Justin MacLeod

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.

Filed Under: Sports

Pre-Game Ritual: Jett Travis ’27

February 9, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Jett Travis ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

This edition of student-athletes’ pre-game rituals features Jett Travis. This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.

Jett Travis ’27 is a first-year Junior and member of the Northwood Varsity hockey team, and he had a unique pre-game routine. Jett adds, “Every time I do this routine, I feel like I can play at the best of my game.”

“My day starts when I wake up, and I do a couple of stretches. Then hop in the shower and listen to music that fires me up for games. I keep jamming out while I put on my suit.”

“I hop on the bus that takes the team and me to the Olympic Center. The moment I stepped off the bus, the mood changed to all business. Before entering the locker room, shoes must be removed to keep the floor clean. Change into the warm-up gear to get comfortable and get my skates sharpened by Coach Tommy Spero before the coach’s meeting.”

“After the meeting, I throw on my AirPods and turn on the band AC/DC before I grab my tape bag and my game stick. I step into the arena and start taping my stick with white tape: the knob and halfway down the blade, from middle to toe. It always must be black tape.”

I would play soccer with the team for three games, and during warm-ups, we used a dynamic warm-up that got my legs moving. A good there-and-back of High knees, Butt kicks, Side shuffle, karaoke, Super Marios, Leg risers, can openers/closers, Hamstring stretch, and sprints.

“When it comes to hitting the tunnel, that’s when everyone and everything is blocked out of my mind, and that’s when I know I’m ready for this game.”

“If something is working, why switch it up?” Jett said. Jett has stuck with this routine for many years, and it shows that it keeps him at the top of his game. As it does not seem Jett is slowing down anytime soon.

Filed Under: People, Sports Tagged With: PreGameRituals

Varsity Hockey Completes Weekend Sweep

January 21, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

The Varsity team played another weekend at home at the Lake Placid Olympic Center, where they faced Culver Military Academy, South Kent, and Ontario Hockey Academy. This was a weekend the boys will never forget.

Photos by Jacob Slagel ’26

The Varsity team had a special person on the bench that weekend: Gino Riffle, the Headmaster of Northwood School. Gino worked with the defensemen throughout the weekend and was truly impressed with the team’s performance.

The first game was against Culver Academy. The varsity team was hounding Culver in the first half, leading to a goal by Drew Tulloch ’26 from the blue line on the power play. The boys were fired up to score the opening goal, and shortly after, Northwood scored again by Elliot Murch ’27, pushing the lead to 2-0. Northwood and Culver were back and forth until Varsity found another goal by Drew Tulloch, sniping one from the blue line again. Northwood ended the half up by 3, and Culver was showing no signs of life at the end of the half.

The second half began with Northwood still putting their foot on the gas, with Northwood opening the second half with a goal by Willem McArthur ’28. Culver could not find a goal, with Luke Hurlbut ’26 playing an amazing game between the pipes, not letting anything through. Varsity was not stopping there, pushing the lead 5-0 with a goal by Matthew Kernan ’27, who was able to sneak one past the Culver goalie. Varsity wanted to seal the deal with another goal at the end of the half by Jett Travis ’27. The Varsity won game 1 6-0.

“I was truly impressed with the team’s performance this game; they really brought out their full effort by just taking over the show,” Drew Tulloch ’26 said.

“I was really impressed by Luke Hurlbut ’26. The saves he made throughout the game were unbelievable. Luke was able to stop every puck, and Culver couldn’t figure out how to score on him,” Harry Vant ’26 added.

In the second game, Northwood went against Culver Academy again. Northwood was excited for the rematch against Culver. Varsity opened the scoring again in the first half, with Elliot Murch ’27 shooting one from the top of the circle’s short side. Throughout the first half, Northwood and Culver were really battling it out, but Northwood came on top at the end of the first half, scoring a goal by Willem McArthur ’28, ending the half 2-0.

