Black Bear National Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Eric Defelice as the head coach for our 18U team, a strategic move aligned with our unwavering commitment to fostering elite student-athletes. Coach Grevious, a distinguished figure in the junior hockey world, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of exceptional player development and placement.
Coach Defelice played youth hockey for the Tri-State Selects (currently Philadelphia Revolution), moving into the junior ranks at a young age within the organization. He left the area at 17 to play three seasons for the Thorold Blackhawks of the GOJHL, enjoying successes such as Rookie of the Year (team), Most Improved Player (league), Top Prospects Game selection, All-Star selection, league champions, and more.
Eric selected Manhattanville College after junior hockey and played there for his freshman season. He transferred to Salem State University midway through his sophomore year and later graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business management in 2014. He averaged over a point per game during his DIII ice hockey career, leading his team to a MASCAC title in his senior year and being named to the 1st Team All-MASCAC.
He has been a head coach in Tier II/Tier I for the past seven years with a variety of peewee, bantam, and midget teams. Eric’s coaching style fosters competition, offensive creativity, and puck possession with a structured defensive system on the back end.
