PACK MENTALITY: CAIGE STERZER
Jun 18, 2026HARTFORD, CT – The 2025-26 season will be one that lives in the memory of Caige Sterzer for the rest of his life. It’s the season where the Kimberley, BC, native achieved a lifelong dream.
After four seasons of college hockey at both Lindenwood University and the University of St. Thomas, Sterzer went pro, signing a one-year contract with the Wolf Pack for the 2026-27 season. He came to the Connecticut capital immediately, inking an amateur tryout agreement to get his feet wet in the world of professional hockey.
It was a quick process for the forward, who immediately turned from the disappointment of falling just short of the NCAA tournament to the bliss of becoming a professional hockey player.
“It was a pretty quick process after the season ended,” Sterzer said of the decision to sign with the Wolf Pack. “We made it to the CCHA Conference Final, but unfortunately came up just short, which was obviously disappointing because it meant we didn’t make the NCAA tournament.
“The next morning, my agent called and told me Hartford was interested and wanted to offer me a contract. It was an incredibly exciting moment. My goal my entire life has been to play professional hockey and ultimately earn an opportunity in the NHL. To be able to take that next step and sign my first pro contract was a dream come true and gave me even more motivation to continue working hard and improving every day.”
Sterzer didn’t have to wait long to get the hard work started. He joined the Wolf Pack immediately, playing in five games for the club down the stretch.
It was a valuable opportunity to get a taste of what the American Hockey League is like before his rookie season in the fall. An opportunity to not just feel what an AHL game is like, but see what the day-to-day process is to become a successful pro.
It was a learning experience that could be a springboard to a successful rookie campaign.
“One of the biggest things I learned was just how much the details matter at the professional level,” he said of the lessons his month in Hartford taught him. “The smallest mistake can end up in the back of your net, so you have to be locked in every shift and every play.”
It wasn’t just on the ice where Stetzer was able to gain experience. He watched veterans like Justin Dowling and Anton Blidh on a daily basis and saw what is expected at the AHL level in terms of preparation and the little things that lead to success.
“I also learned the importance of preparation,” he continued. “Whether it’s doing extra video work, taking advantage of opportunities to learn from coaches and teammates, or staying on the ice a little longer, every little bit helps. At this level, those details can make a huge difference.”
Those lessons will give Sterzer an upper hand as he prepares this summer for his first professional training camp.
It’s a camp that will feature many new faces, including at Head Coach. Jay Leach was named as the club’s new bench boss on June 5 and will run his first Hartford camp in September.
The 6’5”, 227-pound forward will be one of many looking to impress the new boss when the new campaign begins.
“I’m approaching it the same way I’ve approached every camp throughout my career,” he said. “My focus is on putting in the work throughout the offseason, showing up ready to compete, and demonstrating the progress I’ve made.
“I want to be a great teammate, bring a positive attitude every day, and make the most of the opportunity. It’s something I’ve worked toward for a long time, so I’m excited to enjoy every second of the experience while competing at my best.”
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ABOUT THE HARTFORD WOLF PACK: The Hartford Wolf Pack has been a premier franchise in the American Hockey League since the team’s inception in 1997. The Wolf Pack are the top player-development affiliate of the NHL's New York Rangers and play at PeoplesBank Arena. The Wolf Pack has been home to some of the Rangers newest faces including Igor Shesterkin, Will Cuylle, and Matt Rempe. Follow the Wolf Pack on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.