“We’re thrilled to bring the Mounties’ tradition of excellence at the 12 and under levels to the Eastern Hockey Federation,” said Matthew Fawcett, Program Director of the Jr. Mounties. “Joining the EHF represents a great opportunity for our players to compete at the highest level. This is a proud moment for the program and the community.”

Black Bear Sports Group Director of Youth Hockey Patrick Choules expressed his excitement about the program’s future: “We’re building something truly special with the Jr. Mounties. This program will ensure our younger players grow into leaders on and off the ice.”

For more information about the Jr. Mounties youth program, upcoming tryouts, and other inquiries, contact Matthew Fawcett, mfawcett8@icloud.com and 401-474-2903.

About the Jr. Mounties Hockey Program

The Jr. Mounties hockey club is an elite program based in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. It plays out of Adelard Arena, home to the most storied high school hockey program in the country: the Mount Saint Charles Mounties. Over the past 50 years, the Mounties have established themselves as a powerhouse, claiming an incredible 26 consecutive Rhode Island state championships. Six years ago, the program took a bold step forward by creating the Mount Academy teams, which quickly succeeded at the U14 to U18 levels. The Jr. Mounties are proud to play in the Eastern Hockey Federation for the 2025-26 season, where they will face some of the best competition in the region. The program plans to field seven youth teams: Mite Futures, Mite AAA 7U, Mite AAA 8U, Squirt Minor 9U, Squirt Major 10U, PeeWee Minor 11U, and PeeWee Major 12U. Each team will participate in the league, with the goal of developing some of the best teams and hockey players in our region. For more information, visit jrmountieshockey.club.

About Adelard Arena

Opened in 1963, Adelard Arena is a historic facility in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, on Mount Saint Charles Academy’s campus. The arena is home to the 46-time State Champion high school hockey team at Mount Saint Charles and the National Powerhouse Academy teams, including the Jr. Mounties.

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Youth hockey in the Valley has grown over the years, especially with the success of the USHL Youngstown Phantoms and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

In Youngstown at the Deep Freeze Ice Arena, organizers are trying to get more kids involved in the ice sport.

“I was crazy scared and what kept me going was scoring and winning games,” said Jr. Phantoms player Braxden Mauer.

“As soon as I got onto the ice I fell straight on my butt, but I just try to work my way up,” said Jr. Phantoms player Stanley Sarna.

10-year-old Mauer and nine-year-old Sarna are both members of the Deep Freeze youth hockey programs in Youngstown.

Deep Freeze Hockey Director Brad Patterson said since he has been involved the program has expanded with more classes and kids.

“You need to taste it, it’s like a delicacy,” said Patterson. “I’m from Western Canada and everyone does it there, not everyone’s had the exposure to it.”

Patterson started as an assistant coach with the Phantoms in 2009 and was promoted to head coach in 2016. He left the Youngstown team in 2022 and started with the Deep Freeze youth hockey programs shortly after.

He said kids can come into their program as young as four to six years old. Next year the organization is creating an under-16 league because of the growth.

He said many Valley kids come into their programs having never played hockey before.

“Found out I was Canadian, tried out hockey,” said Mauer.

“I really like watching it, especially those Pittsburgh Penguins, Sydney Crosby, he has the momentum to keep up,” said Sarna.

Deep Freeze’s entry-level program is called Take a Shot at Hockey, which is a four-week program for boys and girls. Age groups range from 4-14 with classes over four weeks.

Patterson said the program also gives out new hockey equipment to participants in the class. Then, once it ends and if you want to continue, you can keep the hockey equipment for free. If you don’t want to continue playing hockey through their program all you do is give it back with no financial commitment.

“You sign up little Jimmy, Jimmy shows up on day one and we give him a full bag of equipment,” said Patterson. “He’s got a brand new jersey, he’s got a brand new stick, plus his equipment. It’s $300 worth of equipment those players are getting.”

The developmental leader said the program is already a success as the organization is already adding new classes and sessions.

Patterson said 70-75% of the kids who went through the program continue on in the organization. He also said this program with no financial restrictions is meant for people who have never played hockey.

Current Youngstown Phantoms defenseman and Valley native Cal Huston grew up in the very same program.

“We’re starting to see it and as you see it, it’s like a tree,” said Patterson. “Once it starts to spread, then we’re going to have a lot more.”

Deep Freeze also has learn-to-play options for all ages including adults. Also, non-competitive to travel youth leagues.

Call 234-719-5000 for more information or head to the Deep Freeze Ice Arena website.

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