In the second half, Northwood and Culver battled back and forth, neither knowing who would score next. Shortly after, Northwood forward Griffin Mangan ’26 sniped one short side on the Culver goalie, completely shocking the goalie and sending his water bottle flying in the air. Ethan Nau ’26 played an amazing game against Culver, allowing no pucks to get past him. Northwood sealed the game 3-0, taking their second win of the weekend.

“The game was much closer than the last one, but I was dialed in the net, not letting any puck pass me, so I was not worried at all, and we were able to take the game 3-0,” Ethan Nau ’26 said.

I was happy that we took game 2, and I was impressed by Willem. He is really stepping up despite his young age. Willem is pushing his hardest to get the win, and I respect that,” Andrew Sherland ’26 added.

In the third game, Northwood went against South Kent at Saranac Lake. South Kent came out flying, scoring a goal right away on Luke Monaco ’27, but Northwood was able to answer back with a goal by Carson St’ Louis ’27, a tap-in rebound on the power play. Northwood was not ready to end it there; the team ended up scoring two goals before the end of the first half, with Ray Peters ’27 and Jackson Marchione ’27 taking the lead 3-1 at the end.

In the second half, Northwood came out hounding South Kent. The team was physical, throwing bodies around and making the right play, but the wave turned the other way, and South Kent scored two goals back-to-back, tying the game at 3-3. Northwood was not ready to give up; they turned on the jets and absolutely went beast mode on South Kent, scoring two goals back-to-back by Griffin Mangan ’26 and Jett Travis ’27, making it 5-3. By the end of the second, Northwood came out on top, taking their third win of the weekend.

“This game was most likely to be the best game of the weekend, with South Kent being a good team, but our team was better. We came out with the win and showed who was really on top,” Ryan Demers ’27 said. “I was impressed with our defensive game that day; we were really boxing them out,” Ryan added.

“I really enjoyed watching this game. The team was pushing hard and scoring on the chances that were given to us,” Ray Peters ’27 said.

In the Fourth game, Northwood faced Ontario Hockey Academy, and Northwood came into the game with one goal in mind: to complete the weekend sweep. The Varsity came out hot, scoring two goals 15 minutes into the first half by Jett Travis ’27 and Jack Pitts ’27. Northwood and OHA were going back and forth throughout the rest of the half until Northwood found another goal by Willem McArthur ’28, who was able to tuck one past the OHA goalie, bringing the score 3-0 at the end of the first half.

In the Second half, Northwood came out slow with OHA finding a goal 5 minutes in the half, seeking one past Luke Hurlbut ’26. Shortly after, Northwood was able to find a goal by Elliot Murch ’27, sniping one from the top of the circle. After both teams went back and forth, OHA found another goal on the powerplay short side on Luke, but he wasn’t fazed by it. Northwood wanted to seal the deal with Griffin Mangan ’26 sniping again short side on the goalie, and the young guy on the Varsity found his fourth goal of the weekend and his second goal of the game by Willem McArthur ’28. Northwood came out taking their fourth win of the weekend, 6-2 over OHA.

“I’m proud of the performance by the Varsity team this weekend. They really showed what this team can do, and I am excited for our next weekend,” Jack Ide ’26 said.

“Another person who stepped up this weekend was Griffin; he played an amazing weekend, scoring three goals and using his speed to gain the advantage,” Carson St. Louis ’27 added.

Overall, the Varsity team took the weekend by storm to complete the sweep, and the Varsity picked a good weekend to get hot because the 46th Annual Northwood Tournament is just around the corner.

Filed Under: Sports

Dorm Room Tour: Luke Hurlbut ’26

January 16, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

Welcome to the room of Luke Hurlbut ’26, and Luke said, “It’s home sweet home.” Luke is a two-year senior and plays goalie on the U18 Varsity hockey team. Luke lives on Second East in one of the best single rooms, and he feels at home.

Luke’s single room is one of the best in Main, and it is neat, as he keeps it looking professional and makes sure nothing is lying around. Many people would walk in and out of Luke’s room to chill.

Luke Hurlbut’s ’26 dorm room. Photo by Justin MacLeod ’26.

