Top 20 Private Hockey Schools (2021)

Enjoy our List of the Top 20 Private Hockey Schools in the United States
A few years ago we produced a list of the Top 20 Hockey Schools in the US and much has changed. So we are very excited to produce our updated list of the Top 20 Private Hockey Schools in The United States:
Benilde St. Margaret's
Phillips Academy Andover
Academy of Holy Angels
Kent School
Cushing Academy
The Gunnery
Avon Old Farms
Breck School
Northwood School
Thayer Academy
Kimball Union Academy
St. Thomas Academy
Loomis Chaffee School
Mount Saint Charles Academy
Salisbury School
South Kent School
Hill-Murray School
Culver Academy
Bishop Kearney
Shattuck St. Mary's

[@bjbhehir]

I played at KUA #10 back in the early 80's, time flies!! I'm almost 60 and I'm still playing!!

[@justprestn]

i play culver today boys. wish me luck

[@jamesmihaley3228]

And how did that work out for you? Ahhahah good luck brotha.

[@donaldblankenship8057]

At 13 min 18 seconds, they showed Livermore Dorm and library at Holderness School in Plymouth NH. That was my school for 3 years. It was also a great hockey and soccer school.

[@matthewnelson5585]

Hello Culturama: I Love your School Hockey List for the one and the One you did in 2015. I wanted to ask though In Addition to these schools what do you think about Brunswick and Dexter who are also in the NEPSIHA & may I also include Rivers which is in the ISL.

[@renski1492]

My son moved from one of the Academies in your ranking to one of the NE prep schools in your ranking. There is no comparison. Every week in NE Prep you face a strong opponent. The kids are all bigger, stronger and many are much older with the PG program. A NE Prep game is so much more intense. It’s very much like MN hockey and big reason why so many kids from such a small geographical area end up going on to D1 and beyond.

[@lilypfefferle7525]

I need to put this out into the world. The fact that both Hill Murray and Saint Thomas play in the metro east conference is totally unjust! I went to North St. Paul high school and for those of you who know that conference, you know what I’m talking about. It’s an absolute slaughter every time! I feel like there should be some alternative conference for them to compete in, especially in hockey. As someone who played three sports for NSP I can humbly confirm that we sucked at virtually every sport. However, I know the difference between getting beat by a good team, and getting absolutely demolished by 6 foot demigods. Just something to consider…

[@genralrevelation7588]

“Gorgeous Woonsocket, RI” made me laugh

[@tanetane2207]

Lol love that rink

[@travisolsen3943]

I played my freshman year at Shattuck, great program and beautiful school

[@garrettmorris8587]

One of my best friends plays jv as a freshman at Salisbury

[@KMK7355]

My nephews Burlington High squads were also significantly impacted by Belmont Hill as Mark and Scott Fusco both went to Belmont Hill. They also lost 4 forwards to Austin Prep in the 1976-77 season, one a senior, who played at Providence for one year and another a junior who played at Army. In 1976-77, they lost to Matignon 6-5, with Mark Fidler of Matignon scoring the winning goal with 17 seconds left after Burlington rallied from being down 5-2 at the start of the 3rd period. My nephews team, including him played 8 Sophomores regularly. After they lost, more than half his HS Team joined their Burlington Midget team with Mark Fusco and 3 of the Austin Prep kids and won the USA Hockey Midget Nationals, beating AAA teams from Metro Detroit, Metro Chicago and Metro Seattle. The next year, 1977-78 Burlington avenged their loss to Matignon beating them in 2OT in the EMass Finals but then lost the State Finals to Hudson in OT. The Midget team again with Mark Fusco, repeated as National Champions with almost all the other players, from the Burlington HS squad. His senior year, 1978-79 they and Matignon were the top 2 seeds in the EMass tourney. They got paired against St. John's Prep in the QF at Boston Garden and lost 3-2. It was an upset and Burlington definitely outplayed SJP but in today's parlance were goalied by David Howell. My nephew scored the last goal in that game and the last goal scored by that group of Burlington kids who won 2 National Midget Championships and an EMass Championship. They were also State Pee Wee Champions and State Bantham Champions once. Had they had Mark Fusco in 1976-77 through 1978-79, and Scott Fusco in 1978-79, its a pretty good bet they win at least one State Title, maybe 3 in a row. So Belmont Hill and Matignon really threw sand in the gears of those Burlington HS teams.

[@chrisa1441]

I played D1 prep for Thomas. Chris was no joke at Cushing.

[@dominicdimascia2590]

The Hotchkiss School (Lakeville, CT)

[@victorgil2649]

Could you please comment on which of the schools is best combo of academics and hockey program.

