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NEHJ’S 15TH ANNUAL PREP SCHOOL GUIDE
hockeyjournal.com August 2019
GOLD HUNTER Bedford, N.H., defenseman
Alex Gagne does the New Hampshire
Avalanche program proud as he
ramps up for a Team USA statement
at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
SKATE
BUYER’S GUIDE
OUR STARTING LINEUP August 2019
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PREP EXPERIENCE
PREP GUIDE | What’s it really
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BREAKING GLOBAL BARRIERS PROSPECTS PULSE | New Hampshire Avalanche blueliner
Alex Gagne is proud to wear USA colors for the biggest
COLLEGE HOCKEY | Former
Mike Zhe������������������������������ mzhe@hockeyjournal.com
WEBSITE/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
10 Maine high school star Chase U-18 tournament in the world, the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Dan Guttenplan �������� dguttenplan@hockeyjournal.com Matteo thrives in a faraway land.
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COLUMNISTS
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Tim Rappleye • Leo Scaglione Jr. • Elizabeth Ward TRAIN YOUR BRAIN�������������������34
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS THE GOALIE GURU���������������������35
Dave Arnold • Rich Gagnon • Mike Gridley • Rich Miyara HOCKEY NUTRITION�������������������36
COVER PHOTO TRAIN LIKE A CHAMP�����������������37
Rich Miyara/NH Sports Photography
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MINOR PROS | Ryan Warsofsky
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August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 3
JAFFE’STAKE
HOCKEY INSIGHT WITH NESN HOCKEY ANALYST
WITH
BILLYJAFFE
AROUND THE REGION
Cushing’s Norcross chosen for
Team USA Five Nations squad
I AARON
f battling adversity was never promised me anything.
FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
A
the No. 1 requirement to He said, “Look, you come here
make it to the NHL, then and you work hard, you’re go- Massachusetts native will hockey student-athletes, will be held
Aaron Titcomb already ing to get what you deserve. If represent his country at the Aug. 12 at Turner Hill CC in Ipswich,
would be playing there. As it is,
the fact that the Charlestown,
Mass., native played D-1 at
Merrimack and is now entering
TITCOMB you don’t, then you’re not go-
ing to get it.” So it became easy
work and I loved that culture.
2019 Under-17 Five Nations
Tournament this month.
Cushing Academy center Billy Nor-
cross (Lynn, Mass.) made the 2019 U.S.
Mass.
The tournament is in memory of Ad-
ams, a star at Malden Catholic and mem-
ber of Providence College’s 2015 NCAA
his second season of playing Jaffe: How much fun was Under-17 Men’s Select Team, it was an- championship team, who died in Sep-
pro hockey is pretty incredible. it playing in the ECHL this nounced last month following the con- tember 2018 at the age of 27.
Despite the challenges he has year with Wheeling. clusion of the USA Hockey Select 16 According to his family, support for
faced, he’s shown the hockey Titcomb: It was a blast to Player Development Camp. the foundation will allow it to carry on
world how determined he is. play there. It was a lot of fun. The weeklong camp, held at North- Roo’s legacy and support Providence
Titcomb, 6-foot-4 and 220 I really enjoyed myself. Coach town Center in Amherst, N.Y., was used College hockey players as they strive to
pounds, is a right-shot defense- (Mike) Bavis was great. I was as an evaluation and selection process achieve their personal and team goals —
man who honed his game for very happy he was there. He to come up with the roster that will head helping them to be their best both on the
the USHPL’s Islanders Hockey helped me out a bit. It was very to Fussen, Germany, for the tournament ice and in the classroom.
Club, Salisbury Prep and Brew- fun. It was also very challeng- Aug. 13-17. Switzerland, Czech Republic,
ster Academy. A four-time ing, because it was a different Slovakia and Germany will join the U.S. Ice chips
Hockey East All-Academic n Gritty D-man from Merrimack College game. It’s much different game in the international competition. Brian Shuman, who led Canton
Team selection for Merrimack, and the mean streets of Charlestown inspires than college. It’s a controlled Norcross was the fourth-line center (Mass.) High School to a dominant,
he also earned Distinguished chaos, in a way. Everything is for Cushing the past two years. He was undefeated championship season, was
Scholar status. Last season, as he overcomes tragedy, injury and naysayers slow and controlled but people flying under the radar of many college named Boys Coach of the Year by USA
he played 44 games with the are still moving at such at a coaches and scouts heading into the Today. Canton went 25-0-1 and outscored
ECHL’S Wheeling Nailers. anything. She knew that I was there, because I love to do that. there were a lot of negative fast speed and they’re all in the week, but he had three goals and two as- opponents 131-23 during the season.
I recently met Aaron, and, basically telling her, “Hey Mom, At Merrimack, I won fan favor- influences going on around right places. The mistakes are sists over the five games during round- Over five postseason games, the team al-
similar to his coaches, came this doctor told me I couldn’t do ite two years out of the four you. It wasn’t really a pretty very minimal. It was definitely robin play at the camp. He added an as- lowed only three goals and scored 29 en
away very impressed. something. You know I’m going years I was there. In Wheeling, neighborhood, so you had to challenging for me off the bat. sist in the All-Star Game. route to winning the Division 2 champi-
to do it, because I love hockey. I I won the Community Service find ways to occupy your time. I wouldn’t say the speed was onship. ...
Billy Jaffe: You have faced love this game, and I’m not go- Award and fan favorite award, How I did that was I would go an issue. The skill level was a Award to bear Brady’s name Former Northeastern standout Kend-
a lot of adversity in your life, ing to let an injury define my because I’m constantly giving out and I’d shoot pucks. I’d play tad up from Merrimack, but I The Northeast 10 announced last all Coyne Schofield was named a final-
in your hockey life. How has career.” That was a tough point back, and I know this platform some basketball. I found ways adjusted to that pretty quick- month that its annual Coach of the Year ist for the Women’s Sports Foundation
that helped develop you as a for me. I was out for about nine that I have, you get looked up to go out and make myself bet- ly. ... I think I picked up that award will now be named after the late 2019 Team Sportswoman of the Year
player, but more important- months. I couldn’t really do to as a role mode. Not having a ter while kids were doing stuff level, I wouldn’t say easily, but Lance Brady (Sandwich, Mass.), the for- Award based on her achievements over
ly as a person? much, had to start from scratch father figure for half of my life that was ruining their lives. I worked very hard so I could mer head coach at Assumption. the past year. As a member of Team
Aaron Titcomb: I have with everything. Going through — I had my stepfather come in pick it up in a short amount The Lance “Duke” Brady NE10 Coach USA, Coyne Schofield contributed to
faced a lot of adversity. That’s that as a person, it kind of shows — I understand how important Jaffe: Besides your mom, of time. I think I did a good of the Year Award was initiated by the two championship-winning efforts this
helped mold me into the play- me that this game can be taken having a role model or a father who becomes your big- job with that. I made a name league’s head coach- season, including the program’s fourth
er I am today. I lost my father away from you at any moment. figure in a kid’s life is gest hockey influence? Who for myself. I kind of found my es and received a consecutive Four Nations Cup title in
when I was 1. He was taken That’s why I think I live every makes the biggest differ- niche — I’m a stay-at-home de- unanimous vote of November and, as captain, the fifth con-
from us. My mother (Mary), single day to the fullest, be- Jaffe: Charlestown has ence for you? fenseman who’s going to get up support from the secutive IIHF Women’s World Cham-
who was only 18 at the time, cause I know how lucky I am to changed a lot, obviously. Titcomb: Outside of my in the play when he can, but I’m Athletics Council pionship for the U.S. in Espoo, Finland.
