Northwood Life – The Mirror

Girls’ Hockey Head to Minnesota for JWHL Weekend

January 23, 2026 by Rylie Griffiths

Buses are rolling late at night. Photo: Rylie Griffiths.

This weekend, Northwood girls’ hockey will travel down to the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis for a huge weekend with JWHL league points on the line. This is the second back-to-back weekend for the girls, following their Northwood Tournament win earlier this week.

With a very quick turnaround, they left school on Thursday at 1:30 am to catch their 5:30 am flight out of Albany to Chicago, and then to Minneapolis. Their excitement and anticipation for the weekend made it difficult to catch a few hours of sleep on Wednesday night. Sophomore Summer MacLean ’28 shared what she was most excited about. “I am looking forward to the flight with the team, because airport travel with the girls is always so fun. I also can’t wait to play in the massive 3M arena, which hosted the World Juniors only a few weeks ago.”

The JWHL league weekend in Minnesota is talked about all season long, and the games are considered some of the most important of the season. To add to all this energy, the competition lineup includes some of Northwood’s biggest rivals and the top teams in the nation. The girls are scheduled to play NAHA, Stanstead, and Shattuck Saint Mary’s.

The games will be played at 3M and Ridder arenas on the university’s campus. It is a great atmosphere for the girls. There is a large campus with the hotel, rink, and food options all within walking distance. In light of the recent events in Minneapolis, the league and school have taken extra precautions to ensure that the trip is safe for student-athletes to attend.

To support the girls as they play to secure first place in the standings, their game schedule is included below, along with the live stream link.

Friday January 23rd

10:00 am vs. Shattuck 19s

6:00 pm vs. Stanstead

Saturday January 24th

8:00 am vs. NAHA

6:00 pm vs. Shattuck Prep

Sunday January 25th

8:00 am vs. NAHA

Live stream of the games is available here… https://www.youtube.com/@juniorwomenshockeyleague1127

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Humans of Northwood: Charles Pigeon ’26

January 22, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

“I’m from Gatineau, Quebec. Before Northwood, my life was amazing, but it got even better when I came here. Northwood really opened a lot of doors for me, not just hockey-wise, but school-wise as well. The fun here is hard to explain. You really have to live it to believe it. It’s a really special culture, and this place brought me a lot of joy and happiness.

“One moment at Northwood that really stuck with me was playing in the Spring Concert. That was a big moment for me because I had to face stage fright. It was also about presenting what we had been working on all year. Having teachers who believed in us made it even more meaningful, and it was really fun.

“I think I’ve changed a lot since coming to Northwood. I’ve become a better person. I’ve learned about integrity, and I try to stick to the five core values. That’s helped me push myself to do things the right way and always try to become better.

“What matters most to me right now is the brotherhood here. The people around me, the teachers, and the community are what make this place special. I really love this place.

“A small detail about me that most people don’t know is that I can learn new skills really quickly. I can usually learn something in under an hour, whether it’s juggling or even trying a backflip. If someone challenges me, I’ll try it, as long as it’s actually possible.

“One mindset I live by is, ‘stop looking at the mountain. Look at the steps in front of you.’ We overthink a lot in life, but sometimes you just need to take the first step. Just get out of bed. If there’s too much homework, just start doing it instead of overthinking everything.

“If I could talk to my younger self before coming to Northwood, I’d say to have fun. Time goes by really fast. And if I had advice for new students, it would be to always say yes. Say yes to opportunities, say yes when people ask you to do something, and learn from everyone around you. Always say yes.”

As told to Jacob Slagel. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

Huskies Reflect on Holiday Break

January 19, 2026 by Kevin Betsch

As the Huskies settle in from the holiday break, students are grateful for the time they spent at home, all around the world.

