ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT

JOIN OUR ACADEMY, EXCELLENCE AWAITS

Excellence, both on and off of the ice, is what you can expect with the EXCEL Hockey Academy.

EXCEL Hockey Academy is a partnership between North Catholic High School and the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. The academy provides a superior academic program coupled with on-ice and off-ice training provided by a world-class staff of professionals. The program will prepare graduates with the academic background to advance to top tier Colleges and Universities, while the world-class hockey development program will allow each student athlete to maximize their individual potential.

COMMITMENTS

Congratulations to the following EXCEL Hockey Academy athletes on their commitments and signings!

  • Andrew Pichora - University of Minnesota
  • Braedon Ford - Miami of Ohio University
  • Braxton Whitehead - Regina Pats
  • Carter Schade - Penn State University
  • Colby Saganiuk - Erie Otters/Penn State University
  • Evan Konyen - Sudbury Wolves
  • Gabe Ludwig - Seattle Thunderbirds
  • Hunter Gartley - Saint John Sea Dogs
  • Jack Musa - Boston University
  • Jackson Morehouse - Dartmouth College
  • Laney Potter - University of Wisconsin
  • Lucas Ross - Erie Otters/Penn State University
  • Matthew Dimarsico - Penn State University
  • Shawn O'Donnell - Madison Capitols
  • Teddy Sawyer - Ottawa 67's

HIGH SCHOOL TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDES

  • Open to student athletes in grades 9-12
  • Academy runs September 1 through May allowing for spring sports/activities
  • Four days per week
  • Seventy (70) minutes of on-ice training each day
  • Forty-five (45) minutes of performance training in the UPMC Sports Performance each day
  • Preseason performance evaluation (on-ice and off-ice)
  • Individual player assessment including video analysis
Penguins Coach Mark Recchi working with EXCEL athletes
Penguins Coach Mark Recchi working with EXCEL athletes
Onsite storage for High School participants
Onsite storage for High School participants
Coach Mueller reviewing daily practice plan
Coach Mueller reviewing daily practice plan

Schedule

Time Activity Location
7:55 AM Academic Day Begins North Catholic HS
7:55am-1:15pm Academic Courses North Catholic HS
1:15 PM Academy Student Athletes Dismissed North Catholic HS
1:30 PM Academy Students Arrive at Facility UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
1:30-1:50pm Change Time UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
1:50-3:00pm On-Ice Skill Development & Skating Programs UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
3:15-4:00pm Off-Ice Training UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
4:00-5:00pm Study/Homework Period UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
5:00 PM Academy Students Dismissed UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
  • Transportation from North Catholic HS to UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex provided.
  • Dinner meal plans available via the Training Table for an additional fee.

EXCEL HOCKEY ACADEMY GOALIE TRAINING

Goalies will have the opportunity to elevate their game by having individualized goalie training catered to their style of play. Goalies will focus on their technical game including; speed, depth & positioning, tracking and save selection. On-ice sessions will be a combination of specialized goalie training followed by shooting drills and small area games with the group.

ACADEMICS

Held at the North Catholic HS Campus

24 credits would be completed through courses offered in the following departments:

Math
Science
Social Studies
English
World Language
Religion

Up to 21 Honors level courses offered in these departments

Up to 14 Advanced Placement (AP) and College in High School (CHS) courses offered in these departments

Option to enroll in double math or science courses in Junior/Senior years

HOCKEY TRAINING

Held at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex

4 credits would be completed through independent study, which includes:

70 minutes of elite skill development and skating daily

60 minutes of personalized off-ice training with an emphasis on strength, conditioning, speed & agility

Preseason performance evaluation (on-ice & off-ice)

Individual assessment including video analysis with specialized program for both on-ice & off-ice training

Post-season performance evaluation with personalized off-season training program

On-site equipment storage available

CoachMePlus Athlete Performance Management

SEMINARS

The Academy staff with arrange seminars on the following topics, and more, from industry leading experts:

Leadership
Sports Nutrition
Performance
Training & Nutrition
Sports Medicine
Sports Business Management