had to raise me singlehanded- still be playing. What was it like as a kid play- mother, the biggest hockey going to block shots, I’m go- and Council of Presi- The winners will be honored at the An-
ly. Growing up in that environ- ing hockey in that area? influence for me has been my ing to kill penalties, I’m going dents. nual Salute to Women in Sports Gala on
ment, in Charlestown, a rough- Jaffe: Your father was mur- Titcomb: It’s changed now. stepfather (Jim Gillen). He to box out, I’m going to do all Brady, who passed Oct. 16 in New York City. ...
and-tumble neighborhood, I dered when you were 1 year You drive down the street, and came into my life when I was the dirty work that not a lot of away in early Febru- Lance Brady Former Worcester IceCats player
wasn’t supposed to succeed. I old. To most people, that is there are no kids playing. Re- about 10 years old, 11 years old. people are wiling to do. Teams ary at the age of 48 Terry Virtue has been named boys
wasn’t supposed to make it out. unfathomable. As you got ally that’s just a generational He kind of opened up a lot of need guys like that, so I’m will- after battling cancer, spent 10 seasons hockey coach at Shrewsbury (Mass.)
I decided that I was going to older, how did you deal with thing now. When I was growing doors for me and he never re- ing to fill that role. I know that’s behind the bench of the Greyhounds and High School. Virtue played professional
work very hard and do things I that, and did that impact you up, me and my buddies, we had ally accepted no for an answer. going to be my game. the 2018-19 season as director of hockey hockey from 1991-2007, which included
had to do to success. ... in ways that you can explain? a great generation, guys like When people told him, “Your Obviously, I have not mas- operations at Merrimack. He accounted two separate stints with Worcester. He
I broke my neck when I was Titcomb: It did. I credit a lot Jimmy Vesey, Brendan Col- stepson is not good enough, tered the game of hockey. I still for 99 wins with Assumption, including played four games with the Boston Bru-
16 years old, a junior in high of my success to my mother. lier, Nolan Vesey, all these kids he can’t do this,” he constantly have a lot to learn. But I think five seasons with 11 or more victories, on ins during the 1998-99 season. Virtue
school. I got hit from behind, She’s my best friend, she’s really around, and we were constant- kept grinding away for me and I’m ready for an opportunity at his way to becoming a three-time NE10 takes over for Steve Turnblom, who led
broke my C3 and C4 vertebrae. been my rock, my role model. ly outside playing. Roller hock- put me in different opportuni- the next level and I’m going to Coach of the Year. the Colonials three state titles and a 139-
The doctor basically said to She was working four jobs at ey was almost like a religion in ties to succeed. keep doing my best every day Brady also led Assumption to its first 47-13 record. …
me, “Hey, look, you’re probably the age of 18 just to support me Charlestown. That’s what you and keep putting myself in po- and only league title in program history The second annual Hold the Line
not going to play hockey ever on her own. That’s formed who did. At the same time, there Jaffe: How did you end up sition to succeed. The next lev- in 2017. charity game pitting members of Wey-
again, so find a new sport or I am. Now I’m working with was also a lot of stuff that you at Merrimack for college? el is right around the corner for mouth (Mass,) Police against Weymouth
find something else, but hock- kids constantly. Any off time, had to stay away from. There Titcomb: They kind of gave me. It’s just getting the oppor- ‘Roo’ Adams Classic Aug. 12 Fire will be held Aug. 22 (7 p.m.) at Thay-
ey’s not going to happen.” Right I’m constantly giving back to was a lot of drug use, a lot of al- me a chance that no one else tunity to showcase my talents The Mark “Roo” Adams Golf Clas- er Sports Center in Braintree. Guest NHL
after the doctor walked out of the community. Right now I’m cohol. So you had to find ways was willing to give me. I loved at the next level. sic, an annual benefit for the Roo Adams players are expected to attend. For more
the room, I looked at my mother working at Pro Ambitions, pick- to occupy your time and not the way Coach (Mark) Den- Friar4Ever Foundation, with proceeds information, email militiahockey@gmail.
Wheeling Nailers
and I almost didn’t have to say ing up a couple of weeks here or get caught up in that, because nehy went about it, because he Read the full interview at hockeyjournal.com. directly supporting Providence College com or visit holdthelinefund.com.
Emmy winner Billy Jaffe is a hockey studio analyst for Boston Bruins games on NESN and talks hockey on the NHL Network and ESPN. A Kent School and University of
Michigan product, he captained silver medalist Team USA at the 1997 Maccabiah Games, won silver as coach of Team USA in 2013 and bronze as player/coach in 2017. Have an item for Around the Region? Email it to mzhe@hockeyjournal.com
4 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 Subscribe today at hockeyjournal.com/subscribe August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 5
PROSPECTS PULSE
ticipants in the tournament who to Hockey East.
have gone on to NHL stardom “It will help expose me to all
include Cam Atkinson (Green- the best players,” said Gagne of
wich, Conn.), John Carlson the tournament. “I’ll take it and
(Marlboro, Mass.), Brian Dumou- use it as a tool to get better in
lin (Biddeford, Maine), Johnny the summer, and to better pre-
Gaudreau, Max Pacioretty (New pare me for the next level.”
