July 13, 2016- 

New Haven, Conn., - The East Coast Elite League’s spotlight of the week is The Hill Academy.  The Hill Academy has been in the ECEL since the inaugural season in 2013-14. The Hill Academy’s 16U program has won two ECEL Championships (2014-15 & 2015-16).  Meanwhile the 18U club has a title of their own in 2014-15.  Both of Hill’s teams look to follow suit in the 2016-17 season with successful seasons ending with a championship. For the first time, an ECEL Tournament will be held outside of the United States and it will take place in Toronto, ON, Canada, where The Hill Academy will host over 30 teams. 

The Hill Academy Directors Lindsay Hofford & Doug Orr had this to say about hosting an ECEL Showcase, “We are very excited to host an event in Toronto this year.  We have enjoyed playing throughout the United States, at some of the top University's over the last two years. The host teams have done a great job of putting together some very competitive and well run events.  The ECEL has come a long way in a short period of time, and we are excited to be a part of its success.  We are now excited to show off the talent of the league to the scouts and fans North of the border.  Hosting the event at The Hill Academy we hope to show off our school spirit and have some of the biggest crowds in ECEL history.” 
 
The Hill Academy is a program based on development and next level preparation.  It is our goal to have 100% placement with our U18 team at the next level, being the NCAA, USHL, CHL or Junior A.   With the U16 program recent graduate Brett Murray was just selected 99th overall by the Buffalo Sabers in this year’s NHL draft, and Liam Dennison was the third Hill defenseman committed to Merrimack College.  We want to continue to build on the success of this program in getting our student-athletes to the next level. 

ECEL Director, Peter Alden had this to say about The Hill Academy: “Hill has been a fantastic organization in the East Coast Elite League.  They have had great success in our league thus far and we expect this to continue. Lindsay Hofford & Doug Orr are strong operators that develop their players both on and off the ice. Hosting a showcase in Toronto will be a great experience for all and we know Hill Academy will host a successful event.” 
 
Top prospects to watch in the 2016-17 season for The Hill Academy: 
 
U16 Hill Academy Prospects 
 
G - Matt Lukic and Nicholas Dicks. 
 
D - Harrison Reese - Erie Otters (OHL) draft pick 
 
F - Lukas Vacin (Czech National U18 prospect) 
 
U18 Hill Academy Prospects 
 
G - Eric Doner, recently attended Mississauga Steelheads (OHL) camp 
 
D - Liam Dennison - committed to Merrimack College & Syl Yoston (last year's U18 top defenseman returns for third year at The Hill) 
 
F - Trevor Poeze (last year's U16 MVP), Max Steeves (last year's U16 top goal scorer), Luke McFarlane (newcomer from Colorado) 

The Hill Academy is an independent high school for dedicated student- athletes. Premiere programming for Next Level academic & athletic preparation & placement located in Vaugh, ON, Canada. 

Twitter: @TheHillAcademy | Location:  2600 Rutherford Rd Vaughan, ON, Canada | www.thehillacademy.com