Five players from West Chester Wolves Academy have earned the opportunity to skate with the Wolves' NCDC team coming up this Thursday at PNY Sports Arena against the Boston Dogs. Each of these players has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, showcasing why they deserve this call-up.
Assistant Coach Brennan Luckanish lauded the group's accomplishments, saying, "These players have shown tremendous growth this season and have earned every bit of this opportunity. We’re excited to see what they can do at the next level."
William Auger - Defenseman William Auger has been a steady presence on the Wolves' blue line this season. At 6'1" and 181 pounds, the 18-year-old from Manhasset, New York, uses his size and positioning to disrupt opposing forwards. Auger has contributed 12 points in 37 18U AAA games and adds a physical edge to his game that will serve him well in the NCDC. His hockey IQ and defensive reliability make him a player to watch in his debut.
Ivan Golovko - Hailing from Minsk, Belarus, 17-year-old defenseman Ivan Golovko has been a key contributor to the West Chester Wolves' U18 squad this season. Standing at 6'2" and shooting left, Golovko brings a commanding presence on the blue line, combining defensive reliability with offensive upside. He has recorded 20 points in 36 games in 18U AAA competition and showcased his physical edge with 13 penalty minutes. Known for his poise under pressure and ability to transition the puck effectively, Golovko is a rising talent to watch in the Wolves' system.
Jacob Heron - Hailing from San Francisco, California, 18-year-old defenseman Jacob Heron has been a steady presence for the West Chester Wolves' U18 squad this season. Standing at 5'11" and shooting left, Heron has showcased his ability to contribute on both ends of the ice, tallying 20 points in 37 games in 18U AAA competition. His smooth skating, puck-moving ability, and hockey IQ have also earned him a call-up to the Wolves' NCDC team once before, where he registered his first assist in his debut. Heron's versatility and consistency make him a valuable asset as he continues to develop within the Wolves' system.
Chase Kerr - Seventeen-year-old forward Chase Kerr has been no stranger to higher levels of play this season, having already made a Wolves Premier team appearance. The Saint John, New Brunswick native has been a key offensive contributor for the Wolves’ U18 squad, posting 26 points in 39 18U AAA games and seven points in NAT1HL play. Kerr’s quick release and ability to find open ice have made him a consistent scoring threat, and he’ll look to make a seamless transition to the NCDC.
Quinn Simmons - U18 Team captain Quinn Simmons has been the heart and soul of the Wolves' U18 team this year. The 18-year-old center from Norwell, Massachusetts, has combined his leadership qualities with offensive production, tallying 41 points in 39 18U AAA games. Simmons’ relentless work ethic and ability to win faceoffs have been key to the Wolves’ success, and he’ll look to bring those same attributes to the NCDC level.
NCDC Head Coach and General Manager R.C. Lyke praised the Wolves' developmental system, saying, “This is an excellent chance for us to evaluate our developmental system in action and demonstrate how the Wolves advance players. Our Academy teams are filled with talented individuals, and we’re excited to see their progress and development on the ice.”
The Wolves organization is proud of these players' accomplishments and eager to see them thrive at the next level. Their development is a testament to the strength of the Academy program and the dedication of the coaching staff.
