North American Hockey Academy

CURRENT & FORMER PLAYERS -  feel free to contact them via email for more information or with specific questions.

 I just wanted to say thank you. You both have done so much for me. You helped me reach my two biggest goals in life - becoming a Division I student athlete and making the USA U18 Team - and I would have never been able to do that with out your support and help. You believed in me and helped me believe in myself. You gave me three amazing years at Naha and I cannot thank you enough. If there is any way that I can help out or give back to Naha I would love to.

Kaliya Johnson, Chandler AZ, Boston College
kaliyalise@gmail.com

I just wanted to take a minute this morning  to thank you for an incredible 6 months for our daughter.  I don’t think there could have been anything that we could have done for her that NAHA would not have exceeded.  And there was hockey on top of it all...  What more could you ask for!  As friends of mine say that I explain it to, “Mike, that is the perfect scenario!”.

The growth experience for her was something that she will always have, her dorm mates, the traveling, the independence, the personalities from across the country, the responsibility, the exposure for her, and on and on.

Can’t wait for her to be back there.  I wear my NAHA jacket proudly and tell the story where ever I go.  

Thanks Again,

Mike Giuttari
giuttari@me.com

 The North American Hockey Academy has changed my life entirely. Not only helping to develop me as a player, but as a person. NAHA and the staff are the only people I have to thank for that. Coming to NAHA I learned the true meanings of responsibility, time management, cooperation, and most of all dedication. To leave home for what only seemed to be an unattainable dream to play at my highest level of hockey, quickly became a reality.

Walking into NAHA a teammate told me, "It's hockey heaven here." And that's exactly what it has been. Eat, sleep and breath hockey. You are given every tool to make yourself a better player. Not only did NAHA help me to make great strides on the ice, but to obtain a strong mental state.

When those few five months, which seemed like forever at one point, slowly start to come to an end, you try to find a way to make it stop. You're reminded that those days of traveling, hours of practicing, weeks of studying, and miserable moments of weight lifting were all worth it.

In no way can I ever thank NAHA for what it has given me. It was an unbelievable experience to play and represent NAHA. NAHA has given me a second chance, and helped me to stay focused on my goals.

When you're driving down Mountain Road and you spot that North American Hockey Academy sign… you know you're home. Thanks for everything. Words cannot explain.

Maggie Hunt, Naperville IL, University of New Hampshire
maggiehunt@sbcglobal.net

NAHA . . . I don't even know where to begin. It has changed my life. I have met so many people at NAHA that I will know forever. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I first went to NAHA. But it is everything a top hockey player can dream of. Playing hockey everyday with top notch talent, hanging with friends that become your family, committed coaches, delicious food and of course, a great education sums up the NAHA experience. I feel that I have unlimited opportunities for College and beyond based on what NAHA has given me. I am amazed at my development in just 5 months, both as a hockey player and as a person.
After finishing my first year this past spring, I didn't realize how much I would miss NAHA. I can't wait to return next year. Naha is by far the best experience of my life.
Paige Savage, Carrollton TX, 2012 NAHA Graduate
psavage28@hotmail.com 

 I wanted you all to know that Ali's letter of acceptance to Princeton came yesterday on her 18th birthday and she got to read it on line as we celebrated at sunset, eating dinner at a great spot on the beach. They had 27,000 applicants and took 8% and Ali was one of them and that was in no small part thanks to your efforts and support over theses last two years. Some people work their whole lives and have very little to show for their toil. You guys boost 40 lives-a-year into the next generation by giving them an opportunity to do something they love to excess while keeping an eye on the big picture. I wanted to say thanks from Diane and me for helping my kid stand out in that pool of 27,000. 

Well done. Celebrate your part in it with us.

Rich Pankowski
panko57@mac.com

“I had the greatest time of my life at NAHA.

The North American Hockey Academy helped me reach my individual goals along with teaching me the team concept of hockey.

Coming to NAHA allowed for me to take my game to the next level. Everyday at NAHA you are competing against the best young female hockey players in the country. Competing at such a high level everyday forces you to be the best you can be everyday.

The coaching staff at NAHA cares about each individual and has their best interest at mind. Without NAHA I do not think I could have attended the University of Wisconsin or help lead The USA U-18 national team to the World Championship in 2008.

I’ll miss NAHA terribly!”

-Brooke Ammerman, River Vale NJ,  University of Wisconsin
chickpuckbla44@yahoo.com

“The girls, the teachers, the administration, and the coaches at NAHA are the best. The hockey experience in my area was not going to help me reach my goals. Bill’s not only a great coach, but a wonderful college counselor. He worked with my family and I to make the best decision. I am very happy, and would recommend NAHA as a great steppingstone to college."

-Katelyn Kurth, High Bridge, NJ Boston College
icehunny22@yahoo.com

“NAHA was like living with a big family for the season. I never imagined I’d become as close as I did to the other players and my coaches. I was a long way away from home, and couldn’t have been more comfortable. Everyone goes out of their way to make sure you’re doing well, you understand and do well in your classes and excel in hockey. I’ve never learned so much about the game, the coaching was great."

-Randi Motsko, Fairbanks AK,  Captain, University of North Dakota
randi32@hotmail.com

“… NAHA helped me with my college choices, and I chose U Minnesota-Duluth, where I've been on two National Championship teams. I was selected to the U.S. Under-22 Team that participated in Montreal, Quebec against Canada's U-22. My dream came true when I got to play on the U.S. Select National Team. I honestly believe that none of this would have come about if I had not attended NAHA …I hope it has been illustrated that a good program not only needs elite athletes, but also an elite coach. Bill Driscoll knows hockey, defensively, offensively, and in detail. As young adults and students of the game, young women need exceptional coaching and mentors. NAHA has both in Bill Driscoll. Bill will help any player who shows interest in being the best they can be.”

-Julianne Vasichek, Great Falls MT Univ. Minnesota-Duluth
jewels_go4gold@hotmail.com