Sports – The Mirror

Lake Placid “Runs Back the Miracle”

January 15, 2026 by Rylie Griffiths

Photo from PR Newswire.

“Do you believe in miracles? … Yes!” Al Michaels famous call as the crowd roared during the final seconds of the United States’ 1980 Men’s Olympic hockey team’s 4-3 victory over the Soviet Union. Many consider the upset by the American college kids over the mighty Soviets the greatest sporting event the world has ever seen.

A second miracle is coming back to Lake Placid, almost a half-century later.

Photo from Anheuser-Busch.

On January 15, Northwood’s home rink, the Herb Brooks Arena at the Olympic Center, will be re-hosting this iconic game once again, updated with today’s modern technologies. The exact same game will be taking place on the exact same rink with the exact same players, but how, you may ask? With holograms. With extraordinarily precise lasers, lights, and audio effects, the game will be played again.

The archival footage will be brought to life through full-surface ice projection. The equipment needed to pull off this sort of event is, as you can imagine, highly advanced. Rumors circulating around the rink this week estimate the total cost of this event is well over two million dollars. Unfortunately, the event sponsor, Michelob Ultra, sets the entry age to 21. For anyone underage or unable to attend live, the game will stream on Peacock in February.

The goal of the reenactment is to raise support for Team USA as they head to Milan for the 2026 Winter Olympics. The excitement is evident; Lake Placid has been buzzing. I had the opportunity to catch up with Northwood girls’ hockey player, Ryan Erster ‘27, who caught a glimpse of a practice run: “It was unlike anything I have ever seen, human-sized holograms skating, shooting, and fighting with the perfect sounds to match it all!”

A few lucky Northwood faculty members have found tickets, including Trevor Gilligan and Andy Donatello. Until the rest of us can watch in February, find them to ask them about their experience.

Filed Under: Real World, 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

Former Northwood Faculty Member and Current NYSEF Coach Inducted to Lake Placid Hall of Fame

January 8, 2026 by Jack Kroll

Flyer for the 2025 Lake Placid Hall of Fame induction. Source: Olympic Regional Development Authority.

On Wednesday, November 5^th, Larry Stone, a former Northwood faculty member, Olympian, and current NYSEF ski jumping coach, was inducted into the Lake Placid Hall of Fame, which “seeks to honor the leaders and visionaries in our community who made the Games, the venues, and other keys to our legacy.” Larry is one such individual who has been a key to preserving the legacy of the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid through sport.

Larry is currently a Ski Jumping coach for the New York Ski Education Foundation’s (NYSEF) junior program. He fostered the athletes that now compete at the highest levels for Northwood School, starting to work with some of them as young as six. Larry was also a faculty member at Northwood from 1966 to 1968, teaching History and English while also coaching the ski jumping program. Not only was he coaching the team, but he was also still competing as a jumper. Two of his Northwood athletes, Jay Rand and Canadian Ulf Kvendbo, both Northwood Students, would compete at the 1968 Grenoble Olympics.

Larry Stone with some of his current junior jumpers. Photo by Eastern Ski Jumping.

After 1968, Larry moved back to his hometown of Salisbury, Connecticut to work as a coach for the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWASA). It was here that he began his junior coaching career. “You get little bubbles of kids that are really talented and push each other just like you guys,” Larry said.

Additionally, he used his emerging passion for coaching to enhance his own jumping career. “One way I could support myself and get SWASA to help me with training costs was coaching. But when you coach ski jumping, and I presume other activities like that, you start seeing things a little differently, and it kind of opens you up to approach the sport in a little different way. It’s more organic and all of a sudden you find that what you are working on with the kids becomes what you are working on as an athlete, and it’s clearer than before.”

For the last few years of Larry’s jumping career, 1972-1974, he moved to Woodstock, New York, where he could pursue his passion as a singer-songwriter as well as his ski jumping career. In 1974, at 29, Larry retired as a competitive ski jumper. He then returned to Salisbury, where he continued to work with the junior program. He encountered one such “bubble of kids” and coached them all the way to the “big hills,” which at the time were 60-70 meters.

Then, in 1980, he volunteered at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. “I was there working as a volunteer, and my job was to measure heel blocks up at the start because people were trying to get away with having too much. The night before the big hill event, the people running the program fired the US coaches. You develop really close bonds with your coaches, so the athletes were noticeably destroyed when they showed up the next morning. A couple of days later, Rex Bell and I were hired to be the ski team coaches for the rest of the year. Rex went to Europe, and I took over the domestic circuit.”