[@Joepug96]

That would go to many of the Founders league schools. Choate was not on the list but im sure was not far off and they are usually #1 academically. Other than that Andover is usually right behind them and they did make the list. Graduates from schools that caliber usually make ivy league schools.

[@KMK7355]

My brother was the starting goalie his senior year of 1968-69 coming off a junior year where the second half of his Junior year was splitting time with the Senior goalie who was All Middlesex League All Star the year before, he was a very good goalie as was my brother. During my brothers senior year Coach Jim Bell came to our house and recruited my brother. Unfortunately my brothers team finished 9-5-1 and 3rd in the Middlesex. You needed 75% of your points or finish in 2nd place to make The Emass Tourney. My brothers team lost to Belmont Hill a future Harvard All American and NHL player in Bob McManama who graduated same year as my brother, as well as future Harvard center Leigh Hogan who was a Sophomore when my brother was a senior. They also lost another forward on the Belmont Hill varsity in Gord Scannell who was also a Sophomore. So 3 forwards, two of them centers. They also lost Tim Ready to St. Sebastian another good forward. In an era of 12 minute periods just losing McManama and Hogan alone cost them 3 losses and the tie. So they were looking at something like 13-2 as opposed to 9-5-1. Having everyone, it is no stretch to say they were completely capable of challenging Melrose who played Needham in the EMass Finals and having a deep run of their own. My brother played Belmont Hill and Needham that year, losing to Belmont Hill with the 3 Belmont guys already mentioned 6-4 and Needham 4-0. Neither McManama or Robbie Ftorek scored against my brother but unfortunately for him Steve Dagdigian and John Homer did, frequently with Ftorek and McManama collecting many primary assists...lol.

[@ivanmyronyuk3393]

Gentry MN?

[@jtbonilla.1077]

i’ve been waiting

[@trevorhowell6575]

This list looks nothing like the first list, very interesting how things have changed in just a few years.... Thanks for the list, but last time you showed more of the hockey program, not just the compass which I could get off of Google maps. Now if someone could only put a college list together.

[@bigsteve032291]

My cousin attended the Kent School with Seth McFarlane

[@grantimo12]

could you do best 2009 birth year teams in the country

[@djs2332]

Phillips Andover but no Phillips Exeter?

[@KMK7355]

My sons 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons were impacted by Austin Prep, Malden Catholic and even Shawsheen Tech. My sons Junior year they were the #6 Super Eight seed. They & Hingham were the last two Public Schools remaining in the Super 8 and met in a knockout game. They both were the highest rated Public School teams from mid January on and played earlier in the year playing to a 1-1 draw. Hingham won in a shootout 8-6. Quite the reversal from the 1-1 tie. My sons team wasn't the only PS team to lose players. Hingham lost Brian Boyle, Milton lost a couple of D1 players and South Boston lost about 4 D1 players including Regan and Coughlin and a D1 player at PC. My sons team lost their two top returning dmen, one before the season started to concentrate on baseball and the other being murdered in February (Super Bowl weekend). Coupled with losing an Austin Prep top 3 dman and future UMass Lowell Captain Kory Falite made going further than they did impossible. In fact given the tragedy earlier and players lost it was a Herculean feat what they did accomplish. His senior year, 2002-03 is when they really felt the losses of Falite, Rosa, Jamieson and Alex Souza. They didn't have nearly the depth as his Junior year, as they graduated 4 of their top 6 forwards. Falite, Jamieson and Rosa (Catholic Conference All Star) along with two very good players from Shawsheen Tech were players they needed. Falite, Souza, Rosa and Jamieson and they make the Super 8 and maybe upset a Catholic school like they did Austin Prep the year before. His senior year of is when they really felt the impact of losing My sons team

[@KMK7355]

They lost in the State D1 Tourney to St. John's(S) in 2002-03.

[@ryankubista]

Toledo St. Francis and Cleveland St. Ignatius

[@user-ux7rb4dt1o]

Make Canadian prep school

[@austinmathre4205]

yessir SSM

[@rianmeisner1521]

Do this for Canadian schools aswell

[@hbradley7857]

Yes

[@pridemarketing9148]

Great list but not sure how LC is ranked ahead of Avon Old Farms

[@ModernNursery]

Interesting list but Avon old farms being as low as ranked and below Loomis and Salisbury in the same league is just wrong. Not to mention the other regional high schools. Coach Gardner is a legend and built a powerhouse.

[@austinguhl7468]

So true. There’s a few head scratchers on the list but Avon and Mount Saint Charles not being top 5 is borderline criminal

[@jjk028]

Mount St Charles is the most successful sports program in the USA.

[@michaelchiellino7075]

What happened to Gilmour Academy?

