Josh Baker

The Northwood-Hong Kong Connection

April 30, 2026 by Josh Baker

Hong Kong is a lot more than just a random global city. Hong Kong is home to a surprising number of Northwood past and present students, creating a nice connection between a small school in Lake Placid and one of the most developed cities in the world. Jeremy Tsang ’23, Turner Jackson ’23, Noah Leddel ’23, Liam Doyle ’22, Leo Doyle ’25, Jett Jewett ’26, Mitchell Baker ’24, Hamish Ridell ’26, and James Martin ’26 are some of the names of people who have resided in Hong Kong before joining Northwood School.

Recently, I was lucky enough to fly back to Hong Kong and stay for a couple of days before traveling with the U20 Hong Kong National team for an overseas training camp. These few days in Hong Kong were very nostalgic for me. Having not visited Hong Kong in an exceedingly long time, this trip allowed me to see the stunning city while also reliving old memories. The breathtaking skyline, the culture, and the food all felt so personal to me and were honestly just wonderful.

Photos provided by Josh Baker ’28.

The overseas training camp was a highly professional environment with top players from all over the world. It was an honor to represent the national team, and it also reminded me how good the standard was. This explained why there are so many Northwood soccer players who grew up playing soccer in Hong Kong. Northwood Alumnus Jeremy Tsang is a fitting example of an exceptionally talented footballer from Hong Kong. He is now playing at the University of Vermont and has represented the Hong Kong National team many times. A major appearance he had was against the Manchester United Senior team, where he played against players like Bruno Fernandes and more. Similarly, Northwood’s former student, Leo Doyle, is joining UPenn next year; Hamish Ridell has committed to Bucknell University, and Mitchell Baker has been drafted to the MLS. All these stories highlight the impact these Hong Kong-raised Northwood Alumni have had.

Clockwise from top left: Jeremy Tsang ’23. Leo Doyle ’25, Hamish Riddell ’26, and Mitchell Baker ’24. Photos provided.

Besides Hong Kong’s soccer and relationship with Northwood School, Hong Kong itself is such a special place. There is world-class infrastructure, a unique culture, and incredible views. Hong Kong is a place for Northwood Students to consider visiting, as the culture and infrastructure would be unique to them, and it would allow them to witness the environment some of their classmates grew up in.

Looking back, the trip was a lot more than just a training camp. The trip acted as a reminder of how connected Hong Kong and Northwood School are. As I mentioned before, Hong Kong is a wonderful place for Northwood students to visit if they want to step out of their comfort zone and experience one of the world’s best cities.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Sports

The Tiny Airport That Connects Northwood to the World

April 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

Photo from inside a Cape Air flight from Saranac Lake to Boston by Josh Baker ’28.

Northwood has a large number of international students who take flights back and forth between the school and their homes. For these students, their journey starts or ends at one of the smallest airports they have experienced. Adirondack Regional Airport, near Saranac Lake, is small but important, as it offers flights to New York and Boston.

Cape Air operates the airport, which offers daily flights to Boston Logan International Airport and New York City’s JFK Airport. This allows students to travel conveniently during breaks, long weekends, or random trips. The Boston route runs twice a day, while the flight to New York happens once a day.

What makes the airport so unique is how different it is from the airports most students at Northwood have experienced. Most Northwood students fly from major airports with long security lines and crowded terminals. However, Adirondack Regional Airport makes travel quick and efficient. Students can arrive less than an hour before their flight and still comfortably make their flight.

The airport also has a nice cafe which serves delicious food. This cafe makes the airport feel like a community. This relates to Northwood as a community, being something special about it.

Recently, I took one of the flights from Saranac Lake to Boston. The experience was quite different from what I expected. There was only one pilot on board; the staff weighed all the bags, and we sat in specific spots to balance the aircraft.

