Lumberjacks’ Elite Head Coach Jim Mosso has been named EHL Elite “COACH OF THE YEAR” as voted on by other Head Coaches in the Eastern Hockey League.

"Being named coach of the year is an unbelievable honor.  It means something more to me than just any typical award. There are so many great coaches in this EHL that I have looked up to for many years, a couple of which I actually played for not so long ago.   As I stand across the bench from many of these guys, their vote is their way of saying I have earned their respect, and that I have been accepted into a fraternity of an elite group of coaches," commented Coach Mosso.

Head Coach of the Vermont Lumberjack’s Premier team, Doc DelCastillo, has been Jim’s assistant coach for the Elite all year long.  He has been there the whole way to watch and guide Jim in his efforts throughout the season.  "It's great to see Coach Mosso recognized by his peers for the fabulous job that he did this year.   The young men in the Lumberjacks organization benefited from Jim on a daily basis.  He has helped develop individual players within a great team concept and showed constant improvement throughout the year.  I’m proud of him and his team," DelCastillo remarked.

Not only is Jim Mosso Head Coach of the Vermont Lumberjacks Elite team, but he also serves as DelCastillo’s assistant to the Premier team, and has learned much from DelCastillo over the last season.   "I especially want to thank Coach Doc, as I did not coach this team alone. He had so much input on practices, games and he helped me instill good character in the locker room.  With good kids and the right attitude, we were able to accomplish so much together as a team," Mosso said.

As for the Organization as a whole, Coach Mosso, who also serves as Assistant General Manager, is very pleased that the honor of coach of the year is putting the organization on the map.  When asked about the culture of the Lumberjacks, Mosso replied, “The Lumberjacks’ owner, Mr. Lary instills a kind of culture with the organization, a way of doing things and a style that I believe is right. I understand the award has my name on it, but this award is a team award and I am glad to be a part of it".

“Jim is exactly what I was looking for when I hired him.  He cares about his players and does not have to live vicariously through them to feel successful.  He determines his success on the progress and improvement ever player on his team.  A character trait admired by all the coaches in the league.  I look forward to many years of Coach Mosso on the Lumberjacks’ bench”, commented Mr. Lary.