Mountain Cats Academy
Many of our student athletes and families in Texas are actively exploring prep school opportunities to enhance both their athletic and academic development. The Northeast is well-known for its exceptional prep school landscape, and we're always on the lookout for programs that offer the right fit. Coming off a strong inaugural season, the newly established Mountain Cats Academy has quickly emerged as a standout option—and one we're proud to spotlight.
For female student athletes who are serious about playing hockey at the next level, few programs offer the comprehensive support, structure, and exposure of Mountain Cats Academy. Located in the Greater Concord area of New Hampshire, this Tier-1 U19 program delivers a unique blend of high-performance hockey training and rigorous academics—positioning players for long-term success both on and off the ice.
In the near future, we’ll be highlighting New Hampshire Mountain Kings Academy—the boys' program that mirrors the Mountain Cats' approach, sharing the same core philosophy, developmental structure, and access to top-tier facilities and academic partnership.
Academic & Campus Life
Mountain Cats Academy understands that athletic achievement must be paired with academic preparation. That’s why student athletes are enrolled at Bishop Brady High School, a respected institution known for its college-preparatory focus.
Athletes live in supervised dorms on the nearby NHTI Concord campus, creating a college-style living experience with support systems built in. Each player is also matched with a dedicated academic and collegiate advisor, ensuring personalized guidance in academics, time management, and college planning.
A full meal plan is included in the room and board package, and transportation is provided for all school, training, and team activities.
On-Ice Training & Competition
Hockey development at Mountain Cats is built for serious growth. Student athletes train out of the Tri-Town Ice Arena in nearby Hooksett, NH—just minutes from campus. Rink amenities include:
A private on-site gym
Newly renovated, dedicated team locker rooms
A video review classroom for tactical analysis and player development
Athletes receive:
8–10 hours of on-ice training per week
4 full-team practices weekly (80 minutes each)
3 weekly skill sessions (2 general skills, 1 power skating)
Access to a dedicated goaltending coach
With professional, experienced coaching staff, players benefit from high-level instruction rooted in development, accountability, and exposure.
The competitive schedule includes:
50+ games per season
5–7 elite showcases that attract scouts and college coaches
Full status as a USA Hockey-sanctioned national-bound team
Strategic Recruiting Advantage
Location matters and Mountain Cats Academy sits in the heart of one of the most heavily recruited hockey regions in the country.
Within 1 hour of 11 NCAA Division I programs
Within 2 hours of 17 additional Division I schools
Surrounded by 33 Division III colleges in Northern New England and Massachusetts
This geographic advantage gives players direct access to schools at all levels and maximizes recruiting visibility during both games and showcases.
Coaching Staff: Leadership Rooted in Experience and Development
At Mountain Cats Academy, the coaching staff is not only experienced but deeply invested in the long-term success of each student athlete. With a blend of NCAA-level insight, player development expertise, and leadership both on and off the ice, the staff is well-positioned to guide athletes through their high school careers and prepare them for the next level.
Head Coach Kevin Purdy brings decades of experience and a proven track record of success. He joins Mountain Cats Academy from the NCAA Division III University of Southern Maine men's hockey program and is a familiar face in the New Hampshire hockey community. Coach Purdy spent 15 years coaching with the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs, where he served in both head and assistant coaching roles across the NCAA, Empire, ESHL, USPHL, and Tier 1 Elite hockey leagues. Under his leadership, several Monarchs teams advanced to USA Hockey Nationals, including a national championship win with the Empire Junior team. His coaching style is grounded in development, structure, and competitive excellence.
Coach Darby Palisi adds a dynamic and relatable presence to the staff as a recent NCAA Division III graduate and four-year starter at Castleton University (VT), where she earned her B.S. in Exercise Science. A two-time team MVP and captain during her junior and senior seasons, she was also recognized as Rookie of the Year, Coaches MVP, and a Second Team All-Star in the New England College Hockey Conference.
Coach Palisi is a product of Holderness Prep School, where she was a standout three-sport varsity athlete and team captain in both hockey and lacrosse. Her commitment to leadership and athletic achievement continues off the ice as well—she plays an active role in her family’s business, CSG Hockey, based at Tri-Town Arena, the Mountain Cats' home facility.
Together, Coach Purdy and Coach Palisi bring a balance of elite-level coaching experience, recent player perspective, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s evolving hockey landscape. Their commitment to mentoring, skill development, and college preparation is at the heart of the Mountain Cats experience.
A Clear Path Forward
Mountain Cats Academy offers a fully immersive, student-centered experience. With high-level coaching, structured academics, individualized college planning, and a strong commitment to personal growth, it is built to support student athletes with big goals.
Whether your path leads to NCAA hockey, a competitive academic environment, or both, Mountain Cats Academy provides the tools, training, and mentorship to help you get there.
At POLARIS, we value programs that align with our mission: helping student athletes succeed on the ice, in the classroom, and in life. Mountain Cats Academy does exactly that. Give them a follow via Instagram to discover more about their program!