Team News

(WAYNE, NJ) – Senior forward #20 Kyle Garlasco (Paramus, NJ) was named as the team’s captain for the upcoming season.  Garlasco brings a wealth of experience serving as an assistant captain since his sophomore season and has won two SECHL Championships.  Currently, Garlasco has performed on the ice recording over 200 points in career.  Last season, Garlasco was named Super East Player of the Year (regular season) and first-team All-League for his position.  However, it is more than on-ice success for Head Coach Joe Ballance who is entering his seventh season that makes Garlasco the next team’s captain.  “Kyle is a proven player on the ice, but he has proven to be a leader off the ice as well through how he carries himself, embodies the Pioneer way, and his determination to win.  I believe Kyle has grown tremendously as a player and person and we look forward to him to lead this team through a relentless work ethic and a will to win”.  The Pioneers need this from their leadership as they have dropped the SECHL championship game two seasons in a row losing to the eventual National Champion both times.

Kyle Garlsasco is no stranger to the leadership position as he was named an assistant captain at the beginning of his sophomore season. “Kyle is primed and ready for this role. It is up to him now to put the finishing touch on this team, his career, and his legacy as captain and I am looking forward to him being successful in the role”, said Coach Ballance.  Garlasco on being named the team’s captain “it’s an honor and privilege to be named captain of the William Paterson Hockey Program.  I look forward to providing leadership and knowledge on and off the ice to my teammates in the upcoming season where we look to build on the success that the program has had in the past.  I would like to thank the coaching staff for putting their trust in me to lead the team next season and I am looking forward to the new challenges that will be encountered next season.  I have learned a lot from past captains such as Shaun McTigue, Matt Hunter, and last year with assistant captain Rich Pallai.  There are pieces of leadership in all three individuals that I will look take combined with my own style and abilities for the challenges ahead.  I am looking forward to the upcoming season and right now preparing for September is the most important focus for my teammates and I”. 

Congratulations to Kyle Garlasco on being named the next team’s captain.  Currently, he is amongst a leadership group of himself.  “We will look to add some assistants to support Kyle’s lead.  There is no rush to find the support cast, but we hope they emerge during training camp”, said Coach Ballance.