Northwood School Captures the 2025–26 Prep Hockey Conference Championship
In a season defined by resilience, belief, and steady growth, Northwood School completed a remarkable playoff run to capture the 2025–26 Prep Hockey Conference (PHC) Championship. Entering the final weekend as an underdog, Northwood delivered three consecutive inspired performances—each tighter, grittier, and more composed than the last—to claim their first PHC title in school history.
For Head Coach Stephen Mallaro, the magnitude of the achievement was deeply felt.
“Couldn’t be happier for our team and our school. This was our third year in a row reaching the championship game, and it felt great to finally get over the hump. Our group believed in one another from day one, and their goal all season long was to earn the right to play on Sunday. You never know what can happen in the playoffs—every team is so talented and so well coached—but our guys stayed committed and earned every bit of this.”
That belief became evident immediately in Game 1 against St. Andrew’s College, the top‑ranked prep team in Canada. Northwood delivered a defensively airtight performance, limiting SAC’s potent offense and relying on structure and discipline in all three zones. A lone second‑period goal from Charles Pigeon stood as the decisive moment in a tight 1–0 victory, sending Northwood into the semifinal with palpable confidence. [gamesheetstats.com]
Their semifinal showdown against Culver Academies—the top‑ranked U.S. prep program—showcased the Huskies at their best. Northwood struck twice late in the second period, with goals from Pigeon and Miles Van Mullen, seizing control of the game. Pigeon added another early in the third, building enough cushion to withstand a late Culver push in what finished as a 3–2 statement win. The performance was equal parts poise, energy, and belief—exactly the formula of a team rounding into peak form at the perfect moment. [gamesheetstats.com]
The championship matchup maintained that same emotional intensity. Facing a field that included Shattuck‑St. Mary’s, Culver, South Kent, and St. Andrew’s, Northwood had already traveled the hardest possible road. They met the final challenge with the same commitment that defined their weekend—structured defensive play, unwavering trust in their bench depth, and a calm, composed third period that secured their long‑awaited PHC title.
Reflecting on what it took to reach the mountaintop, Coach Mallaro emphasized both the difficulty of the journey and the excellence of the competition:
“We didn’t have an easy road, and that’s what makes this championship so special. We beat the No. 1 team in Canada (St. Andrew’s) and the No. 1 (Culver) and No. 2 (Shattuck) teams in the United States to win our first PHC title. That speaks volumes about the level of the programs in this league. The Prep Hockey Conference continues to be the best‑on‑best competition in North America, and we’re proud to be champions in a league of this caliber.”
For a team that had twice reached the championship game only to fall short, this year’s triumph was more than a title—it was the culmination of unwavering belief, shared purpose, and the courage to chase down the goals they set months earlier.
On a weekend full of signature moments and standout performances, one sentiment rang true throughout the program: Northwood didn’t just win the championship—they earned it every step of the way.
