmosphere that fosters improvement and allows the players to continue to grow their love for the game.