Coaches Bios

Coach Steve Crandall: HS

Coach Steve Crandall is one of the founding members of the NJ Wild….he started coaching over 10 years ago with the Mites in another program. He then, with 3 other fathers, created the NJ Wild and has coached at all levels for the program. He was the Director of Hockey for the first 8 years and now is the VP of Hockey Operations for the Wild and coaches the High School team. He has won Division Titles at all levels and League championships at Squirt, Peewee, Bantam and High School. Steve started playing hockey when he was 14 years old and is still playing now. His love of the game and desire to work with kids is what drives him to make the NJ Wild program what it is today. All about the kids….

Coach Ed Carratura: HS

Coach Ed Carrutura is one of the Founding Fathers of the New Jersey Wild Program. His dedication as a Board Member and Treasurer has proven to be invaluable. He also is an Assistant Coach for the NJ Wild’s High School team, which has won two Championship and two Division Title in its short history. Ed continues to give his time to keeping the program one of the strongest House Plus programs in the state.

Coach Matt Hazuda: HS

Coach Matt Hazuda has been involved in youth hockey for more than 16 years. As one of the founding members of the NJ Wild, Matt has coached teams at each level (Mite-High School) over the years and has had a very successful career. “Coaching hockey is my passion. I really enjoy watching the kids master the sport and above all, become motivated and disciplined individuals as they grow.”

Coach Pete Rosenblum: Bantams

Pete Rosenblum/Bantam Head Coach is a level 2 USA Hockey Coach. He has been coaching for over 15 years in the tri state area. He has coached at the Mite level at Chelsea Piers in New York City from 1992-1994, Roller Hockey at Chelsea Piers as well from 94-96 and has been coaching with the NJ WILD for 7 years. He has won championships at both the Mite, Squirt and Pee Wee levels at Ice House in Hackensack, NJ. His 2009-2010 Squirt Team won the Atlantic District Championship in Philadelphia. Pete continues to compete on the ice as well - leading his Mens team to championships at Chelsea Piers in 2002 and 2009.

Coach Michael Massimi: Peewees

Michael is our Peewee Head Coach. Michael started his hockey career at the age of four. He played for the Hurricanes Tavel Program out of the Ice House. He played at AA and AAA hockey from the Peewee thru Midget levels. He also played for the Woodbridge Wings for their AAA/Jr B Team. Michael participated in many CanAm and Silver Sticks Tournaments. He also played for his High School team where he lead his team in assists and second in goal scoring. His career is going full circle with him now in the coaching ranks. He will bring much knowledge and enthusiasm to the Wild Program.

Coach James Gerity: Squirts

James is our Squirt Head Coach. He holds his Level 4 card. He has been playing hockey since he was 12 years old and still plays today in the Adult League. He started coaching six years ago with the Wild and brings new techniques to help his teams learn the fundamentals of the game while still letting them enjoy the game. "The best part of coaching is seeing the smiles on the kids faces after they do something they thought was impossible."

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Coach Ken Caiazzo: Mites

Ken is our Mite Head Coach. He started playing hockey when he was 5 years old. Ken was the leading scorer for the NJ Rockets Peewee AA team that finished 6th in the nation! He still plays hockey today for the NJ Wild's Men Team. He holds his Level 4 card and has coached with the Pearl River Pirates program. His love for the game is evident when you see him with the kids.