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EHL Elite Practices with ECHL Manchester Monarchs Staff

By A. Trimble, 01/14/16, 11:15PM EST

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The New England Wolves EHL Elite JR team traveled from the friendly confines of the Laconia Ice Arena on Thursday, down to Manchester to participate with a full morning of activities with the ECHL Manchester Monarchs.

“I approached Head Coach Rich Seeley about this opportunity before Christmas and he was excited about providing it to us.” Commented Wolves Elite GM/ Head Coach Andrew Trimble.  “Rich owns a home in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire and is a supporter of the Laconia Ice Arena.  He is a first class guy.”

The ECHL Monarchs are currently in first place in their division of the Eastern Conference, with 47 points.  Seeley, an NHL draft pick and former Monarchs captain, is in his first year coaching the program.  The AHL Manchester Monarchs won the 2015 Calder Cup, and were the Los Angeles Kings top affiliate.  

The Wolves began their day with a tour of the facilities, including video, weight and locker rooms, with Zac Guercia, the Monarchs equipment manager.  They then sat and observed the Monarchs full 65 minute practice at the Verizon Wireless Arena.  “I was impressed by the speed, skill and size of each player.” Commented Wolves Forward Bryce Ricker.  

After viewing practice, the Wolves dressed and took the ice at 11:30am with the Monarchs full staff including assistant coaches Kyle Pettit and Jeff Giuliano (a 10 year pro player with over 100 NHL games).  “Our team has struggled with it’s mental focus, responsibilities and game sense.  Coach Seeley and his staff put these kids through a workout that was focused very specifically on those areas.” Trimble said.  

After 75 minutes of hard work and detailed instruction the Wolves Captain’s , including Zander Allen, Dillon Smith, Kyle Carignan, and Shawn Sullivan challenged Coach Seeley to a game of “Juice Boy”, a staple of the Wolves Elite’s Friday practices.  “Coach Seeley schooled them a little at Juice Boy… but I appreciate their enthusiasm!” said Trimble.

The EHL Elite Wolves return to action at home this weekend as visiting Walpole comes to town for a 7pm Saturday night puck drop and the Boston JR Rangers head north to Laconia on Sunday for a 2:15pm tilt.