PMHA – PILOT MOUND HOCKEY ACADEMY

PMHA Welcomes Andrew “Mac” McPherson as Head Coach for Inaugural U17 Program

PMHA — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:49:34 +0000

Pilot Mound Hockey Academy is proud to announce that Andrew “Mac” McPherson has been named head coach of PMHA’s new U17 team, set to debut in the 2026–27 season. The appointment marks a major milestone for the association as it expands its high‑performance pathway and prepares to launch the program’s first-ever roster.

McPherson brings more than twenty years of combined professional playing and coaching experience across North America and Europe. His career includes a lengthy professional tenure known for leadership, physicality, and a relentless passion for the game—qualities that have carried seamlessly into his coaching career.

Most recently, McPherson has been behind the bench in Germany, working with teams from U9 through U17. His international coaching experience has shaped a development philosophy centered on tactical awareness, technical skill refinement, and strong team identity. Equally important to him is mentorship, ensuring that players grow not only as athletes but as confident, resilient young people.

“Andrew’s experience and approach to player development make him an outstanding fit for this new chapter in PMHA’s history,” said PMHA General Manager Nichole Collins. “His ability to connect with players, build structure, and elevate performance will set the foundation for a successful inaugural season.”

The introduction of the U17 program represents a significant step forward for PMHA, offering local athletes a new opportunity to compete at a higher level while staying connected to their home association. With McPherson at the helm, PMHA is confident the team will enter its first season with strong leadership and a clear vision.

As preparations begin for the 2026–27 campaign, excitement is already building within the community. PMHA looks forward to supporting Coach McPherson and the U17 athletes as they embark on this historic first season.

College Hockey Recruitment Guide 2020

PMHA — Fri, 24 Jan 2020 14:04:41 +0000

Professional hockey and the NHL are a part of every young players dream. Along the journey there are many unknowns and some incredible competition.

College hockey recruitment is a huge accomplishment, but most people don’t know much about what is required to get there.

If you happen to be one of them, this guide will help you understand a few key components to college hockey recruitment. Keep reading.

Just How Competitive Is Recruitment?

We all know that getting to the top flight in any sport can be difficult, and hockey is no exception. Studies show that out of 30,000 youth hockey players, only 26 of them are able to make it to the top-rated NHL.

This statistically suggests that one out of every 1000 players have a shot at making it to the highest level.

Fortunately, it is a bit easier to become a college hockey player than to be skating with an NHL team. But being recruited to college hockey still requires players to be exceptional in many areas.

And some of those areas have nothing to do with hockey.

There are many players who have dedicated themselves to excellence in a lot of these areas. Players who have been working very hard and are being scouted by college coaches every year.

Anyone that wants to go up against the competition will need to be just as devoted.

What Are Colleges Looking for In Recruits?

Being a great player is only a part of what college coaches are looking for in new recruits. There are only so many spots available annually for new players.

As a result, there are other things they take into consideration when scouting new players.

And some of them might be things you had never considered.

Off Ice Considerations

Grades

Ensure that you do not allow your grades to prevent you from being part of the college hockey program. A strong grade is an essential factor that can pave the way for you.

College coaches always try to recruit intelligent and creative minds because they are needed for the success of the team.

So, the stronger your grades, the better your chances are at college hockey recruitment.

Character

With the competitiveness of college hockey recruitment, an outstanding character could better your chances of being selected. The character of the athlete plays a big role while he is on the ice.

Schools always try to be sure that they are not recruiting only good players; they believe that their players should be good even when they are off the ice.

Getting to know your character can sometimes be done by reaching out to your former and current coaches.

Inquiries about your attitude, character, work ethics, and ability to overcome adversities are made. If you get a good recommendation, your chances increase.

Social Media

Your social media posts could determine whether or not you will be recruited, so we advise that you always mind what you upload on the Internet.

Since the selection time is always limited, many coaches go to your social media pages to evaluate your character and attitude.

Coaches believe that your online behavior has a way of telling if you have a positive or negative character.

This means you need to be smart about how you portray yourself online.

On Ice Considerations

Skill Level

On ice skills are considered for every player being scouted by a coach. But the primary skill is skating. If you are very good at skating, then the rest of the game will come easier.

Good skaters will be stronger at winning races to the puck, corner battles and will normally be in better positions. So work on starting and stopping, turning and crossover and control on your skates.

