Masters Academy International Names Ben McManama GM/Head Coach of Boys Hockey

Former Boston College player who developed three 2025 NHL Draft picks brings championship program-building expertise to groundbreaking academy

STOW, MA. – Masters Academy International (MAI) today announced Ben McManama as General Manager and Head Coach of Boys Hockey, bringing a proven track record of developing elite players and building championship programs to the academy’s comprehensive hockey program. McManama, whose recent players include three 2025 NHL Draft selections in the first three rounds, will lead MAI’s boys hockey program when the academy opens in September 2026.

“Ben’s unique combination of elite playing experience at Boston College, professional hockey background, and his remarkable success developing NHL-caliber talent makes him the ideal leader for our boys hockey program, ” said Peter Masters, Co-Founder and Director of Athletics at MAI. “His experience building Bishop Kearney Selects into a national powerhouse while maintaining focus on character and accountability is exactly what we’re looking for at MAI.”

“Adding Ben to our boys’ hockey staff is an incredible opportunity. His combination of experience as a coach, player, and director at the academy level will be a powerful addition to MAI as we continue to recruit the top young players in the world. Ben will transition seamlessly to MAI, and he shares our athlete-first vision for development. We cannot wait to get started with Ben as part of our team,” said Mike Anderson, Director of Boys’ Hockey at MAI.

McManama brings extensive experience both as a player and builder of elite programs. After starring at Noble and Greenough School where he served as captain and won an ISL Championship, he played Division I hockey at Boston College and Union College before a professional career in the UHL, ECHL, and AHL organizations. As Director of Player Personnel and Head Coach at Bishop Kearney Selects, he captured 2 National Championships and 6 State Championships while developing players who went on to elite levels.

“Teamwork means that every team member subjugates their own personal goals for the good of the team,” said McManama. “Everyone needs to accept and try to excel at their role, but it doesn’t mean that they can’t work harder to assume a greater role.”

His 2025 NHL Draft class speaks to his development expertise: Cameron Reid (1st round, Nashville), Jack Murtaugh (2nd round, Philadelphia), and Brady Peddle (3rd round, Pittsburgh).

His extensive coaching resume includes roles with Noble and Greenough, Thayer Academy, and as a scout for USHL teams Des Moines and Omaha, along with directing player development for multiple elite programs.

“Training sessions will be rigorous. As Vince Lombardi said, ‘Fatigue makes cowards of us all,'” McManama explained. “I expect our teams to be better conditioned than any team we play. I also will make the training sessions enjoyable with emphasis on skill development at high speed.”

The boys hockey program at MAI will feature daily competition against high-end players, with McManama emphasizing that consistent competition in practice is what drives individual development. Each athlete will have an individualized path designed to help them reach their specific goals.

“At Masters Academy, families and players can expect a truly special experience built on strong relationships, trust, and accountability,” McManama noted. “We will work hard every day, push each other, and embrace challenges together. It will be demanding, but it will also be a lot of fun. Each player will grow significantly as a hockey player while also developing important life skills, discipline, confidence, and character that extends far beyond the rink.”

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International is a groundbreaking boarding school opening in Fall 2026 that reimagines the student-athlete experience. Offering comprehensive academic programs alongside elite training in multiple sports, MAI provides students with the tools and support to excel in the classroom, on the field, and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Mackenzie Weeden, Director of Marketing, Masters Academy International, media@mastersacademyinternational.com.