Wearing a name on the back of his jersey that will certainly be familiar to Wild fans, Anthony Cafarelli has signed his BCHL New Recruit Player Form to skate with Wenatchee in the upcoming BCHL hockey 2021-22 season. His older brother Nick played for Wenatchee in the 2019-20 season.
Hailing from Middleton, MA, Cafarelli honed his skills at Cushing Academy, and then Lawrence Academy before joining the Cape Cod Whalers U18AAA for the 2020-21 season. A 5’10 – 185 lb. center, Cafarelli participated in the Wild Orientation camp in May and it proved to be a good fit.
The decision for Cafarelli wasn’t a tough one. “The BCHL is such a highly recommended college development league it makes playing for any team in that league exciting. For Wenatchee, there’s such a successful history for their short time in the BCHL. I’ve been able to watch a lot of games in the last year and a half and I love the fan base, the culture of the organization, and to see how successful players have been with their careers after their time in Wenatchee.”
Head Coach Chris Clark: “We are extremely excited to have Anthony joining us here in Wenatchee. Anthony has a very strong skill set that we feel will fit nicely with our style of play. Anthony also is highly competitive and brings a physical energy to the game as well. He has a very infectious personality that will also be a great addition to our room. We look forward to helping Anthony continue to develop on his path to becoming an NCAA Division I college hockey player.”
On the ice at age 3 and playing hockey at age 6, he also has played baseball his whole life and recently wrapped up his last season at Lawrence Academy. An NHL star who influences Cafarelli’s play is Brady Tkachuk (Ottawa Senators). “I know he’s a younger guy in the league but he’s made a big name for himself in the NHL. He brings it every night with his physicality, speed, skill, and leadership. He’s one of the most all-around players in the league if you look at his stats, and that is someone that I try to be like. I try to bring it every night and if My A game isn’t on that night, my B game is just as good.”
Associate Head Coach Leigh Mendelson: “We are looking forward to Anthony joining the Wild for the 2021-22 BCHL season. Anthony brings a combination of skill and power to the Wild. He reads the play well, makes good decisions and has the ability to score. Anthony also has the ability to impact the game from a physical perspective, and we are sure our fans will enjoy his highly competitive nature.”
Cafarelli aspires to Division I college hockey, though his specific major is yet undecided. He does express an interest in development of real estate, marketing, and finance.
Following the path laid by his brother Nick, he knows there will inevitably be comparisons. “I consider Nick to be a skilled, playmaking forward, and I do think we are similar in that aspect of playmaking. I would say I use my speed and strength to my advantage and that makes me more of a power forward.”
General Manager Bliss Littler: “Anthony brings a lot of skill, and he plays at a pace that we like to play at. He’s a well-rounded player who’s proficient in many areas of the game.”
Anthony will skate in the Wild July camp before reporting to Wenatchee for Training Camp in September.
