Caledon, ON [January 16, 2024] - The Hill Academy, an independent school for dedicated student-athletes, continues to grow Ontario's first-ever Hockey Canada sanctioned High School program, by naming Gianmarco Aiello as the incoming Head Coach of the 2024-25 U14AAA (2011) team. Continuing his head coaching tenure with the 2010 team, Ryan Toomey will become the Head Coach of the U15AAA (2010) team, and Travis Wight returns as the Head Coach of the U18 Prep team.
Coach Aiello joins The Hill Hockey with over 12 years of coaching experience, spanning the GTHL, AAA OMHA and Junior A across Ontario in addition to running the A+ Performance Hockey School. Aiello has coached many professional hockey players who are currently playing in the NHL, AHL, European leagues, NCAA division 1 and OHL. A defensive-minded coach, Aiello believes in building a team from the net out.
"I'm excited for this opportunity to join the amazing team at The Hill. " Gianmarco Aiello said. "I'm really looking forward to learning from, not only my new hockey colleagues, but also the performance and lacrosse staff. Having the opportunity to learn from these experts, is a massive opportunity for anyone coming to The Hill."
As the Director of Hill Hockey, Ryan Toomey's guidance and leadership of the 2010 group will continue with him as Head Coach as they move from U14AAA to U15AAA. The Hill Hockey program offers both high performance competition at the U14, U15 and U18 levels, as well as hockey development and training during the school day for student-athletes who compete outside of school with their own club. Toomey will continue to add staff to the Hill Hockey roster, rounding out the top hockey prep program in the province.
"Adding Coach Aiello to our family at The Hill is a major step forward for the program we are building." Coach Toomey said. "His wealth of experience compliments our entire coaching staff and offers a new level of competitiveness to our hockey program. I'm excited to see him guide our 2011 group through their on-ice journey here at The Hill."
Coach Travis Wight will return for his 10th year at The Hill and continues his tutelage of the U18 Prep team. Wight's tenure with Hill Hockey comes after a playing career in NCAA Division 1 with the University of Maine and professionally in the ECHL. Wight's coaching stops prior to The Hill include the ECHL's Wichita Thunder and the famed Notre Dame Hounds of Athol Murray College in Saskatchewan.
"One of the most important things I see us doing here is keeping as many doors open as possible for our students." Coach Travis Wight said of The Hill Advantage. "Having a highly touted AAA and Prep Program, as well as a deep development program, we provide guidance on pathways to other AAA programs, Junior A, Major Junior, NCAA and more. This ensures our student-athletes are prepared to make the right decision for themselves."
Student-athletes at The Hill have the distinct advantage of a balanced schedule that includes a full academic program (following the Ontario curriculum), while also participating in a high-level sport program as part of their school day.
The Hill Hockey program for the 2024-25 academic year will include:
Junior Development (Co-ed Gr. 5-8)
Senior Selects (Co-ed 9-12)
Varsity (9-12)
U14AAA Boys
U15AAA Boys
Prep Boys (U18)
Enrolment is now open for the 2024-25 academic year, with limited spaces still available. To ensure you are reaching your next highest level of achievement with The Hill, book a tour today with admissions@thehillacademy.com. To inquire about The Hill Hockey program specifically, please contact Ryan Toomey, ryan.toomey@thehillacademy.com.
-30-
