Jarrett DeFazio
The new person leading the way for the Renfrew Wolves is no stranger to hockey in the Ottawa Valley.
First-year General Manager Jerrett Defazio broke into the Central Canada Hockey League as a 15-year-old, playing with the Ottawa Jr. Senators and later in the OHL under the tutelage of legendary Ottawa 67’s coach Brian Kilrea, before honing his craft as a local scout, coach, and executive at multiple levels of the sport.
That experience has led him to rub shoulders with some notable names along the way.
Defazio would get his first taste of hockey in Renfrew as a visitor during his time as head coach and assistant GM for the Nepean Raiders, admitting that he’s been envious of the energy and support the Wolves have enjoyed since the franchise moved into town back in 2020.
It’s a situation that suits Defazio, who says that giving back to the community is an important part of his experience in minor hockey thanks to leaders like Coach Killrea.
Looking ahead, Defazio says the roster he and his coaching staff have built will certainly be younger than last year’s all-in push for the Bogart Cup, with many older players moving on to college or other leagues.
That being said, his hope is to keep the Wolves identity on the ice intact, insulating a talented core of young offensive standouts with experienced, high-IQ veterans who have the drive to keep up with how fast the Junior A game has become.
The Renfrew Wolves welcome the Pembroke Lumber Kings to the myFM Centre this Saturday, September 7th, for a preseason tune-up at 7:00 p.m. Admission is by donation to Renfrew Minor Hockey.
(written by Kasey Egan)