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Little Caps Shine in NAHL Draft

By Staff, 06/05/19, 4:30PM EDT

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Little Caps Shine in NAHL Draft

The North American Hockey League (“NAHL”)-- the only Tier II Junior hockey league in the United States-- concluded its entry draft with several former Little Caps featuring prominently on the board.  Trent DeNuccio (’99) was selected in the 3rd round by the Springfield Jr. Blues.  The Blues have a lot of recent history with the Little Caps, as Little Cap players Ryan Leibold (’98) and Cade Groton (’98) played for Springfield before committing to Holy Cross (Leibold- NCAA DIV I) and Hamilton College (Groton – NCAA DIV III).  DeNuccio just completed a solid season for the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in the USPHL’s NCDC, posting 23 goals and 14 assists in 49 games. 

Former Little Caps Captain Drew Lorinchak (’99) was taken in the 5th round by the expansion New Mexico Ice Wolves.  Lorinchak, who also captained the South Shore Kings (USPHL NCDC Division) has worked hard to reach the NAHL, and is gratified at being offered the chance to play.  “I’m very excited to be joining the Albuquerque community and help grow the game in the Southwest,” said Lorinchak.  “I want to thank my family and my past coaches for helping me become the player I am today.  Trust the process.”

Lorinchak and DeNuccio were teammates when they played for the Little Caps 16U National Team.  Now they have the opportunity to shine in the NAHL. 

Current Little Caps 18U Team Captain Zack Murray (’01) was selected in the 11th round by the Corpus Christi Ice Rays.  “This is what I’ve dreamed about since I was a little kid and it feels so good to have some of my hard work pay off,” said Murray.  “I want to thank my parents as well as all the coaches I’ve had along the way who helped me get to this moment “

It’s been a banner year for Little Caps players and the NAHL.  Little Cap players Reid Leibold (’01) and Finn McLain (’00) have already signed to play for the NAHL’s Maryland Black Bears next season, as the Little Caps continue to make inroads in the NAHL. 

"First and foremost-- congratulations to these players on earning this recognition and opportunity." said Hockey Director Matt Thomas. "While being drafted or tendered is only a step in the larger process, it is quite an accomplishment in itself. We're extremely proud of these young men."

"While wins and trophies are important, player promotion and advancement is a major aspect of how we gauge success as a club," says Executive Director Doug Plocki. "Seeing our players recognized as prospects for the NAHL is a great milestone-- both individually and for our club. We're excited to have developed some of the first local players for the nearby Black Bears, but we're just as excited to see our alumni identified by teams elsewhere in this terrific league.  Knowing the quality of our market, I expect we'll have more in the years ahead."