The Valley Forge Minutemen are proud to announce that Andrew Centrella has committed to Providence College. Andrew played with the Minutemen for 3 years, starting on our 2004 team as a Bantam and then his first year of Midget he played for our U16 team. Centrella is the third defenseman from our ‘04 group to commit to a Division 1 University, as he joins Grace Dwyer (Cornell) and Vinny Borgesi (Northeastern). Vinny and Andrew came to the Minutemen at the same time and were paired together during their first year and created the “South Philly Rush” (2 defensemen from South Philadelphia leading line rushes). During Andrew’s Bantam major year the team earned a birth at Nationals, where he started to really make a name for himself. The following year, Andrew played on Minutemen U16 where he was the only ‘04 on the roster (teammates moved up to Minutemen U15). Andrew established himself as a steady contributor, playing in all key situations.

After that season, Andrew was drafted by the Omaha Lancers in the USHL. This past season, Andrew decided to attend Northwood Prep in Lake Placid, New York joining Nolan Woudenberg (also a MM U16). Centrella played well enough to earn a call up to Omaha, and once he was there, he did well enough that the Lancers decided to have him finish the year with the team in the USHL. Andrew will again be in Omaha playing for the Lancers and play against the other half of the “South Philly Rush” who will be in his second year with the Tri City Storm. This will the beginning of many battles to come, as both schools they are committed to compete in Hockey East. Congratulations to Andrew and his family, we are excited to continue to root for you and track your progress!

“I had the pleasure of coaching Andrew both Bantam Minor and Bantam Major seasons and was able to watch him play up with our 16U team after our nationals run at 04 Bantam Major year. The progression and track from when Andrew started playing for the Valley Forge Minutemen for 3 seasons to when he left for Northwood School was arguably the biggest jump in development I have seen since coaching the 04 group. Smooth Skating, Puck Moving, and a good decision maker with the puck who likes to join the rush. Andrew knows that his work in development is not done yet and that he needs stay humble and keep pushing to grow his game on and off the ice as he moves on to Omaha in the USHL for next season. We are very proud of Andrew in all that he has accomplished in his hockey career thus far and are excited to continue watch him grow as an honorable and respectful young man.” Ryan Tyson, Minutemen U16 Coach

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