June 22, 2022

Guilford, Conn., — The Elite Hockey Academy at Notre Dame and proud members of the Power Prep Hockey League (PPHL), Atlantic Youth Hockey League (AYHL) is pleased to announce that 18U Goaltender, Brett Cleaves, has committed to Babson College for the winter of 2022-2023.

The '03 native of Summit, NJ finished his first season with the 18U Elite Hockey Academy, lifting the 18’s to a East Coast Elite League Championship and playoff appearances in the AYHL and New England Regional Tournament.  Cleaves was also a Postgraduate (PG) student at Notre Dame of West Haven, where he earned a 96% grade point average.

“After completing my year as a PG student at Elite Hockey Academy at Notre Dame, I was challenged in the classroom from the academic rigor of Notre Dame West Haven and had high demands on the ice every single day to compete. Coach Alden and Esposito pushed me to put in the work every time I stepped on the ice and enabled me to grow as both an individual and hockey player. With their confidence in me and the training I had, I felt I could really take my game to the next level." Said, Brett Cleaves

“There is not another goalie that I’ve seen maintain his focus and energy throughout the game. He was excellent all season, showing patience, making himself big in the net, and flashing his quick feet.  Brett is also a very mature student athlete, while pushing himself to be a strong hockey player, he has never lost sight of how truly important academics and the value of being a good person is. I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Brett." Said, Peter Alden 18U Head Coach.

Cleaves Continued, "When I visited Babson College, I felt an element of comfort and found true inspiration from the Head Coach. Jamie Rice and the historic program he has put together. I am so excited to join the Babson hockey program and attend such an excellent institution where I can take all the skills, and attributes I have gained from this past year and take it to the next step."

 

About Babson College:

Babson College is a private business school in Wellesley, Massachusetts. Established in 1919, its central focus is on entrepreneurship education.  Babson competes in the NEHC for men’s ice hockey. To learn more about Babson College Click here

On behalf of everyone here at the Academy, we want to congratulate Brett Cleaves on this great accomplishment. We look forward to watching Brett grow his game at the next level and climb the hockey ladder.

For more information on the Elite Hockey Program and player opportunities, please visit www.EliteHockeyProgram.com or email Peter Alden PAlden@EliteHockeyAAA.com.

Located in Northford, CT, Elite Hockey Academy is the fastest growing hockey academy on the east coast involving advanced training, high level competition and a strong partnership with Notre Dame of West Haven that offers a flexible and tailored approach, allowing students to combine a variety of academic offerings optimal to their individual needs, strengths, and interests. Established in 2016 as the Elite Hockey Academy now spans over nine competitive teams and continues to evolve and expand as the industry leader for athletic and performance development.

Our history of success remains unrivaled around the nation, and Elite Hockey Academy continues to develop elite athletes who achieve success at the Junior, collegiate and professional levels. Elite Hockey Academy provides an all-inclusive campus for ice hockey players from mites to midgets. Our first-class location includes professional facilities and accommodations with three ice rinks, a 5000 square foot training facility and a wide variety of programming, including an 8-12th grade and postgraduate Academy, offering team training, skills training, and professional development.