The Northeast Generals are 8 days away from the start of their second training camp. After an extremely tough first year that saw only 4 wins the Northeast Generals team is poised for a great season.
The Northeast Generals have overhauled their roster for the upcoming season but the below players will be key contributors to the team’s success in 2017-2018.
The Northeast Generals return the following players:
Forwards:
Colin Bilek – Captain, 1997, Brighton, MI, (acquired via 2016 tender). Colin led the Generals in scoring last year posting 40 points (18 goals and 22 assists). Colin led the team in all relevant offensive stats in his first year in the NAHL. Colin is the heart and soul of the team and is poised for another breakout season.
Mike Egan – 1997, Billerica, MA, (acquired via 2nd round of 2016 draft). Mike finished the season with 24 points (8 goals and 16 assists). Mike had a strong finish to the season with 8 points in the last 12 games and looks to build on that as he will be relied on to produce this upcoming season.
Justin Jallen – 1998, Woodbury, MN (acquired via 2016 trade with Minnesota Magicians). Justin finished his first year in the NAHL with 19 points (7 goals and 12 assists). A dynamic forward with great speed Justin is a threat 5 on 5 and on the power play. He should be a top producer in 2017-2018.
Matt Wiesner – 1997, Newport Beach, CA (acquired via mid season trade with New Jersey Titans). Matt finished the season with 24 points (6 goals and 18 assists). Matt is a very disruptive player that uses his speed and hands to frustrate opponents. He plays in all situations and the Generals will be relying on him to have a huge sophomore campaign.
Hunter Canestra – 1999, Boyertown, PA (acquired via 2017 NAPHL tender). Hunter finished the season with 9 points (4 goals and 5 assists). Tendered via the NAPHL tender Hunter was called up halfway through the season in order to gain experience for the 2017-2018 campaign. The 6’3” forward possess great hands and skill and will be looked upon to have a breakout season.
Alex Cohen – 1998, Newton, MA (acquired via 6th round of 2016 draft). Alex finished with 8 points (3 goals and 5 assists). Alex played a grinding role for the Generals in 2016-2017, killing penalties and playing all 3 forward positions. He has a great shot and the team is looking for a breakout year from the local product.
Bret Parker – 1998, Hanover, MA (acquired as a mid season free agent from Boston Advantage). In limited action Bret finished with 6 points (1 goal and 5 assists). The local product came off a High School State Championship to join the Generals late in the season. His speed and quickness were and asset to the team and he should be able build off his experience last year to become an important part of the team this year.
Matt Demelis – 1999, Hingham, MA (acquired as a mid season free agent from Boston Advantage). Matt played 10 games in 2016-2017. The Northeastern College commit will start the year in the USHL for Cedar Rapids.
Brian Chambers – 1998, Weymouth, MA (acquired via a 2017 tender). Brian had a dominating season for the Boston Advantage in the T1EHL. He played the last 12 games of the season for the Generals and recently committed to UMASS-Lowell. He too will start the season in the USHL for Cedar Rapids.
Defense:
Luke Perunovich – 1997, Edina, MN (acquired via a 2016 tender). Luke was the backbone of the Generals defense last year putting up 16 points (all assists). The smooth skating D man known as “Perky” is a dynamic player in all 3 zones. Luke will be relied on to lead a revamped defense that will be the key to the Generals 2017-2018 success.
Joe Nagle – 1999, Weymouth, MA (acquired via a 2017 tender). Joe came to the Generals via a tender after finishing his season with the Boston Advantage of the T1EHL. He played 12 games and was able to contribute 2 assists. The local product will be counted on to be a solid member of the Generals improved defense.
Goalie:
David Fessenden – 1998, Denver, CO (acquired via free agency from Minnesota Magicians early in 2016). The 6’6” goaltender had a tall task as he was bombarded with shots night after night. He got better every game and finished with a stat line of 4.31 GAA, 90% save percentage.
Gave Vinal – 1999, East Syracuse, NY (made team out of 2016 Main Camp as free agent). The dynamic goalie spent the first half of the season on NHL Central Scouting Draft list. His season was cut short by injury and the goaltender will start the season in the USHL for Sioux City.