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Cerrella Named Coach of the Year

By Neil Ravin - Director of Communications, 03/20/18, 9:00AM EDT

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Veteran Head Coach Selected By His Peers

BOSTON, MA -- The Eastern Hockey League (EHL) is pleased to announce that Chris Cerrella of the New Hampshire Avalanche has been named the 2018 Coach of the Year (COY). In their inaugural season, Cerrella led the Avalanche to a record of 39-7-4. New Hampshire was also the first team to clinch a First Round bye in the EHL Playoffs, as they locked up the New England Division title back in late January. The Coach of the Year award and all other league honors, are voted on by the coaches in the EHL.

"To do what Chris did with a first year team is beyond impressive," said Mark Kumpel, the EHL's Director of Hockey Operations. "Being named Coach of the Year is an unbelievable honor, and Chris deserves it. To have the respect of all your peers is an incredible feeling, and this recognition is long overdue. With 18 commitments, a great 2017-18 Regular Season, and now a Frozen Finals appearance, the future is very bright for Chris and the New Hampshire Avalanche."

As Kumpel mentioned, Cerrella and the Avalanche have earned a spot in this weekend's EHL Frozen Finals. As one of the final four teams, New Hampshire will take on the Philadelphia Revolution on Thursday, the Philadelphia Little Flyers on Friday, and the Boston Jr. Rangers on Saturday, all with the hopes of advancing to the EHL Championship on Sunday. Regardless of how the weekend unfolds, Mario Martiniello (Owner of the Avalanche), is very proud and happy with the decision he made to bring in Cerrella.

"Having coached against Chris in the past, I saw firsthand just how good he is," said Martiniello. "I knew I wanted him to run my program from the very first day, and his success is no surprise to me!"

The 2nd place finisher for the COY honor is Jon Rogger (Philadelphia Revolution) and 3rd place is George Lewis (Philadelphia Little Flyers). Tomorrow, the EHL will announce the 2018 Most Valuable Player (MVP).



Photo Credit - Dennis Woxland

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