Luke really brought his personality into his room. Besides hockey, Luke really enjoys lacrosse. He plays lacrosse as a second sport, and his lacrosse sticks hang on his dorm wall. You can see Luke has many things in his room, like flags, jerseys, photos, a TV at the end of the bed with an Xbox game console hooked to it, and his hat collection hanging. Luke’s room is treated with respect by anyone visiting.

Luke Hurlbut’s ’26 dorm room. Photo by Justin MacLeod ’26.

This is Luke’s bed, with a nightstand next to it, holding many of his things. Luke makes his bed every morning to start the day with a clean slate. Luke said, “Making my bed as soon as I wake up starts my day fresh, as this has just become a routine.” Luke has two mattress toppers on his bed as he said, “I like to sleep with comfort so I can get the best possible sleep.”

Luke Hurlbut’s ’26 dorm room. Photo by Justin MacLeod ’26.

Next is Luke’s desk, which he always kept friendly and organized. “This desk is where I do all my homework and where I can be the most focused on completing any assignments teachers give me,” Luke said. Luke has his day-to-day stuff on his desk, including snacks, school supplies/work, supplements, chains, and water bottles.

Luke has a machine that sharpens hockey skates and lets many of his teammates use it if they need it.

Luke Hurlbut’s ’26 dorm room. Photo by Justin MacLeod ’26.

Lastly, Luke’s closet is neat and organized with his jackets, sweatshirts, shirts, and suits hanging, and bins filled with clothes, hockey stuff, towels, and bedding. “My closet is filled with many things that I use daily,” said Luke.

Overall, Luke has a great single room filled with many things of his interest. As many people would say, Luke’s room is a good single room.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Jack Ide ’26

January 13, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

“My favourite 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.

“This is my first year at Northwood, and it’s been amazing every step of the way. On my first day, I was nervous, but in a couple of hours, I was already accepted into the Northwood community with open arms, with friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates treating me like family.

“I transferred to Northwood because it was to further my education and improve in a better hockey program. Being from Texas, hockey isn’t big because it’s more about the Cowboys and Football players, but hockey is where my passion lies. I found out about Northwood through a buddy of mine, and after visiting the school, I knew I should attend here. The community is filled with unmatched culture and trust.

“Someone who inspires me is my dad. He pushes me to my limits and knows I can handle it, and in the end, it 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.

“I am thankful for Northwood for setting my life for the better and preparing me for the worst. This is an all-around school, and I am proud to say Northwood is my second home.”

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

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Humans of Northwood: Griffin Mangan ’26

January 9, 2026 by Justin MacLeod

“The first time I got into hockey was from my father, who played pro, and I started skating around 2 years old. Since then, hockey has been my source of happiness. I transferred to Northwood to gain a better education and play on a great hockey program.

“When I first found out about Northwood, it was from my father because he played hockey against Northwood’s team back in the day. Once I got the chance to visit Northwood, I felt like it was a no-brainer that I should come to this school to pursue an excellent education and hockey program.

“The best thing about Northwood is the community because everybody is treated like family, and everyone looks out for each other. My first year, I was nervous, then in a couple of hours, I was already accepted into the Northwood community with open arms, with friends, teachers, coaches, and teammates treating me like family.

“Living at a place like Lake Placid has its perks from summer to winter, as Lake Placid is a nice place with a lot of history and many things to see in such a small place. Lake Placid offers activities I enjoy, besides hockey, such as skiing and golf. During the wintertime, Lake Placid is a wonderland of snow, and getting the chance to ski on top of Whiteface Mountain with friends is a blast. As Lake Placid transitions into summer, I like to play golf at the Lake Placid Club, with excellent greens and mountains in the background.

“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 it was the best two years of my 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

Stats Class Becomes a Favorite Under New Teacher

December 5, 2025 by Justin MacLeod

Stats class with Mr. Giacin. Photo by Justin McLeod ’26.

Two months into the 2025–26 school year, Statistics has become an unexpected favorite among Northwood students—thanks in large part to first-year teacher and assistant prep hockey coach Mr. Giacin, whose energetic and creative approach has made data come alive in the classroom.