Mark Tverskoy ’26 went all the way home to Russia for his holiday break. When asked about how his break was, he said, “It was so nice to be able to go home and just relax. I really missed my family, and there is nothing like a good home-cooked meal.” About starting the second semester and what his goals were, he said, “I am ready to start the second semester and get back into the rhythm I had before break. It did feel really short, but I am excited for this semester, and my goal is to make the most of my senior year!”

Joachim Neverdal ’26 went home to New Jersey for his holiday break. “It was nice being home. Sleeping in my own bed felt amazing, and I was just glad to be back,” he said. He was then asked about what he did over the break. “I celebrated Christmas with my family and just relaxed, sleeping in and lying around all day was amazing. However, I felt ready to return to school, and I am happy to be back. I am really excited for my last semester of high school,” Neverdal said.

“Believe it or not, the weather actually was not super nice,” said Henry Kress ’26 when asked about going home to California. “It was nice to escape the freezing temperatures and the snow, but it was cloudy and rained pretty much the whole time I was home.” He then went on to say, “I just spent time with my friends and family, and I couldn’t ask for anything better. It was so nice to see some of my hometown friends, whom I haven’t been able to hang out with in a while, and it’s always nice to celebrate Christmas with my family.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Ordinary Places, Extraordinary Birds

January 16, 2026 by Jacob Slagel

Photography rewards those who pay attention. In this series, Jacob Slagel ’26 turns his lens toward birds—watching, waiting, and capturing moments that often pass unnoticed. Whether mid-flight, grooming, or nesting, each image reflects a quiet exchange between photographer and subject, revealing the beauty and character of wildlife in ordinary places.

European Starling perched on barbed wire.

The house finch perched on a light strand.

A close-up of a Canadian Goose Grooming itself.

The American Wigeon flying over water.

A Gadwall diving into water.

A Canadian Goose gosling walking in the waves on Lake Washington.

A blue jay perched on a branch with twigs in its mouth for building a nest. Cobble Trail.

American Crow perched on a roof whilst cawing and blinking.

Great Blue Heron.

Common Loon in Mirror Lake.

Anna’s Hummingbird resting on a metal wire.

California Scrub Jay perched on a light strand.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Top Story

Catching Up with Drew Donatello ’25

January 16, 2026 by Kevin Betsch

Drew Donatello ’25 ringing the Victory Bell at his graduation in May 2025. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

One of the best-known students on campus in recent years, Drew Donatello, graduated at the end of the 2024-2025 school year after spending every year of his high school journey at Northwood. Drew served as the goalie for the Prep Hockey Team and was a campus leader during his 5 years at Northwood. Drew now attends Boston College and seems to be living his college years to the fullest. I was lucky enough to speak with Drew for a few minutes and get a peek at how college life has been treating him.

“My major at Boston College is Economics, and I am majoring in Finance,” Donatello said. He then spoke about why he chose Boston College. He said, “I chose Boston College because the first time I went on campus, I really loved the campus vibe, and I really liked the people here. I have also heard from Northwood alumni who graduated from Boston College about how much they loved it. I also had to come here because I was an early admission.”

Donatello successfully tried out and made the Boston College Club Hockey and Golf Teams. When asked about the teams and how that experience has been, he had this to say, “Playing for the Club Hockey and Golf teams has been amazing for me. Being a freshman, it is always hard to meet people and find your place on campus. So, both club teams have greatly helped in finding the people you want to be friends with and spend your four years with.”

“I really do miss Northwood every day,” Donatello said when he was asked to recall his time at Northwood. He then went on to say, “I love the community there and how you knew you could be friends with everyone on campus. I especially like to remember my senior year because everyone was so close and had such good friends. Northwood was really some of the greatest moments and memories of my life, and I get emotional just thinking and speaking about Northwood. It is just a very special place.” Donatello ended our conversation with an enthusiastic “Go Huskies!”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People

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

What are Northwood Students Watching?

January 16, 2026 by Casey Morrissey

Students are tuning in to a mix of streaming shows and major sports events — and what they watch says a lot about how teens stay connected with pop culture today.

Landman from FX on Hulu.