I sat right behind the copilot’s seat, giving me a clear view of the cockpit. Throughout the plane ride, I could watch everything the pilot was doing. The whole flight was turbulent, and it felt like the plane was constantly shifting because of the wind. We landed safely as expected, but this was the scariest flight I’ve taken. The upside was that I got to see a beautiful view of the Adirondack Mountains and Boston.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Top Story

Soccer: Las Vegas Players Showcase Recap

March 20, 2026 by Josh Baker

Black Rock FC flew to Nevada last week to compete in the Las Vegas Players Showcase, a 4-game series that allows players to display their abilities in front of many college coaches. The event gathers top-level teams from around the country, which makes the standard remarkably high.

The U17 team had a rough start but finished strong. In their opening game, they scored 2 goals in the first half, making it 2-0 at halftime. However, the other team managed to score two goals extremely late in the game to tie it. The next game was an unfortunate 3-0 loss. After these two games, the team met and discussed how they would respond. They won the next two games comfortably, showing their resilience in bouncing back and finishing the showcase strong. Unfortunately, the U19s did not manage to secure a win; however, they played well, and all the players enjoyed it.

Photo by Aidan De Hartog ’27.

A challenge the program faced was a lack of recent 11v11 match experience due to game cancellations caused by the recent weather. Because of this, it took a while for the players to get back into rhythm, but after the second game, both teams found it and played better.

Off the field, the trip was a wonderful experience for the whole program. On the last day, everyone visited Red Rock Canyon, where players could climb and enjoy breathtaking views just outside Las Vegas. After this fun experience, the whole program then had dinner at a nice restaurant, where players bonded over good food. Afterwards, everyone went to see the Las Vegas Strip. The Strip was something many of the players were looking forward to off the pitch.

After returning home to Lake Placid from a tiring flight, the players needed to recover from the heavy load of the showcase. With the lake just outside Northwood School melting, it was decided that the program would do a 5-minute ice bath in the lake. It took a while for players to get into the lake, but everyone managed to complete the 5-minute task.

Photo by Coach Marvyn Dorchin.

While the results were mixed, the weekend was a fantastic opportunity for the players to display their talents in front of colleges and to get more 11v11 minutes in preparation for the Jefferson Cup, the biggest tournament of the year, happening in just two weeks.

Filed Under: Sports

Soccer: Jefferson Cup Preview

March 20, 2026 by Josh Baker

Photo: Got Sport.

As the spring season is coming up, Black Rock FC has channeled its focus towards the biggest tournament of the year: the Jefferson Cup. This tournament is known as one of the most important soccer tournaments of the year in the United States. This competition acts as both a challenge for Black Rock FC and an opportunity for the program to prove itself on a large stage.

The Black Rock Program has already started its preparation with an intense friendly match against the MLS Next side, NY Elite Alleycats. This friendly match will allow both the U17 and U19 squads to sharpen their tactics ahead of the Jefferson Cup. Because of how good the NY Elite Alleycats are, it will be like the competition they will face at the Jefferson Cup. More importantly, it allows the program to build confidence and reach the best level possible at the right time.

Photo: Aidan De Hartog ’27.

This year’s Jefferson Cup is one of the strongest years ever. The tournament features high-level teams from across the country. Many top-level college coaches have confirmed they are there. The tournament consists of multiple games in a brief time, testing teams’ endurance and squad depth. For many players, this is the best opportunity to showcase their talents in front of many college coaches.

For Black Rock FC, the tournament is extremely important, as it is a chance to bounce back after a not-so-successful Las Vegas Showcase. While the experience in Las Vegas was a wonderful opportunity for the program to learn and gain exposure, the results were not what the program aimed for. That allows the Jefferson Cup to be an opportunity for a fresh start and a successful run.

The intensity of Black Rock’s training sessions over the past few weeks has been higher, as the program knows this tournament is about more than just achieving superior results. More people have shown accountability and key values that will help the team succeed.

As the tournament approaches, Black Rock FC has a point to prove. The program will enter the competition with a winning mindset fueled by their recent struggles. No matter the results, this tournament is guaranteed to be a wonderful experience for every team competing.