Canaan, Conn.) and Cory Schnei- “We are extremely excited
der (Marblehead, Mass). for Alex to have been recog-
Originally slated to attend nized for his exceptional play
Tabor Academy in Marion, this season and in doing so
Mass., this fall, Gagne has since be rewarded with a Division 1
switched gears and will instead athletic scholarship to the Uni-
leave New England altogether versity of New Hampshire,”
to skate in the United States said Avalanche 16-U coach and
Hockey League. He was chosen full-season Midget director
by the Cedar Rapids RoughRid- Justin Soryal, who also serves
ers earlier this year in the 14th as Gagne’s strength and con-
round of the 2019 USHL Draft ditioning coach. “Alex is a rare
(Phase 2), and will attend high story of a kid showing up in a
school in Iowa while playing program at ‘Learn to Skate’ and
for former UMass Lowell for- staying with that same organi-
ward Mark Carlson, the long- zation all the way through his
time general manager and head youth hockey career.
coach of the RoughRiders. “I can say without hesitation
n NEW HAMPSHIRE AVALANCHE BLUELINER PROUD TO WEAR USA COLORS FOR THE BIGGEST U-18 TOURNAMENT IN THE WORLD
ALEX GAGNE:
“I went to Cedar Rapids’ main that the recognition Alex is re-
camp in May,” said Gagne, who ceiving could not happen to a
will turn 17 on Aug. 12. “It was a more hard working or dedicated
decision I couldn’t turn down.” individual, “ added Soryal, him-
After discussions with his self a former NHL prospect and
coaches and parents, he felt AHL veteran. “He is the model
EURO BOUND
that Cedar Rapids was the best of a great teammate and focused
place for him to continue his de- hockey player. The entire Ava-
velopment and ready himself to lanche program is extremely
succeed both academically and proud of Alex and look forward
athletically at UNH. to what is in store for him next.”
“Two seasons ago you saw Also on this year’s U.S. Hlin-
his potential for sure, and this ka Gretzky Cup roster from
past season he kicked it up a New England is Mackie Samo-
notch,” said New Hampshire skevich (Sandy Hook, Conn.),
By Roman J. Uschak in the world,” said U.S. head coach Pat Avalanche 16-U AAA and 18-U a 5-foot-9 forward who is cur-
F
Ferschweiler, a former Western Michi- AAA coach Brian Saucier. “We rently enrolled at Shattuck St.
or the inaugural time in his gan University forward who was an as- had a really tough schedule, Mary’s in Minnesota. A 2020
amateur hockey career, Alex sistant coach at last year’s event, and against a lot of the top teams University of Michigan com-
Gagne (Bedford, N.H.) will who previously coached Team USA at in the country. He matched up mit, he posted 36 goals and 74
wear a Team USA jersey at the Five Nations Tournament. “It’s the against many of the top guys, points for Shattuck’s Midget
a major international tour- world juniors a year or two earlier, and and absolutely dominated.” prep squad last season, and had
nament when he suits up for the United it’s all the best players going in the NHL He added that Gagne weighs a brief stint with the USHL’s
States at the 2019 Hlinka Gretzky Cup draft next year. It’s a great tournament.” about 200 pounds now, with Chicago Steel. Samoskevich
this month. Ferschweiler, who spent the past room to grow, and that the also played for the third-place
“It’s my first time,” said the 6-foot-3 four seasons as an assistant coach with rangy blueliner is working to U.S. team in the 2018 Five Na-
defenseman from the New Hampshire the Detroit Red Wings, will be assisted put on more weight while also tions Tournament in Slovakia.
Avalanche program, which is headquar- in Slovakia and the Czech Republic by refining his skills. Another forward in this
tered in Hooksett, N.H., just outside Man- Binghamton Devils head coach Mark “He competes super-hard ‘Gagne has continued to get better and year’s American lineup with
Rich Miyara/NH Sports Photography (bottom): New Hampshire Avalanche
chester. “Once we get to the preliminary Dennehy (Dorchester, Mass.), former and is one of the best one-on-one
better. He’s a steady force back there who New England roots is 5-foot-11
Rich Miyara/NH Sports Photography (top): New Hampshire Avalanche
round, it will be an honor to put on the Brown University head coach Roger players I’ve seen in a long time,” forward Jack Williams (Bidd-
USA jersey and represent my country.” Grillo and current Adrian College assis- said Saucier. “He rarely loses
those one-on-one battles against
plays a hard game.’ — Pat Ferschweiler, Team USA head coach eford, Maine), who plays with the
USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Gagne previously donned red, white tant coach Kevin Moore.
and blue for five games at the U.S. Se- Elite League. Last year, he posted seven been a defenseman,” said Gagne. Ferschweiler felt Gagne had a great some of the top kids in the coun- Williams also spent time last sea-
lect-17 Player Development Camp, from goals and 49 points in 49 outings with The Hlinka Gretzky Cup is an annual Under-17 camp in New York and be- try and is definitely looking the up,” said Alex . “We were always working out off-ice.” ing the open guy in the offen- son with the U.S. National Team
which this year’s Hlinka Gretzky U.S. the ECEL U-16 Midget squad, and also Under-18 tournament held each August lieved he would match up well against part now as a next-level player.” in the rink or the car, and he’s Gagne noted that while there sive zone. I’d like to improve my Development Program and the
roster was chosen — but this will be the played four games with the Avalanche’s and is named for both the former Czecho- opposing forwards from other countries Concerning influences in his a role model I look up to every are some aspects of his game that skating, my east-west transition, U.S. National Under-17 Team and
first occasion he does so overseas. ECEL U-18 team. slovakia star and the NHL’s all-time lead- during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. life and career, Gagne pointed day and strive to be like.” are solid, there are others he’d like and my pivots, and it’s some- is a product of the Selects Hock-
Gagne got his start in hockey with He ultimately fashioned his effort ing scorer. This year’s tournament will be “Gagne has continued to get better and out his father, Jeff, who also Parental mentoring appears to round out in Cedar Rapids be- thing to improve throughout ey Academy 16-U, with whom he
the Avalanche’s “Learn to Skate” pro- and experience into an NCAA Division held from Aug. 5-10 in Piestany, Slovakia, better,” said Ferschweiler. “He’s a steady played hockey in college and to also have had a positive ef- fore finally stepping onto the ice training sessions this summer.” was a two-time 20-goal scorer
gram and quickly progressed through 1 commitment to the University of New and Breclav, Czech Republic. Compet- force back there who plays a hard game.” now coaches in the Avalanche fect on the son’s upbringing. at UNH, likely in the fall of 2021. That includes a stop in East- at the Midget level. Williams is
the ranks of the organization, includ- Hampshire, where he is expected to suit ing against the U.S. will be Canada, the The Americans have finished second in organization. “He’s just a great kid, on and “The strength of my game ern Europe, to hopefully pick committed to Northeastern Uni-
ing three seasons with its various 16-U up for the Wildcats in the next few years. Czech Republic, Finland, Russia, Slova- the Hlinka Gretzky Cup nine times since “I’m not saying I’m follow- off the ice,” said Saucier. “You is my ability to move the puck up some Hlinka Gretzky hard- versity for the fall of 2020.
