The following story was originally published by the Northern Cyclones …
Excitement is building in Hudson for the upcoming 2020-21 season. One of the teams undergoing changes is the Cyclones Academy 18U Premier team. New head coach JT Henke has been putting his stamp on the team all offseason long, adding players to fit his up-tempo system and playing style.
One of Henke’s new additions is forward Carter Brunelle. Brunelle will join the 18U Premier team this fall with the goal of continuing his development as a player and advancing to the next level in his young career. The native of Chicopee, Massachusetts played last season for the USPHL’s Springfield Pics at the Elite level.
There, he scored 34 points (18 g, 16 a) in 40 games. Brunelle also collected 26 penalty minutes on the season, and appeared in two playoff contests this past spring.
Brunelle also played the 2018-19 season with the Pics. That year, Brunelle played at the 16U level for the program. He appeared in 21 games and scored 13 points (6 g, 7 a) while amassing 12 penalty minutes. He appeared in three playoff games in the spring of 2019.
For Brunelle, the decision to leave Western Massachusetts for the first time was not an easy one. He simply could not pass up the opportunity to come to Hudson, however. The allure of Cyclones Academy was simply too good to ignore.
“I like that the coaches are very involved with the players and there is a dedicated training staff available all season long,” Brunelle said when asked why he chose the Cyclones organization. “I feel that Cyclones Academy will provide me with the right tools to better myself and prepare me for college level hockey.
“The Academy provides me with many resources to improve as a player,” he continued. “The availability of ice and the access to the gym facility will really help me improve as a player. The exposure to scouts and the record for college placement is something that really sets the Academy apart from other organizations.”
Brunelle will play for Coach JT Henke, who is entering his first season with the program. Henke had a long and successful career that included time in the UPSHL (2014-15), four seasons of NCAA hockey and two professional seasons in the ECHL. His experience makes him an appealing coach to play for.
“I am looking forward to working with coach Henke and the other coaches to improve my hockey skills and take my game to the next level,” Brunelle continued. “I am excited for what the Cyclones Academy has to offer to develop young players into better athletes.”
In terms of goals, Brunelle is looking to become a leader during his first season in Hudson. At the end of the day, in his own words, the overall goal is to help the 18U Premier team make the postseason.