After asking around, many students mentioned the FX on Hulu show Snowfall (trailer). The crime drama, known for its intense storylines and powerful characters, has caught the attention of many Northwood students through clips and reactions shared on social media. Even if they haven’t watched full episodes, students often reference memorable scenes or discuss the show’s dramatic moments with friends.

Another series that comes up in conversation is Landman on Paramount (trailer), a drama about life in the oil industry. While the show is generally more popular with adult audiences, Northwood students have still seen dramatic clips and quotes from it circulating on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These short shared moments often spark curiosity and group chats about the show.

Landman on Paramount.

Sports are also a significant part of what Northwood students watch. NFL games are especially popular — many students follow their favorite teams, check out highlights, and talk about big plays with friends. Some students watch full games, but many keep up with the action through short video highlights that are easy to watch between classes or during free time.

NHL hockey also draws interest, especially given Northwoods’ strong winter sports culture. While not every student watches every game, big matchups and exciting highlight reels often get shared and discussed. For hockey fans at Northwood, goals, fantastic saves, and big rivalries are common topics of conversation.

At Northwood School, what students watch reflects both their personal tastes and the influence of social media — from gripping dramas like Snowfall and Landman to the thrill of Sunday football and hockey highlights. These shared viewing experiences help bring students together, whether they’re chatting between classes or hanging out after school.

Filed Under: Northwood Life

Catching Up With Sydney Kuder ’25

January 16, 2026 by Jack Kroll

Sydney Kuder ’25. Photo: Bates College Athletics.

In my very biased opinion, the Northwood Class of 2025 is the greatest Northwood Class of all time. They were the largest graduating class in the school’s history and included top athletes, students, and great people. One person who checked all these boxes from last year’s class was Sydney Kuder ’25.

At the end of last year, Kuder committed to continuing her academic and athletic careers at Bates College, a small liberal arts school in Lewiston, Maine. Bates, a Division 3 athletic school in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC), has a Division 1 ski program that Kuder joined as an alpine skier. When we talked to her, she was preparing for her first race at Sunday River. Her goal for the season is to be one of the top 7 on her team so she can compete in college carnival events, which are races between the colleges.

Kuder also represents the ski team on the student athletic advisory committee. Every other week, the committee meets, and the representatives relay information from their respective teams and share the meeting’s contents with their own teams. The group is also responsible for many fundraisers and community activities aimed at supporting the local Lewiston Community.

Academically, she felt very prepared and even said it’s “easier than Northwood.” She attributes much of this to Reno and his AP Lit class that she took last year. “It really improved my writing, and it’s really showing in some of my essays—my professors have been impressed.” The transition to Bates was not difficult for her, as she had been a boarding student for four years and was already adjusted to dorm life. She said the two schools are very similar. “The schedule is basically the same, and our workouts are similar.”

Sydney has yet to declare a major but is considering a double major in politics and Spanish. Then, she is considering going to law school.

When Kuder isn’t on the hill or in the classroom, she likes to be an active member of the Bates and Lewiston communities. “I’m a mentor at the Auburn Middle School, where once a week, I have a girl in seventh grade, and I just sit with her and hang out with her for a little bit. We try to be role models for kids. The point is to engage with kids in the Lewiston-Auburn communities and get them thinking about getting a college education.”

Kuder also writes for the Bates Student, the college’s student-led newspaper, as a sportswriter. “It came naturally after my time as Co-Editor of the Northwood Mirror. It’s the reason I joined the paper.”

According to Kuder, Bates is very similar to Northwood, except it’s bigger and has more opportunities. One thing Kuder does miss is the town of Lake Placid. Current Northwood students should “take advantage of the beautiful town and place they live. Not all college towns will have what Lake Placid does.” She also says, “It goes by fast, so don’t take it for granted. Try everything you can, and if you apply yourself at Northwood, it sets you up for success in the future.”