Larry was then instrumental in putting in place a regional system of coaches that still governs American ski jumping today. He was the regional coach for the Eastern Division. “My Salisbury kids started really coming around, so I focused on them for a couple of years. Then all of a sudden in ’88, I got a call about taking over the NYSEF program in Lake Placid. I did that for a few years, and then I went back to the US Ski team for 5 years. At the time, I still coached NYSEF, and I got help from Matt Cook, Casey Colby, and a few other coaches with that.”

Larry and Molly Stone in Salisbury, Connecticut, in 1998. Photo by USA Ski Jumping.

Larry moved to Park City in 1994 and stayed until 1996. There, he met Lindsey Van, a young American jumper. “I was really impressed with her possibilities, so I started taking her abroad. There was no women’s circuit at that point, but we started to put one together in Germany and Austria, and I started taking a group of US women over there, including my daughter Molly, Lindsey, and a few others. I officially took over the women’s program when Casey Colby stepped away. I hired a Norwegian guy, and we worked together toward the 2009 World Championships. There were several unofficial world championship events that the women went to, but 2009 became the first year that we had an official Women’s World Championship, and that year Lindsey won it.”

At this point, Larry decided, “That’s good enough. I think I’ll retire here.” Larry stepped away for a few years, living in the Adirondacks, running his farm, and playing music. Larry, however, couldn’t stay away from ski jumping and, in 2011, returned to NYSEF as head coach until 2016, when he moved back to his passion for the small hills. It was at this time that the current Northwood ski jumping team got its start in the sport. “I took my first jump ever with him back in 2016, and now, 9-10 years later, he’s still coaching me. It shows his dedication to the sport and his passion for his athletes sticking around and working with us. He embodies the spirit of the Lake Placid Hall of Fame,” said Jack Kroll ‘25.

Larry Stone coached current Northwood ski jumper Henry Loher ‘26 when he started out. Photo by Nancie Battaglia.

“My priorities were elsewhere. I really liked soccer and mountain biking, but Larry talked to my family and me and said I had a natural technique and encouraged me to really focus on ski jumping. Looking back on it, that may be the best decision ever,” said Henry Loher ‘26.

Larry is “grateful for the induction” and, in his speech, thanked all the parents and coaches who supported him over the years, adding that it is the parents’ willingness to let their kids do this crazy sport and their support that makes his job possible.

From the Staff of The Mirror and the Northwood Ski Team, we would like to express our gratitude for everything Larry has done and will continue to do for the sport of ski jumping, not only in Lake Placid but also across the country. Thank you, Larry!

Filed Under: People, Sports, Top Story

FIS Men Kick off Season at Stowe Mountain

December 16, 2025 by Lucas Smith

Hudson Marshall ’27. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

The men’s FIS season just kicked off with a race at Stowe Mountain, and we had some good results! The guys are just getting off break and their Colorado prep camp, so they’re ready to get after it on race day.

“I was happy with the first race of the season,” said Hudson Marshall ’27. “My first run was alright, but I was really able to step it up and perform on the second run. It was nice to see all the hard work and preparation we put in during the off-season in the weight room and at camps pay off. I’m excited to keep the ball rolling with the next few series coming up,” added Marshall, who finished 11th overall with a 2nd-place second run as a first-year FIS.

“The first race of the season came quickly, and it was good to be racing,” said Will Carou Jones ’27. “Unfortunately, I DNF’ed, but I was able to make some good turns and take some positives out of it. I am ready for the upcoming races to put what I have worked on all year into action,” added Carou Jones.

The boys seem to have their plans down for the upcoming series at Stratton and are really pushing the limits and each other on the hill. We wish them the best of luck!

Filed Under: Sports

#1 At Last: Soccer Team the Best in the Nation

December 15, 2025 by Noah Moodey

The U19 team ended the season ranked number one in the nation among prep schools. Photo provided.

After 12 weeks of consistent work and dedication, Northwood can proudly announce that, for the first time in program history, the Soccer team has finished the season ranked number one in the country. When this journey started, there were 14 prep schools ahead of the Huskies, and countless more nipping at their heels, so ranking #1 would require a spotless campaign. Off the bat, the team gained both momentum and attention as #5 Kiski and #12 Pennington fell to the Huskies, 5-3 and 2-0, respectively.

