
Kangas and Avery to Become Wildcats
February 1, 2012
The Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack are proud to announce their 10th and 11th college commitments of the 2011-12 season. Steady defenseman Brett Kangas and speedy forward Pat Avery have committed to Johnson & Wales University for the 2012-13 season. The Wildcats will be looking for Kangas and Avery to jump in right away and contribute next season both on the ice and in the classroom.
Avery, a speedy forward, will bring a lot of energy to the Wildcats line up. Has battled two injuries this season, but has been a brick on the PK for the Pack and has 5 points in 18 games.
"Avery is going to adjust to the college level very well,” said Head Coach Chris Cerrella. “He competes at a high level every time he steps on the ice. He can get around the sheet very well and he is one of the best penalty killers I have ever coached. We are very happy for him and I look forward to watching him play for Johnson & Wales next season.”
The Carmel, IN native is very excited about his opportunity next season and is looking forward to finishing the season in Hartford.
"I would like to thank the Hartford Jr. Wolf Pack organization, especially Coach Cerrella and Dan McCarthy for this opportunity. Playing college hockey has always been a dream of mine so this is a dream come true. I would also like to thank my parents, Stephen and Kathy, and also my brother Connor, for supporting me throughout all my years of hockey because without them this would mean nothing. I look forward to playing for JWU and Coach Noack in the ECAC Northeast," said Avery.
Joining Avery is teammate and stay at home defenseman Brett Kangas. The Williamstown, MA native came to the Jr. Wolf Pack from Proctor Academy with the hopes of developing into a college hockey defenseman. Just 29 games into his first season of Junior hockey, the Jr. Wolf Pack helped Kangas achieve that goal with his commitment to Johnson & Wales. Kangas has 6 pts in 29 games for the Pack this season and is going to be counted on to be solid defensively for the remainder of the season. The steady blue-liner looks forward to the future on and off the ice at Johnson & Wales and is excited to finish this season on a good note.
"I am very excited to attend JWU next year. Playing at the collegiate level has always been my dream and I am ready for a new chapter to begin. I would like to say thank you to both Coach Cerrella and Asst Coach Wiggin for all their help in preparing me for next season," said Kangas.
Johnson & Wales is located in Providece, RI. Head Coach Erik Noack is in his 8th season at the helm of the JWU hockey team. The Wildcats have become one of the most improved D-III programs in the country and currently sit in 2nd place in the ECAC Northeast with a 5-2-1 record and a 11-6-2 record overall.





















