Notre Dame Hockey Academy Joins Utica Hockey Community

Utica, NY – Starting in the fall of 2025, Utica’s hockey community will welcome an exciting addition: the Notre Dame Hockey Academy. Founded by two of the region’s most prominent hockey leaders, Rob Esche and Gary Heenan, the academy will cater to elite boys’ and girls’ youth hockey players from across North America, combining top-tier on-ice training with comprehensive off-ice development. Rounding out the leadership team is Keith Veronesi, Chief Revenue Officer of Mohawk Valley Garden, whose experience as Director of Scouting Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights further strengthens the academy’s foundation.

The academy’s mission is to help student-athletes maximize their potential, both athletically and academically, as they pursue the next level of their careers. With Esche’s NHL experience, Heenan’s NCAA expertise, and Veronesi’s deep scouting knowledge, the Notre Dame Hockey Academy offers an unparalleled environment for growth and success.

Athletes will compete in a rigorous 50-60 game Tier I AAA schedule, participating in premier showcases designed to attract NHL scouts, NCAA Division I coaches, and high-level junior hockey organizations. The academy’s inaugural 2025-26 season will feature U15 and U16 boys’ teams as well as a U16 girls’ team.

A Commitment to Excellence in Education

While the academy emphasizes elite athletic performance, education remains a cornerstone of its philosophy. All athletes will be enrolled atNotre Dame Jr. and Sr. High School, the area’s leading private institution, ensuring a seamless integration of academic and athletic pursuits. This partnership provides a unique, on-site educational experience tailored to the demands of high-level training and competition.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The academy’s home base will be the Utica University Nexus Center, a world-class facility that includes dedicated locker rooms, a players’ lounge, classrooms, and video analysis rooms exclusively for academy use. Athletes will also benefit from supervised, modern housing, ensuring a supportive and secure living environment.

Building the Future of Hockey

The Notre Dame Hockey Academy represents a new era for youth hockey in Utica, creating opportunities for young athletes to excel on and off the ice. More details, including additional staff announcements, will be shared in the coming months.

For additional information visit ndhockeyacademy.com. Veronesi and Heenan will be available for media at the Utica University Nexus Center on Tuesday, December 10th at 1pm. Please email info@ndhockeyacademy.com to attend.