Filed Under: Sports

U17 Players Anticipate Las Vegas Players Showcase

March 8, 2026 by Josh Baker

As the Las Vegas Players Showcase approaches, Black Rock FC players are ready to take on a highly competitive weekend. This tournament will be a huge opportunity for these players to display their ability in front of elite college coaches from across the country. Before the trip, The Mirror’s Co-Editor Josh Baker ’28 interviewed multiple players from the U17 Black Rock squad. The questions asked included goals they were striving to achieve, and what they were most looking forward to doing both on and off the pitch.

Paul Lahaie-Boivin ’29. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Paul Lahaie-Boivin ’29: “I am most excited to play against Las Vegas sports academy as they will be the home team, and it will be exciting to test ourselves against a quality opponent from the area.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“I want to consistently have a good impact on each game to benefit the team in a big showcase like this. I want to get goal contributions as well.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas? “I am very excited to visit the area and the strip to see Vegas for myself, as it has always been a place that intrigues me.”

Jorley do Amaral Neto ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Jorley do Amaral Neto ’27: “I’m looking forward to playing against Las Vegas Sports Academy because they’re the home team.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“I want to play well and get four clean sheets, while showing my soccer to the coaches there.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“Since it’s my first time there, I want to visit the main streets and see some casinos.”

Philippe Joly ’29. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Philippe Joly ’29: “I am looking forward to my first game because that is going to set the tone for the weekend and give me and the team a good mindset for the other two games.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“My personal goal for the tournament is to score goals and make assists, but most importantly, to help my team win. I want to give everything on the field. I want to help my teammates, and I want to have a good mindset.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“Off the pitch, I want to create even more connections with my teammates. I want to visit the city and try some activities in Las Vegas.”

Samuel Andoh ’28. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Samuel Andoh ’28: “I am looking forward to our opening game because our performance in the first game will determine the rest of the tournament.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“I want to score as much as I can and also be the best player of the tournament.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“I am looking forward to having some fun with the boys off the pitch. I am also looking forward to seeing Vegas, as I have heard a lot of good things about it.”

Ashton Turcotte ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Mirror: Which game are you most looking forward to in the Las Vegas Players Showcase and why?

Ashton Turcotte ’27: “I am looking forward to playing Las Vegas Sports Academy as they are MLS Next and will be good competition for us.”

What goals do you have for the tournament?

“My main goal is to have a consistent tournament. Each game, I want to be consistent in passing, defending, etc.”

What are you looking forward to most off the pitch while in Las Vegas?

“I’m looking forward to seeing my mom and dad.”

As you can see, the players are excited to go to Las Vegas for the competition and experience. This showcase will be one of the most memorable experiences for Black Rock FC players this year.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Las Vegas Players College Showcase Preview

March 5, 2026 by Josh Baker

Next weekend, both the U19s and U17s at Black Rock FC will fly to Las Vegas to compete in the Players College Showcase, one of the biggest recruiting events on the West Coast. The Showcase is hosted at Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex. The showcase itself features elite teams from ECNL, MLS Next, and other top programs, with college coaches from across the country coming to watch. For all the players, this is one of the biggest opportunities they have had to get college exposure this year.

Unlike an average tournament, the showcase consists of multiple matches, guaranteeing all teams equal opportunity to display their ability. This 4-game schedule in 3 days puts teams under extreme fatigue. Black Rock FC’s schedules for both the U17s and U19s are strong and demanding, so it will be interesting to see how the program does.

The U17 group has its first game of the showcase next Friday evening against NM Rapids SC, a top ECNL side. Saturday for the U17s is then a double header, with games against CDA Slammers ECNL and Cleveland Football Academy. That will test the U17s fitness but also give them plenty of opportunity to perform. Lastly, they play Las Vegas Sports Academy of MLS Next on Sunday Morning to finish off the showcase. This matchup might be the hardest of all 4 games.

Black Rock FC’s U19 side will have 4 big games. They open the showcase with a Friday game against IMG Academy, a program that is well known across the country. They will then play against an ECNL side, an MLS NEXT side, and Hawaii Rush.

Photo from playersshowcase.com.

Off the pitch, Las Vegas will be a fantastic opportunity for the Black Rock program to come closer. A highlight off the pitch will be a team roller coaster ride with a beautiful view of Las Vegas’s nightlife. It will also be a wonderful experience flying across the country to enjoy the warm weather that we do not get here in Lake Placid.

