Nick Maronna grew up playing hockey in Colorado and spent the last few years at Valor Christian High School.

For the upcoming season, the Highlands Ranch native will make the jump to junior hockey with the EHL’s New Hampshire Avalanche.

“The opportunity came up through my advisor talking around to people,” said Maronna. “Eventually, we landed on New Hampshire. Something that stood out to me was the welcoming community of the team and the coach Chris Cerrella. How the coach was able to go about buisness on the ice and off the ice and still be there for you in your personal life, there’s not a time you won’t walk into the rink without a smile on your face.”

Heading into the 2023-24 season, Maronna said he will do whatever it takes to get the two points each night.

“My expectations this year in a team aspect are to play a role on the team, whatever that is, whether it’s being a grinder or shooter, whatever comes to me,” Maronna said. “On a personal level, my goals this season are to be able to get noticed enough to where I can advance up into the NAHL or USHL, and hopefully in the future receive an NCAA Division I offer.”

Back home, Maronna also played for the Littleton Hawks, Colorado Thunderbirds and Colorado Rampage.

“It was pretty typical the way I started playing hockey,” said Maronna. “I grew up watching the Avs on TV and eventually fell in love with the game. I went skating with my dad and it was the best moment ever. Coaches that have stood out to me throughout my hockey journey are George Gwozdecky, Adrian Veideman, Ian Glupker, Jeff Martin, and Kyle Hull. Without these coaches and their life lessons leading into hockey, I wouldn’t be in the position I am today.”

Looking ahead, Maronna wants to settle for nothing but the best.

“My short-term goal in hockey this season is to win the whole league, and I think we can do it this year,” Maronna said. “We have an amazing group of guys and an outstanding coaching staff. Along with that, my long-term goal is to play D-I hockey and if life takes me there, I would like to make it to the NHL. In life, my short-term goal is to always work hard and come home with a smile. In the long-term world, if hockey doesn’t work out, I would like to become an orthopedic surgeon or dentist.”

Photo/Peyton Holmes

— Matt Mackinder

(August 10, 2023)