Handling the puck as well as passing and receiving are also important skills. Evaluations are normally done with how a player can control and shoot the puck.

A well rounded player will be considered for these skills as well as offensive and defensive tactics. Consider where you are as a player overall and take the steps necessary to improve your skills.

Attitude

Attitude is a major consideration factor in recruitment. As a team player, coaches are very concerned about the attitude of their players.

Having respect for your teammates, work very hard and help out where you can. If this doesn’t come natural to you, working it out will help for the long term both on and off the ice.

Simple things like skating hard when heading back to the bench. If you’re dragging your heels, coaches will notice this. Always give your maximum effort and bring a professional attitude.

Preparedness

No i don’t mean for the NHL!

Are you prepared when you arrive to a practice, a game or a try out? Do you have your skates sharpened? All your gear is present?

Are you ready to play with a professional attitude and give it all you got?

A coach that is scouting a player will look into how prepared they are overall. A player who is not prepared most of the time will only hold back their team.

This can be very frustrating.

Make sure you are always prepared, have all that you need and are ready to give it all you have all of the time.

Can A Hockey Academy Help With College Hockey Recruitment?

Absolutely!

College coaches know that hockey prep schools produce players that can make a serious impact at their level.

Not only will students get access to professional coaching and education, but most college coaches rely heavily on hockey academies.

Pilot Mound hockey academy gives students the opportunity to become high quality players with real character! The coaches and staff at the academy also have reputations known to scouts and so they come looking for players.

A hockey academy is a great way to become a player that college coaches and scouts are looking for.

If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

College Hockey Recruitment FAQ

Do You Have To Play Junior Hockey To Play College Hockey?

While there is no minimum to be considered for college hockey, it is very hard to get scouted or noticed if you are not actively playing senior high school or junior hockey.

With so many players enrolled in prep schools working on their skills and talents, college coaches are more likely to recruit there.

A players best opportunity would be to become part of a hockey academy where they are going to get great coaching and an opportunity to get noticed.

What Is Prep School Hockey?

A hockey prep school is a boarding school that provides hockey training as well as academic education.

Prep schools are structured to allow students to find excellent education but also a disciplined schedule to become great hockey players.

Students that attend the school live in the dorms with fellow male or female students.Working closely with their coaches and teachers, students are given the opportunity to develop and excel.

Hockey Prep School Definitive Guide 2020

PMHA — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 22:02:06 +0000

Many of the top NHL players have benefitted from Hockey Academies and Hockey Boarding Schools.

Superstar players like Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews developed skill and dedication through a Hockey prep school program.

Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureaux are hockey prep school grads in women’s hockey.

It is no wonder why many parents and students consider a hockey academy.

The skill and personal development future greats will acquire from a hockey prep school is huge! Not to mention the opportunities to be seen by top scouts and potential doors opened to college hockey.

So Whats Holding You back?

The cost of the program and the fact that the student will spend the season on campus in the dorms? Yes, and these are the most commom concerns among players and their familes.

Both very valid. And it is no doubt the main concerns the current NHL superstars experienced when they made the decisions, with their families.

Dedicating themselves to growth and development in their sport and future was more than likely very difficult.

So in this article we would like to explore what it means to become a student at a hockey prep school like Pilot Mound Hockey Academy. And what it means to the development of an athlete.

Great Academics and Great Hockey

A decision to enroll and attend a hockey academy is a decision to grow in discipline.

The demand to excel in both academics and as an athlete will require some real devotion.

Hockey prep school programs have been crafted to offer above average education as well as professional coaching and some great hockey!

Pilot Mound Hockey Academy for example, has designed male and female programs to allow students the time to accomplish both.

Many games are road games and require players to miss days of academics only to be made up later on as part of the program.

Teachers devoted to the education of these students at PMHA make it possible to excel.

Academics and Athletics

The great thing about academics and athletics working side by side is that it has a very beneficial effect on learning.

The drive to succeed when cooperating as a team develops cooperating with others and learning self discipline.

Both of which shape a young person to develop great morals and social development but also a better teammate and athlete.

This in turn creates athletes who excel in the game they love to play while getting a great education at the same time.

Hockey Prep Schools Developing Young Men and Women

Working as part of a team and living with others on campus is a great opportunity.

