Justin MacLeod

Humans of Northwood: Jett Travis ‘26

May 8, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

“Northwood’s academic and athletic development was great, as was the community. When I toured, I felt instantly welcome from students and faculty. That alone made my decision clear that Northwood is the spot for me.

“I came from Denver, Colorado, having heard about this school last year from my friend Trey Noyce ’28, who also attends Northwood. He and I play on the Varsity team this year and train together all summer.

“Coming from a skiing family, I never thought hockey would fall in my lap because I feel like it changed my life for the better, and I am grateful to the game as I chase my dream to play in the NHL.

“My favorite thing about Lake Placid is walking around the lake into town. The food is always good, and it’s a fun time with friends. I also enjoy playing golf at the Lake Placid golf course. The mountains in the background of the course are truly impressive. During my free time, I usually train, study, rest, and hang out with friends.

“Someone who inspires me is my dad. He pushes me to my limits, knows I can handle it, and, in the end, makes me a better player and a better person, and I am grateful to him.

“Spending my time at Northwood, I feel like it made me a better person by staying up to the 5 core values that Northwood gives, and only being here a year, it really made a big impact on me. Being at Northwood helps me set up my life for the future. Learning to be independent, how to deal with setbacks, and overcome them, if that’s in the classroom, on the ice, or in life.

“If anyone asked me about Northwood, I am proud to say that it was the best year of my high school life. I am thankful for Northwood setting me up for the future.”

As told to Justin MacLeod ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Dorm Room Tour: Charles Pigeon ’26

May 5, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Welcome to the room of Charles Pigeon ’26. “It’s home sweet home, and this room became a second home.” Charles is a two-and-a-half-year senior and a forward for the Prep hockey team. Charles lives on Second East in a great single room on the floor, and it’s where he feels the most comfortable.

Charles’s single room is among the best in the East, and it is kept to a high standard of cleanliness. Nothing is lying on the floor of the room. Many People stop by Charles’s room to chill out.

Photo: Justin MacLeod ’26.

Charles really brought home to Northwood. Besides playing hockey, Charles also enjoys playing pickleball and golf. Charles said, “Pickleball with my friends is enjoyable and a memory to remember, and playing golf on these sunny days, the courses are beautiful and great to play.”

Charles’s room has many things in it, like a big Montreal Canadians and Quebec flag, Jerseys, photos, and a TV to play Video games with the boys. His hockey stuff is pressed up against the wall, along with his sticks and some gear, and a nice shelf filled with his snacks—people who visit respect Charles’s room.

Photo: Justin MacLeod ’26.

This is Charles’s bed, which is nice and neat and always made in the morning. “My bed is always made in the mornings, it’s the start of my day, and it has become a routine,” Charles said. Charles bed is alright, but not the best, because he said, “I’m thinking about getting a thicker mattress topper for the best comfort possible.” Charles leaves his golf clubs and rollerblades under his bed for space in the room.

Photo: Justin MacLeod ’26.

Next is Charles’s desk, which is organized and neat. “I have my daily needs on my desk like a toiletry bag, chains, and cologne, basically my daily needs and where I do my homework, and the place where I am the most focused, allowing me to stay on top of my assignments,” Charles said. Charles also loves to build Legos to have creativity in his room.

Photo: Justin MacLeod ’26.

Next is Charles’s closet, which is organized with sweatshirts, shirts, jackets, and suits hanging, with shoes on the floor. Charles’s top part of the closet holds his extra hockey stuff, like gloves and undergear.

Overall, Charles Pigeon ’26 has a great single filled with Quebec culture, making it feel like home.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Mangan Peak Pathway Project: Custom Hockey Pants

April 29, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Griffin Mangan ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Griffin Mangan ’26 has been working on his custom hockey pants project during his time in the Peak Pathways class. According to the school’s website, the Peak Pathways Program at Northwood is a flagship academic offering that provides students with a transformative, year-long independent study experience. This customizable program empowers students to take ownership of their education by pursuing in-depth projects on topics they are passionate about, fostering personal growth, and preparing them for success in high school, college, and beyond.

