Local players dot prep school hockey roster at Shady Side Academy
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Saturday, December 14, 2024 | 11:01 AM
Shady Side Academy hockey coach Eric Tangradi is a former Penguins player.
Shady Side Academy assistant captain Grayson Messner is a member of the 2024-25 ice hockey team.
Shady Side Academy hockey coach Eric Tangradi is a former Penguins player.
Killian Kissane moves the puck against South Fayette while playing for Fox Chapel last season.
Former Penguin Eric Tangradi is the head hockey coach at Shady Side Academy.
Killian Kissane knew hockey would be different when he chose to play at Shady Side Academy. The Bulldogs, who play a national prep schedule, would require him to be a different player than when he was at Fox Chapel.
Kissane had to be more physical if he was going to fit in and chase down his goal of playing college hockey.
“I finish my checks, get in the corners and do the dirty work,” Kissane said.
Kissane leads the Bulldogs in scoring in the Midwest Prep Hockey League. He has scored six goals and assisted five others through the team’s first 10 games.
Shady Side Academy, which plays in three leagues, is in third place in the Malloy Division of the MPHL, sporting a 3-6-1 record thus far. The MPHL is a 10-team league with teams in the United States and Canada. The Bulldogs also play in the Great Lakes Prep Hockey League.
“It’s pretty hard,” Kissane said. “We scout each team differently. The coaches work hard and do a good job of getting us video to see on each team.”
The Bulldogs are coached by former Penguins winger Eric Tangradi. Tangradi was drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2007 and played professionally from 2009-2020.
Tangradi debuted in the NHL in 2009 with the Penguins but also spent time with the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal, Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings. Shady Side Academy has several players from Western Pennsylvania, but since they play a prep schedule can pull players from around the country.
“Generally, it’s a little bit of both,” Tangadi said. “We can watch kids online. We really are trying to open things up in the Pittsburgh area. We’d like to have as many kids as possible come here and skate.”
Grayson Messner, who also lives in Fox Chapel, is tied with Kissane for a team-high six goals. Michael Jany has scored three times for the Bulldogs.
Tangradi said the program does its best to help kids try to land the best junior hockey opportunities available. Navigating the junior hockey landscape can be difficult because of the number of leagues and levels that are available.
“For me, I like to have the kids take ownership with my support and mentoring,” Tangadi said. “We have monthly advancement meetings. We have the kids make the first point of contact and email the coach. Once they take ownership, I’m happy to help.”
The Bulldogs try to play a 60-game schedule. Tangradi said he is motivated to get kids as many meaningful games as possible.
“There are always challenges with prep in particular because kids graduate at our level,” Tangradi said. “A lot of the teams we play are older and stronger than us.”
Tags: Shady Side Academy
