Elite Hockey Academy is proud to spotlight alumnus Brett Cleaves, who is competing at the NCAA level with Babson College Hockey. Currently part of a Top-10 nationally ranked program, Brett has embraced the demands of college hockey while continuing to grow as both a player and teammate. His journey from Elite Hockey Academy at Notre Dame to Babson reflects the daily habits, mindset, and preparation required to succeed at one of the most competitive levels of the game.
To give our community a closer look at Brett’s development and experience, we asked him to reflect on his time at EHA and his current season with Babson.
Full Interview with Brett Cleaves
Competing at a Nationally Ranked Program
Q: Babson is Top-10 in the country right now. What has this season been like for you personally, and what has driven the team’s success?
A: This season has been a product of hard work over multiple years and developing as a team. My class is made up of 15 seniors who have seen what it takes to be successful at this level through exposure to high-intensity games. Personally, I’ve seen my game grow because the intensity required every day is incredibly high. This could be my last season of hockey, and I may not play every game, but anytime I get the opportunity to step on the ice, I treat it like my last. That mindset has really driven me this year.
Academic and Athletic Preparation at EHA
Q: How did the Elite Hockey Academy and Notre Dame academic structure prepare you for the workload at Babson?
A: The EHA and Notre Dame academic structure is the perfect combination of high-level competition and a world-class education. You’re treated like a professional. You’re exposed to a demanding schedule with high-stakes games while still being fully responsible for your schoolwork. It takes a special individual to make that jump, but it’s incredibly rewarding and can lead to opportunities like playing at the collegiate or junior level.
Q: How did EHA help bridge the jump from AAA/Prep hockey to the daily demands of college hockey?
A: EHA pushes you to excel at the next level. You come in with 20 guys from different backgrounds and skillsets and have a short time to establish a culture on and off the ice. That’s exactly what college hockey is like. The similarities are huge – going to class, staying on top of demanding academics, pushing yourself on the ice, and staying in shape through weekly lifts. EHA helps you find your true identity both as a player and a person. Living away from home, traveling most weekends, and balancing school forces you to build a schedule and figure out what works best for you. You can’t just be an athlete or a student – you have to be both. The sacrifices are real, but the relationships and opportunities far outweigh that.
Growth as a Player
Q: What part of your game has grown the most since arriving at Babson?
A: My willingness to put my head down and work as hard as possible every day. For a lot of players, the goal is just to reach college hockey. Once you’re there, especially at the Division III level, it’s all you have left. You can either be a passenger or fully embrace the grind. I’ve faced challenges throughout my career, whether academically or with ice time, but I’ve learned that everyone on a team contributes equally. From scratches to star players, everyone is pulling the same rope. My mindset has also grown – you’re only guaranteed so many games and practices, so you have to be dialed in every time you step on the ice.
Q: Is there a habit or routine you built at EHA that you still rely on today?
A: I built a very structured pregame routine at EHA. I still go through the same stretch routine and glove ball warm-up to this day. It helps me feel prepared and ready to compete at the highest level.
Culture and Environment
Q: How would you describe the team environment at EHA, and how did it prepare you for a college locker room?
A: The team environment at EHA is unbelievable. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, but there’s a strong winning culture and an understanding that you want to leave the program better than you found it. Along the way, you build lifelong friendships and feel accepted for who you are. If you’re going to EHA, you’re striving for the next level, and the staff does an excellent job recruiting not just hockey players, but good kids.
Q: What’s been the biggest difference between prep/junior hockey and playing for a nationally ranked program?
A: Every game is incredibly high-paced, and you can’t take nights off. At this level, everyone is good. In prep or AAA hockey, there are times when talent gaps allow you to win without your best game. In college hockey, if you don’t show up ready to play, you’re in trouble.
Recruiting and the Next Step
Q: Can you share one specific way EHA helped you in the recruiting process to Babson?
A: EHA gave me a clear picture of where my game stood. I felt I had a strong year there and decided to focus on collegiate hockey instead of going the junior route. You’re constantly playing top competition at both the prep and AAA levels, and there are always eyes on you. EHA has a strong reputation for placing players, and if you take advantage of the resources, opportunities will come.
Quick Hitters
Best part of being at Babson?
Being with my best friends who push themselves every day and strive to be their best. The culture is incredible – there’s truly no place like it.
Favorite memory from EHA?
Winning the ECEL League Championship in Florida.
Advice to a young goalie chasing the NCAA path?
You will face hardship and challenges, but it’s how you respond that matters. Go out and play for yourself, have fun, embrace the grind, and enjoy every chance you get to strap the pads on.