The Hunt Continues: Cappelli Returns After Championship Season

The West Chester Wolves Academy is proud to announce the return of Zach Cappelli for his second season with the organization, where he will take over as Head Coach of the newly formed Wolves U18 Prep team for the 2026-27 season.

Cappelli joined the Wolves midway through the 2025-26 season and immediately made an impact behind the bench. Taking over the Wolves U16 program, Cappelli helped guide the team to a UT1HL Championship while leading the Academy to strong performances across the UT1HL, THF, and PPHL throughout the year.

“Zach made an immediate impact on our program the moment he arrived,” said ASM Hockey Group President Joe Tarpy. “His passion for player development, leadership, and ability to build a winning culture helped elevate our Academy across every level. We’re excited to have him continue building with our new U18 Prep team.”

Cappelli brings an extensive coaching résumé to the Wolves organization. Before arriving in West Chester, the Johnston, Rhode Island native served as Varsity Head Coach at Portsmouth Abbey School, where he led the program to its first-ever NEPSAC Holt Conference Championship and helped the school earn two NEPSAC Honorable Mentions for the first time in program history. He also served as Vice President of the NEPSAC Boys Hockey Association during his time there.

Prior to Portsmouth Abbey, Cappelli spent time at Nichols College as an assistant coach, helping guide the program to both the 2022 Worcester Mayor’s Cup Championship and the 2023 Boston Landing Invitational Championship.

In addition to his prep and collegiate coaching experience, Cappelli is the owner and operator of Level Up Hockey Development, where he has worked with players from youth hockey through the collegiate ranks since 2019. Through his development program, he has helped place more than 100 players into prep school, junior, and college hockey opportunities.

“Zach’s background speaks for itself,” Tarpy added. “He understands how to develop players both on and off the ice, and he’s someone families trust to help guide athletes toward the next level. We’re excited for what’s ahead with our U18 Prep program.”

The Wolves U18 Prep team will compete as part of the Wolves Academy’s growing development model, designed to prepare student-athletes for junior and collegiate hockey opportunities while competing at a high level within the Academy landscape.

The hunt continues in West Chester.