[@CulturamaJoe]

Still love Gilmour! Just not in the Top 20 for 2021

[@Meatballpizza31]

Berkshire?

[@itstrellz9]

I played at SSM I was actually in that clip. Go Sabres!

[@KB-pg8wj]

What about Breakaway academy

[@nikschannel9345]

Belmont hill

[@robwasilewski9273]

Noticed more new England and Minnesota schools

[@wgg6188]

Grandson plays for Mount Saint Charles.

[@homeofhockey7071]

Wow no Brian bared. My dad played against him and he said he was awsome. And he also made the nhl

[@steelertalk]

i was wondering how many pubic schools that have hockey program

[@crewrocks15]

I attended Salisbury

[@thedumopps129]

GO SARUM

[@colewrege9169]

I’m coming in a couple weeks

[@jacobguille472]

Gentry academy?

[@AssistantToTheRegionalManager]

Shoresy here from your favourite TV series Shoresy (and Letterkenny). Go look up the alumni and success of Notre Dame Hounds in Canada. That's a place worth doing a video on. Then do one on all the incredibly beautiful women in Sudbury. Time to go feed Big Sexy.

[@wisco_dadof4]

Bring back minor hockey mayhem

[@CulturamaJoe]

I'm working on it Sean - thank you for the reminder. :)

[@CulturamaJoe]

Leave a comment if you play for the hockey teams mentioned, attend the schools listed, teach, or coach at any of these awesome schools. Likewise - if you think we missed a private school with a superior hockey program - be sure and let us know!

[@mollybevan4432]

My dad went to shattuck

[@user26954]

Dexter should be here

[@ziggysmith4382]

Play at kimball Union academy

[@lincolntaylor1657]

I attend Salisbury School

[@colewrege9169]

I will next year

[@Niko-vh8jh]

no way u gonna put bishop Kearny in there but not Nichols prep

[@rbaish]

Nichols snubbed again.

[@sjcrowley19]

I feel like mount Saint Charles should be here

[@nolanwatts8084]

Trinity Pawling?

[@trumpwonandyouknowit]

Haha You forgot Chicago Catholic League... Notorious for Hockey, Football, Baseball, Wresting, Baseball state championships. Also you miss Northern Illinois public high schools just as good or better.

[@yrnwilson5905]

Im sorry, but any academy except Shattuck should be below every Prep School let alone and founders league team. Prep Schools field split season teams that do not practice and still consistently beat every academy listed. Also, I’ve seen prep schools play teams like Northwood as their opening season game and wipe them with only four practices under their belt. The comparison between academies and prep schools should not even be on the same list. Avon not in the top five is insulting to every player thats been on that team or been unlucky enough to play them.

[@lukeward3479]

Pope francis?

[@Henrymillhon7]

No shattuck is crazy

[@kentporter8107]

Pretty sure Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter NH belongs in there somewhere.

[@snaker9873]

Do public schools.

[@CulturamaJoe]

Oooh. Good idea. Off hand, I’d say Edina HS would be high on the list.

[@snaker9873]

@@CulturamaJoe Unfortunately, yes. Ha.

[@johnknope1664]

It would probably be a 10 minute video of Minnesota high school hockey. Lol.

[@bill649]

Every school in the founders league should be on this list over schools like Mount. You have Loomis, AOF and Kent but what about Taft, Trinity Pawling, Choate and Hotchkiss…. MSC play’s a Rhode Island public school schedule…they would get throttled by any Founders team

[@williamolsen1089]

Mount would blow out most of these prep schools. RI is small but has some very good competition, often a lot more so than founders league.

[@bill649]

@@williamolsen1089 that’s just simply not true…it’s not the 80’s or 90’s anymore. Founders League is loaded with D1 commits and consistently has kids in every NHL draft . Rhode Island has many talented players but they leave RI to play juniors or go to NEPSAC/ISL prep schools. Bet you can’t name a single MSC player in the last 10 years who’s gone directly from there to a D1 program without a year for prep or Juniors.

[@bill649]

@@williamolsen1089 and no disrespect to RI, there are so many legends from the state. I played my college hockey in RI and played with a lot of guys who were studs at schools like Bishop, Mount and Tollgate. But they all had to PG at a prep school before going to college.

[@KMK7355]

Bill, When did you play HS hockey? I am going to assume I am a lot older than you. Probably 30-35 years older. Though I grew up in Mass. I can remember The NE HS Hockey Tourney when MA schools like Melrose and Arlington participated against St. Dom's of Lewiston. RI peak for hockey was in the late 60's thru 1982-83. Legendary families, who played at public high schools. The Bennett's and Cavanagh's at Cranston which also produced 2 players on the 1972 US Olympic team in Tom Mellor (NHL) and Tim Reagan. A 3rd should have been Joe Cavanaugh who was one the best US HS players in the mid 60's. The Wilson's played at E. Providence HS 1970-71 through 1973-74 and Ron Wilson was the best dman playing HS in the US in 1972-73. In Mass all you heard was about Dukie Walsh but Wilson was absolutely a better player. Wilson was on the 1976 US Olympic Team which he left before the Olympics while being by far the highest producing Dman. For such a small state it produced fantastic hockey players right up through Brian Lawton and David Quinn in 1982-83.

