Dear Chiefs Families,

As another hockey season approaches, I always take a moment to reflect on what makes the Connecticut Chiefs so special.

For nearly two decades, our philosophy has remained the same:

Measured Adversity Builds Champions.

We believe great players aren't developed by avoiding challenges—they're developed by embracing them. Every demanding practice, every difficult drill, every tough loss, every close game, and every obstacle presents an opportunity to grow. Our responsibility as coaches is to create an environment that pushes players beyond their comfort zones while providing the support, instruction, and encouragement they need to succeed.

Because the lessons learned through hockey last a lifetime.

That philosophy has shaped the Connecticut Chiefs since 2008.

Thousands of players and families have walked through the doors of Newington Arena wearing a Chiefs jersey. Friendships have been built, championships have been won, and hundreds of our players have advanced to junior hockey, prep schools, NCAA programs, and beyond. More importantly, we've watched young athletes develop confidence, resilience, leadership, and character that extends far beyond the game of hockey.

As we prepare to take the ice at the end of August, I can honestly say this is one of the most exciting times in our organization's history.

Our staff has spent the offseason preparing not only for another successful season, but for the future of the Connecticut Chiefs. We continue to invest in our coaches, our programming, and most importantly, our players.

Investing in Our Players

One of the most exciting developments this season is our new partnership with Future Fitness.

Together, we are transforming the former ballet room into a brand-new 1,000-square-foot athletic performance training facility dedicated exclusively to the development of our athletes. This expanded space will allow us to continue growing our strength, speed, mobility, conditioning, and injury-prevention programming throughout the season.

At the same time, the current Future Fitness gym will become the new Chiefs Classroom and Player Lounge. This space will be used for video review, team meetings, leadership development, educational seminars, homework, recovery, and giving our players a place to connect away from the ice.

These improvements represent another significant investment in our commitment to developing the complete athlete—not just the hockey player.

Preparing for Opening Week

As we get ready to kick off another season, here are a few important updates for all Chiefs families:

• LeagueApps has been updated with all practice schedules, Elite Skills sessions, and Future Fitness training schedules.
• Team managers will begin uploading game schedules throughout this week as leagues continue finalizing their schedules.
• Our goal is to have all apparel orders distributed during the first week of practice, so every player is ready to start the season wearing Chiefs colors.

We encourage everyone to check LeagueApps regularly over the next few weeks as schedules continue to be updated.

One Organization. One Family.

The Connecticut Chiefs are more than individual teams—we are one organization.

This season, we are excited to begin another year with our Connecticut Chiefs NCDC Junior Team, representing the highest level of hockey within our organization. Our junior players provide every young Chief with role models to look up to and a clear picture of where dedication, commitment, and perseverance can lead.

We hope every Chiefs player and family will join us for our NCDC Home Opener on Sunday, September 27, at 3:45 PM.

This special game will benefit Connecticut Children's Hospital, giving our hockey community the opportunity to support an incredible cause while cheering on our junior team.

Let's fill the stands with Chiefs jerseys, create an unforgettable atmosphere, and show our junior players—and our community—what it truly means to be part of the Chiefs family.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward the 2026–27 season, one thing is certain:

The Connecticut Chiefs have never been stronger.

Our coaching staff continues to grow. Our player development model continues to evolve. Our partnership with Future Fitness provides opportunities that few youth hockey organizations can offer, and our NCDC Junior Team gives every young Chief the opportunity to see what the next level looks like right here at home.

Yet, facilities, programs, and wins are not what define the Connecticut Chiefs.

Our culture does.

We believe confidence comes from preparation.

We believe leadership comes from accountability.

We believe success comes from consistent effort.

And we believe that Measured Adversity Builds Champions.

That philosophy guides every practice we run, every coach we hire, every decision we make, and every player we have the privilege of developing. It challenges our athletes to embrace hard work, respond to setbacks, support their teammates, and pursue excellence every day.

Our goal is that every player leaves the Connecticut Chiefs not only as a better hockey player, but as a better teammate, a stronger leader, and a more confident young person prepared for challenges both on and off the ice.

None of this happens without the incredible dedication of our coaches, team managers, volunteers, and especially our families.

Thank you for trusting us with your children. Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for being part of something that is bigger than any one player or any one season.

In just a few short weeks, we'll gather once again at Newington Arena to begin another chapter in the story of the Connecticut Chiefs.

Every practice.

Every game.

Every challenge.

Every lesson.

Every success.

They all become part of a player's journey.

Because in the end, our mission isn't simply to develop better hockey players.

It's to build champions—in hockey, in school, in life, and in our communities.

Measured Adversity Builds Champions.

The future of the Connecticut Chiefs has never been brighter.

Let's make the 2026–27 season our best one yet.

Go Chiefs!

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Finish the Summer Strong – Sweat Camp

Before the season officially begins, we encourage every player to take advantage of our Sweat Camp, the perfect opportunity to prepare for opening week.

Designed to get players back into hockey shape, Sweat Camp combines dryland training with high-tempo on-ice instruction to improve conditioning, sharpen skills, and build confidence before the season begins.

August 26–27

• 5:15–5:45 PM – Dryland Training
• 6:00–7:00 PM – On-Ice Development
• Players will be grouped by age and skill to maximize instruction and development.

Whether your player is looking to shake off the rust or gain an edge heading into the season, Sweat Camp is the perfect way to begin the year.

We can't wait to welcome everyone back to the rink at the end of August.

See you at the rink!

Brandon Johnson
President
Connecticut Chiefs Hockey