Friday Feature: NMH Hockey
Image by Studio Troika
Northfield Mount Hermon (NMH) is set to take a major step forward in its hockey program with the construction of a new ice arena. This long-anticipated upgrade will replace the aging McCollum Arena, addressing concerns over ice availability and facility quality. The $20 million project, led by Boston-based architectural firm Studio Troika, which is renowned for designing The Skating Club of Boston’s state-of-the-art facility, will provide NMH student athletes with a top-tier arena designed to support both the boys' program and the rapidly expanding girls' hockey program.
Head hockey coach Jake Bennett, who also serves as the Assistant Director of Annual Giving & Director of Athletic Engagement, has been a key advocate for the project, highlighting its transformative impact on NMH hockey. The initiative has received strong backing from NMH trustees and an anonymous donor, with construction expected to begin before summer.
As part of the project, McCollum Arena will be repurposed into a field house, providing additional space for tennis and basketball. This thoughtful renovation preserves an important piece of NMH history while paving the way for the future of the school’s athletic programs.
NMH competes in the highly competitive New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association, consistently facing one of the toughest schedules in the region. The team participates in premier events such as the Lawrenceville and Cushing-Watkins tournaments, offering players invaluable exposure to top college scouts. NMH’s rigorous training program prioritizes skill development, preparing athletes for success at the next level.
The program has a proven track record of advancing players to college and professional hockey. In recent years, over 60 players have gone on to play at the collegiate level, with many competing in Division I conferences like the Big Ten, Hockey East, ECAC, and Atlantic Hockey. NMH has also had a presence on every NESCAC team over the past decade. Beyond college, numerous alumni have continued their careers professionally, playing in the NHL, AHL, ECHL, and European leagues. Currently, two NMH graduates hold NHL contracts, further solidifying the program’s reputation for developing top-tier talent.
With a new arena on the horizon, NMH is reinforcing its commitment to providing student athletes with the resources they need to thrive. The future of NMH hockey has never looked brighter.