Players, coaches and families alike will spend the week together in celebration in various ways. The week also provides an opportunity to reflect on the things we are thankful for.
For this week's Short Shifts, in lieu of the holiday, we asked coaches around the EHL what they are thankful for in the 2024-2025 season.
New England Wolves coach Tim Kunes put it succinctly: "It's hard to pick one. I'm thankful we have a nice group of players who are coachable and great teammates."
The Wolves are off to a 15-6-0 start and have been led by a young group of forwards in Brenden Fields, Harrison Kramer and Felipe-Miguel Miron. All three players have 20 points or more, and the latter two are '06 birth years.
Express Hockey Club head coach Nic Cota had similar thoughts: "I'm not thankful for one player, as I'm thankful for all of them. Great group of guys who love the game and are good people all around."
With an impressive 13-1-2 record, the Express are certainly thankful for goaltender Alex Koenig. He currently has an 8-1-0 record, a .951 save percentage and four shutouts. He was also the winning goaltender in the EHL's big win over Elmira College last month.
Vermont Lumberjacks' bench boss Seth Gustin also reflected on his team: "We're thankful for each other. Junior hockey is a grind unlike any other. You need people to lean on in tough times, and celebrate the good ones. These young men are away from home for extended periods of time - and for some it’s a first experience. Having others be there for you, while working together towards a common goal is what it’s all about."
That feeling of togetherness is certainly tangible as Vermont is being led by veterans like Brayson Bennett and Gavin Bernsten. They lead the team in scoring as the Lumberjacks continue to navigate a loaded North Division.
Scott Drevitch of the Bridgewater Bandits echoed a similar sentiment: "I'm thankful for the team chemistry and camaraderie, it is especially nice coming to the rink with a group that we have this year."
The Bandits have looked much improved since last year and have secured wins against some of the league's top teams. Forward Ben Dias is a part of that turnaround with 15 goals in 16 games.
Providence Capitals coach Jeff Perreault expressed his thanks for the league: "With the amount of options for players to choose from in today's junior hockey landscape, I'm thankful for each and every player that has chose to commit/play for my coaching staff and the Providence Capitals Family."
The Caps are in a battle with HC Rhode Island for the top spot in the Central Division. Deaglan Kelly is second in the league in points with 33 (15g, 18a) while Daniel Kroon is fourth with 31 (13g, 18a).
Some coaches put the spotlight on players who have stood out so far this season.
New Hampshire Avalanche coach Chris Cerrella brought up forward Jake Hines. "The ultimate warrior. Great leader, great hockey player and a great human being. Jake sets the example of who every junior hockey player should want to be like. Takes nothing for granted and doesn't expect a thing unless it's earned. He is a true hockey player not just a kid who plays hockey."
Hines currently has 17 points through 19 games (5g, 12a). As a veteran leader, he's one of the many reasons why New Hampshire leads the North with a 15-2-2 record.
Connecticut Nor'Easter coach Greg Heffernan reflected on his goaltender, Jason LoRicco. "He has embraced the process, the journey, and the grind of junior hockey and he is now flourishing. He will be rewarded for his trust in the everyday go to work and get better mentality and his control what you can control mindset."
LoRicco has been thriving with the Nor'Easter, sporting a 9-6-0 record with a .920 save percentage and two shutouts. As a result, Connecicut sits third place in a very competitive Central Division.
New Jersey 87's coach Adam Houli gave thanks to his rookies: "They have come in and understood the process trusted our staff and continue to get better day by day. Their level of maturity as a group has allowed us to grow tremendously as a team and now we can take a next steps and continuing to develop their game."
Some New Jersey notable New Jersey rookies include defensemen RJ Sun and Josh Faiella, as well as forwards like Dominic Bertolino, Chase Chalfin and Bradyn Voong. After the 87's started the season with a 2-6-0 record, they have seen quite the turnaround, winning 10 of their last 11 games to improve to 12-7-0.
Last but not least, Philadelphia Flyers coach Mark Catron spoke about forward Christian Kinsler and his willingness to donate his bone marrow to save a man's life.
In Catron's words: "I don't think enough was made of what Christian Kinsler did in September.
For a 20 year-old to think of a complete stranger, and saving their life with his donation of his bone marrow. It was even moved up a month early because of the importance of it for the unknown person that he saved. Put that into perspective, hockey and all of us trying to win a game, when Christian helped someone in his biggest time of need, with the biggest game you can play.
Even though Christian is the type of person who won't make a big deal of it, it's a very big deal.
I'm sure the person he helped living out in the Midwest is very thankful this week for him."