“Starting this project has been a fun experience, creating something from scratch is something to be proud of, and pushing forward to it can succeed to its fullest expectations,” Griffin Mangan ’26 said. “I started this project because the Northwood teams are starting custom hockey gear, and this year, they started with the custom gloves, so I thought it would be helpful to start making the custom pants for the school with designs and bring out the best in sight as possible for the following years,” Griffin added.

A prototype of Mangan’s hockey pants. Photo provided.

‘I want to publish my work to the Northwood’s hockey coaches and show what I have been working on this year, so they can use the custom pants for next year and the following years instead of using plain blue hockey pants,” Griffin Mangan ’26 said. “These pants are custom with the colors of the Blue and white to match Northwood colors. These pants will have a white stripe on the side, with blue as the main color, and the Northwood logo on the right front pants leg. It’s simple, but it will look clean and good for the classic style of Northwood,” Griffin added.

“Overall, this project has been a new experience for me, and I had a fun time doing it, and I hope that the coaching staff will like my work to see if they use it for the following years,” Griffin Mangan ’26 said.

Griffin’s custom hockey pants look clean and classic in Northwood style, and he believes they are the missing piece of his apparel and hopes the Northwood hockey team uses them in the coming years.

Filed Under: People, Top Story

Varsity Hockey Ends Season Versus OHA

April 21, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Photo by Jacob Slagel ’26.

This weekend, the Varsity Team traveled to Cornwall, Ontario, to play Ontario Hockey Academy in the final hockey weekend of the season.

On Saturday, the team played its first game of the weekend. Northwood came out hard; they were pouncing on OHA throughout the first 10 minutes of the first period, with a goal by Jack Pitts ’27 sneaking one past the OHA goalie, surprising him and taking the lead 1-0. OHA started to wake up and hounded Northwood over the last few minutes of the period, scoring a goal on Luke Monaco ’27, ending the period tied, 1-1.

In the second period, OHA did not stop the rail train because, just a few minutes into the period, OHA put one in the net, taking the lead 2-1. Northwood was not finding life in the second period; they were running around in the D zone like animals, which led to another goal by OHA, taking the lead 3-1 at the end of the second period.

In the third period, Northwood was finding its groove. Everything felt like one unit, with everyone doing their part, leading to a goal by Jack Pitts ’27 on the power play, scoring one pass, the goalie making the score 3-2. The team was so fired up that they ended up scoring again on OHA, with Jack Pitts scoring a hat trick in the third, tying the score 3-3 and sending the game into overtime.

In Overtime, both teams were just going back and forth, not knowing who would score next, as this game would lead to a Shootout.

In Shootout, Jack Pitts ’27 stepped up first and scored, taking the lead 4-3. This was Jack’s fourth goal of the game. OHA was next, and Luke Monaco ’27 made a big save, keeping the lead 4-3. Elliott Murch ’27 was next, but OHA made a save with a pad stop, saving the game 4-3. OHA was next, but again Luke Monaco ’27 with a pad stop, keeping it 4-3. Justin MacLeod ’26 was next, but OHA again was a game-saving stop by the glove, keeping it 4-3. OHA was next, but Luke was a brick wall, stopping another goal, pushing it to another round. Griffin Mangan ’27 was next. Griffin came down on the left and scored top shelf on the OHA Goalie, taking the lead 5-3. OHA needs a big goal, but Luke Monaco made a big save to win the game 5-3.

“This game was exciting to watch with both teams going all the way through and pushing each other to the limits,” Harry Vant ’26 said. “This season was wonderful with the best group of guys. I will miss them in the future,” Harry added.