squads in both the Eastern Junior Elite “I stuck with the one organization un- kia, Sweden and Switzerland. the event began in 1991, most recently in ing in his footsteps, but he was call him any time with (avail- in all three zones,” he said, “in ware before heading off to the
Prospects League and the East Coast til this (upcoming) year, and I’ve always “It’s the best players at this age group 2016, claiming gold in 2003. Past U.S. par- my coach while I was growing able) ice and he’s there, or he’s breakout, transition, and find- junior hockey ranks, and then feedback@hockeyjournal.com
6 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 Subscribe today at hockeyjournal.com/subscribe August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 7
As an assistant coach last
MINOR PROS
season, Ryan Warsofsky (North
Marshfield, Mass.) hoisted the
Calder Cup as AHL champion
with the Charlotte Checkers.
me along, and there were times when I
didn’t agree with him — he’ll be the first
to say that. There was some tough love
at times. But I learned from that and
learned how to approach my players
when I eventually started coaching.”
After college, Warsofsky played pro-
fessionally for one season before trading
in his jersey for a suit and a spot behind
the bench at Curry, where he was an as-
sistant under T.J. Manastersky during
the 2012-13 campaign.
“I’m very thankful for T.J.,” Warsofsky
said. “He gave me a chance to get my
foot in the door with coaching at Curry.
He’s a smart coach, very well-prepared.”
Ryan Warsofsky (center)
Following that season, Warsofsky re- instructs Charlotte Checkers
turned to the pro game, joining Spencer players during a game last season.
Carbery’s staff as the assistant coach of
the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays. He well. He’s very detailed. He doesn’t leave taken under coach Mike Vellucci’s wing players, but we try not to overcompli-
held that post for three seasons before any stone unturned and is going to look to learn the AHL way. cate the game and overcoach. That hap-
becoming the team’s head coach and at every way he can make adjustments. “As you go up, the players are a little pens quite a bit when you look around.
director of hockey operations for two He’s really good at getting guys motivat- bit different,” Warsofsky noted. “You’re Everyone is doing similar things as far
WARSOFSKY’S
years. ed to play the right way with great struc- dealing with first-round picks and guys as structure — there’s no secret — but I
“ ‘Carbs’ has a bright future and is go- ture and conviction. I’m super-grateful who might be making a lot of money learned from Mike how you get your
ing to be an NHL coach, for sure,” said for him and (president/alternate gov- after being sent down and clearing guys to challenge themselves and bring
STOCK RISING
Warsofsky, who helped lead the Sting- ernor) Rob Concannon; they gave me a waivers. Mike taught me how to handle them up another level and how to handle
rays to the Kelly Cup finals in his sec- chance to go down there and start my those types of players. He cares about players and different personalities at the
ond season as assistant coach and first pro coaching career.” his players and is a motivator. We are AHL level.”
season as bench boss. “He brought a lot Warsofsky took the next step as a very similar in that we have great de- Some of the more special experienc-
of energy and was very passionate and coach before this past season when he tail in our habits and what we want to
Continued on Page 33
very smart. He gets his point across very joined Charlotte, where he was quickly teach. We like to get the most out of our
GREAT STANDS
By Leo Scaglione Jr. I was 2 years old when he was ball), in an effort to keep gaining ence on him to this day. Earn a degree in the Sport,
yan Warsofsky’s
n Mass. native at Boston University playing in
the Beanpot in 1990. He knows
knowledge about his craft.
“You can always get better as
“Ray has been a huge part of
my career,” he said. “I’m close
Health, or Athletic industries
follows Calder Cup-
OUT ON
ascent up the what it means to be a coach, and a coach,” he stated. friends with his sons, Chris and
hockey coaching he shows a lot of passion. He’s A self-described “student of Ryan. It’s helped a lot when Ray UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
ranks continued winning season a really good communicator. the game” when he skated as a and I talk about what makes Athletic Training
this offseason
behind the bench When he speaks, he brightens defenseman, Warsofsky learned certain players be great, and Exercise Science
THE FIELD
when, after helping guide the up and controls the room. He’s many lessons from his coaches, how you have to bring it every
Fitness Management
Charlotte Checkers to the 2019
Calder Cup championship in with promotion to got good conviction with his
words. He gets his point across
starting from when he played at
Marshfield High School for Dan
single day.”
Warsofsky continued his Health Science
his first season as their assis-
tant coach, he was named the
AHL head coach to this new generation. And he
cares about his players. When
Connolly. “I was the captain for
two years, and he let me lead,
playing career at Sacred Heart
and Curry College, where he was
Sports Communications
club’s head coach. he was in Boston with Joe let me make mistakes, and also coached by Shaun Hannah and
Sport Management
Warsofsky, 31 years old and Bruins and when he was the Thornton and Sergei Samsonov helped guide me,” Warsofsky C.J. Marottolo (North Haven,
a native of North Marshfield, head coach of the Boston Bruins, and those young guys, he never said. “He didn’t micromanage Conn.) at the former, and Rob GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Mass., is the youngest coach I went to games. That’s when I spoke a bad thing about them me as a leader and as a player; Davies at the latter.
