A testament to Player Development and Late Bloomers- The Story of John Woernle
Woernle is an example of perseverance and player development
John Woernle came to the New England Wolves after finishing his high school Hockey career in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and a Post- Graduate season at the Tilton School. At the Tilton School, he split time between the Varsity A and B squad, dressing in 11 games for the Varsity A team and going without a point.
In 2019-20 in Laconia, NH, Woernle played 3 games for the Wolves EHLP squad (recording 1 point) and then dressed in all 46 games for the Wolves EHL team. Over the course of 2 years in Laconia, Woernle would dress in 81 EHL games and steadily develop, progress and improve as a key member of the Wolves blueline.
In the 2020-21 campaign (the COVID season) Woernle would make a commitment to Assumption University in Worcester, MA. He only had 1 direct college offer and had to wait until the 2nd half of the season to do so.
His freshman season he dressed in 20 games, recorded 4 points, and dressed in the Greyhounds playoff run, as they won the NE10 championship, the NCAA Division II crown.
From 4 points a season, to 13 to 24, Woernle steadily improved and earned the respect of his teammates and coaches throughout the league. He didnt play regularly his PG year at Tilton 4 years prior, but now was earning big minutes at the college level. In 2023-24 Assumption won another NE10 championship, and Woernle was awarded the leagues Defensive Player of the year as well as 1st team all conference.
He followed that up his Senior season being named one of the captains of the squad and earning another All Conference selection.
Upon graduation, Woernle has now signed a Pro Contract to play for the Evansville Thunderbolts of the SPHL.
John is a testament to commitment, coachability, and determination. His development time with the New England Wolves was absolutely essential to his progress.
The 2018-19 Tilton School Varsity squad that Woernle split-time on featured some standout players who made commitments to bigger schools, leagues and rivals to the south of the Wolves, but Woernle stands out as the one who progressed and developed the most, earned the most college accolades and now will be playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League.
Congrats and well deserved, John Woernle!
News link to signing- Evansville Thunderbolts sign Defenseman John Woernle | Sports | wevv.com