Jr Ducks Add Director of Player Development - AJ Bucchino

SOMERSET, NEW JERSEY -- The Protec Jr Ducks are proud to announce the hiring of A.J. Bucchino as the new Director of Player Development for the 2021-2022 season. Bucchino brings over 10 years of coaching experience, in addition to four seasons of professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League, Central Hockey League, and the Southern Professional Hockey League. 

Bucchino joins the Protec Jr Ducks as he is currently the Vice President of Athletics of Breakaway Academy, a private school based in Minnesota that fosters the development of disciplined and focused students to reach their potential as student athletes through academic and athletic curriculums. Prior to his position at Breakaway Academy, Bucchino was the President and General of the NAHL’s Minnesota Magicians for a year, as well as the Head Coach for two years.

“I am excited to join the Ducks organization and leverage the value the staff has been providing for their players,” said A.J. Bucchino. “I'm privileged to support the staff and organization in any way to be one of the premier destinations for motivated players in the EHL. Thank you to Terry, the ownership, and management for giving me this opportunity.”

“This once again is huge for our organization. Bringing in a guy like A.J., who has pro experience along with coaching in the NAHL for several years just shows how dedicated we are to making sure our player development comes first,” said Terry Watt, General Manager and Head Coach of the Protec Jr. Ducks. “Having another set of eyes and resources that A.J. brings to our club is beyond valuable. I’m excited to work alongside him and learn from his experiences, so we as an organization can set our players up for success.”

The Protec Jr Ducks are extremely excited about the opportunity to work with Bucchino.

Protec is skating in its second season for the EHL and is a member of the league's South Division. 

- Protec the Nest –

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(The Protec Jr. Ducks can be followed on Twitter @ProtecJrDucks)