UTICA JR. COMETS BRING BACK ELITE COACHING STAFF FOR 2010 AAA TEAM

Utica, NY- The Utica Jr. Comets are excited to announce the 2010 AAA team and it’s coaching staff for the 2021-2022 season.               

The team will be composed of the top players in Central New York born in 2010. The team will get two to three on ice sessions a week including Power Edge Pro Training. The team will play an elite 50-55 game schedule against other top teams across the North East. Players who make the team can look forward to fun competitive tournaments to go along with their elite regular season schedule. Players will be able to work on their off-ice strength and conditioning during weekly off-ice training sessions.      

The 2010 AAA Utica Jr. Comets hockey team finished up a successful 2020-2021 campaign this past weekend going 26-9-1 amid a year that was very challenging. The coaching staff spent the year implementing up-tempo practices that always included skill based, speed-oriented drills. The team was well organized and disciplined as a result and improved as the year went on. They also included off-ice workouts on a weekly basis with Coach Hall who focused on dynamic exercises prior to each game. Thinking outside the box to fit in competitive game situations, the 2010’s were able to scrimmage the 2009 Jr. Comets several times during practice which benefited both teams.

The team had several dramatic wins down the stretch scoring game winning goals in the final minutes against the Syracuse Nationals 2010 AAA team as well as a buzzer beater against the 2010 Jr. Americans. They also won the Steel City AAA tournament championship in Bethlehem PA. In all, the Jr. Comets made the most of everything and were able to have a fun, competitive, and successful season.                       

The 2010 AAA team will feature a veteran coaching staff with an elite hockey background. Head coach Shawn Weiman is a proud native Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and played junior hockey in his home province. Weiman attended Providence College to play hockey on a four-year-scholarship. After completing his college career, Weiman spent three seasons playing professional hockey in the ECHL and CHL before pursuing coaching. Weiman served as the assistant to Gary Heenan at Utica College from 2006-2010. Over the past few years, Weiman has developed some of the areas top young players. He is also a level three certified Power Edge Pro coach.

Joining Weiman on the bench is decorated college hockey coach Gary Heenan. Heenan has built one of the nation's power houses in NCAA Division III men's hockey and was named UCHC Coach of the year during the 2019-2020 season. Heenan is excited to assist Weiman and focused on developing this extraordinary group of players.  

“I’m excited to return as Shawn’s assistant. Shawn is knowledgeable, passionate and dedicated to making every kid develop. It’s a super group of talented kids,” said Heenan.      

Tryouts for the 2010 team will be held on April 27 and April 29 from 7:00pm-7:50pm. Anyone interested in trying out should register now HERE.