As both Black Rock teams depart next Friday, the focus will be on representing the program as best as they can. In this intense showcase setting, every minute and action on the field will matter, and overall, it will be an experience that does not happen too often.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Humans of Northwood: Noah Moodey ’26

February 26, 2026 by Josh Baker

“I am Noah Moodey, I am a senior at Northwood School, and I’m on the soccer team. I started playing soccer when I was about 4 years old at my local public school in Massachusetts and then continued to play at both the school and club levels until I ended up here at Northwood, where, obviously, those 2 levels combine. Northwood has been quite an amazing experience for me. I have met so many people from around the world, and I have become close to people from every culture, which has greatly improved me as a person. Every day and every weekend, traveling to various showcases and playing with teammates really builds a bond much closer than if we had just gone to school together or played on the same club team, like before I was at Northwood. And it left me with a band of brothers I will not forget.

“Next year, I am going to Holy Cross to play soccer, and Northwood really played into that decision. I recognize it as similar to Northwood in that, on the college scale of things, it’s pretty small. It is just around 3000 students, and I felt like the community was important there, just like it is here at Northwood. I felt like it wouldn’t be a big change for me.

“Off the field, I would say my main hobbies are swimming, driving around, and just traveling. I have traveled a lot since I was young, and that has also really shaped who I am. It is something I really like to do, whether with my friends, family, or by myself.

“What has helped me most in my development as a person and the soccer player here at Northwood are the people and the staff. Everyone is so dedicated to your individual case, and the environment helps you improve as a person. Everyone is always focused on you, and it is just the perfect environment for someone like me to go through their teen years, and it really helped develop me as a person.”

As told to Josh Baker ’28. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Recap: Black Rock FC Winter Showcase

February 24, 2026 by Josh Baker

Photo from Black Rock FC Instagram.

Black Rock FC’s U17 and U19 squads travelled for five and a half hours by coach bus from Lake Placid to Milford, New Hampshire, for the Black Rock FC Winter Showcase. The games were played at the Hampshire Dome, a pitch that is much narrower than a typical pitch. The Black Rock squads left Friday afternoon and returned Sunday night, arriving in time for the Super Bowl halftime show. The trip was a fantastic way to give the players exposure, and it was also a memorable experience for the club.

The showcase itself consisted of every team playing four 35-minute games. The showcase featured more than 25 college programs scouting prospective student-athletes. The list included some top colleges, such as Stanford, Harvard, Dartmouth, and more. With coaches seated on the sideline, the intensity of every game was high.

Colleges attending the showcase. Photo from Black Rock FC Instagram

The Black Rock U17s finished the weekend with two wins, one draw, and one loss. They managed to win against Sigma Football Club and Seacoast Bedford. The goal scorers for the U17s over the 4 matches included: Samuel Andoh ‘28, Maxwell Notley ‘27, Josh Baker ‘28, and Philippe Joly ‘29. Overall, the team showed resilience and composure for all four games in front of college scouts.

The U19s mirrored the U17s’ results with two wins, a draw, and a loss. The U19s were unlucky not to secure another win, but overall, the team played well, showing their experience and leadership.

Beyond the results, the weekend allowed all the players to display their talents and build chemistry together. The long bus ride brought the U17 and U19 squads closer together, which is huge for the club.

The U17 team. Photo by Vincent Montreuil ’28.

By the time the team returned to Northwood School in Lake Placid on Sunday night, everyone was tired but grateful for the opportunity to play in the showcase. Now the U17s and U19s from Black Rock have a weekend off before they head to Manhattan to play in their next tournament.

The U19 team. Photo by Vincent Montreuil ’28.

Filed Under: Sports

Soccer World Cup Preview

February 10, 2026 by Josh Baker

The FIFA World Cup is a golden trophy that is awarded to the winners of the FIFA World Cup association football tournament. Photo: ESPN.

