NCDC AND PREMIER TEAMS HITTING THEIR STRIDE

The Utica Jr. Comets’ NCDC team have caught their stride, building to a 10-6 record since the beginning of November. Led by Swedish goaltender Isak Johansson (.928 save percentage), the team currently sits two points out of 7th place. 

“We had a tough schedule in the very beginning. It has taken guys time to learn the systems and get acclimated,” commented head coach, Paul Kelly. As the Jr. Comets look to climb the ranks over the second half of the season, they have called up Tyler Morin and Bryce Grennan from the Premier team. 

“The promotion and development from within our own system is very important for current and future teams. When players come to Utica, they are going to have every opportunity to develop and will be advanced as the opportunities arise,” commented Kelly. The Utica Jr. Comets’ Premier team currently sits atop the Northeast Division and is 5th overall in the USPHL Premier division. John Gutt and Tyler Knicley led the team to a 23-5 record with a combined 79 points on the season. 

“It’s good to see a lot of our players rewarded with call ups to NCDC. And our younger 1st year players have made huge strides and are really improving on a week-to-week basis,” praises Premier head coach, Louis Educate. Coming off a great first half, the team comprised of an ideal blend of veteran junior players and younger players new to the Premier division, has the potential to make an exciting play off run. “We all believe we can make something special out of the season,” says Educate.