As the season rolled on, the Huskies continued to win, and by early October, they had effectively secured a spot in the top 5, with significant results continuing to come. From then on, the arguments for the number one ranking began to roll in. The only draw the boys had on the season was a 2-2 tie with Taft in preseason, and Taft had been holding firm at the #2 ranking since the beginning (virtually). So, the question remained: why, after knocking off 5 teams in the top 15, were the Huskies still stuck at 5? It simply came down to a lack of games; the Huskies had played 8 games and had a record of 8 wins and 1 tie, while most teams ahead of them had played between 15 and 17 games. This would not matter, though, if the boys could get one last significant result, and that is precisely what they did. The boys made the day trip down to Berkshire School, then ranked 3^rd in the nation, and pulled out an emphatic 2-1 victory in enemy territory. At this point, the argument for anything except a top 2 spot was out the window; Northwood had beaten more ranked opponents than anyone else in the nation, and it did not look like anyone else in the country would catch up. However, this was unfortunately the end of Northwood’s prep season, and they were stuck at #2. With no more matches left to play against other prep schools, it was simply a waiting game to see if the only team ahead of them, Woodstock Academy, would lose.

Going into the last weekend before Thanksgiving Break, things looked dire. Woodstock had picked up a tie against Vermont Academy, but that wasn’t enough to drop them below Northwood in the rankings. However, they still had one game left to play. When all hope seemed lost for the Huskies and their dreams of #1 seemed crushed, Woodstock picked up their first loss. The Hoosac School, which Northwood had beaten twice, both at home and away, had defeated Woodstock in a brilliant performance that displayed both quality and grit. So, on the final possible day, Northwood finally obtained the crown of #1 prep team in the Nation.

This achievement will not only help Northwood’s recruitment efforts but also serve as a model of what Northwood teams can do when they put their mind to it. The classes of players that follow in this team’s wake will always strive for this achievement, forever pursuing the title of best in the nation.

Filed Under: Sports

NFL Playoff Picture

December 10, 2025 by Gavin Kruger

If the playoffs ended today, here is how the bracket would be constructed:

Illustration: Yahoo Sports.

Chew on that image while this article talks about some of the teams you can’t see in this bracket.

On the outside looking in

In the NFC, the teams on the outside looking in are the 49ers, the Panthers, and the Vikings. What is curious about the 9ers is that while they are OUT of the playoffs as of now, they have a higher % -77% – to make the playoffs than the Bears, who are IN the playoffs – 44%. Directly below San Fran are the Carolina Panthers, who have a record of 5-5 (.500). The Panthers’ chances of making the playoffs are very low, at 14%. If Carolina is to win their week 11 matchup against the Falcons, their odds will rise to almost 25%, which, while still unlikely, is doable. However, if Carolina loses, they can all but kiss their chances goodbye, as their chances would drop to 7% with a loss to Atlanta. The last “bubble” team that can claim to have a realistic shot at making the playoffs is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikings sit at 4-5 and have a 16% chance of making the playoffs according to Next Gen Stats. The Vikings sit in the middle of the pack in terms of the most brutal remaining schedule, which is neither here nor there. It is essential to note that they play the Bears once, and the Packers twice – the Bears and Packers are 2 and 1.5 games ahead of the Vikings, respectively.

In the AFC, the bubble teams are the Kansas City Chiefs (5-4), the Houston Texans (4-5), and the Baltimore Ravens (4-5). Not many would have put money on the Kansas City Chiefs being out of the playoffs as of week 11; even fewer would have bet they’d be outside the playoffs at any point in the season. However, don’t worry, Chiefs fans; they have a current playoff probability of 71%, which means they are more likely to make the postseason than miss it. KC has a massive game in week 11 against the 8-2 Broncos; a win would ease talk and speculation, while a loss would set off alarm bells. The Texans are up against it; their QB is questionable with a concussion and has no timetable for his return. The Ravens have clawed their way back into playoff contention. At one point, Baltimore was 1-5 and looked like it was finished; they now sit at 4-5, with a very favorable week 11 matchup against the 2-8 Cleveland Browns.

In the picture

Now that you’ve had some time to digest, let’s briefly cover the postseason as currently calculated. Surprisingly, the Seattle Seahawks hold the #1 seed in the NFC, while the Indianapolis Colts have the top spot in the AFC. In the wildcard round, there are divisional rivalries between the Lions and Packers in the NFC and the Bills and Patriots in the AFC East. The current bubble teams are the Bears and Jaguars; the Bears have shown the potential to be a wild-card team, while the Jaguars have shown they can beat any team. That being said, neither instill the masses with a heightened level of confidence, especially with perennial contenders the Chiefs and 49ers breathing down their necks.

Filed Under: Sports

Prep Team Undefeated at Berkshire Jamboree

December 8, 2025 by Cody Betsch

Just last weekend, the Northwood Huskies Boys’ Prep team went down to Berkshire, Ma. This showcase took place right at the end of the Thanksgiving break, and many of the boys got picked up right from the airport. Coach Mallaro arranged for the boys to get some ice time before the Monday games. Most of the team was there on Saturday, when they traveled to RPI to practice. The next day, they practiced in Berkshire.

