East Coast hockey legend, Mike Adessa had a dream, “to build a junior team that actually prepares kids for college, not just college hockey”. Adessa explained, “I wanted to create a holistic college prep program, recruit good hockey players, with good character, and make it a priority to prepare them for the life of a collegiate student athlete. Our focus will be on academics, communication, leadership, ethics, character, nutrition, fitness, and athletics, not just hockey”.
There is only one head coach who could actually pull this off, enter Kurt Mallett, who was excited about the opportunity, “I cannot wait to get started!”.
And boy, did he. After traveling thousands of miles to watch, evaluate, recruit, and sign top players, the team was created. Mallett surprised himself with results of his recruiting efforts and the natural bond the kids developed in the first few weeks, “I am stunned at the quality of young men we have here”.
Good players and good coaching can only mean one thing, but expectations were kept in check since it was a totally new program. However, the team bonded, really became one, on and off the ice. Five months and 32 games later, and the fledgling program is a powerhouse, accumulating a 27-4-1 record against top tier prep schools and junior teams.
The only downside is… “Now, teams are afraid to play us,” explained Mallett. A good problem to have. Next, objective is to begin placing players on college teams; I have 3-4 players placed already and we have not even finished our first season. Stay tuned. And whatever you do, Mallett said, “Don’t underestimate what these guys are capable of, individually or as a team”.
Click for more information about the program, Seacoast College Prep.
The Rinks At Exeter | 40 Industrial Drive | Exeter, NH 03833 | 603-775-7423
