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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 mid-August through May allowing for spring sports/activities
  • Four days per week
  • On-ice training each day
  • Off-ice training each day
  • Preseason performance evaluation (on-ice and off-ice)
  • Individual player assessment including video analysis

Penguins Coach Mark Recchi working with EXCEL athletes


Onsite storage for High School participants


Coach Mueller reviewing daily practice plan

Schedule

Time Activity Location
7:55am Academic Day Begins North Catholic HS
7:55am-1:15pm Academic Courses North Catholic HS
1:15pm Academy Student Athletes Dismissed North Catholic HS
1:30pm Academy Students Arrive at Facility UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
1:50-2:50pm On-Ice Skill Development & Skating Programs UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
3:05-4:05pm Off-Ice Training UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
4:20-4:50pm Video/Classroom (or Study 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.