Philadelphia Hockey Academy

09/18/2026

Hockey is the vehicle, but the goal is much bigger than hockey.

At PHA, we’re not just trying to help kids become better players. We’re trying to help them become more capable young people.

That means learning how to manage their academics, communicate with adults, advocate for themselves, handle expectations, work through setbacks, be accountable to teammates, take care of their bodies, manage their time, and gradually take more ownership of their lives.

The rink is part of that. The classroom is part of that. The gym is part of that. Our service curriculum is part of that. Our leadership curriculum is part of that. Our nutrition curriculum is part of that. The conversations in between are part of it too.

We’re proud of the hockey outcomes our students have had, but some of the results we value most aren’t measured in goals, points, or commitments. A number of our former students have gone on to wear letters on their jerseys as NCAA athletes. To us, that matters. Leadership, accountability, maturity, and being someone others trust are exactly the qualities we’re trying to develop here every day.

Some of our students will take hockey further than others. But every one of them should leave here better prepared for whatever comes next.

That’s the part most people don’t really see until they’re a part of it.

And it’s a big part of what we’ve built here.

09/11/2026

Twenty five years have passed, and everyday life resumed a long time ago. But the world changed that morning, and for the families and friends of those we lost, September 11 will never feel distant.

The voicemails are still painful to think about, knowing the people leaving them just wanted their families to know they loved them. We also remember the courage of those who ran toward danger to save others, knowing they might never see their own families again.

One way we can honor the people we lost that day is to appreciate all the good in our world and the people we have beside us.

We remember those we lost and honor those who risked everything to help. We will never forget. 🇺🇸

09/09/2026

We didn’t spend the first day reading rules off a wall. We got out of the building, onto the river, and started building the kind of group that will push each other, and grow together all year.

A few new faces, a few overturned canoes, and a great way to start Year 9.

We are so back.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day to PHA’s mascot and everyone’s favorite big guy, Jagr! 🐾💙

We’re pretty sure he’s as ready for another year at PHA as we are.

And as we get ready to start another year, we want to wish all the members of the PHA family heading off to prep school and college the very best. We’re proud of you, and will miss having you around!

08/10/2026

For many young players, hockey has become a major part of their lives.

They practice several nights a week, travel many weekends, and leave school early for games. They still love their school friends, but more of their time is spent somewhere else.

Nothing is wrong with that. Their journey is simply different.

So we asked a different question.

What would their day look like if it were designed around the life they’re already living?

That’s a big part of why we created the Philadelphia Hockey Academy.

Our student athletes have time to train with purpose and the structure to become more independent students.

Through structured independence, they learn to manage their workload, plan their days, communicate when they need help, and take ownership of their education.

We also don’t want their world getting smaller because they love hockey. Through service and personal growth, we get them outside the hockey bubble, seeing the world around them and developing empathy for others.

Academics. Hockey. Independence. Friendships. Mentors. Service. Family.

Instead of competing for their time, we bring those things together.

They’re not leaving school early again wondering how much class they’ll miss. They’re surrounded by friends and adults who understand their lives.

Maybe that’s why they jump out of bed wanting to get here.

Why they ask to come in on days we’re closed.

And why, year after year, they tell us:

“I wish the school year wasn’t ending.”

Here’s the part that sometimes gets lost.

People assume the Philadelphia Hockey Academy is hockey training with some school work sprinkled in.

It’s not.

We’re absolutely a hockey development program. Our student athletes train every day to become better players and go as far as their ability and ambition can take them.

But they’re developing much more than hockey skills.

They’re becoming more independent students, building relationships, developing empathy, and still getting to enjoy being young.

Because if hockey were the only thing they were getting better at, we’d feel like we missed the point.

08/06/2026

Every year, more local families send their children away to chase hockey dreams at younger ages.

Meanwhile, families there are doing the same thing.

Eventually, teams are filled with players who grew up somewhere else.

There’s nothing wrong with that when families believe it’s best for their child. For many, it isn’t about wanting to send them away. It’s about believing that’s what it takes to reach the next level.

Maybe that’s just how youth hockey works today.

Maybe.

We honestly don’t know.

But we wonder if we’ve started confusing getting somewhere faster with getting somewhere better.

Many believe every player has to reach the highest ranked team as quickly as possible. Sometimes it is the right move. But the best team on paper isn’t always the best place to develop.

We’ve seen players leave first line minutes, special teams, and leadership to join a higher ranked team in a smaller role.

Sometimes that’s right.

Sometimes it isn’t.

As parents of four children, we’re happiest when our family is together. So when we came across a statistic suggesting that about 90 percent of the time we’ll ever spend with our children happens before they turn 18, it hit us hard.

Early morning drives.

Family dinners.

Conversations after practice.

The ordinary moments that become memories.

We created the Philadelphia Hockey Academy to give local families another option.

A place where student athletes pursue elite hockey development, receive academic support, and grow at home with the people who love them most.

We’ve seen our players move from Tier 2 to Tier 1 and earn NCAA opportunities, showing that leaving home early isn’t always necessary.

And when moving away is the right next step, we’ve helped student athletes earn prep school opportunities after building confidence, independence, discipline, and academic habits at home.

There is no single path, and youth hockey gets more confusing every year.

We hope every family makes the decision that’s right for their child, not because they felt they had no other choice.

Hockey is important.

But family time is irreplaceable.

07/01/2026

One day Lindsay Tilley is on the ice with our student athletes. The next, she’s working with players at the Flyers Development Camp.

That’s exactly the kind of people we want our student athletes learning from. At PHA, we bring together all the expertise a player needs to develop under one roof. Everyone brings a unique skill set to the table, and we’re proud to surround our student athletes with people who share one goal: helping every player reach their full potential.

We’re incredibly fortunate to work alongside such an outstanding group of coaches and professionals who care deeply about the success of every student athlete.

06/24/2026

This is what it’s all about. If you want to feel this way about where you’re sending your son or daughter every day, reach out. We’d be happy to talk.

Messages like this are how we know we’re doing right by our families.

“I just wanted to take a moment to thank you and everyone else at PHA one more time for an amazing year. I am sure that every year is special, but this group meant so much to our son.

The friendships and bonds that he formed were like no other. There were several tears shed the last few days, and he said there would never be a year that topped this one.

Your support and model had a big part in that, and you should be so proud of what you’ve created at PHA. Our son has grown in so many ways over this last year, and it has been so amazing to watch. I can’t thank you enough.

We are always spreading the word and will be sure to send anyone interested your way.”

Every year is special, and we’re grateful we get a front row seat to watch these kids grow.

At PHA, it’s never just been about hockey. It’s about the kids, the families, the friendships, and the growth that happens along the way.

This is a relaxed, thirty minute conversation designed to help both sides decide whether the Philadelphia Hockey Academy could be a good fit for your family.We will start by learning a bit about your child. Their hockey background, academic situation, and what you are hoping to get out of the next

06/22/2026

Congrats to Brady Huang on his commitment to Albertus Magnus College.

Brady has been through a lot, including injuries and setbacks that easily could’ve knocked him off track. He didn’t let that happen. He kept his head down, kept working, and refused to quit. This is exactly what separates the guys who make it from the guys who don’t.

We’re proud of him and excited to follow his college career as he moves on to this next chapter. Let’s go!!

06/14/2026

Congratulations to PHA alum Bo Christini on being selected by the Brantford Bulldogs, 201st overall. It’s been fun watching Bo’s journey since his time with us. Congrats, Bo!