The Springfield Pics are pleased to announce the formation of a U-16 team for the 2012-13 season to participate in the new Eastern Junior Hockey League 16-and-under league. The program, which will consist of full-season teams, will be the first of its kind in the Northeast, allowing for greater development and less travel, resulting in a smaller number of school days missed. The new league will follow the High Performance Club Criteria developed by USA Hockey in accordance with the American Development Model. The Pics are also pleased to name Torry Gajda Head Coach of the team. Gajda a 2006 graduate of Hockey East member Providence College. He appeared in 135 games for the Friars totaling 137 points over his four seasons in Hockey East play. After playing three seasons of professional hockey Torry turned his passion for the game to coaching. He has been a Head Coach at the Elite Bantam Level the past few seasons. Before Providence Gajda was a 2-Time EJHL All Star for the Springfield Pics. "I am extremely excited to be selected as coach of the Springfield Pics u16 team. It is a privilege for me to coach in an organization that I have been a part of since my youth hockey days. I believe the new league will allow an opportunity for more young players to develop while gaining exposure to collegiate programs. The Pics organization, as it always has in the past, is striving to provide more avenues for our players to reach their potential both on and off the ice." States U16 Head Coach Torry Gajda "This is an exciting time for our program; the formation of the EJHL U16 league enables us to provide an environment to develop our elite younger players while competing against the best competition. We are extremely pleased to have Torry join our staff; he brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for coaching. This is a great opportunity for the elite 96, 97, 98 birth year group." Added U16 GM Patrick Tabb "The purpose of the initiative is to better develop our prospects while using [the EJHL's] well-established network to provide exposure and promotion," said EJHL Commissioner Bob Mainhardt. "This is a very exciting time for the EJHL and, more importantly, this is a crucial development for our current and future players." The program will consist of 3 on ice practices per week, 2-3 off ice training sessions per week. A 28-30 game regular season, 16 games in 4 EJHL showcases for a total of 44-46 game season. Team Tryouts will be incorporated with our Junior Team Camp in April, dates will be posted soon For more information please contact team GM Patricktabb@gmail.com or Head Coach tgajda19@hotmail.com
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