MISSION
The Connecticut Junior Rangers (CJR) look to develop hockey players to reach their full potential on and off the ice. CJR is the tri-state area’s preeminent elite youth hockey organization. CJR offers a comprehensive program for player development from mites through tuition-free juniors, including a world-class coaching staff, professional management, state-of-the-art training facilities, and unique tournament opportunities.
HISTORY
The CT Yankees Youth Hockey Organization was established in 1989 to help boys and girls excel in the sport of hockey. In 2014, the Connecticut Yankees partnered with the New York Rangers and became the Connecticut Junior Rangers. CJR is excited to build upon its rich history and redefine the cornerstone of transformational development in hockey and players can expect an elevation in their hockey experience as a result.
Our goal is to develop hockey players so that they may reach their fullest potential. We promote sportsmanship, responsibility, and dedication from a young age. By helping our players develop character in addition to hockey skill, we ensure that every player has a positive experience and reaps benefits from our program that they can carry with them throughout their life.
For close to 30 years, CJR teams have been renowned for their skill and discipline. This is a direct result of the high level of coaching and skill training our players receive both in the winter and spring. CJR’s renowned coaching staff represents a broad range of hockey experience with diverse backgrounds. Our coaches include individuals who have played in the National Hockey League and other professional leagues, Division 1 college hockey programs, Division 3 college hockey programs, juniors both in Canada and the U.S, and some of the top prep schools. The coaching staff ensures that every player who participates in our program knows where they stand and what they need to accomplish to reach the next level. And, our coaches give every player the same level of attention.
Operating one of the premier Elite AAA hockey programs in North America, the coaches and staff of CJR endeavor to help all our players improve the educational opportunities available to them by enabling them to reach their fullest potential as hockey players. CJR’s success has led parents to seek out our organization. It has also led colleges to seek out our scholar-athletes. More than 90% of our players attend the TOP 100 SCHOOLS in the nation.
The organization looks to field teams to compete at the highest level of competition in the United States and Canada.
The CT Yankees provided a great foundation, having forged a long tradition of developing players and advancing them to the Juniors, NCAA, and the NHL. These players include Cam Atkinson, Kevin Shattenkirk, Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Quick and many more Division 1, 3 and professional players.
LEAGUES
CJR competes in the EHF, USPHL, THF, and EPCS. These are the strongest youth leagues in the country and have produced more college and prep school hockey players than any other league in North America.
COACHING
CJR has assembled an unparalleled group of coaches to lead their program, many of whom played the game at the highest levels (NHL, Minor Professional, NCAA, Juniors, etc.) All CJR coaches are USA Hockey certified and have completed background screening and USA Hockey’s SafeSport training.
GOALTENDING
Pro Crease Goaltending is the exclusive goaltending coaching provider for the Connecticut Junior Rangers at all levels. Owner/Founder Jared Waimon serves in several senior coaching & consultant capacities for a prestigious mix of private and public organizations and academic institutions. Our cutting-edge In-Season Goalie Academy is second to none for developing young goalies from mites through juniors.
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
All teams have access to training inside Chelsea Piers, CT. CJR has world-renowned strength and conditioning coaches that train players of all ages.
HOME FACILITY
Conveniently located in Stamford, Connecticut, Chelsea Piers CT (CPCT) is the home facility for the Connecticut Junior Rangers. The 450,000-square-foot multi-sport complex is the area’s premier skating and athletic facility. Players can also access custom NHL-style locker rooms, video analysis rooms, a shooting and skill zone, squash courts, swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, an entire turf field, an elite athletic club, academic tutoring, and more. All housed under one roof, CPCT provides a preeminent environment for hockey, athletic, and academic development.
QUEBEC PEE WEE INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT
The Quebec Pee Wee International Tournament is annually attended by more than 2,250 competitors from over 15 countries and is the oldest and most prestigious youth hockey tournament in the world. The Quebec Peewee International Hockey Tournament is the centerpiece of the annual Quebec City “Winter Carnival.” The Winter Carnival draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.
The tournament, founded in 1960, has seen the likes of many NHL stars pass through: Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Marcel Dionne, Guy Lafleur, Eric Lindros just to name a few.
Invitations are extended to youth hockey organizations that have established their strong commitment to the youth of their community and to the highest level of sportsmanship and hockey performance.
The Quebec Peewee Tournament provides players the opportunity to experience the unique culture of French-speaking Quebec City. The team will play at Le Colisee, the former home of the NHL’s Quebec Nordiques, against some of the best teams in the world. Players also have the opportunity to tour historic old Quebec City, attend the “Winter Carnival”, travel to the famous St. Anne’s Cathedral, and live with a French-speaking Quebec family for the week of the tournament.
This prestigious tournament is a once in a lifetime opportunity. The tournament has additional fees. Team and individual fundraising efforts greatly help in this effort.
THE BRICK INVITATIONAL
In January of 1990, Bill Comrie met with a few of his executives at The Brick Warehouse Corporation and discussed a hockey tournament concept that would be both unique and beneficial to many people for years to come. Bill’s vision was a hockey tournament for players ten years of age that would be international in scope and personal in its presentation. He recognized that this age category did not have a national presence similar to the Quebec Pee Wee Tournament.
This summer tournament for this age group is held at the West Edmonton Mall and combines elite hockey with a summer holiday. The Brick has become the standard in hockey tournaments and attracts the top 10 year old hockey players in the world. The Brick Super Novice International hockey tournament is recognized as Canada’s foremost hockey tournament.
CJR players will benefit from the experience at a world-class tournament, and also many charities are the beneficiaries of funds that have been generously donated as a result of this tournament.
CJR is honored to be one of the few organizations chosen for this tournament and
CJR has won the Brick Championship for the past three years.
PLAYER ADVANCEMENT
CJR and the CT Yankees have a history of attracting the top talent in the region, maximizing player potential, and providing them with the foundation necessary to advance to the next level. Over the years, the program has developed several players who have gone to the USPHL, NCAA, and various levels of professional hockey. Notable alums include Cam Atkinson, Kevin Shattenkirk, Max Pacioretty, Jonathan Quick, and many more Division 1, 3, and professional players.
COMMUNITY SERVICE & ACADEMICS
CJR’s commitment to excellence extends beyond the rink, and supporting the education, leadership, teamwork, and community service components of their players’ lives is paramount.
PLAYER/PARENT EDUCATION & GUIDANCE
The organization has a long history of advancing players to prep schools and NCAA programs. Each option allows players to continue their development process at a higher level of competition. With so many options available, the organization and its coaches are available to guide and educate parents on each league and the possible opportunities.