The biggest sporting event in the world is approaching, and you mustn’t miss a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From June 11 to July 19^th, 2026, the FIFA World Cup will be the main conversation around the globe. What makes this year’s tournament even more special is that the tournament will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States for the first time in history. This will make North America a focus worldwide.

There will be 16 cities spread across the continent, hosting matches and turning iconic stadiums into the center of the sports world. The games will be hosted in Canadian cities, including Toronto and Vancouver, in Mexico City, and across the United States. Each game is likely to have a full crowd as many people are flying in from different continents to support their country. Luckily enough, this year’s venue is convenient for all the fans here in America.

This tournament is special for Northwood School, as it has an exceptional soccer program and students-athletes with diverse cultures. The Northwood student body has just under 200 students, and 24 countries are represented. This tournament will be a terrific way for students of diverse cultures to share experiences that they will remember for the rest of their lives. In the dining hall, you might hear celebrating and some loud shouts, but that is what makes this tournament so special.

World Cup Predictions from some of the U17 players at Northwood/Black Rock FC:

Jorley Neto ‘27: “Brazil will definitely win the World Cup.”

Abdul Fuseini ‘28: “I think Ghana will win it this year.”

Samuel Andoh ‘28: “Spain will win.”

Philippe Joly ‘29: “Canada will win it for sure.”

The official World Cup draw. Graphic by CBS News.

The closest World Cup venue for the Northwood community would be MetLife Stadium, just outside of New York City. MetLife Stadium will host 8 matches. One of the matches is the World Cup final on July 19^th. For the group stage, the scheduled matchups at MetLife Stadium are Brazil vs Morocco (June 13^th), France vs Senegal (June 16^th), Norway vs Senegal (June 22), Ecuador vs Germany (June 25^th), and Panama vs England (June 27^th). There will also be a round of 32 and a round of 16 hosted there.

MetLife Stadium. Photo: ESPN.

This Summer, the World Cup will be something that people both around the world and here in the Northwood Community will remember forever. It will be an experience full of celebration and diversity, and you mustn’t waste this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Filed Under: Sports

Cold and Snow Sweeps Across North America

February 2, 2026 by Josh Baker

A huge winter storm is sweeping across North America, leaving snow, ice, and widespread damage in its wake. The actual snowstorm began on January 22, 2026. The storm has moved from Northern Mexico all the way to Canada. This has made it one of the most expensive and chaotic snowstorms people have seen in a long time. Snowfall has been extremely heavy across the South and Midwest, the Northeast, and here in Lake Placid, New York. In many communities across the Northeast, forecasts predict more than a foot of snow, dangerous subzero temperatures, and unsafe ice accumulation before the snowstorm reaches the East Coast.

Unfortunately, the snowstorm has taken many lives along its way. By the evening of January 27, this storm had caused at least 60 deaths in the United States, as announced by USA Today. It was also announced in the report that among the deaths, 3 brothers aged 6, 8, and 9 died after they fell through the ice on a pond. The family was peacefully playing on the ice until the youngest brother fell in. The other two brothers then tried to save his life.

The Storm has also caused runs on grocery stores from Texas to Mississippi to Washington, D.C., leaving shelves bare and inventories depleted.

Photo from: Fox Baltimore News

Although here in Lake Placid, New York, there have been no reported deaths, the storm’s effects have still been major. The snow has continued to pile up, burying sidewalks and rooftops both within Northwood School and throughout Lake Placid. The snow has transformed this beautiful town into a snow globe.

As someone from Melbourne, Australia, this experience feels like something I would never have imagined, given that the last time there was snow in the City of Melbourne was 1986. Walking past the Berg Dorm and throughout the school felt unique to me, especially seeing the amount of snow on the rooftops and the pathways to my classes. I would imagine this would be similar for some other Northwood students from countries like Ghana, Brazil, and others.

Bergamini Dorm at Northwood School. Photo by Josh Baker ‘28

Overall, the Lake Placid community and other communities across the country have responded well. There have been many videos online showing neighbors offering to help shovel each other’s driveways, bringing people closer. The storm has been a lot more than just dangerous weather. It carries experiences that people will remember for a lifetime.