On Sunday, the final game of the season, Northwood has its rematch against OHA. This game was heated, with OHA coming out on a head-hunt, taking the lead 1-0 early in the first period. Northwood ended up answering back with a one-timer for Ray Peters ’27 to snipe one in the back of the net, tying the lead 1-1 at the end of the first period.

In the second period, Northwood was not playing at their standard, and OHA came out flying, scoring a goal on Ethan Nau ’26 with a back-door tap-in, taking the lead 2-1. The team fought back but could not find a goal in the second half. OHA scored another goal and was leading the game 3-1 at the end of the second period.

In the third period, Northwood was waking up, scoring early on a goal by Jack Pitts ’27, his fifth of the weekend, to take the game 3-2. Sadly, Northwood’s efforts were not enough, and OHA scored another goal, taking the game 4-2.

“For the final game, it was not the outcome we wanted, but I still think the team had a great weekend. We played hard for the final weekend,” Ryan Demers ’27 said. “I loved playing with this group of guys, what a season for the boys,” Ryan added.

As the season came to an end, the Varsity had a record of 32-24 (W/L). It was a great 2025-26 season for the Varsity, with the team playing at 110% each game and improving by 1% every day. “Now it’s time for the team to take out the clubs and hit the golf courses,” the Varsity team said.

Filed Under: Sports

Dorm Room Tour: Cooper Plotts ’26

April 17, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Welcome to the room of Cooper Plotts ’26, and Cooper said, “It’s a place to remember and a place to call home.” Cooper is a 2-year senior and is a forward on the Prep hockey team. Cooper lives on Third East in one of the best single rooms on the floor, and it’s where he feels the most comfortable.

Cooper’s single room is one of the best rooms in Main, and it is kept at a high standard of cleanliness. He makes sure nothing is lying around the room. People stop by Cooper’s room to say hi and notice how good a room it is.

Photo by Justin MacLean ’26.

Cooper really brought home to Northwood. Besides playing hockey, Cooper enjoys golf, especially in Lake Placid. He said, “Golf here on sunny days is amazing with mountains in the background, with a nice breeze blowing around, I couldn’t ask for any better.”

Cooper’s room has many things in it, like a hockey banner, photos, jerseys, a TV, a nice big bean bag in the middle of the room, hockey sticks pressed against the wall, and a nice shelf to keep all his daily needs. Everyone treats Cooper’s room with respect when visiting.

Photo by Justin MacLean ’26.

This is Cooper’s desk, which is always organized and neat. “This is the desk where I do my homework, and it’s where I am most focused, allowing me to stay on top of my assignments. I also eat some food that I enjoy here,” Cooper said. Cooper has his day-to-day stuff like school supplies, toiletries, water bottles, jewelry, and hockey supplies on his desk.

Photo by Justin MacLean ’26.

Next is Cooper’s bed. His bed is nice and neat; it’s always made in the morning. “My bed is always made in the morning; it’s the start of my day that gets me awake, so it’s become a routine,” Cooper said. He believes that his bed is the most comfortable on the Third floor because he has two mattress toppers for extra comfort, and under the bed, Cooper has his golf clubs and containers filled with snacks, drinks, and extra things.

Photo by Justin MacLean ’26.

Next is Cooper’s closet, which is organized with his sweatshirts, shirts, jackets, and suits hanging with shoes filling the closet floor because Cooper is a shoe guy. Cooper’s top closet shelf holds his extra bedding and hockey undergear when he needs it.” My closet is filled with all the stuff I need for the rest of my school year,” Cooper added.

Overall, Cooper Plott ’26 has a great single room filled with many things from back home, making it feel truly like home.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Go to Road Snacks: Tushaar Anathy ’28 and Jack Ide ’26

March 20, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Tushaar Anathy ’28. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

On long road trips, Tushaar Anathy ‘28, a Northwood Varsity hockey player, always comes prepared with his go-to snacks packed in his bag. Tushaar knows that what he eats can have a big impact on how he performs on the ice. Before getting into the order, Tushaar mentions, “This food is my go-to road snacks every time I wouldn’t switch it,” as this is his main order, which consists of snacks found in a gas station.

