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ENFIELD, CT,
January 12, 2009 – GD Alumni Group, LLC today announced the acquisition of the
New England Junior Falcons, a developmental AAA youth hockey club based in
Enfield, CT. In addition, the Group also announced the purchase of the MassConn
Braves, an Eastern Hockey Federation AA youth hockey club. Beginning with the
2009-2010 season, the Braves will be rebranded under the New England Junior
Falcons banner.
Enfield Twin
Rinks, located in Enfield, CT, will serve as home base for the program beginning
with the 2009-2010 season.
Keith Hillebrecht
assumes the role of President/General Manager of the New England Junior
Falcons. Keith is a former player for Gary Dineen’s Junior A Springfield
Olympics hockey team. In each of his three years with the Olympics, the team won
the New England Junior Hockey League (NEJHL) championship. Keith played
collegiate hockey at Hamilton College.
Sean Provost
becomes the Director of Hockey Operations for the club. Sean is also an Olympics
alumnus, winning two NEJHL championships under Coach Dineen. Sean went on to a
solid college career at SUNY Potsdam, twice earning All-Conference
honors.
Tom O’ Connor, a
former Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick, takes responsibility as the club’s
Director of Player/Coach Development. After playing junior hockey for the
Olympics, Tom enjoyed a stellar four years at the University of Massachusetts
(Amherst). He also represented the United States on the US Select 16 and 17
teams.
Lincoln Flagg,
also an Olympics alumnus and current Junior Falcons General Manager, will serve
as a consultant to the Group. In addition, Lincoln will coach one of the Junior
Falcons AAA teams during the 2009-2010 season.
Jim Callahan,
current MassConn Braves General Manager, remains as a consultant to the Group
and will join the Junior Falcons coaching staff next season.
In addition, the
annual MassConn Braves President’s Day tournament will move its headquarters to
Enfield Twin Rinks beginning with the 2010 edition. The tournament will become
the ETR President’s Day Classic.
Detailed
information regarding next season, including tryouts, coaches and practice
schedule, is forthcoming.
The New
England Junior Falcons youth hockey club is committed to delivering the
most comprehensive youth hockey program available to area youth. The scope and
depth of our program will be second to none in creating an atmosphere that will:
foster player self-confidence, develop high self-esteem and build strong
character. We will provide the most qualified professional staff available to
instruct our players and offer state of the art programs that are designed for
youth to learn and play the sport of ice hockey. All of our teams, regardless of
level, will be structured to provide players with the latitude for individual
growth that will enable each participant to reach their maximum potential as an
individual and help to prepare them to succeed in life's competitive
environment. The cornerstone and driving principal of this organization is our
Commitment to Youth.
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