The dedication that each student is required to bring day in and day out is strengthened when living with others who possess the same drive to excel.

This commitment to their team and the social aspect is enhanced by their participation in hockey.

Academies like PMHA also teach students to possess positive core moral values.

Integrity and respect in a community develops character in a young person. Traits that stay with a person as they grow and develop.

It isn’t just about hockey, it is about developing strong men and women through amazing life experiences!

Hockey Prep School Makes Better Use Of Time

A hockey prep school program is created to give the student the time to achieve all that is possible day to day.

This also relieves the parents from evening and weekend practices or games.

No adjusted work schedules or evening practices that could potentially interfere with the students development.

This in turn provides the student with a solid routine allowing them progress further, faster.

Future Opportunities

Hockey Prep schools are one of the main ways college hockey scouts find players.

The ability to move onto hockey in college years is a great opportunity.

College coaches know that hockey academies produce players that make an impact and are the type of people they are looking for.

Not only for their athletic abilities but also because they possess some real quality morals and personal strengths.

How can We Help?

We hope that this article has been helpful to you and has offered some insight into a hockey prep school.

The largest hurdle is getting started. But if you are ready to move forward and want to excel, Pilot Mound Hockey Academy has programs designed to get you there. Are you ready?

We would love to connect with you should you have any questions that were not covered here.

This will also help us build better articles for you. Please feel free to contact us and let us know how we can help.

Click Here to visit our contact page.

Pilot Mound Hockey Academy Annual Recap

PMHA — Sun, 18 Aug 2019 02:47:45 +0000

Pilot Mound Hockey Academy (PMHA) is happy to announce that our players and coaches achieved another banner year in both the Academic and Hockey worlds. The 2018-19 year saw 22 male and 17 female student athletes join PMHA and attend Pilot Mound Collegiate.

For the readers who may not be aware of Pilot Mound Hockey Academy, let us share our Vision which the PMHA local Ownership Group, Staff and Student Athletes try to work towards on an ongoing basis. We are a growing program; learning, changing and adapting each year.

The Pilot Mound Hockey Academy (PMHA) is an academic based, 10 month hockey school; located in Pilot Mound. It is the intention of PMHA to work within the Community setting, ensuring we foster strong academic and sport partnerships with Pilot Mound Collegiate, Prairie Spirit School Division, Pilot Mound
Community Recreation Complex and our Local and Provincial Hockey Association partners.

Our intention is to continue to grow our Academy as a highly successful entity, developing elite hockey players, grounded in academics and most importantly developing over all good human beings.

Pilot Mound Hockey Academy fosters the ability to work as part of a team environment. Players leaving PMHA will have gained strong leadership capabilities that will support them throughout their eventual life pathways.

Included is a recap on our past year as PMHA entered its 4 th year of operation for the Male Program and the 2nd year for the Female Program, June of 2019 saw the largest number of graduates from Pilot Mound Hockey Academy cross the stage.

Having 13 of our academy graduate from PMCI; we could not be more proud. A heartfelt thank you goes out to the teachers and fellow students at PMCI whom have welcomed the `Hockey Academy Kids` into their world for the past 4 years.

It is not always easy, as hockey travel take these students away from classes and at times both teachers and students do extra duty to keep these students caught up so that we can have the success and the privilege to walk across that stage and be proud they graduated from PMCI.

It is very rewarding to watch these student Athletes move forward in the next stage of academic development. PMHA strives to find opportunities/offers for both male and female program participants.

7 of our female Buffaloes are off to play in Colleges and Universities. It is always a goal of our female players to move from the minor hockey level on to a NCAA or a Canadian College or University program.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a member-led organization dedicated success of college athletes. There are 3 NCAA Divisions in which many university and colleges compete for multiple sports programs, including hockey. 7 of our Grade 12 students are off to explore the world at Suny Morrisville, Lebanon Valley College, Plymouth State, Suny Canton, and Long Island University.

They join their former teammates who continue to play throughout Canada and the USA. For our Male Buffaloes, the journey of hockey development goals often takes them into the Junior A or B level of play somewhere between grades 11 and 12 and then into University and College.

This year, our Male Buffaloes are off to explore that world with the Winkler Flyers, Ontario Junior Hockey League, the Bradford Rattlers, Colorado AAA, and the Winnipeg Blues.

