LEARN TO BECOME A STUDENT OF THE GAME
DEVELOPMENT
Intensive hockey development is a driving force at NESA...
On training days, players can expect to be on the ice a
minimum of 8-10 structured hours per week, which includes; 90 minutes per day of team practice, 2 hours per week of professionally taught individual skills training for players and goaltenders. Players will participate in a strength & conditioning off-ice training program 2-3 times per week. In addition, players will have access to open ice to increase their creativity and an unlimited membership to the Owl’s Nest Resort's Fitness Center and other amenities for their leisure and / or recreational use.
EXPOSURE
At NESA you are always on stage...
NESA is a USAH sanctioned independent U19 team which enables us the opportunity to play a challenging, competitive 45+ game schedule, consisting of high-profile North America Showcase tournaments, independent games against US Eastern/Canadian Junior teams, as well as, top level Prep School and Sports Academy hockey competition to ensure prime exposure to college recruiters.
COLLEGE OPPORTUNITIES
Achieving success is a top priority at NESA...
NESA is dedicated and committed to finding the best academic and athletic fit for each of its student athletes. We educate, guide and advise all our players on the college recruiting process, by teaching them the techniques on how to advocate and represent themselves to college coaches. By using our vast network of direct college contacts, we will support and help each player strive to reach their ultimate GOAL of playing college hockey.
Academic success is an essential focus at NESA... The New England Stars Academy recognizes the importance of continuing your education and understands once you’ve graduated from high school your academic transcript is finished. Therefore, we have designed the perfect academic program that is most beneficial for our Postgraduate student athletes. All NESA players will be required to take one online college course per semester. There will be a mandatory supervised study hall twice weekly for all players.
ED HARDING
Director of Hockey / Head Hockey Coach
nestarsacademydirector@thehockeyacademy.com
• NCAA – University of Southern Maine/Hall of Fame 2014
• Professional – ECHL Johnston Chiefs
• Head Coach – Lewiston MAINEiacs - QMJHL - 2007 Won Championship
• Head Coach – University Southern Maine – NCAA – 2014 – 2023
• Head Coach SPA U18 team 2023-2024
JON FONTAS
Skills Consultant
• 1992-Present Co-Founder/Vice Pres. of The Hockey Academy Inc.
• 2011 Co-Founder of New England Wolves Hockey Club
• Playing Career:
- 1974-1978 University of New Hampshire
- 1978-1981 Saginaw Gears IHL / NHL contract Minnesota North stars
- 1981-1985 Finland’s Finnish Elite League
- 1979 IHL American Rookie of the year
• 1997 UNH Hall of Fame
ADDITIONAL ASSISTANT AND SKILL COACHES (TBA)
A STRUCTURED HOCKEY & ACADEMIC LIFESTYLE
WHICH FOSTERS INDEPENDENCE
MORNING
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Practice
10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Skills and Video Sessions
AFTERNOON
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Strength and Conditioning (Owl’s Nest Center)
EVENING
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Study Hall
6:00 p.m.
Dinner
Schedule subject to change without notice due to game / travel schedule
New England Stars Academy's training facilities are located in the White Mountains, in the picturesque ski resort town of Waterville Valley and Owl’s Nest, a 5 star resort in Thornton NH. Our 2 destination resort campuses offer some of the premier amenities in New England, including; our beautiful ice arena with College Style Locker' room with individual stalls and full use of the Fitness Center at Owl’s Nest. All facilities are a short ride from the players' luxury accommodations at the Owl's Nest Resort campus.
visitwatervillevalley.com
owlsnestresort.com
To schedule your on campus visit today,
contact Coach Ed Harding at;
207.754.0120
nestarsacademydirector@thehockeyacademy.com
NESA is A Division of The Hockey Academy Inc. (THA), founded and incorporated in 1992 as a full-service hockey program provider in New England. For over 32 years, THA has been a leader and pioneer in adult recreational hockey leagues for both men and women. We also own and operate two youth organizations, the New England Stars and Maine Wild hockey clubs, and host youth tournaments at our exclusive ice arena in Waterville Valley, NH. These tournaments accommodate over 6,000 players and families annually through 25 events per year. Additionally, since its inception, THA has offered a range of hockey skills clinics and camps for players of all levels, from beginners to college and professional.
