“I loved being able to cheer on and support all the athletic teams and interact with the public to represent Northwood at community events. Plus, it allowed me to interact with more students than I generally would on my own without being on one of the teams,” said JT Wint ’25, who has spent all four years of his Northwood career being the face of the school at most of the home sporting events.

“I’ve been the mascot for all of my 4 years. The summer before 9th grade, I watched YouTube videos on ‘how to be a mascot,’ I also went to the dance studio and worked with Ms. Mandi in front of the mirrors. Initially, I needed a handler to help with the suit to ensure I didn’t fall down any stairs. Eventually, I could get zipped up on my own and manage stairs. I only ran into a glass double door once at the Arena, but thankfully, not many people were in the vicinity.”

“There were so many fun times that I don’t think I could pick just one. It was fun to ride the chairlift and ski in the Husky suit, have dogs want to play with me, ride a Zamboni, get mash pitted at the prom, participate all over town during the FISU World University Games, pose with lots of people for pictures, cheer on countless events for Northwood, and generally be welcomed wherever I went. I’m going to miss seeing all the smiles from people when I would walk by and all the hugs I would get from little kids. Also, a big one would be the number of people who don’t know what animal the husky is and trying to explain it without speaking, which isn’t easy to do.”

“I have always enjoyed community service, and this was a great way for me to do something for my school community.  As a ninth grader and new student at Northwood, it gave me something to get involved in, and then I just enjoyed doing it, so I continued for all four years. Hopefully somebody else will take over the reins – uh leash,” Wint laughed.

The Northwood Community thanks JT for all the support he’s brought to the games over the years. He has left some big shoes to fill!

“I love country music, especially HARDY, so if there’s a good song playing, you can bet I’m dancing. My hometown is Tupper Lake, a small town known for its lumberjack history and the otters at the Wild Center (they’re a big deal here). We spend much of our time making runs to Stewart’s gas stations or cruising around on our side-by-sides, which is the classic Tupper thing. The sunsets are incredible, especially by the lake after a long day. It’s a small enough place that you’re probably in the wrong town if you’re not waving at someone.

“I chose Northwood because it was the next step for me in academics and hockey. Growing up in a small Adirondack town, my honors classes were limited- either there weren’t enough teachers or enough students willing to suffer with me. Coming to Northwood meant more challenging courses, not just grinding through the New York State Regents curriculum and being taught to pass a test. Starting the day with hockey beats a half-awake homeroom any day.

“The people of Northwood must be my favorite part. I also appreciate the closeness of my teammates and how we get to know our teachers and coaches as actual people, not just for 40 minutes in class or an hour on the ice. They genuinely care and are always involved in our crazy sports schedules. It’s not just the hockey coaches who talk to us; it’s coaches from all sports, making the atmosphere even more supportive.

“I have two big things that I live by: ‘All good things take time’ and ‘Nobody cares, work harder.’ Sometimes, it feels like nothing is going right, but I always remind myself that eventually, I’ll get my ducks in a row- and yes, that’s a bit of a Jeep reference, but just like my Jeep, things get sorted out eventually. Everything always works out in the end. I tend to overthink, so I catch myself spiraling. I remind myself of the second motto: ‘Nobody cares; work harder.’ Whether it’s academics, hockey, or life, it’s my go-to reminder to focus and push through because results come from effort, not overthinking.

“Next year, I’ll return to where I grew up playing hockey, attending college at SUNY Canton. I’ll be majoring in Nursing, aiming to become an RN, with a possible future detour into Radiologic technology- though that decision is a little further down the road. I’m honestly just excited to get the chance to play college hockey on the Women’s hockey team. I’m looking forward to meeting new people along the way and being so close to home for the next four years. It’s also great to still have my two biggest supporters, my parents, close by to help with whatever I need- big or small.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“I thought I knew what a snowy winter was until I moved up to Lake Placid. The beauty in Lake Placid never gets old, and you only grow to appreciate it even more seeing it every day. I’m from Baldwinsville, New York. With it only a few hours away, it has been great since my family is still able to make the trip up for games. My dad grew up playing hockey, and he was the one who passed along the love for the sport to my younger brother and me.

“I chose Northwood because of the countless opportunities it offers its student athletes. Northwood is a community filled with support from everyone around you that pushes you to your limits. It allows you to strive on and off the ice, with help from your teammates, coaches, teachers, and classmates.

“My favorite part about Northwood is the tight-knit community. You rely on those around you, especially when adjusting to a new team and school. Across teams and sports, we all get to know each other and build friendships that last a lifetime. Living with your best friends is something we often take for granted. Some of my favorite memories are visiting town for dinner with friends and taking in all Lake Placid has to offer.

“It matters most when no one’s watching. I try to live by that because it pushes me to do my best every day. It is what you do when things get difficult, and no one’s looking, that your true character shows. This saying forces you to stay true to yourself and the person you want to become, especially when moving away from home and being accountable for your actions.

“Next year, I am planning to attend St. Lawrence University. I am beyond excited to take my game to the next level on the ice and see how far I can grow in the next four years. I am looking forward to moving on to the next stage of my life, but it is a bittersweet feeling to think about leaving behind my memories at Northwood.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ’25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

“Family. That is the first word I think of when I think of Northwood. The community that this school has is unmatched anywhere else. The support in all aspects is something I never take for granted. Spending so much time with people outside hockey and classes is special. With downtown Lake Placid so close, I take advantage of it, and it is by far one of my favorite things to do. When we all hang out at school, we always have hockey, football, or a movie on the TV in the living room. That’s when it truly feels like home. I also love the campfires we have out at the pavilion. It’s when everyone from school comes into a small place and laughs, listens to music, talks, and hangs out with each other. The best part is that everyone is so happy and always has a great time. I also love smores!

“Being from Montgomery Village, Maryland, I decided to make the trip up north to Lake Placid to challenge myself on the ice and off. I thought that an environment like Northwood would allow me to thrive in all aspects and get the most out of myself. Living on a campus like this, surrounded by my teammates, is something I wanted to experience.

“Being at Northwood these past three years has taught me much about myself and others. Living independently is something that has benefited me. Being here and making my own decisions without my parents is one thing I will certainly be grateful for before college and beyond.

“I try always to have fun. That is something I live by. You only live once, and it’s important to enjoy every minute of it. I am forever grateful to have been a part of this family for the past three years and even more happy I get to call this place home for the rest of my life.”

As told to Sophia DeAnzeris ‘25. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.