Announcing a NEWHL partnership with The Hockey Academy!
Through this partnership, NEWHL will expand its offerings across all levels, including women’s skills programs, Learn 2 Play sessions, Friday games, and, most notably, Women’s Tournaments. Plans are already underway for the inaugural NEWHL/THA Recreational Division Tournament, set to take place at Waterville Valley in January 2025 (exact dates to be announced). Additionally, an evening skills program is in development, promising even more opportunities for women to get involved in the sport.
NEWHL has earned a stellar reputation for its exceptional coaches, comprehensive programs, and a community that fosters lifelong friendships. The league’s commitment to inclusivity for all skill levels has been a cornerstone of its success, and this new partnership with The Hockey Academy will further enhance these values.
“We are confident that this partnership will be a game-changer for the growth of women’s hockey in New England,” said Kerri Macaluso, Director. “We look forward to the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.”
Stay tuned for further announcements as NEWHL and The Hockey Academy continue to collaborate on innovative programs and events designed to support and grow women’s hockey.
**NEW** Follow the links below to register for two new women's tournaments through The Hockey Academy:
Heroes Hockey Tournament - Dec 27-29th, 2024 - Tyngsboro, MA
Waterville Deep Freeze Tournament - Jan 24-26, 2025 - Waterville Valley, NH
About NEWHL
The New England Women's Hockey League
(NEWHL) is a senior women's day/evening
league that offers skills programs at
Nashoba Valley Olympia in Boxborough, MA and
Founders Training Rink in Somerville, MA.
The NEWHL is a fun, semi-competitive
skills-based league that is committed to
improving women's hockey skills, promoting
camaraderie, and growing women's hockey!
NEWHL was established in 2000
and has been successful ever since. We
started with 10 brave women and now have
over 90 players involved in our multi-level
skills programs and games. Our players all
share the joy of playing hockey together
along with supporting and encouraging each
other. We have burned millions of calories,
gained flexibility, balance, strength,
endurance, skating skills, and most of all
confidence in ourselves. We invite you to
join us!
Our History
In April of 2006, 14 of the 15 women who skated in the: FIRST-EVER Women’s Over-50 division at a national tourney, sponsored by USA Hockey/LaBatt Blue, in Tampa, Florida, have skated or are presently skating in the NEWHL program. We have sent players or a team every year since 2006.
In the 2010 season we were asked by the NHL to carry 40 banners on the field at the Bridgestone Winter Classic at Fenway Park.
In the 2011 season were were asked to participate in a commercial called "Biscuit" for Eastern Bank which aired on local TV.
Our Coaches
and Administrators
Brian Fontas
18 years with NEWHL, former UMass Boston player, and longtime Coach of the Acton Boxboro Lady Colonials Varsity Team.
More about Coach Fontas
Annie Hogan
Former Boston Blades professional player and captain of Northeastern University hockey team, 16 years skating and instructional experience.
More about Coach Hogan
Kerri Macaluso
NEWHL Founder and Administrator, organizer of the April Showers Tournament, and all around hockey superstar.
Brian Fontas - NEWHL Coach
Brian went to Acton Boxboro Regional high school from 1990-1994 and played on the varsity hockey team for 4 years. After graduation he attended the University of Massachusetts at Boston from 1994-1998, playing 4 years for the Beacons. He then started his career as head coach of the Lady Colonials the following year. Over the past 20 years at Acton Boxboro his teams were involved in 7 DCL/MVC Large titles, and have qualified for the state tournament 14 times. They were Division 1 State finalists, playing in the Boston Garden in 2011 and 2015. Brian was named Lowell Sun coach of the year in 2010, 2014, and 2015 and has led the team to 274 wins to date.
Rival coach Bobby ware of Westford Academy states:
“We are fortunate to call Acton Boxboro our rivalry. Each year, our teams compete in an environment that is forever lasting. You can always count on Brian Fontas to have his team prepared to compete. He is an extremely talented coach who takes pride in coaching girls high school hockey. His passion is unmatchable. Brian Fontas is a first class coach and an even better person. The commitment he has made to his Acton Boxboro girls program demonstrates the love he has for the game of hockey. Our league is blessed to have him and is a true role model for what coaching kids is all about.”
The Massachusetts State Hockey Coaches Association inducted Brian in May of 2019. He is only the 2nd girls coach in Massachusetts history to receive this honor.
Annie Hogan - NEWHL Coach
Annie has over 16 years of hockey
instruction experience, including teaching
skating camps and clinics, private and small
group instruction, team clinics, and youth
hockey skills programs. Annie played
professionally with the Boston Blades in
2010-2011, was captain for 2 of her 4 years
at Northeastern University, and received an
invitation to the USA Hockey National
Development Camp six times. As a youth,
Coach Hogan played hockey at Lawrence
Academy and won a National Championship with
the Assabet Valley Girls Hockey program.
Annie says of her coaching
style:
“Skating instruction is my thing. I
think fundamentals are important and
work hard to teach proper technique. I
am involved in my drills -
demonstrating, communicating, and
teaching - because I think it helps set
the tone and energy of practice. I think
simple drills and repetition improve
player’s fundamentals. It doesn’t matter
age, experience, or skill, I just really
like to help people on the ice get
better.”
Annie has also worked with
experienced NHL skills coaches, including
Mark Ciaccio, (NYR) Angelo Ricci (BUF), and
Pertti Hasanen (NJD), and uses many of their
styles and methods in her instruction.
