THE PREMIER BOARDING SCHOOL
HOCKEY SHOWCASE
TRAIN WITH NEW ENGLAND’S BEST COACHES & LET US GUIDE YOU TOWARDS YOUR PATHWAY TO PREP SCHOOL
The Pathway to Prep Difference
More Than Hockey
Pathway to Prep is designed for student-athletes - not just hockey players. As educators, we know that hockey, alone, is not enough to reach your goals. Our team is focused on the educational benefits of boarding school and to helping pave the way for Pathway to Prep participants as they consider their school and hockey choices.
Skilled Coaching
Our coaches are among the most reputable in independent school hockey. Each practice will include high-intensity skill sessions run by prep coaches. We are also committed to providing access to current and/or former college coaches at each of our programs, creating a pathway to prep and beyond.
Expert Advice
With over 80 years combined experience in the independent school world, John Gardner and Brendon Welker provide an unparalleled level of expertise on and off the ice. Our proven approach will allow our participants to maximize their potential and create opportunities to study and compete in some of the finest schools in America.
Goaltender Training
Along with exceptional on and off-ice programming, Pathway to Prep is pleased to provide specialized goaltending sessions for our netminders. These sessions will be led by a team of prep and/or guest coaches.
Maximize Exposure
Pathway to Prep hand selects its coaches and optimizes opportunities for athletes to meet with and be recruited by a wide array of programs and schools. We emphasize face-to-face interaction between coaches and players to create the ideal environment for our players to be noticed and known.
Create Your Own Pathway to Prep
Along with having direct access to some of the finest coaches in prep hockey, Pathway to Prep participants will learn the essentials to standing out from the crowd in the admission and recruiting processes.
Upcoming Events
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August 1 -2, 2024
Boys 2008-2011 Birth Years
International Skating Center of Connecticut
Simsbury, CT
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June 7 -9, 2024
In collaboration with the New England Prep School Girls Ice Hockey Coaches Association
International Skating Center of Connecticut, Simsbury, CT
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS FOR PATHWAY TO PREP SHOWCASE
We are committed to providing exceptional coaching at each of our events. Pathway to Prep selects top New England Prep coaches who are skilled on-ice teachers and evaluators to maximize your experience and exposure.
The following schools have committed to our December event:
Girls Coaching Staff
Berkshire School
Canterbury School
Choate Rosemary Hall
Millbrook School
Pomfret School
Portsmouth Abbey School
St. Paul’s School
Boys Coaching Staff
Avon Old Farms School
Brooks School
Cardigan Mountain School
Choate Rosemary Hall
Cushing Academy
Eaglebrook School
Fay School
Frederick Gunn School
Hotchkiss School
St. Paul’s School
The Taft School
$400 per player (June 7-9, 2024 Girls Event)
Registration fees include: a minimum of 2 skill sessions and 3 games led by New England prep coaches, off-ice seminars focused on educating our players and families on the benefits of independent school and how to navigate the recruiting and admission processes, and distinctive Pathway to Prep off-ice programming. Each Pathway to Prep participant will also receive a custom showcase hockey jersey.
LODGING
We are pleased to offer discounted hotel rates for all Pathway to Prep families at the Avon Old Farms Hotel & Simsbury Inn.
Please Stay Tuned for Spring and Summer Hotel Rates and Availability
John Gardner
Director of Hockey
John Gardner is the winningest coach in prep hockey with over 800 wins over his 47-year career at Avon Old Farms. John is widely regarded as the preeminent voice in prep hockey, and his track record of coaching and developing college, Olympic, and professional players speaks for itself.
John is, first and foremost, an educator, and he brings this same approach to Pathway to Prep. Along with his storied coaching career, John has served as a master teacher, advisor, athletic director, and associate head of school. John knows prep school, inside and out, and is a believer in the power of a boarding school education.
In developing this unique opportunity for student-athletes, John is committed to helping each player gain exposure to prep coaches while also providing industry-leading services in helping families better understand the admission process and the benefits to a boarding school education.
Brendon Welker
Director of Programming
Brendon Welker has worked in the education industry for the past 25 years. He spent two decades as a leader in the independent school admission field before becoming an educational consultant in 2016.
Throughout his quarter-century in the industry, Brendon has worked with thousands of students on their journey towards independent school and college. Brendon has also specialized in helping student-athletes reach their goals of competing athletically in boarding schools and in the NCAA.
Brendon’s vast experience adds a unique opportunity and advantage for Pathway to Prep participants. As a boarding school graduate, Brendon knows, first-hand, the transformative nature of independent schools and is excited to bring his experience and leadership in the industry to Pathway to Prep.
Contact Us
For additional information or to learn more about Pathway to Prep, please contact us.