Without further ado, here is Tushaar Anathy’s gas station order. Blue Gatorade, Sour Airheads, and beef jerky

Looking at this meal, Tushaar says, “This order hits the right balance. Beef jerky helps with the protein to recharge for any games or coming events, the sour airheads take care of any sugar cravings, and just hit the right spot. Blue Gatorade is my main drink. I feel hydrated after I drink it, and it gets me ready to go for my games.”

Jack Ide ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

On long road trips, Jack Ide ‘26, a Northwood Varsity hockey player, also always comes prepared with his go-to snacks packed in his bag, and Jack knows that what he eats can bring his game to another level, giving him the energy to lay out kids on the ice. Before getting into this order, Jack mentions that “This is my main snack to get on a road trip. Usually, I don’t really switch the order because this gives me the energy I need for the weekend.” This would be a typical order for Jack and can be found in a gas station.

Without further ado, here is Jack Ide’s gas station order. Bottled water, White Monster energy drink, Beef jerky, and a chocolate chip cookie.

Looking at this meal, Jack says, “This order is my main order; it hits all four of my bases. Beef jerky helps with the protein to refuel for my games. A chocolate chip cookie to take care of the sweet tooth and enjoy a treat. For drinks, I get two waters and a Monster energy drink. The water is for the ride to stay nice and hydrated on the bus, and the Monster is for before games to give me the boost of energy throughout the game.”

These are the main go-to snacks on long road trips for Tushaar Anathy ‘28 and Jack Ide ‘26, an order they can enjoy and refuel on before the games.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Peak Pathways: Two Students Aspire to be Hockey Workout Influencers

February 26, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Murphy (left) and Demers. Photos by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Ryan Demers ’27 and Colten Murphy ’26 have been working on a training influencer project for Peak Pathways on the Instagram account @Better.Lift. According to the school’s website, “the Peak Pathways Program at Northwood is a flagship academic offering that provides students with a transformative, year-long independent study experience. This customizable program empowers students to take ownership of their education by pursuing in-depth projects on topics they are passionate about, fostering personal growth, and preparing them for success in high school, college, and beyond.”

“Having a hockey training account on Instagram is a fantastic way to share your skills, workouts, and progress with others who love the game. It helps you stay motivated, connect with other players, and build your personal brand while showing your dedication and growth on the ice,” Colten Murphy ’26 said. “Starting this account has been a massive help for athletes, but also for us because showing that we are staying committed to the game and trying to reach the next level,” Colten added.

“I knew I wanted to do something like this to build an account where young hockey athletes can receive training and advice on reaching the next level,” Ryan Demers ’27 said. “Someone who helped me through this project is Sam Lyne ’24. He has been giving a step-by-step process on how to run this type of account and how to maintain it for people who will remain watching, like the video, and drop the follow button,” Ryan added.

“We created this hockey workout account to help young players understand what it really takes to improve and reach their goals. It shares simple drills, workouts, and training tips they can use on and off the ice to build strength, speed, and confidence,” Ryan Demers ’27 said.

“The account shows that progress does not happen overnight, but through hard work and consistency. By following along, young athletes can stay motivated, learn new skills, and develop strong habits that will help them grow both as players and as people,” Colten Murphy ’26 said.

This account is amazing if you don’t understand the workouts or don’t know what you are doing during a workout. It gives you all the advice you need in one place to reach the next level and chase your dreams.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Colten Murphy ’26

February 24, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

“I first fell in love with hockey with my dad. We went to an NHL game to watch my dad’s favourite team. At that moment, I wanted to play hockey too.

“The best thing about Northwood is the community because everybody is treated like family, and everyone looks out for each other. On my first day, I was nervous, but within a couple of hours, I was already accepted into the Northwood community, with friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates treating me like family.