“I have another thing for seniors: Don’t stress about getting into your dream school. What’s meant for you will come for you. My dream school was Williams, and I even considered applying ED. I didn’t get in, and I honestly had never really looked at Bates, and the coach never responded to my emails for a long time. I ended up getting in on academic merit alone, and my coach reached out to the Bates coach. I ended up getting an offer, and I really liked it. I’m really, really happy with my decision, and I honestly could not see myself anywhere else. Just remember, it’s all going to work out.”

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Northwood Invitational Preview

January 15, 2026 by Andrew Sherland

There is a special buzz on campus this week because the 46^th Annual Northwood Invitational is set to take place from Friday to Monday, January 17 – 19. The Northwood Tournament is always considered a special time of year because it is a rare occasion when all the hockey teams play at home and can support each other. All four Northwood teams will compete in their own division: Girls, Prep, Varsity, and U16.

Girls’ Division

The back-to-back Northwood Invitational Champions Girls’ Hockey Team in 2024. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The Girls’ team is looking for a 4-peat after beating Appleby College last year in OT in the championship. The Girls’ pool consists of Northwood School, Nichols School, Appleby College, and Academie Ste-Cecile. The Huskies will play Ste-Cecile on Saturday at 7:15 am in the 1932 Rink. Later that day, they will face off against Nichols School in their “senior night” game at 2:15 pm in the 1980 Rink. Their last pool-play game will be on Sunday at 9:00 am against Appleby College in the 1932 Rink. The playoffs will be determined by the results of pool play.

“This tournament means the world to us. It is one of, if not the most important, weekends of the year,” said returner Autumn Kelly ’26. “We have won three times in a row, and we are looking to extend the streak. It is also not just about hockey but about honoring the seniors and everything they have done for the program. We are super excited for this weekend, and the expectation is nothing but the trophy,” added Kelly, who recently committed to Long Island University (LIU) to play NCAA Division I hockey.

Click here for Girls’ Division schedule and results.

Prep Division (PHC)

The Prep team celebrates their championship win at the 2025 Northwood Invitational Hockey Tournament. The Girls’ team also won the championship. Photo provided.

The Prep team is doing things a little differently this year. Instead of competing for a trophy, Northwood is hosting a Prep Hockey Conference (PHC) Crossover. This idea was discussed frequently among the hockey players last year, and the Northwood community is extremely excited about this opportunity. The PHC division of the Northwood Invitational is comprised of Northwood School, South Kent School, Mount St. Charles Academy, Shattuck St. Mary’s School, Culver Academies, and St. Andrew’s College. Northwood enters this weekend 3-4 in PHC play, second in the East Division behind South Kent School, and 5^th overall in the PHC. The Huskies will kick off their weekend against Shattuck St. Mary’s School on Saturday at 4:00 pm in the 1932 Rink and look to avenge an 8-1 loss to Shattuck earlier in the season. On Sunday, Northwood faces Culver Academies in their “senior night” game at 1:30 pm in the 1932 Rink. Culver has been a force to be reckoned with, as they have outscored the Huskies 13-5 in their two matchups so far this season, including a 7-3 win over Northwood last weekend in the Gamesheet Prep Cup semi-finals, and Culver would go on to win the tournament. Just this week, Culver jumped Shattuck for the #1 ranking in the country for 18U. Lastly, Northwood faces St. Andrew’s College on Monday at 11:30 am in the 1932 Rink. The rivalry between Northwood and St. Andrew’s runs deep, but Northwood got the upper hand in the last game with a 5-2 win at St. Andrew’s in the previous PHC Crossover. Being the third game of a long and draining weekend, this game is sure to be a battle.

“This weekend truly means everything to me, and it is something that everyone looks forward to,” said three-year returner and Prep captain Parker Thompson ’26. “The vibe and energy always send a chill down my spine. With this being my third and last year, I am going to soak it all in, especially with the PHC Crossover and playing arguably the three best teams from all prep hockey at home in front of everyone and our families. I expect it to be a loud and energetic weekend for everyone, and I am pumped,” added Thompson.

