Fall Athletic Banquet Brings Together Students, Coaches, and Alumni

On Wednesday, November 19, Eaglebrook held its fall Athletic Banquet, celebrating the dedication and sportsmanship of our student-athletes. Assistant Director of Athletics Tim Winslow introduced guest speaker Chris McCarthy ’07, who was a roommate of Tim during their Eaglebrook years. Chris shared a lesson that has guided him throughout his journey: “What I realized after leaving Eaglebrook, after leaving Berkshire, after leaving college and playing six years as a pro hockey player, is a sense of interdependence. And what that is is a reliance on the person next to you for your success.” He added, “You are only as good as the guy next to you, and team success will translate into individual success.”

 

Chris is no stranger to a full and varied path. A three-sport Varsity athlete at Eaglebrook, he went on to play six years of professional hockey, become a successful real estate investor, and later launch Elite Edge—a hockey training program and facility he owns and operates. He is also the father of three, a role he spoke about with pride.

 

In his remarks to the school, Chris urged students not to limit themselves during their time on the Hill. “Don’t be a one-dimensional person—try new things,” he said, encouraging boys to explore beyond what feels familiar or expected. He also reminded them, “Don’t follow the crowd,” emphasizing the importance of making choices that reflect their own interests and values.

 

Chris reflected on how his experiences in sports shaped not only his career but also the way he builds connections. His training facility, Elite Edge, has been successful, he explained, because he “created working relationships".

 

Sports have taught him how to cultivate working relationships. He spoke about the opportunities available at Eaglebrook, telling students, “You have to open up the doors here [at Eaglebrook] because there are so many of them, and you don’t know what you’re going to find.” See photos.

 

After the talk, the school gathered in Gibbs Dining Hall for a formal dinner, where students sat with their teams.

 

The following morning, Chris joined the Varsity hockey team at the McFadden Rink, leading an on-ice session before the team’s upcoming trip to Montreal for Thanksgiving break.