“I transferred to Northwood for a better education and a better hockey program, as Northwood has both of those things. When I first visited Northwood, I knew it was the right school for me.

“My favourite place to eat at Lake Placid is Soulshine. The bagels at that place are to die for, and I usually get a bacon-and-egg bagel.

“Someone who inspires me is my dad, in hockey. He pushes me to my limits, knows I can handle it, and, in the end, makes me a better player and better person, and I am grateful to him.

“Being at Northwood helps me set up my life for the future. Learning to be independent, how to deal with setbacks, and overcome them, whether that’s in the classroom, on the ice, or in life.

“If anyone asked me about Northwood, I am proud to say that Northwood is my second home. I am truly thankful for this school leading me to a better future.”

As told to Justin MacLeod ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Varsity Hockey Goes 3-1 in League Play

February 10, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Recently, the Varsity team travelled to New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, for a United Tier 1 Hockey League weekend. This was their second league weekend. Entering the weekend, Northwood was 3-3 in the league and was looking to add to its win total this weekend.

The Varsity team in action in Lake Placid earlier this season. Photo: Jacob Slagel ’26.

The Varsity team played its first game of the weekend against Velocity Academy. During the first half, Northwood was all over Velocity, up and down the ice, controlling the game at the right pace. Northwood starts the scoring with Elliott Murch ’27 sniping one past the goalie, taking the lead 1-0. Then, Velocity came off hot, scoring two goals on Luke Hurlbut ’26 back-to-back to take the lead 2-1, and that is when the team needed to wake up. Northwood answered back with a goal before the end of the first half, and Andrew Sherland ’26 tied the score at 2-2.

In the second half, Northwood came out with a different mindset, slowing the game down to the Northwood brand of hockey. The Varsity team scored a goal to break the tie by Justin MacLeod ’26, making the score 3-2. The team was all over the Velocity, scoring another goal by Jett Travis ’27, making the score 4-2. Velocity was finding no life in the second half, with Northwood scoring the finishing goal by Griffin Mangan ’26 with an open net goal, taking the win 5-2 over Velocity Academy.

“I believe that the team plays great all over the ice,” said Harry Vant ’26. “The team was able to bounce back on Velocity to secure the win and play the Northwood brand of hockey,” Harry added.

The Varsity team plays its second game of the weekend against Epic Academy. In the first half, the game was back-and-forth, with neither team able to score first, but Epic took the lead on a goal by Ethan Nau ’26, 1-0. Northwood took the goal to heart and answered back with a goal by Jackson Marchione ’27, who was able to sneak one past the Epic goalie, tying the game 1-1.

During the second half of the game, both teams have been going back and forth for many minutes, draining down period down to its final 8 minutes with Epic Academy scoring a goal on Ethan, making the score 2-1. Northwood was not done scoring a goal with 5 minutes left on the game clock by Jett Travis ’27, making the score 2-2. The game-ending Epic came down the ice at speed and scored the game-winning goal, winning 3-2. Epic Academy took the win over Northwood 3-2.

“It sucks to lose, but the team played a great game up and down the ice playing a 200-foot game,” Drew Tulloch ’26 said. “The team just needs to put this game behind us and focus on the next game moving forward and come out with the W,” Drew added.

The Varsity team plays its third game of the weekend against the New Hampshire Avalanche. In the first half, Northwood came off slow; they weren’t pounding the puck or being physical. Then, Northwood had a wakeup call by the Avalanche, almost scoring a goal to open the scoring. Northwood switched its mindset and scored the first goal on a beautiful play by Elliott Murch ’27, who set up his linemate for the score, making it 1-0 at the end of the first half.

During the second half, Northwood came out flying, scoring a goal on the power play by Drew Tulloch ’26, a snipe from the blueline bottom right corner, making the score 2-0. The game was going back and forth until Northwood scored again by Justin MacLeod ’26, a snipe in the high slot, passed the Avalanche goalie, carrying the score 3-0. Northwood takes the win over the New Hampshire Avalanche 3-0.