Statistics teaches students how to collect, analyze, and organize data. The course covers probability, averages, graphs, and making predictions based on patterns. Overall, the goal is to understand how data works in the real world and to apply it to solve real problems and make informed decisions.

“The most fun lesson in stats class has been the educational movies. I have really enjoyed the movies Mr. Giacin picked for the class,” Harry Vant ’26 said. “The project we’re working on now—comparing Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid to find their Z-scores and determine who was more dominant in their MVP season—helped me understand Z-scores much more,” Vant added.

“Mr. Giacin’s teaching skills make stats class easier to understand through projects, speeches, and movies. I don’t seem to fail in his class,” Vant said.

Ryan Demers ’27 shared a similar perspective. “I like how I am learning to connect what we’re studying to the real world instead of just filling out packets and equations,” Demers said. “I learned how to use an Excel sheet for a Z-score project, and my group was able to get an A-,” he added.

“Mr. Giacin is a great teacher who makes stats class easy and enjoyable for many students like me. I am excited for the rest of the year,” said Demers.

Reflecting on his experience so far, Mr. Giacin said, “This first year of teaching statistics—two months in—has been a blast, with many students enjoying the class with laughter and smiles.” He added, “The stats teacher before me, Jeff Miller, has been very helpful in giving me ideas to make my class fun and enjoyable for my students.”

“I am very happy with the batch of students I have this school year,” said Mr. Giacin.

Overall, stats class has been a great experience for many students—and there are surely more good things to come.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Northwood Care: Thanksgiving Fundraiser

November 20, 2025 by Justin MacLeod

Mrs. Lisa Wint (left) and Florence Rochard ’26 staffing the Thanksgiving fundraiser table. Photo by Justin MacLeod ’26.

Northwood CARE’s Thanksgiving fundraiser aims to raise funds for the Food Pantry this November.

The sale consists of $1 cans of Vegetables and Fruit; $2 each of Cranberry sauce, Gravy mix, and Rice pilaf; $3 each of Apple Sauce, sweet potatoes, and Stuffing mix; $5 each of a bag of potatoes and a dessert Pie; lastly, $15 for a Turkey.

Will Wong ’27 said, “The way we collect money is by Vemo and cash, but if a student does not have any Vemo or cash, then we can charge the student’s account.” Will added, “The reason why we are doing this is that it’s going to a good cause for people and families in need.” Will said, “My goal for this fundraiser is to beat last year’s money raised.”

“This is my first year of care, and everything I have done with them has been a blast. Donating to people or families in need has been amazing, which always brings a smile to my face,” Will said.

This Thanksgiving fundraiser is raising money for people and families in need, with Care and the Food pantry working together to ensure they have the best Thanksgiving possible.

Florence Richard ’26 said, “Mrs. Wint has been doing this fundraiser for many years now, and each year it’s been increasing. As the Food Pantry relies on us, we are happy to help.” Flo added, “The goal is to raise as much money for a good cause, but a big goal is seeing people involved in this fundraiser as much as possible, and it makes it more meaningful.”

Flo said, “The money raised, we go grocery shopping, and we buy what the articles have been asked for, or the Food pantry requests, then we bring the groceries back to the Food pantry.

“The Thanksgiving fundraiser is one of the many fundraisers we will have this year,” Mrs. Wint added.

For a Thanksgiving tradition, Flo added, “I am thankful for the opportunities given to me and the sacrifices my family made for me.” Will said, “I am thankful for my family supporting my studies at Northwood and the friends I made along my way.”

This fundraiser is still underway, with many days left. Right now, they have reached halfway to last year’s money raised, and they will continue to go up for the people and families in need.

This is an excellent event for the Northwood community, and there will be many more to come.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Get to Know Coach Marvyn Dorchin

November 14, 2025 by Justin MacLeod

Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Coach Marvyn Dorchin is one of the newest members of the Northwood Soccer program. Coach Marvyn Dorchin works between the U17 and U19 teams. Born and raised in France, Dorchin began his soccer career with AS Gagnes-Le Cros, a local club in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region near Nice. “That’s where I first fell in love with the game,” said Dorchin.