Click here for PHC schedule and results.

Varsity Division

The 2025-26 Varsity Hockey team at the Olympic Center in September 2025. Photo by Jacob Slagel ’25.

The Varsity team is looking to continue a strong second half of the season, coming off a 4-0 weekend against Culver Academies, South Kent School, and Ontario Hockey Academy (OHA). After losing to Nichols School 3-1 in the semi-finals last year, the Varsity team is hungry for the championship. The Varsity pool consists of Northwood School, Philadelphia Little Flyers, Blyth-Deerview Prep, Atlantic Coast Academy, Bridgton Academy, Somang Hockey Club, St. Francis Prep, and St. Michael’s College Prep. Northwood starts its weekend on Saturday against Bridgton Academy at 12:30 pm in the 1980 Rink. Bridgton is a postgraduate (PG) school in Bridgton, Maine, that usually plays a challenging, physical game. Next, the Huskies face off against Blyth on Sunday at 7:15 am in the 1932 Rink. Sunday night, Northwood wraps up pool play with its senior night against St. Francis Prep at 6:30 pm in the 1932 Rink. The results of pool play will determine the playoffs.

“I have never won the Northwood tournament, so I am excited for my last chance at it,” said three-year returner Drew Tulloch ’26. “We have been preparing for this weekend, and I believe we are ready. We have to rely on our systems and trust one another. This past weekend was huge for our confidence and morale, and we must carry that swagger over to the tournament,” added Tulloch.

Click here for the Varsity Division schedule and results.

U16 Division

William French ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Wrapping it up is the U16 team. In their inaugural season, the 16s have had many ups and downs. However, they have recently found their stride and are coming off a 2-1 weekend in league play in the new year. The U16 division consists of Northwood School, Atlantic Coast Academy, Kuper Academy, Philadelphia Little Flyers, Nichols School, Bishops College, Troy Albany Titans, Lovell Academy, Selwyn House School, and Blyth-Deerview Prep. Northwood kicks off its weekend against Lovell Academy at 9:00 am in the 1980 Rink on Saturday. Later that day, the Huskies play the Philadelphia Little Flyers at 6:30 pm in the 1932 Rink. On Sunday, Northwood wraps up pool play against Bishops College at 10:45 am in the 1980 Rink. The results of pool play will determine the playoffs. This weekend will be a test for the 16s.

“We are coming off a strong league weekend, and we are ready for a strong weekend of hockey!” said returner Will French ’27. “I have been looking forward to this weekend for a long time, and I am hyped to play in front of everyone!” added French.

Click here for the U16 Division schedule and results.

This weekend will be a massive test for all Northwood teams, and every team expects to win. It is shaping up to be a lot of fun for the players and the families planning to come and cheer Northwood on!

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports, Top Story

Humans of Northwood: Zack Klaich ’26

January 14, 2026 by Cody Betsch

“I first found out about Northwood because of Coach Mallaro. He came to watch one of my games and contacted my parents shortly after. He told my parents all about the school, hockey, and community, and it sounded like an excellent fit for me and a place where I could really find that balance between school and hockey. With all the traveling and driving to the rink, academics took somewhat of a back seat. It was important for me to find a place with a great school and a great hockey program so that I could excel in the classroom as well. It checked all the boxes for me compared to other prep schools I looked at.

“I would say that hockey is my favorite part about Northwood so far. I’ve never been able to get on the ice this much—seeing and feeling myself improve week by week has been great. I’m loving the schedule now that we switched to morning practices; having fun with the boys is the best way to start each day. Morning practice wakes me up for the rest of the school day and helps me focus on school, which I love.

“After Northwood, I plan on playing Junior hockey at wherever the best fit for me will be. I would love to see where hockey can take me. Whether that’s the collegiate level or not, I want to take the next step toward achieving my goals.”

As told to Cody Betsch ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.