Winchendon, MA: Today, The Winchendon School announced that for the 2023-2024 season the girls ice hockey program will move to the extended season, USA Hockey format with 16U and 19U teams and a nationally competitive hockey schedule. The move to this program will allow Winchendon to better meet its student-athletes’ goals of preparing to play at the highest collegiate level while pursuing a rigorous and innovative academic program. The Winchendon School is known for its experiential learning and a strong record of college placement.
Under the leadership of Director of Hockey, Coach Jeff Pellegrini, the School announced the formation of 16U and 19U full-season hockey teams starting with the 2023-2024 season.
“We would be excited if every NEPSAC school added teams at the 16U and 19U level – because it will a)best serve the students, and b)again attract the best prospects back to NEPSAC schools. Everything from cognitive research to what we hear from the coaches at the university programs suggests that student-athletes will benefit from this new strategy. Under the current structure, the most aspirational female student-athletes are forced to stitch together a mishmash of different hockey and academic programs – almost always resulting in compromise and unnecessary anxiety, expense and travel. Winchendon’s new program will eliminate much of that shuttling between programs and allow the students well-integrated academics, athletics, and conditioning throughout the year. It’s about a higher quality high school experience and less stress!”
Pellegrini continued, “We believe this approach will bring the best players back to the prep school model – over the past few years we’ve watched players leave to play at “hockey academies” at the expense of their education. We believe this model is the best of both worlds, a full season schedule wrapped around an education first philosophy.”
Since the girls ice hockey program’s inaugural season at The Winchendon School, team members have enjoyed strong matriculation to highly competitive colleges and universities where they’ve enjoyed continuing their playing careers. With this program in New England, we’re looking forward to more of our student-athletes achieving their goal of playing at the highest level.
Since 1926, The Winchendon School has inspired, empowered, and elevated each student by creating a joyful and transformative learning experience, resulting in graduates who are better prepared for a lifetime of success. With a boarding and day campus near Boston and a day campus in NYC, The Winchendon School provides unmatched opportunities for students in grades 9 – 12, plus PG students.
“This is an incredible move forward for our School and program. We are thrilled the leadership at The Winchendon School recognizes the opportunity to develop competitive student-athletes and a national program,” added Pellegrini.
For more information, please contact Jeff Pellegrini at 978-297-7905.
