CONNECTICUT CHIEFS ANNOUNCE MAJOR CHANGES TO PROGRAM ADDING MITE MAJOR & SQUIRT MAJOR ELITE TEAMS -- FREE SKILLS CLINICS

The Connecticut Chiefs hockey organization is pleased to announce the addition of the Mite Major Elite and Squirt Major Elite programs for the upcoming 2015-2016 season. The Mite Major Elite team will consist of players born in 2007 & 2008 while those athletes born in ’05 and ’06 will comprise the Squirt Major Elite roster.

“We couldn’t be more excited about the addition of the Mite and Squirt programs,” said Brandon Johnson, Owner and General Manager for the CT Chiefs. “The Connecticut Chiefs organization has long been the premier platform in the state for prep school and college success. The inclusion of the Mite and Squirt programs will not only compliment the PeeWee, Bantam and Midget levels, but will elevate the development of our players.”

Under the direction of the Chiefs highly certified and professional staff, the Mite and Squirt programs will offer players the opportunity to train and develop into “next level” athletes with exceedingly competitive schedules. Both programs will operate under the guidance of former NHL player Yvon “Ike” Corriveau. Ike’s extensive playing and coaching experience will give players a distinct advantage with development compared to similar age groups.

Ike has 20 Years of professional hockey experience, including 1200 games from 1985 - 2005. He was drafted in the first round by the Washington Capitals in ’85 and played in 360 regular season NHL games for the Caps, San Jose Sharks and Hartford Whalers. Ike also played in 50 NHL playoff games during his career. His Junior career highlights include being a member of Team Canada and playing in the World Junior Championship in Piestany, Czechoslovakia alongside Brendan Shanahan, Pierre Turgeon, Steve Chiasson and Theoron Fluery.

Since his retirement in 2005, Ike has successfully transitioned into one of the most sought after youth coaches. His coaching career includes leading the CT Clippers PW Major team to the Tier 1 New England Regional Championship and USA Hockey National Tournament. He also led the Bantam Minor CT Wolf Pack to the Atlantic Youth Hockey League Championship, and in 2010 Ike led a very talented 1997 team to its first appearance at the USA Hockey National Championships. This past season Ike coached the U18 team, which featured 5 D1-committed players and 4 players listed on the NHL Central Scouting Mid-Term Rankings.

“Ike’s playing career, both at the Junior and professional levels, is impressive and it generates a credible foundation for our players. But it’s his leadership that is truly unmatched. Ike’s ability to connect with our players has had an incredible impact on our program. Under his direction all our players have the best chance at taking their game to the next level.”

“This is an exciting time for the Connecticut Chiefs. We look forward to developing elite hockey players at every level now.”

Tryouts for the Mite Major Elite & Squirt Major Elite teams will be as follows:

MITE MAJOR ELITE TRYOUTS

Location: Newington Arena

Saturday, March 14th at 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 15th at 9:00 a.m.

Thursday, March 19th at 6:20 p.m.

SQUIRT MAJOR ELITE TRYOUTS

Location: Newington Arena

Saturday, March 14th at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18th at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21st at 4:30 p.m

The Connecticut Chiefs are also offering FREE Skills Clinics at Newington Arena for all Mite, Squirt, PeeWee and Bantam players on the following dates:

Mite & Squirt Players

· Monday, February 23rd at 6:30 p.m.

· Wednesday, March 4th at 6:30 p.m.

PeeWee Players

· Wednesday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m.

· Thursday, March 11th at 6:30 p.m.

Bantam Players

· Wednesday, March 10th at 6:30 p.m.

· Thursday, March 11th at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on the Mite Major Elite & Squirt Major Elite programs, please contact Chiefs GM Brandon Johnson at brandonjohnson@connecticutchiefs.com or log on to www.connecticutchiefs.org.

About the Connecticut Chiefs

The Connecticut Chiefs is the premier platform feeder system for prep school and college success.Our hockey program affords young players the opportunity to play hockey at a high level under the guidance of the region’s premier coaching staff and management.In addition to providing an extraordinary level of hockey, the Connecticut Chiefs are dedicated to developing exceptional student-athletes.It is the goal of our organization to attract hard working players who have the same commitment in the classroom as they do on the ice.The Connecticut Chiefs are responsible for placing more than 175 players into prep school and NCAA college hockey over the last 7 seasons.