Printer Friendly Version - Teto Left Everything On the Ice for the Yellowjackets

It meant everything to CJ Teto when he was named a senior captain for the East Haven boys’ ice hockey squad this year. CJ, who played center for the Yellowjackets, constantly did all the little things to get his teammates going.Photo courtesy of CJ Teto

East Haven senior CJ Teto earned the title of captain for the Yellowjackets’ boys’ ice hockey team this winter, and he didn’t take the role lightly. CJ wasn’t an in-your-face type of leader. Instead, he led the team by making sure all the Easties worked together toward a common goal.

“It means a lot. It’s always an honor to be a leader. Being a captain is serious. It’s like a mini NHL for us, and it’s cool to have everybody look up to you. You’re a leader for the town, and it’s an unreal experience,” says CJ. “I’m definitely not a harder guy. I take it easy on the guys and try to keep everything light. I try to be there as a pick-me-up and keep everybody’s mindset positive and confident.”

CJ was one of East Haven’s centers, and his ability in the face-off circle proved a huge asset to the team. CJ was victorious on the majority of his chances, consistently earning possession for the Yellowjackets.

“I had good hand-eye coordination, so I won a lot of my face-offs throughout the season,” CJ says. “Every time we had free ice, I’d have a friend take draws with me, and I’d try to beat them every time. That’s how I kept getting better at them.”

CJ wound up playing three seasons for the boys’ hockey squad at the high school. Head Coach Lou Pane says he appreciates the work ethic and durability that CJ displayed throughout his career with the team.

“CJ has always been a hard worker. Every day, not only in games, but in practice, it’s been admirable seeing him work so hard to become a good player,” Pane says. “He played through injures, and he showed up every day to practice working just as hard as if it were a game. He became a true leader, and you couldn’t ask for a better captain.”

CJ’s tenacity played a heavy hand in helping the Yellowjackets post key wins over Cheshire and West Haven on their way to qualifying for the State Tournament for the 32nd straight season this winter. Time after time, CJ would make his presence known on the forecheck and force a turnover, or even absorb a hit to allow one of his teammates make a play.

“I’d always try to do what the coaches would say,” says CJ. “I’d do anything to get the job done. It’s how I’d pump up the guys on the bench.”

CJ plans on playing club hockey at Southern Connecticut State University next year. While the venue will be different, CJ is going to continue working hard in order to achieve his ultimate goal of seeing success on the ice—just like he did at East Haven.

“It’s all about winning for me. I like to win, and I like to keep everything positive. I want to get the job done,” says CJ. “Whether its practice or games, everything translates to itself. You have to put the work in to see yourself improve. I wanted to do that, and I wanted to see everybody else do that, so I tried to lead the team that way. I work as hard as I can every time I hit the ice.”