APPLE CORE NAMES FRANK BRETTI AS HEAD COACH

Press Release

Long Beach, NY- After a lengthy search, New York Apple Core has announced that Frank Bretti will assume head coaching duties during the 2011-12 season.

"On behalf of the NY Apple Core, I am proud to announce the hiring of Frank Bretti as the new EJHL Head Coach. Frank is a true professional and will bring years of experience at higher levels of hockey to the 'Core," stated General Manager Henry Lazar.

Bretti arrives at Apple Core with thirteen years of college coaching experience, including ten years at the Division I level. He spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Prior to that, he was the head coach at Iona college for six years. He led the team to two consecutive MAAC Final Four appearances and a championship game, as well as coaching a Hobey Baker Award finalist. Before being named head coach at Iona, he served as an assistant coach at the University of Alaska-Anchorage for three seasons.

Coach Bretti has been involved in the USA Hockey Player Development Program at the both the national and state levels. He served as the head coach of the New York State Select 16 team three times. In addition, he coached at three national camps for USA Hockey. Bretti has been a presenter at the USA Hockey Advanced Coaches Seminar and worked at numerous hockey schools throughout his coaching career.

"I appreciate the opportunity that has been given to me by owner Bob Santini and General Manager Henry Lazar. I am excited to work with them and uphold the great tradition that has been established at New York Apple Core hockey over the years," commented Bretti. "I look forward to developing a structured environment that will maximize our players potential and prepare them for their goals of playing college hockey at the highest level possible. I feel there are great things ahead for our program."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)