Pathway To Prep

12/22/2025

12/22/2025

In Memoriam: John Gardner

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of co-founder, John Gardner—a legendary coach, educator, and advocate whose impact on prep hockey and boarding school athletics is unmatched.

John was the winningest coach in New England prep school hockey history, amassing over 800 career wins and earning more Founders League and New England Championships than any coach before him. While his achievements on the ice were extraordinary, John would be the first to say that winning was a byproduct of education, mentorship, and structure. He believed deeply in the power of boarding school and saw it as a uniquely transformative environment for young people.

At his core, John was deeply committed to his students and athletes. Over the course of his career, he shaped the lives and futures of thousands of young men, teaching them not only how to compete, but how to lead, persevere, and grow with integrity.

John was also a tireless ambassador for the game of hockey. He worked relentlessly to promote the game and to expand access to it. That clear and ambitious vision became the foundation of Pathway to Prep: to create meaningful opportunities for boys and girls who aspired to play hockey at the prep level.

Over the past three years, that vision has impacted hundreds of players, many of whom have gone on to pursue, and achieve, their dreams of receiving a world-class education while competing in prep hockey. Pathway to Prep exists because John believed in possibility, fairness, and the importance of opening doors for others.

John’s legacy is etched not only in record books, but in the countless lives he influenced through his leadership, mentorship, and unwavering belief in young people. We are forever grateful for his vision, his passion, his dedication, and his friendship.

Our thoughts are with John’s family, friends, former players and colleagues, and all those whose lives were touched by his remarkable journey.

With gratitude and remembrance,
Brendon Welker
Co-Founder
Pathway to Prep

02/20/2025

Get a jump on your summer hockey planning and sign up today for our girls summer showcase in collaboration with the New England Prep School Girls Ice Hockey Coaches Association.

02/05/2025

Celebrating those who have paved the way and those who will continue to move the game forward.

01/30/2025

It might be January, but there’s no better time to plan for the summer! Join us in Simsbury, CT May 30-June 1st for the girls prep showcase of the summer.

01/15/2025

Register now for the girls prep showcase of 2025! Join prep coaches from across the Northeast for 3 days of exposure, connection, and education on the benefits of prep school.

01/13/2025

January 15th is fast approaching! Good luck to all students who have chosen to follow their own pathway to prep school.

12/16/2024

Our December boys and girls showcases have sold out. For waiting list information, please email: [email protected]

12/12/2024

Space is extremely limited! Sign up today to secure your spot to work with some of the best coaches in the game!

12/10/2024

We are pleased to announce an update to our coaching roster. Join these coaches and many others at our December showcase. Very limited space remains.

12/05/2024

We are happy to present the official coaches list for our December Boys Showcase. Register today to secure your spot!