hired in the American Hockey realized I wanted to be a coach. I to the media. Everything was he let me learn and grow. That “Shaun and C.J. were very
Health Communication
League since 2000. knew I wanted to do it. But Mike behind closed doors. He kept was a huge part of my growing different guys,” Warsofsky re- Sport Leadership
And none of this would’ve tried talking me out of it.” it as a team, a tight team. He process as a teenager.” called. “I definitely learned Rehabilitation Science
happened had he listened to a Sullivan, a native of Marsh- didn’t want negative attitudes After his time at Marshfield, things from Shaun; some things Nutrition for Human Performance
two-time Stanley Cup-winning field, Mass., spoke to Warsofsky or negative words creeping into Warsofsky played two seasons I liked and some things I didn’t
bench boss when he was younger. about the stresses of the gig, es- the locker room through a dif- at Cushing Academy, where he like. He was hard on his players
“A good family friend of ours pecially how losses and the day- ferent channel of information. learned from head coach Steve but wanted to see us succeed
is Mike Sullivan,” Warsofsky to-day worries wear on a coach. That was one thing he really Jacobs, assistant coach William on the ice. I liked the energy
said of the Pittsburgh Penguins “When Mike was let go in Bos- taught me — what happens in Troy and assistant coach and C.J. brought every day. It’s im-
head coach, who led them to ton, you could tell it took a toll on that room stays in that room.” Hockey Hall of Fame blueliner portant to have energy every
back-to-back championships in him,” Warsofsky remembered. Warsofsky also watches Ray Bourque. time you come to the rink, and
2016 and 2017 after serving as But Sullivan stuck with it and coaches from other sports, such “They were instrumental in he taught me that. And Rob
a player development coach for is now someone whom Warsof- as Bill Belichick (New England my career, not just playing but was a very smart coach who re-
the 2015 Stanley Cup-winning sky considers “the best coach in Patriots), Sean McVay (Los An- also coaching,” he asserted. “I ally cared about his players, and
Charlotte Checkers
Charlotte Checkers
Chicago Blackhawks. “His par- the National Hockey League.” geles Rams), Doc Rivers (Los An- still have a relationship with all you could sense it. Hockey was Newton, MA | Est. 1851
ents (George and Myrna) are “I try to learn from him every geles Clippers, formerly with the three of them.” his life. He gave me a chance to
my godparents. When he was time I talk to him,” Warsofsky Boston Celtics) and Dabo Swin- Warsofsky added that come in there and be a leader,
coaching the AHL Providence said. “I’ve looked up to him since ney (Clemson University foot- Bourque remains a major influ- be a go-to guy. He tried to help
8 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 Subscribe today at hockeyjournal.com/subscribe August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 9
COLLEGE HOCKEY
Chase Matteo was a four-year varsity
player at Camden Hills High School.
BARRIER
perience. However that just motivated
me to study to get to the point where I
can communicate, joke and bond with
my teammates, and it has helped me
learn a whole new language and culture.”
He also noted there is a hierarchical
structure to hockey in Japan where play-
HOCKEY SENSE
BREAKER
ers must speak to any elder players with
great respect.
TRAINING
In addition to the long days Matteo
endures as a member of the team, his
offseason window is incredibly limited.
Now, Matteo’s love for the game of He essentially has one month out of the
hockey has him dedicating his entire life year off (February) to visit his family and @ THE EDGE SPORTS CENTER, BEDFORD
to it on the opposite side of the world to see friends, who are now scattered
from where he grew up. across the country.
Japan universities play a 10-month “I am a big family guy and love my
season, from March to January, with a friends and family more than anything
spring tournament, summer cup, fall in the world, and due to this, it is really
tourney and national tournament in tough being over here during the sum-
January. mer and holidays like Thanksgiving and
On an average day, he wakes up Christmas,” he said.
slightly before 3 a.m., trains on-ice with Even so, Matteo wants to continue
the team from 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. and playing hockey abroad when he finish-
off-ice from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. The latter es college. Ethnically Italian, Matteo is
training might consist of agility drills, working on gaining his Italian citizen-
sprints and hitting the weight room. ship and is considering playing there
“The training at Waseda is signifi- while pursuing a master’s degree.
cantly more taxing physically and men- He also aspires to play hockey in New
tally,” he said. “My coaches in high school Zealand in the future.
ing in Japan in August 2016: He said that
pushed us hard, but it doesn’t compare “I have always been really fascinated SENSE ARENA SHAREHOLDER
he can’t believe he only had six months
when you have a group of guys fighting by hockey all over the world in unique #88 David Pastrnak, Boston Bruins
left to play and how fast it went by.
each day to get pro opportunities and countries, and New Zealand stuck out to
“Now that I’m in my last season, I’ve
make the U-20 and men’s national team me because of how beautiful and calm it
been trying my best to cherish all the mo-
here. It has been an incredible atmo- is there,” he said. “It seems like a place I
ments, including the hard ones, because I
sphere being surrounded by that.” would enjoy living and be able to expe- Put the VR helmet on, grab your stick
know that before I know it, this incredible
After practice ends, the players show- rience a new culture. I absolutely don’t
experience will be behind me.” and start off-ice training in
er, eat breakfast and then head to school. want to rule out playing in the NZIHL,
Growing up, Matteo was infatuated
For Matteo, who lives in a dorm adjacent which I have considered for a while now.”
by hockey around the globe, and he liked
to his team’s rink, the commute to school
more than 70 drills that focus on
Matteo also said he hopes his trek
Japan because of its unique culture and
history as well as the country’s techno-
is a 30-minute train ride. Classes start across the globe serves as inspiration for your hockey sense development.
at 9 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. However, other players interested in taking their
logical developments in recent decades.
there are free periods throughout the careers abroad.
“You can’t get much farther away than
Maine native Chase
Matteo is a senior
Maine and Japan, and I think just the
day between classes. After his final class,
Matteo hurries back to his dorm and
“I feel so blessed to have been given
the opportunity of playing ice hockey
GET YOUR HOCKEY SENSE
sense of such a different culture was just
forward for Waseda
University in Tokyo. so fascinating to me,” Matteo said.
tries to go to bed as early as possible.
Ideally, this would be around 7 p.m.
at such a strong school like Waseda,”
he said, “getting to play against profes-
SCORECARD
Matteo, a 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward
For Matteo, the two biggest adjust- sionals and national team members and Schedule a Diagnostic Test
From Maine scholastic standout to university who shoots left, scored 14 goals and had
seven assists in 17 games as a senior at
ments to playing in Japan have been the coached by a former Olympian. The ex-
VIBER (781) 257-9700
player in Japan, Chase Matteo gets top mileage Camden Hills in 2015-16, helping the
Windjammers advance to the semifi-
cultural barrier and the time commit-
ment.
perience has not been perfect or easy,
but I hope that I can be an example of
� sfusco@theedgesportscenter.com
out of his passion for hockey and culture nals of the Class B North playoffs. As a
Growing up in a small Maine town, he
played with the same core group of play-
breaking a barrier to do something new
in the sport.
senior, Matteo was named the school’s
ers from the time he was 6 years old up “I am not a superstar player, but I
Hobey Baker High School Character Detailed performance results
through high school and have always just loved the
By Tom Joyce Award Recipient. The award recognizes
I
developed close friend- game,” he added. “I do not will give you guidance on
student-athletes for displaying exempla-
ships along the way. think I would be in Japan
T STARTED with an apprecia- ry character and sportsmanship in their what to train to become
“My favorite part of ice and speak Japanese and
tion of a foreign country and an schools and communities.
hockey has always been understand the culture a smarter hockey player.
email to a college hockey coach Looking up teams across the world
the bond you are able to to this extent at all with-
when he was in seventh grade. on EliteProspects.com, he noticed many
create with your team- out ice hockey. This also
Now, Camden, Maine, native professional players in Japan had at- USED BY TEAMS
mates, and when I first wouldn’t have been pos-
Chase Matteo is wrapping up one of the tended Waseda University, so he emailed
got here and couldn’t sible without my team-
most unique collegiate experiences for a the then-head coach when he was in sev-
speak Japanese, it was mates, family, friends and
New England hockey player. enth grade.
