New assistant coach  Rob Ascenzi (right) and head coach TJ Hill at Stouffville Spirit practice at the Stouffville Arena Monday.

Veteran York Region minor hockey coach Rob Ascenzi has been named an assistant coach by the Stouffville Spirit.

The King City resident has 15 years of coaching experience, including time working with Spirit head coach TJ Hill.

Ascenzi, 41, has coached from A to AAA level, in the GTHL and with the Richmond Hill Coyotes and King Rebellion organizations.

The former Vaughan Jr. A player was introduced to the team during practice at the Stouffville Arena Monday.

THE SKED

The Spirit hosts the Aurora Tigers Thursday, Dec. 22, at the Stouffville Arena. Puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

The team will then enjoy a 15-day holiday break between games.

Next up is a game in Collingwood on Jan. 6.

THE SCORE(S)

The Spirit scored its second straight win, a 3-2 decision over the Brantford 99ers in Stouffville Saturday. Player of the game Alex Whitney, Ryan Harvey and Zach Benayon scored. Matteo Gennaro made 23 saves to go to 2-0-0  since joining the Spirit from Hearst of the NOJHL.

The Spirit's home game with Collingwood on Dec. 17 was postponed due to adverse weather. It will be rescheduled in the new year.

NOTEBOOK

The OJHL All-Star Celebration goes Jan. 13 and 14 in Collingwood. Rosters for the All-Star and InStat Prospect games plus the skills competition are still to be announced.

Spirit This Week is sponsored by Farmer Jack’s in Stouffville and Sharon