For the region’s prep school hockey teams, the competition begins long before the first game of the season is played. Attracting prospective student-athletes can be a battle on several fronts. From a hockey standpoint, many higher-end players are lured toward junior hockey, which they believe might set them up better for college and professional success.
From a financial standpoint, high tuition and unfamiliarity with the financial aid process could keep many potential applicants staying with public schools. Once a player decides the prep route is the way to go, there are dozens of options to consider, more than 60 schools in New England alone.
New England Hockey Journal caught up with some of them to discuss why those who choose the prep route will discover that the combination of athletics and academics is unmatched by what they could find anywhere else.