[@bill649]

@@KMK7355 Correct, I’m 37 and played 2 years of New England public school and 2 years of New England Prep before playing in the NCAA. Trust me, I know Mounts insane history through the 80’s and 90’s. RI had amazing players from my time who played at Tollgate, Mount and BH had to transfer to NE prep, Post Grad or Jr’s in order to play in college. The public/private school skill leval was not there to go straight to college like the 80’s and 90’s.

[@Nick-wu8mq]

We swept northwood 5-0 this year smh

[@agthomson8369]

1 year does not make a program

[@sportsworld8635]

DUDE. You ranked hockey academies ahead of real prep schools. Also. You did a terrible job ranking the NE schools

[@haydenmarshall1824]

No NJ teams I mean at least do Princeton day

[@CGAWFA]

1 ISL school??????

[@nfyf7970]

Are they just hockey

[@fjr1799]

Some have several sports, South Kent has basketball for example.

[@cristiancolle2493]

Do a Canadian version

[@scottlawson7854]

Lol there is a reason why Crosby went to an American school. Unbelievable how nice the facilities and campuses are compared to up here. Great video!

[@808lloyd]

@@scottlawson7854 I always thought the american experience would be superior, more practice, more coaching, better facilities, dedicated school hockey. We obviously have fantastic coaches and players ( in Ontario which is my domain) but it's not easy. Plug and play would be easier than politics, skill coaches, summer teams etc no?

[@scottlawson7854]

@@808lloyd yep I would agree, Politics I’m sure is a factor anywhere, I’ve coached around AAA programs, here in MB, and unfortunately it’s not always the best players that are making the teams - parent clicks, money, etc has a lot of pull which is unfortunate, but reality. I’m not sure how those schools are run in the US, are parents paying big money to have their kids in these schools? Or is there some sort of scholarship opportunities? Not sure if you’d know either?

[@808lloyd]

@@scottlawson7854 : They do seem to have some pretty outstanding assistance for sports in the USA that we don't have...probably a combination? I don't even blame the politics 100% on the parents...Hockey Canada and these other governing bodies need a do-over.... I don't know how we are lucky enough to have parents and non-parent volunteers endure some of the garbage in order to work a door for lower levels. Secretly I'm jealous, I went to sleep away hockey camp at a private school one summer and that is the way to play hockey! Am practice, team meals, classes and dryland and a game in the evening...that would mimic your life at these schools.

[@scottlawson7854]

@@808lloyd yeah I think you’re probably right. there was only really day camps when I played and there was so many kids we spent most of the time standing around. Yeah very lucky for volunteers in the hockey community, especially in a small town, parents taking canteen shifts etc. the school where I’m from just started a “breakfast club” program where kids show up at school around 7am ish and are fed breakfast and bussed to the rink for skills practice and bussed back to school for the start of class. All put on by volunteers. Hoping programs like that catch on more.

[@connor_fitzpatrick]

no respect to joey daccord from cushing

[@mylesleung3047]

First

[@KMK7355]

I mean no ill willl to the many graduates of these fabulous Prep and Catholic HS programs. However, I hate you SOB's...lol. I have had the misfortune to witness my older brother, my nephew and son lose actual either NHL talent off my brothers and nephews teams or in my sons seasons, two Hockey East forwards, one was a Captain of his Hockey East squad. My brother was impacted in the 1967-68 and 1968-69 season. However my brothers 1968-69 season was impacted worse while my nephews 1976-77 through 1978-79 seasons were impacted about equally. My son's teams impact was worse in 2002-03 when combined with the top 3 PS programs Hingham, Arlington and Chelmsford, having their top forward who all played D1 hockey, being players who should have graduated the prior year as they all were retained a year earlier in their schooling.

[@KMK7355]

Two were retained for athletic reasons as they were small for their original class, not academics. I have no idea about the other.

[@aidsyu]

🤣🤣🤣

[@evanwiliams9862]

My sister goes to Andover. I'm in 7th grade and next up.

[@jtbonilla.1077]

evan u play hockey in florida right, i play alliamce and i saw u this weekend w the shirt on lolll

[@jtbonilla.1077]

i was wondering if u we’re gonna go there and when i saw it on the list i thought of u