They also join their former teammates who continue to play, learn and grow while they continue with their Academic and Hockey goals and dreams.
It is safe to say that having each team playing well over 60 games per season, the Buffaloes are a dedicated team of individuals, and they certainly get used to climbing on the bus for a marathon of travel and playing hockey.

Most hockey players will tell you that the best memories are made on the bus. The 2018-19 hockey season was memorable for the Buffaloes. The Pilot Mound Buffaloes female team brought home the Silver Medal from the Canadian Sports School Hockey League (CSSHL) Midget Varsity program.

The Male Buffaloes lost a heart breaker in the Semi Finals of the Midget Varsity in the CSSHL. Both teams achieved great accomplishments in this huge arena of hockey talent. These teams brought home several tournament banners throughout the year; once again establishing themselves as a competitive team within their respective team play.

Our Male Buffaloes also play in the North American Prep Hockey League, playing throughout the United States.
PMHA was well represented as well when awards were handed out in the CSSHL Championships. Two of our goaltenders, Hannah Pagdato and Michael Turell managed to capture the prestigious award of Overall Top Goaltender for their divisions.

Matty Harrold was named on the All-Academic Team Midget Varsity Division. Kerrigan Umperville was awarded as the Leading Scorer for Midget Varsity Female Division. As
well, Carson McConnell, our 2018 graduate, is the recipient of one of four inaugural CSSHL Post- Secondary Scholarships.

Well done Buffaloes!

PMHA is extremely proud of the accomplishments of all of our student athletes who have come to join Pilot Mound Hockey Academy from all over the world over the past 4 years. By being part of the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy they each enjoy the small town experience, and grow into great individuals within the
community support of our caring corner of the world.

These `Hockey Academy Kids` as they are often referred to by local community members, come from huge cities, rural prairie communities, remote northern communities, from other countries and some are locally grown.

In the past 5 years we have registered some 120 players to come to Pilot Mound to fulfill goals and dreams. PMHA extends a sincere thank you to
the community and area for your continued support; it is deeply appreciated. The rides to school on a cold windy day, coming to cheer the teams on at the games, or a simple smile or greeting to a family member coming to visit their kids at PMHA are things that contribute and that brings these kids back year after year.

The experience is what will impact these kids in their future as they fondly remember their days spent in Pilot Mound Hockey Academy.
Watch for further articles as we introduce you to the PMHA Staff and Players for the upcoming 2019-2020 season and keep you updated on what`s happening with PMHA.

Call-Inns Hotel Bus Rental!

PMHA — Tue, 13 Aug 2019 01:11:13 +0000

Now Available For Rent!

NEED AN AFFORDABLE TRAVEL OPTION FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR SPORTS TEAM? RENT ONE OF THE CALL-INNS HOTEL BUSES!

Passengers can be entertained en route with DVD/CD Players and AM/FM stereo. Reversible seating and our comfortable, reclining seats guarantee that every mile is ridden in luxury and comfort.

Both motorcoach’s are equipped with a public address-system for your group leader to make announcements and comments about your trip or tour.

Our transit-style buses have air-ride suspension, air conditioning, comfortable seats, wide aisles, overhead luggage racks and are equipped with a low-entrance step for ease of passengers to board and disembark from the bus.

Post Secondary Scholarships

PMHA — Sat, 10 Aug 2019 18:43:41 +0000

The Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) has announced the four recipients of the inaugural CSSHL Post-Secondary Scholarship’s.

Meadow Carman, Carson McConnell, Sydney Neustaeter and Carl Swanson have each been awarded $1,000 towards their post-secondary education.

The CSSHL would like to recognize student athletes who develop their life skills while concentrating on their hockey development. Scholarships were awarded based on academic excellence, character, citizenship and sportsmanship all while developing their hockey skills.

McConnell, 18, attended the Pilot Mound Hockey Academy from 2016-2018, playing both seasons with their Midget Varsity team. He currently plays for the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Winkler Flyers, while also taking courses at Red River College.

The Pilot Mound, Man. product was a nominee for the 2018 CSSHL Humanitarian of the Year award, was the 2017 CSSHL Midget Varsity WHL Scholastic Player of the Year and named to the CSSHL Midget Varsity All-Academic team in 2017 and 2018.