“The team played amazingly all over the ice. The structure we played in all three of the zones was perfect,” Ryan Demers ’27 said. The goals scored during the game were incredible. Scoring three beautiful goals was fun to watch,” Ryan added.

Varsity plays its final game of the weekend against Northeast Academy. In the first half, the teams went back and forth, with both goalies securing the pipes. Deep into the first half, Northwood was able to find a goal on the power play by Drew Tulloch ’26, a snipe from the top of the circle, zooming past the Northeast goalie, making the score 1-0 at the end of the first half.

In the second half, Northwood came out flying on Northeast. Northwood was putting up the shots, but the Northeast was holding the fort well throughout the second half. Until Northwood scored another goal by Justin Macleod ’26, making the game 2-0 for Northwood. The Varsity team takes the win over Northeast Academy 2-0.

“The team played amazingly throughout the game, structures, and systems. Overall, the team did their job,” said Luke Hurlbut ’26. “The team played amazingly this weekend, and now I am excited for the South Kent weekend,” Luke added.

The Varsity team had a great weekend, going 3-1, and is now 6-4 in this league. Let us hope the Varsity team remains hot throughout the rest of the season.

Filed Under: Sports

The Prep Hockey Team’s New Workout Program

February 9, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Prep players during a mid-season workout. Photo by Charles Pigeon ’26.

The Prep team has started a new workout plan with the new Tony Greco workout app. Tony Greco is a hockey trainer known for working with players on skill development, conditioning, and overall on-ice performance. He focuses on improving skating, puck control, strength, and hockey IQ, often tailoring programs to each athlete’s age, level, and goals, from youth players to more competitive levels.

“So, we started doing this program during January, and you can just see already the team is showing less fatigue at the end of the third period. That was the kind of problem for us, not playing a full game. The team played in a tournament at St Andrews, one of the biggest prep hockey tournaments, and we won after playing 5 games in a row, with the help of Tony. We played the game we wanted to play, as I believe this would bring us to the next level,” Prep hockey player Charles Pigeon ’26 said.

“The reason for bringing Tony’s workouts for the team is that Tony knows what he wants to do and work on. Tony and I have known each other for a long time now, and pretty much the whole hockey community knows Tony,” said Pigeon. “He’s a famous trainer on social media and works with high-level hockey players. Tony brought many young stars to the top of their game and created a workout app for athletes. I would want to bring this experience back to Northwood so players can receive the best training and reach the highest level of hockey,” Pigeon added.

“The team adapted to Tony’s workouts pretty well from the first time because it’s a different workout and it attacks different muscle groups, so guys were getting sore, but once they knew the rhythm of the workouts, it started to get easier for them,” Pigeon added.

“The Tony Greco workouts are better than our previous workout, and the team can agree with Tony being the right choice. The feedback I would get from the team after the workouts is that they enjoyed it and want to keep doing it. In the old workouts, there was a lot of heavy lifting and strength building, not much speed or cardio, and I feel like you need more speed throughout the season. That’s the team, and I agree that Tony is the best workout you can for building speed, strength, and Explosiveness,” Pigeon said.

@tonygrecotg

If your legs get heavy during games, it’s probably not a conditioning issue. Most players are strong enough. The problem is your ankles can’t handle the force when you’re in that low skating position. This bodyweight circuit fixes it. Hold low positions under fatigue so your body adapts to maintaining your stride when lactic acid builds up. Do this 2 times a week and you’ll feel the difference by your third period.

♬ original sound – Tony Greco

Tony Greco trains big guys like Ty Felhaber, Claude Giroux, Brandt Clarke, Dean Letourneau, and Jack Quinn.

The Tony Greco workouts are working for the prep team, and they will continue to use the Tony Greco app for the remainder of the season because they believe it is the best way to reach the top of their game.