The Houston Field House at RPI. Photo provided.

“Getting the practices in before playing is really nice. Everybody went home and relaxed for the week, and getting back on the ice gets our legs back before the games.” Thompson, ’26 said.

hockeyDespite the time on the ice, it took the boys a second to find their legs against a formidable opponent, Kent.

“We scored on the second shift of the game, so I thought we were going to crush them, but we didn’t follow the goal up very well and were pretty slow to start,” said Zach Klaich ’26.

The boys pushed through and ended up tying Kent 3-3, but they had a rapid turnaround to face the home team, Berkshire.

The hockey rink at Berkshire School. Photo provided.

Just 2 hours later, the boys took the ice for their second game of the day. This game was different, though. The boys came out firing on all cylinders and cruised to a dominant 2-0 victory.

“We did everything right that game. Even though we knew we were the better team, we stuck to our system and played the right way. Even though it was only a 2-0 victory, it was the confidence boost we needed heading into next weekend in Rochester.” Kress ’26 said.

All in all, the weekend was a great way to get the boys back into the groove and perfect for getting them ready for the upcoming weekend. The boys will have a lot of challenging games this weekend, and we are all eager to see how they will do.

Filed Under: Sports

Fueling Husky Performance: The Truth About Supplements for Student Athletes

December 5, 2025 by Casey Morrissey

Are Supplements the Secret to Success?

Image: http://www.gearyrehab.com

Walk into any nutrition store or scroll through your social media feed, and you’ll see shelves and advertisements overflowing with protein powders, energy boosters, and “muscle-building” formulas. For student athletes trying to improve their performance, it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s just hype. With practices, games, and classes filling our school days, many young athletes turn to supplements for extra energy or recovery — but which ones are actually worth it?

What Really Works — and What Doesn’t

Experts agree that only a few supplements have proven benefits when used correctly. Protein powder can help athletes who struggle to get enough protein from food, especially during intense training seasons. Creatine monohydrate, one of the most researched supplements, can safely increase strength and power when taken in proper doses. And electrolyte drinks can replace the sodium and potassium lost during sweat-heavy workouts.

Pregame Fuel: What to Take Before You Play

Before any game or workout, what athletes eat and drink can make a major difference in performance. The best pregame “supplement,” experts say, is real food. A balanced meal two to three hours before competition, including complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and hydration, provides steady energy. We usually get some sort of pasta with grilled chicken before a game, which is perfect. For quick fuel closer to game time, a banana, granola bar, or small smoothie can help. “I personally dry scoop pre-workout because I want to feel awake when I play,” says junior Miles Van Mullen. He admits this may not be the best for him because too much caffeine can cause jitters, dehydration, or even nausea. If athletes do choose pregame supplements, simple options like electrolyte mixes or a light carbohydrate drink are safest and most effective. Ultimately, proper pregame nutrition should focus on consistency, not quick fixes.

Student Voices: Learning What Works

I personally take Creatine Monohydrate and vitamins, and I find that they help me perform at my best, not just on the ice but in the classroom as well. I asked Senior Andrew Sherland what he takes, and his supplement regimen includes, “Vitamin D3, Fish Oil( Omega 3), Magnesium L-threonate, Multivitamins,” he said.

Positive Effects of Creatine

Increases muscle strength and power:
Boosts performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities (like sprinting or weightlifting) by replenishing ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is the body’s main energy source.
Enhances muscle growth:
Promotes greater muscle mass when combined with resistance training by increasing water content in muscle cells and supporting protein synthesis.
Improves exercise recovery:
Helps reduce muscle damage and inflammation, speeding up recovery between workouts.
Supports brain health and cognition:
Can enhance mental performance, memory, and fatigue resistance—especially under stress or sleep deprivation.
Aids in certain medical conditions:
Studied as supportive therapy for neurological and muscular disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy) and even for depression and traumatic brain injury.
Boosts endurance and training volume:
Allows you to do more reps or sustain effort longer, indirectly leading to greater long-term fitness gains.
Hydration and thermoregulation benefits:
Improves muscle hydration, which can help with temperature regulation and reduce the risk of cramps.

Magnesium

Main functions: Supports muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, blood sugar control, and bone health.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Main functions: Acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen production (for skin, cartilage, and blood vessels), helps iron absorption, and strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Main functions: Helps make neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine), supports red blood cell production, and is involved in protein and energy metabolism.

Vitamin D

Main functions: Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, critical for bone and muscle health, and supports immune and hormonal balance.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA, ALA)

Main functions:
Support heart and brain health, reduce inflammation, improve mood and cognitive function, and help maintain healthy cell membranes.

