by Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy
Seven Bridgedale Grads and Counting
Bridgedale Academy grads Sean Behrens and Josh Lopina were recently selected in the 2021 National Hockey League Draft. This makes four years of Bridgedale grads (00s, 01s, 02s and 03s) to have been drafted over the last four NHL drafts, bringing the Bridgedale total to seven.
Sean was selected in the Second Round (#61 Overall) by the Colorado Avalanche, and Josh in the Fourth Round (#98 Overall) by the Anaheim Ducks.
Sean spent the last two seasons with USA Hockey's National Team Development Program and will suit up for the University of Denver in the fall.
Josh had a season for the ages last season as a freshman at UMass. First he captured the Hockey East Rookie of the Year honors and then capped things off with UMass's first-ever Division 1 NCAA National Championship.
Sean Behrens, Colorado Avalanche, Round 2, Overall #61
Sean had an amazing run at the NTDP, getting "called up" to the U18s midway through his U17 season. And then last season, he followed it up with another amazing season, including to be named to the US Men's National U18 team.
"Sean has an unbelievable compete level and the skills and hockey IQ to go with it" said Bridgedale Headmaster Mike McPartlin. "He is always willing to challenge himself to go against the best. He has the heart of a lion."
Josh Lopina, Anaheim Ducks, Round 4, Overall #89
Josh competed for the USHL Lincoln Stars before stepping into a strong UMass program and immediately establishing himself as the team's second line center and top face-off man. That he was a major contributing factor in the team's unprecedented success is borne out not only by his Rookie of the Year award but also by the amount of ice time he logged during the team's run to its first-ever national championship.
"Josh has quietly excelled at every level he's played," said McPartlin. "As an '01 he might be regarded as something of a late bloomer, but his savvy and his confidence, along with his work ethic and determination, have always defined him and his game. He's a winner."
"We at Bridgedale Academy couldn't be prouder of these two fine young men," added Bridgedale Academic Dean Christina Di Pauli. "We wish them the very best and know they will continue to achieve excellence, not only in their hockey careers but also in their lives."
At Bridgedale we are committed to the development of our young student-athletes, helping them to develop their physical and mental skills so they can perform at their best when it matters most, no matter the arena of life that challenges them. If you would like to learn more about Bridgedale Academy, please click the button below so we can schedule a time to chat.
Mike McPartlin, Headmaster, Bridgedale Academy
And what do Bridgedale teachers say about Bridgedale?
"This is such a special place!! It is life changing for these boys as it centers around strong relationships that encourage strong academic growth. It’s a hockey school, but so much more than that.
"It’s a pleasure to come to work everyday. Thank you for creating such a positive, caring environment."
Kristi Florey, Bridgedale Math Teacher
We are now enrolling students for the 2021-22 school year.