At age fourteen, Dorchin and his family relocated to the United States, settling in the Boston area. Dorchin continued his soccer career, joining local clubs before being scouted to join the U.S. Development Academy (DA), the country’s top level of youth soccer. Playing for Seacoast United, His club faced some of the best teams in the nation, including several teams from MLS academies. “Playing in DA was an incredible experience,” said Dorchin. “It showed me what it takes to play at the highest level.”

Dorchin began his college career at Springfield College, a Division III program, as a freshman before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Division I program. Dorchin quickly earned the starting goalkeeper position and was named captain for two seasons. Over the course of his college career, he played in 60 matches and helped lead UMass to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where they faced Penn State. “Being the captain at UMass really teaches me that leadership can go beyond the field,” said Dorchin.

After graduating, Dorchin pursued his dream of playing professionally across Europe and North America, joining clubs in Spain, Norway, Ireland, and the USA. “It was challenging moving between different countries, but each stop made me into a better person and player,” said Dorchin.

Now at Northwood School, Dorchin puts all his passion into coaching. “The faculty welcomed me like family,” says Dorchin. “It only took a month to feel completely at home.” Dorchin coaches two teams, oversees goalkeepers, and directs the strength and conditioning program for the U17 and U19 squads. “Coaching lets me give back to the game that has given me everything,” said Coach Marvyn Dorchin.

Coach Marvyn Dorchin just started his new coaching career at Northwood School, working with both the U17 and U19 teams. He is a significant asset to the soccer program, sharing his experience playing at high levels and preparing the players for the next level.

Filed Under: People, Sports

Dorm Room Tour: Harry Vant ‘26 and Jack Pitts ‘27

October 28, 2025 by Justin MacLeod

Photo by Justin MacLead ’26.

Welcome to the room of Harry Vant ‘26 and Jack Pitts ‘27. Harry is a two-year senior and plays on the 18U Varsity hockey team, and Jack Pitts is a two-year junior and plays on the Prep hockey team. They both live on Second East in one of the biggest rooms, and they really made it feel like home.

Harry and Jack’s room is one of the best rooms in Main, with many people going in and out to chill in it. These two boys always keep their room neat; they make sure nothing is lying around, and their room looks professional.

Harry and Jack really brought their personalities into the room with them. Besides hockey, they love golf. They have a putting green in their room, so they can work on their game anytime and anywhere. There is a secret, they have under the carpet is a stickhandling tile for them to work on their stickhandling so they can bring it into the ice. Anyone who takes a step into Harry and Jack’s room treats their room with respect.

Photo by Justin MacLead ’26.

These are Harry and Jack’s beds. Harry’s bed is on the right, and Jack’s is on the left. They both make their beds every morning to start the day fresh with a new page. Harry said, “I can’t see my bed being all messy. I need to make my bed to start my day, as it has become a routine.” Mattress toppers are key to Jack’s comfort. “I always like to sleep with maximum comfort, and having two mattress toppers gives me that comfort.”

Photo by Justin MacLead ’26.

Next are Harry and Jack’s desks; they both always keep them organized and neat. “These desks are the best places where we can focus and complete all homework,” they said. They both have essential day-to-day items on their desks, including supplements, snacks, schoolwork, water bottles, chains, etc.

Under Jack’s desk is a machine that changes hockey for the better: an at-home skate sharpening machine. Jack was able to start a mini business with $5 for a skate sharpening.

Photo by Justin MacLead ’26.

Lastly, their closets are neat and organized. Harry’s closet is on the right, with his T-shirts, suits, and sweaters hanging, and many bins filled with things like snacks, clothes, towels, and bedding. Jack’s closet is on the left, with his suits, shirts, sweaters, and coats hanging where he likes them. It’s also full of bins with clothes, shower stuff, bedding, snacks, and towels.

Overall, this room is amazing, with plenty to see and do. People say that their room is the best room in Second East.