Overall, I feel that taking supplements is crucial to perform to your best ability as an athlete, and our athletes at Northwood should take full advantage of their benefits.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Real World, Sports

Three Northwood Girls Compete at 18U Canadian Nationals

December 5, 2025 by Anna Monette

St-Pierre, McLean, and Lachapelle at the Provincial Championships. Photo provided.

In the weeks before Thanksgiving Break, three Northwood girls’ hockey players were away from campus for a very special reason: they were selected to play for their Canadian provincial national teams. Loelie Lachapelle ’26 and Penelope St-Pierre ’27 represented Team Québec, while Summer MacLean ’28 represented Team Atlantic.

The annual tournament brings together the best young female players across Canada, offering a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. For these Northwood athletes, it was not only an opportunity to compete at a high level but also to represent their provinces—and the school—with pride.

“This was definitely a life-changing experience. I was one of the younger girls on the team, which scared me at first, but once I got to know everyone, I really liked the team and we all clicked fast,” said MacLean. MacLean’s team not only made it to the final game, but it was also the first time in history that Team Atlantic had ever reached the championship. “Being a part of a team where we were able to make history is something I’ll never forget. And for the final, since it was in Newfoundland, we had a lot of fans who were really rooting for us to win. Since it was technically our home ice, it was really loud in there—and I loved it,” she added. MacLean and her team finished the tournament with silver medals.

“Winning gold in this tournament after participating for three years in a row and coming up short with a silver medal was surreal. Being able to represent my province and make history was one of my biggest goals, and I finally made it come true,” said Lachapelle, who has been at Northwood for three years and has represented Québec at this tournament each year. “Not only did I win a gold medal, but I also found a second family. My teammates and coaches were always there. When I was going through a rough day, they were going through a rough day. Everyone was a part of a puzzle, and it was what made us so successful in the end. I cannot put into words how proud I am of every single player on my team, and I truly am grateful for the experience.”

“From the very start of the tournament, I could tell we had a winning team,” said St-Pierre. “There was definitely a lot of pressure on me with it being my first time attending this tournament, and because the team had lost in the finals the past two years in a row. That made the feeling of winning even better, and I hope that next year I get invited back and we can bring home the championship again.” She added, “Northwood prepared me well for this tournament, and although this was a life-changing experience, I missed Northwood and am ready to be back and play some Husky hockey.”

These three girls continue to represent the Northwood name with pride.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Hartford Wolfpack Practice in Lake Placid

December 5, 2025 by Owen MacLean

Photo: Hartford Wolf Pack.

After the morning practice on November 5th, the Boys Prep and Varsity teams got a massive surprise on the 1932 rink, when the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack came on the rink after them to practice. The Prep team had the chance to watch the Wolfpack practice before heading back to school.

“I just really liked seeing how skilled everyone was, and they were all extremely dialled. They did not make any mistakes,” noted Charles Pigeon ‘26

The team’s reason for practicing in Lake Placid is unknown, but professional teams have been known to come into town to play on the Olympic rinks to try to break their losing streaks. The Wolfpack have started the season with a losing record of 3-6. So maybe this was a special trip to our local area to try to help out their season. Or it may be because they were making their way north to Montreal, Quebec to play the Laval Rockets on Friday night.

The Hartford Wolfpack is the AHL farm team for the New York Rangers. The team is pretty young, with several really well-known former junior and NCAA players on the Roster. Parker Thompson ’26 is a close family friend of Carey Terrance. “We always grew up together. Our parents are very close. We train together in the off-season, and I hang out with him a lot back home,” said Thompson. Terrance was the captain last season for the OHL’s Erie Otters and gold medal winner at the 2025 World Junior Championships for Team USA. Former OHL champion with the Peterborough Petes and 2023 World Junior Champion for Team Canada, Brennan Othmann, was also on the ice. As well as Gabe Perrault, last year’s Hockey East Champion with Boston College and teammate of Terrance on Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Championships. Perrault would be called up to the New York Rangers later that week.

The opportunity to watch these players up close is a unique experience. Thompson noted, “The main difference between their practice and ours was the nonstop communication between guys. They could also just do things at a lot higher pace.” It’s an opportunity to see up close what it takes to make it to the next level in pro hockey.

While their practice at the Lake Placid Olympic Center did not break their losing streak. The Wolfpack ended up losing 4-2 to the Laval Rocket on Friday night and 2-1 to the Belleville Sens on Saturday night, it hopefully was a fun experience for their players to get a taste of Lake Placid and learn a little bit about the history of the rinks.