PREP HOCKEY - FACTS & MYTHS
By Damon White
Varsity Hockey Coach - Hotchkiss School
Reprinted with permission of the Prep School Hockey Guide

We would like to respond to some of the most frequently asked questions about prep schools and prep school hockey. What is this school world all about?

What are prep schools?

Prep schools are private, college-preparatory schools, usually running from the ninth through the twelfth grade. Many are boarding schools, where students reside on the campus in dormitories, much the same as a university, and some are day schools, where students return home to their families each evening. The schools run in size from 150 to 1000+ students, with most schools falling in the 250-to-500 range. Most prep schools are coed, but there are some have had the advantage of a low student-teacher ratio, allowing for a more personalized approach to education.

Are all schools roughly the same?

No. Using the college/university model as an analogy, there are differences among the prep schools just as there are differences among the universities. Some are big, and some are small; some have extremely competitive admission standards, and some have more flexibility in the range of students they can accept. The level of academic intensity and the breadth of the academic program varies from school to school, but, generally speaking, a student going on to the university level with one or more years of prep school experience has a distinct advantage in terms of the development of study skills, the maturity that comes from having lived away from home (in the case of boarding schools), and the foundation of knowledge that he takes with him to the next level. By doing a little research using this book, you should be able to target schools that meet your academic and hockey goals.

Where are these schools located?

Around the United States, with the heaviest concentration in New England. In the New England area, for example, there are fifty-eight prep schools who are members of the New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association.

Why is prep school hockey so strong?

University and pro scouts return year after year to watch the prep schools in action, and many recognize the prep school level as among the best for this age group. Since schools attract players from around North America and beyond, there is a kind of all-star system in effect. In addition, there is a great deal of ice time available during the season. Most prep schools own and operate their own rinks, and, as a result, their teams get ample ice time every day. Typically, a prep school team will practice for one and a half to two hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and play games on Wednesday and Saturday. Many schools have open ice on Saturday evenings and Sundays for those who want to sharpen their skills. Most schools are within easy driving distance of one another, making travel to and from games a simple affair. Because these schools have the ice time that local high schools struggle to afford, top players from all over the United States, Canada and Europe actively seek admission.

How do the hockey levels vary?

There is something out there for virtually every interested hockey player. Some programs are highly competitive, and some have quite a variety of ages and skill levels on the roster. The ideal combination is a school with a program that fits both your academic and your hockey skill levels.

How do I seek admission?

Call or write the admission office at the schools of your choice. You will receive general information on the schools along with the necessary application materials. Depending on the school, the admission process resembles the university process. You most likely will have to take the SSAT (the Secondary Scholastic Aptitude Test) or the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), submit a transcript of your recent academic record, and submit recommendations from one or more teachers. Again depending on the school, an on campus visit, tour, and interview may also be encouraged or required.

When does the admission process start?

It generally starts in the fall and winter prior to the next September's enrollment, but schools sometimes have openings later in the year. Even the most competitive schools occasionally have openings in the late spring or even summer.

What about financial aid?

Private education tends to be expensive, but virtually all schools have a financial aid program. The methods for calculating financial aid vary from school to school. Some give aid based on demonstrated financial need; others target aid for specific needs within the school: top scholars, athletes, musicians, etc. The admission office should be able to inform you of what system they use.

Will prep school hockey get me exposure with university scouts?

Yes. The prep school circuit is perhaps the most heavily recruited high school league in the United States. Former prep players dot university rosters around the country, and many prep players have gone on to the National Hockey League and minor pro leagues.

Will I get the chance to play at the prep school I select?

Yes, no and maybe. It depends on the school, and it depends on your ability. Some schools (not many) will guarantee you a spot on their roster, but most select their teams on a tryout basis. This is the tricky part of the prep school experience. In track and field or swimming, for example, you could readily determine how you compare with others in your age group around the world. Times and distances are concrete. You would know if you would come in as the best runner or swimmer on the campus. Hockey is different. You may be among the best where you are, but where might you fit in at the prep school level? Our advice is simple: if you have high goals in hockey, go for the best program available.

If your goal is just to play hockey, go for a program where you are sure you can step in and play. (If you genuinely want to play at the Division I, II, or III college level, you must first be able to play at a competitive prep school level.)

What year is best to go away?

Players can have a good experience going away for any combination of years. We have seen four year players have great prep school and university careers, and we have seen post graduates greatly benefit from their additional year. It really depends on your situation. If you have run out of competition at home, if your grades are beginning to suffer as a result of fatiguing travel schedules, or if you are eager to move on to the next level, right now is the best time to look around. If you can see several more years of progress ahead of you in your local program and you are satisfied with your academic program, then you should probably wait.

There are wonderful opportunities for academic and hockey growth in the prep schools. Call for admission brochures, call prep coaches to discuss their programs, ask the advice of university coaches, and try to question former players and parents on their experiences in prep school. Take the initiative; a whole new world may open to you!