incredibly difficult,” he coaches that pushed me
Matteo is a senior at Waseda Univer- Luckily for Matteo, Takehiko Kusa-
said. “When everyone in to make it, and the haters
sity in Tokyo, Japan, and a forward on player and the only American in the en- one. “It is pretty surreal to now be a senior jima spoke English, and the two kept
the locker is bursting out that pushed me to prove
Waseda’s men’s club hockey team. The tire league. on the team,” Matteo said. “Four years in touch. When Kusajima stepped away
laughing and you have no them wrong.” www.sensearena.com
program has been around since 1923, a For Matteo, who was a four-year varsity seems like a lifetime, but in reality, it flies from the head coaching job in 2015, he
clue what they said, it was
year longer than the Boston Bruins, and player at Camden Hills High School, it’s by. I remember having a conversation still helped Matteo through the admis- feedback@hockeyjournal.com
an incredibly isolating ex-
yet, he is Waseda’s first foreign-born been a unique experience — and a great with a senior on my team days after arriv- sions process.
10 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 Subscribe today at hockeyjournal.com/subscribe August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 11
AROUND CAMPUS
Bertagna to step down at Hockey East
UMass names captains agreed to terms with former Vermont coach with more than 30 years of expe-
defenseman Jake Massie on a two-year, rience in coaching, Moore fills the posi-
University of Massachusetts hockey
entry-level contract. Massie will forego tion vacated by Eric Graham, who was
forwards Niko Hildenbrand and Mitch-
his final season of college eligibility. named head coach at Johnson & Wales
ell Chaffee have been named team cap-
“We are very proud of Jake for sign- in June.
tains for the 2019-20 season, head coach
ing an entry-level contract with the Following coaching stints at Pots-
Greg Carvel announced last month.
Florida Panthers,” said UVM coach dam State and Brockport State, Moore
Hildenbrand, a senior, becomes the
Kevin Sneddon. “Jake handled this coached at Division 1 with Brown,
11th two-year captain in program history
process with complete transparency Providence, Colgate and Union. He was
and sixth in the program’s modern era.
and I could not be happier for him as named interim head coach at Colgate
As a junior, the Vacaville, Calif., native
well as his family. Jake was amazing in 2003-04, where he led the team to a
helped lead the Minutemen to unprec-
student-athlete to coach and we wish 22-15-5 record and was named the ECAC
edented success, including a school-
him the very best as he embarks on his Coach of the Year. …
record 31 wins, a trip to the NCAA title
professional career.” Carvel announced the promotion of
Joe Bertagna with NU game and their first-ever Hockey East
The Quebec native saw action in 30 assistant coach Jared DeMichiel to as-
goalie Cayden Primeau. regular-season championship. In 37
H
games during the 2018-19 campaign at sociate head coach. DeMichiel, a 2010
games he contributed 14 points on three
Vermont. He registered nine points and RIT graduate and former goaltender who
ockey East commissioner goals and 11 assists.
blocked a team-high 41 shots. The 2015 backstopped the Tigers to the Frozen
Joe Bertagna and the Chaffee, a junior, enjoyed a breakout
sixth-round draft pick of the Carolina Four, enters his fourth season at UMass
Hockey East athletic di- sophomore season in 2018-19, which
Hurricanes played 95 career games for in 2019-20 after two years working with
rectors jointly announced saw the Michigan native garner CCM/
the Catamounts over three seasons. Carvel at St. Lawrence. Under his direc-
last month that the 2019- AHCA Hockey All-America honors and
tion, Matt Murray and Filip Lindberg
20 college hockey season will be Ber- earn the title of Hockey East scoring Campus notes became one of the top goaltending tan-
tagna’s final year as commissioner of the champion, with 31 points in 23 league
Bowdoin College announced the hir- dems in the nation in 2018-19.
conference. contests.
ing of Stan Moore as assistant men’s
Bertagna, who began his tenure with hockey coach last month. A veteran feedback@hockeyjournal.com
Hockey East in July 1997, is the longest- Atlantic Hockey adopts 3-on-3
serving NCAA hockey commissioner in The Atlantic Hockey athletic direc-
the sport’s history. tors voted recently to adopt the 3-on-3/ University of Vermont
The upcoming season will be his 23rd Shootout overtime model currently uti- product Jake Massie is
with Hockey East and 38th overall, as he lized by the NCHC, WCHA and Big 10. turning pro with Florida.
served in a similar capacity with ECAC The three-point system will award
Hockey for 15 years. three conference standings points for
“Joe has been a tremendous leader a regulation or 5-on-5 overtime victory
of Hockey East since taking over as and zero points for a regulation or 5-on-5
our first-ever full-time commissioner 22 overtime loss. If the game remains tied
years ago,” said Jeff Schulman, director after 65 minutes of 5-on-5 play, the game
of athletics for the University of Vermont officially ends in a draw, awarding one
and chair of Hockey East’s Men’s Execu- point to each team.
tive Committee. “He has been the driv- Play will continue, however, as the
ing force in helping to grow our men’s 3-on-3 overtime and shootout, if neces-
and women’s leagues both in terms of sary, will then kick in with the winner be-
membership (and) competitive quality, ing awarded an additional point.
and our position in the landscape of Di-
vision 1 college hockey.” NU makes staff changes
Schulman added that the Hockey Northeastern coach Jim Madigan
East ADs are “extremely appreciative” of (Milton, Mass.) announced changes to
everything Bertagna has done for Hock- the coaching staff last month. Jason
ey East and college hockey generally, Smith will transition into the new role of
and that he will be assisting the league hockey advancement coordinator, while
in a consulting role moving forward.” Mike McLaughlin will now serve as an
Bertagna (Arlington, Mass.) played assistant coach on Madigan’s staff.
goalie for three Hall of Fame coaches at McLaughlin and Smith are part of a
Harvard University: Ralph “Cooney” coaching staff that has led the Huskies
Weiland, Tim Taylor and Billy Cleary. to a 90-50-16 (.628) record over the past
His administrative career began as an four seasons, including tying the school
intern with the ECAC in the fall of 1976. record for victories in a season in 2018-
He returned to the ECAC in 1982 as an 19 with 27.
ice hockey administrator under the tu- In that time, Northeastern has won
telage of Scotty Whitelaw and Clayton back-to-back Beanpot championships,
Chapman. Hockey East tournament champion-
Richard T. Gagnon/Getty Images
“This is not a retirement,” said Ber- ships in 2016 and ’19, and NCAA berths
tagna. “They say when one door closes, in 2016, ’18 and ’19.
another door opens. I look forward to
starting my final year with the confer- UVM’s Massie goes pro
ence and seeing what doors open up for Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon ©NHL 2018
me in the future.” announced last month that the club has
12 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 Subscribe today at hockeyjournal.com/subscribe
PREP SCHOOL GUIDE 15TH ANNUAL
SKY’S THE LIMIT Prep schools provide student-athletes
opportunities to reach their potential
— in the classroom and at the rink
P
rep schools are as synonymous with New England athletic careers and help them get into the college of their
as clam chowder, Cape Cod and nor’easters. choice, prep schools become more attractive options.
