HEAD COACHES '24-'25
MITES:
Jake DeGennaro
Coach Jake has had an extensive coaching career which started in 2006 at Conard High School in West Hartford, and spanning all age and skill levels from Mites through Juniors. He has even owned two premier youth hockey organizations – the Northern Connecticut Wings summer showcase program and The Connecticut Lazers AAA Youth Hockey Organization, both which drew top tier players at various age levels and which even have some alumni in the NHL.
With experience running summer hockey camps and specialty skills clinics focusing on age-appropriate development including power skating and puck skills, he is well poised to coach our young players as well as be our Player/Skills Development Director for the Hawks organization overall.
Coach Jake currently has two children playing on our Mites teams.
Jon Frank
When you love where you came from, it’s a pleasure to go back and give back to the organization as an adult. Coach Jon is doing just that, having played for the Hawks from Learn-to-Skate through the U10 level and returning now to coach our Mites.
Aside from youth hockey, he has college hockey experience from his time at University of Minnesota and Davenport University. He also inspired our youngest players as the coach for our in-house development league and Learn-to-Play clinic last year. He is excited to expand that experience as a head coach for Mites this year, helping kids develop their hockey skills and enjoy coming to the rink for practices and games.
Jon has two kid in the program – one in Mites and one in Learn-to-Skate.
SQUIRTS
Chris Mignosa
Coach Chris is entering his third year coaching with the Hawks, building on several decades of hockey experience. His love for and involvement with the sport began before kindergarten and continues to this day.
A CT native, Chris began his hockey career at East Haven Youth Hockey. He continued to play throughout high school, winning a D2 State Championship, among other honors, served as team captain, and may even still hold the record for all time wins as a goalie!
He moved on to play at Franklin Pierce College, the CT Junior Wolves, and University of Rhode Island where he won an award for highest G.P.A. was 2002 Conference Champion. Next came Adult League where he continues to win championships even in recent years.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker by day, Chris’s professional skills make him uniquely suited to connect with kids, inspire them, relate to them, and motivate them. He looks forward to coupling those skills with his hockey expertise for a third great year of coaching.
Chris Babcock
With 30 years of experience as a hockey player and a can-do attitude, Coach Chris is excited to coach the Squirts this year. He brings a variety of skills to our organization, having played not only ice hockey but also roller hockey and deck hockey. Additionally, he is in the Air Force and even plays for the hockey now with the CT Air National Guard.
Chris joined the Hawks two years ago with his son, Trevor, and was an Assistant Coach for our Mite B team last year. He is looking forward to coaching again this year – this time as a head coach. Chris can’t wait to see the kids grow into playing full ice hockey and watch their confidence build throughout the season.
PEE WEE
Jamie Feigelson
Coach Jamie is entering his third year with the Hawks but has been coaching hockey for over 5 years. He previously was an assistant coach for the Hawks Squirt program and grew up playing hockey all over the Tri-State area. Aside from high school hockey on Long Island, Jamie has experience with collegiate roller hockey at the University of Florida in the National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association.
He is a life-long supporter of the New York Rangers, so hopefully all the local Bruins fans can see past that and focus on his passion for the game and for teaching it to the kids. He views his role as coach as an important one since playing hockey, and working hard to reach goals, can be translated into skills that the players can apply later in life.
Jamie has two sons in the Hawks organization, a PeeWee and a new player in Learn-to-Skate.
BANTAM
Billy Demetriades
With more than 42 years of experience as a player (including 4 years at Sacred Heart University), referee, or coach, Coach Billy is expert in hockey & skating skills, game strategy, rules, drills, and more. He has the amazing ability to be “one of the kids” in spirit but a firm respected educator and coach for our players, keeping them in line, motivated, exhibiting sportsmanship and always gaining in skill.
He has been with the Hawks for two years along with his daughter, Emily, a Bantam this year, while his son, Billy was a Hawk for 3 years and played on the Midget team.
Last year, Billy was Inducted into the East Haven High School hall of fame for hockey.
We’re thrilled to have Billy’s passion for the game, incredible skill and knowledge on the ice with our Bantams, and more broadly with the whole organization as a Coaching/Skills Development Director.