Editor’s note: Austin Prep on Friday told the New England Hockey Journal that, despite what we reported, it does not intend to develop an academy-model hockey program. Austin Prep has announced its intention to move from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to the New England Prep School Athletic Council. The move will impact all sports...
Editor’s note: Austin Prep on Friday told the New England Hockey Journal that, despite what we reported, it does not intend to develop an academy-model hockey program.
Austin Prep has announced its intention to move from the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association to the New England Prep School Athletic Council.
The move will impact all sports at the Reading, Mass., school.
New England Hockey Journal originally reported that Austin Prep would develop an academy model, including an affiliation for U14 and U16 teams with Islanders Hockey Club. Austin Prep subsequently said it would not move to the academy model.
The varsity team will compete as an independent prep school team in the NEPSAC.
The academy model has worked at Mount Saint Charles, which has developed an excellent academy model organization with Devin Rask and Matt Plante at the helm. The duo, as well as others, including Eric Soltys, helped start South Kent’s initiative to move away from prep and into a full-season academy model.
Talking to numerous college coaches, NHL scouts and agents, a majority have the same concern I do. Austin Prep’s venture with the Islanders Hockey Club could work out.
The problem is the region is becoming saturated with too many academy-model teams. It is watering down the product and negatively impacting all levels of play that high school-aged kids in New England can participate in.
At some point, the powers that be need to step in and help do what’s best for kids in the region. Regardless of how AP and IHC fare, parents are being sold a bill of goods by all of these academy-model teams that aren’t always based on reality.
Look through the rosters and past editions of successful teams at Mount, Kimball Union and Salisbury: there are players that move on to successful college careers and fewer that make it to pro hockey.
Is it worth it to leave home and not play with friends when the return on investment isn’t always fruitful? That’s the six-figure question.
Hopefully, hockey in New England can stay grounded and allow more and more players to stay in the game.