And in New England, some of the best hockey In our 15th annual Prep School Guide, New England Hockey
occurs at the prep school level. Journal takes a closer look at the world of prep hockey, then
The competition among schools is fierce — offers a comprehensive list of prep schools in and near
both on the ice and off — to attract the right student-athletes New England (including basic information such as location
who might excel at both athletics and academics. As top-end and gender, grade and day/boarding options), and we
hockey players look for opportunities that can advance their highlight a handful of top prep schools.
Dexter Southfield School
in Brookline, Mass.
14 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 15
PREP SCHOOL GUIDE 15TH ANNUAL Kent School
players and
coaches
celebrate their
2019 NEPSAC
large-school
title.
four-year career at Holy Cross, where he
By Roman J. Uschak
T
was a key member of the 2005-06 team
that upset powerhouse Minnesota in the
he developmental
NCAA tournament.
ladder for American
After playing professionally in the
amateur hockey
ECHL, Reinhardt began work in the
might have changed
prep school coaching ranks with three
slightly in the past
seasons as an assistant at Canterbury
few decades, but preparatory
School in New Milford, Conn., before
school remains a viable option
taking the head job at Kent in 2013-14.
for those players looking to
Gardner’s teams have won eight New
ascend to the higher ranks of the
England Prep Division 1 championships.
sport.
A former Wesleyan University goalten-
Thirty years ago, especially
der, he also is Avon’s associate headmas-
in the Northeast, many players
ter.
vaulted directly from prep school
Another Northeast institution that
to the NCAA. Although that
regularly cranks out college hockey
largely has been superseded by
talent is Winchendon School, which
players skating one or two years
is located in Winchendon, Mass., just
of junior hockey before going
outside Boston. Head coach Brian Troy
on to university or major junior,
(Ashburnham, Mass.), who played col-
many aspiring puck-handlers
legiately at Southern New Hampshire
still use prep school as
University after prepping at Cushing
part of their develop-
A PRIMER FOR THE
Academy, is entering his second season
ment, even if it’s no
at the helm of the Wapitis, which is an-
longer their last stop
other term for elks.
before stepping onto a
PREP HOCKEY
college campus. The recruiting trail borders over the past 40 years. (home), and they come from all walks of half-credit class, while also still playing
John Gardner has
Summers at prep schools are largely “We’re recruiting all over the place life — Kansas City, Florida, Texas, Toron- high-level hockey.
headed the boys varsity
spent recruiting new blood, something now, and we get inquiries from Rus- to, and all over New England.” “It’s why they’re here, to get an educa-
hockey program at
Reinhardt has now done himself for a sia, the Czech Republic, Finland, and It also comes down to the aforemen- tion,” said Gardner.
Avon Old Farms in
decade. Prep schools often have limited kids all over the country,” said Gardner. tioned networking in learning about po- Troy remarked that Winchendon stu-
EXPERIENCE
Avon, Conn., since
time and resources, so coaches have to “Next year we’ll have kids from Califor- tential players. dents, from freshmen to postgraduates,
1975-76. The dean of
figure out which events are worth spend- nia, Texas, Washington, D.C., New York, “Parents and alumni are huge for take five or six classes apiece through
New England prep
ing time at to find future players. Con- Massachusetts, Connecticut and Russia. that,” admitted Troy. “The kids reach out what is called a rotating block schedule.
hockey coaches, he has
versely, many times players also reach It mimics college hockey now — that’s to us when they’re ready, and it’s wonder- as they split their days between academ-
amassed more than 760
out to prep schools first. become international, and it’s the same ful.” ics and athletics. Classes usually run
career wins at the helm
“They definitely find us as well,” said deal here.” from the mornings up to 2 or 3 p.m., then
of the Winged Beavers,
Reinhardt. “We do our homework on Troy said he prefers to work with Managing time athletics follow until it’s time for study
in more than 40 years of
them, and it’s a combination of the two. players before he recruits them, if at all Once on campus, prep school players hall.
coaching prep players.
We try to get and see as many of them as possible. He annually attends a pre-prep must embody the total role of student- Reinhardt added that it doesn’t get
“If you want a kid
we can, and we encourage them to look showcase in Marlboro, Mass., and he and athlete, and have to pay as much, if not any easier as players mature and even-
to get a good educa-
at the school and apply.” his assistant also scour showcases in more, attention to passing their classes tually start applying to colleges. They
tion and play in a good
He also explained that coaches build spots like Chicago, Toronto and Califor- as they do to passing pucks. especially must learn early on to bal-
atmosphere, then prep
their own contact networks of people nia, along with the annual Liberty Bell “Our kids take five major courses ev- ance their time between schoolwork and
school is a good op-
they can trust in evaluating players, Games in Red Bank, N.J. He also hears ery trimester, or four majors and one mi- sports, which is what playing prep pro-
tion,” Gardner stated.
to see if particular skaters would be a from players all the time who are inter- nor,” said Reinhardt. “It’s definitely chal- vides in spades.
Unlike their college
proper fit for their schools and hockey ested in skating for Winchendon. lenging.” “You don’t have to sacrifice academ-
counterparts, most
programs. “It’s a different ballgame,” Troy said Gardner said that Avon students have ics for hockey,” said Reinhardt. “You can
prep school coaches
Gardner has seen the prep recruiting of recruits finding the school instead. “It a regular load of five to six classes, with
don’t just coach Continued on Page 18
process explode outside New England’s depends on when they’re ready to leave many taking five classes and perhaps a
hockey. Dale Rein-
Avon Old Farms (top); John Crouch (rink); Dave Arnold/New England Hockey Journal
hardt, the boys varsity
head coach at Kent
School in Kent, Conn.,
also serves an adviser, history
teacher and the boys varsity golf
coach. Midwestern Heart. Global Mind.
