Over the next 2 months we will run a 9 part Season Preview series to highlight the 9 Hampton Roads Whalers Travel Teams and the upcoming 2023-2024 hockey season. This week, we continue with part 2 of the series and the U10 Major team.
The U10 Major team will be coached by Paul Clegg for the 2023-2024 season. Paul previously was the head coach for one of the Peninsula Prowl squirt teams, as well as the head coach for Hampton Road Warriors 2013 team, and served as hockey director for the Peninsula Prowl last season.
When asked about the upcoming season, Head Coach Paul Clegg said, “I am looking forward to a great season. I am excited to see some familiar faces and some new faces as well. I previously coached with goalie coach Dalton Stoltz at CNU and I know how much he has enjoyed being part of this organization, so I’m excited to be able to coach with him again and do it wearing the blue and green. Myself along with other coaches look forward to developing these kids into better hockey players, better teammates and better people.’’
The Whalers U10 Major team will play at the Upper A level in the CBHL. They look forward to doing a few local tournaments, and a few away. Team fundraising efforts are already underway with a Yeti and liquor raffle. Fundraisers will help the team attend future tournaments, as well as other events and opportunities for the team.
Returning Whalers include Liam Carlton, Lincoln Hoddinott, Brody Garcia, Luke Hayden, Niko Watson, Jackson Schmier, and goalie Brian Cole. The newest Whalers include Colton Clegg, Vigo Liptak, Ethan Ross, Marco Colacchio, Jacob Mikolashek, Jesse Smith III, Charlie Barrett, Louis Wright, and goalie Brennan Sawicki. Returning as assistant coach is Craig Carlton, and Jude Liptak is joining the coaching staff this year as an assistant coach.
The 10U Major team enjoyed their time at the CCM Showcase placement tournament earlier this month at the Prince William Ice Center. It was a good indicator of the level of play they should play in and all the depth they have for each position this upcoming season.
Coach Paul also stated, “I am excited to be a part of this team. It has been great getting to know all the new players over the past couple of weeks. Parents make or break youth sports and I have been very encouraged meeting all the new parents and families. All the players on our team learned a lot last year playing 9U in a 10U world, and myself, along with the other coaches, look forward to building on that and having these kids prepared for the move up to U12 by the end of the season.’’
Go Whalers!
