skip navigation

Mix of youth and veteran leadership are getting the Arrows off to a good start in exciting EJEPL league play

By James Dublin, 10/10/13, 9:45PM EDT

Share

Over the last ten years under the guidance of head coach Chris Hogan, the Arrows 18U team has been scorching the local competition and giving young men the chance at a State crown time and time again. This year, the Arrows have embarked on a new journey into the world of the EJEPL. 

After a shaky start, the team has settled down, and thanks to the leadership of top gunner Bobby Oldmixon, they have found their game. With the mixture of new comers Nick Anzelone and Nick Schlegel and the combined efforts of hard nosed veterans James Jiritano and Ross Kliendschmidt, the Arrows are competing hard every night.

On his new found home, the blue line, Shawn Post has quickly upped his game and added speed and confidence to a young core of defenseman. Coach Hogan believes that the team is benefiting greatly from the EJEPL's competitive level and seamless travel schedule.

"The boys are really coming into there own, with this new league competition our team game is really shaping into a hybrid style of speed, smarts and hard nosed disciplined hockey," Hogan said. "I have certainly noticed a complete transformation since August, and that is due to this opportunity that the EJEPL has granted the Arrows." 

Only time will tell if the 50-year-old organization can make another push towards a "State Run" and just maybe a playoff berth within the EJEPL. But regardless of wins and loses, each member of the team is making progress and competing harder each night. Coach Rodgers and Coach Kleindschmidt have noticed the change on and off the ice:

Coach Rodgers: "The team is just more focused, practice is at a high level and the drive to compete is at an all-time high."

Coach Kliendschmidt: "The opportunity to play within two leagues and have meaningful games just about every night has introduced a level of 'professionalism' that I have never seen at the Midget Hockey level. 

The young and experienced Arrows are backed by two solid goaltenders. Long time Arrow Joe Cupolo is settling in and really coming into his own. A new face, Mike Ioveno is shutting down opponents and making his mark in this new league. With these two "stoppers" backing the pipes the coaching staff believes in this years crew and only hopes that the young boys realize there opportunity.

The season is still young, but this team is ready to make some noise and hopefully get some looks from College and Junior scouts.

Coach Hogan states: "My number one goal is to keep these boys playing hard, and competing against themselves every night. If they continue to work than everything else will take care of itself. The top teams in this league are coached well and very skilled, but we will be ready."