“It’s definitely a mix,” said At LFA, we strive to find success, measured
Reinhardt. “Most of us coaches not only in victories, but also in the
wear different hats, and it’s part individual development of
of why I love coaching prep. You each athlete.
Dave Arnold/New England Hockey Journal
work with the kids from many www.lfacaxys.org
different angles.”
Reinhardt himself knows the
prep pathway. He skated for
Delbarton School in Morristown,
N.J., where he registered 247
career points in four seasons at 80+ players sent to junior
hockey/professional leagues
forward, then went on to a solid
Lake Forest Academy | 1500 West Kennedy Road | Lake Forest, Illinois 60045
16 NEW ENGLAND HOCKEY JOURNAL August 2019 Subscribe today at hockeyjournal.com/subscribe August 2019 www.hockeyjournal.com 17
PREP SCHOOL GUIDE 15TH ANNUAL
Prep school hockey offers a great
chance to foster camaraderie and
school spirit while striving for hardware.
Many prep schools,
such as Winchendon
Continued from Page 17 School, offer idyllic “I think we do that the best, and we Winchendon has seen fewer locals eastern University for his sophomore
campus settings.
have an emphasis on continuity,” said on its hockey rosters in recent years, but season. Gardner said that the younger
do both at a very high level.” Reinhardt. “Some kids have gone on they still pop up from time to time. Madden wasn’t physically ready for the
When it comes to prep school athlet- from JV to play NCAA hockey. “I love locals, because it makes split varsity his first year at Avon and played
ics, it’s also not about hockey players “It can be a process,” he continued. “A season (hockey) easier,” said Troy. on the freshman squad instead. He cap-
just playing hockey, and nothing else. lot of kids tend to come in and play right A number of prep students play split- tained the Winged Beavers his second
At Kent, freshman and sophomore stu- away, as well, on the varsity.” season hockey for outside clubs like the season, then parlayed a year in the
dents must try out for a sport in all three Gardner said that he used to take Boston Junior Bruins or Eastern Mass. USHL into helping the Huskies to last
seasons, while upperclassmen must also great pride in players coming up through Senators, beginning play with those season’s Hockey East championship.
play a club or intramural sport, or take Avon’s system, but that nowadays play- teams in the fall before returning to Avon also celebrated a couple of
some sort of fitness class. Hockey play- ers have other outside options. them in the spring, after the prep season alumni as first-round NHL draft choices
ers thus might take up strength and con- “You don’t see it as much (anymore),” ends. in June, with forward Trevor Zegras of
ditioning in autumn, skate in the winter, he said of that internal promotion, with “They come in, in early November, Bedford, N.Y., going ninth overall to Ana-
then play baseball, golf or lacrosse in the many players opting to skate 60-70 and play for us,” said Troy, who added heim, and goaltender Spencer Knight
spring. games a year at the U-15 and U-16 levels that upward internal mobility also is pos- (Darien, Conn.) picked 13th overall by
“Some of our best golfers are hockey instead of going prep.
He does get a couple of day students
sible on the rosters at Winchendon.
“Selfishly, I like to work with everyone
ments hosted by fellow Massachusetts Distinguished alumni Florida. They will skate for Boston Uni-
versity and Boston College, respectively,
players,” said Reinhardt. schools such as Belmont Hill, St. Sebas-
Avon Old Farms has sent scores of
Troy, who is entering his fifth year per season on his squad, although Avon as long as I can,” said Troy, who has seen tian’s and Tabor Academy. The Wapitis starting this fall.
players on to the collegiate and profes-
overall at Winchendon, also has served is not admittedly a hockey hotbed. about three or four players move up to also play one or two preseason games “Holy moly,” chuckled Gardner of his
sional levels in Gardner’s storied tenure.
as head baseball coach, assistant soccer and played split-season hockey that was coming to the prep school model, which “We have some good players in the varsity annually. “Some schools, they re- every year against the likes of junior op- former charges, who both went on to the
Two of his former pupils, defenseman
coach and assistant hockey coach, and sandwiched around his prep schedule. he felt needed to evolve more. Gardner neighboring towns,” said Gardner. “We cruit year to year.” ponents, like the Springfield Olympics U.S. National Team Development Pro-
Brian Leetch (Cheshire, Conn.) and
often sees his hockey players on differ- “It’s doable, if a student-athlete wants has advocated for an extended season. get one or two of them a year.” or the South Shore Kings. gram before being drafted. “A lot of kids
ent athletic fields at other times of the to do it,” he said. “It’s something that’s been around a Reinhardt added that Kent is almost Chasing the competition “For the most part, we play traditional
goaltender Jonathan Quick (Hamden,
really develop, every one in a different
Conn.), won the Conn Smythe Trophy
school year. Gardner revealed that although many long time,” he said of the prep model. entirely a boarding school, owing to Kent plays solely against other prep prep schools,” said Troy. manner.”
as the most valuable player in the NHL
“Some of our guys just follow me parents and players want guarantees “It’s hard (to change).” its geography, with most players leav- schools during its annual campaigns but Avon plays all its games against oth- Kent also has had a rich history of
playoffs while leading the New York
around,” he laughed. about playing time, that’s not the way it ing their hometowns behind to live on also makes in-season sojourns to tourna- er prep schools, although Gardner said sending players off to the collegiate
If motivated to do so — although it works at Avon. Climbing school ladders campus. Not a lot of local players have ments at schools like Phillips Exeter and he would like to do more regarding the
Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, respec-
and professional ranks. New York Rang-
tively, to Stanley Cup titles.
can be difficult — players can participate “If they’re good enough, they’ll play,” There’s also room for movement up skated for the Lions in recent years, al- Avon. schedule. He admitted that there are in- ers head coach David Quinn (Cranston,
Tyler Madden, son of former NHL for-
in a varsity or club sport in each of the said Gardner, who doesn’t make prom- a school’s internal hockey rungs, with though it does occur. He also said that “We’re still playing other boarding herent limits at the prep level, but hopes R.I.) played for the Lions before moving
ward and three-time Stanley Cup cham-
three seasons of the school year. Troy ises about power-play time or other aus- some players starting off by playing on his roster composition is consistent with schools,” said Reinhardt. that changes could be made in the fu- on to Boston University. Former Boston
pion John Madden, prepped two years at
said that when he attended Cushing, pices of the game. “That’s the way it is.” the freshman or junior varsity teams, the makeup of the school’s general stu- Winchendon also plays a traditional ture. “You have to play by the rules,” he
Avon and is now headed back to North-
he played three sports for the Penguins He also felt that some changes were then working their way up to the varsity. dent body. prep schedule, while attending tourna- said. Continued on Page 27
Dave Arnold/New England Hockey Journal
Winchendon School
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