Top hockey talent shows off skills in Southwest Florida at All Ivy Futures Showcase

Some of the top prep and NCAA hockey programs in the country made the trip to Southwest Florida for a one-of-a-kind summer showcase aimed at helping the next generation of players take the next step — both on and off the ice.The Matterhorn Fit All Ivy Futures event brought together elite youth hockey players for a weekend of high-level competition, hands-on coaching, and unmatched exposure in front of schools like Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Maine, Miami University, and more.“This is my first time coaching college hockey,” said Matt Gilroy, a former Hobey Baker winner now working with Harvard. “And it’s probably the best current event that I’ve been to in my life. So it’s great to be a part of it.”Players hit the ice for one practice and four games — but the showcase is about more than just the scoreboard. The event includes coach-led workshops, recruiting insight, and personal evaluations. For many, it’s a chance to see exactly what it takes to reach the prep, college, and even pro levels.“I just think the whole showcase, the information that they provide at the Matterhorn Fit is the biggest thing,” Gilroy said. “Teaching them all the different avenues. There is a long road and different roads to make it to college hockey, to prep hockey, to pro hockey — and Ryan does a great job explaining that to the families.”On the prep school side, St. Johns School head boys hockey coach Scott Harff said the focus on development — not just as players, but as people — is what keeps coaches coming back.“You’re attracting people who are patient and are focused on player development, but also just personal development,” Harff said. “That makes our job really easy, because those are the types of kids and families we want to work with.”That impact is felt by the players, too.Esteban Boyer, a defenseman from Gatineau, Quebec, said, “You show your talent to the scouts and have fun with friends or people you usually don’t play with. They see a different vision of your game.”Dylan Delgado, a returning forward from Pembroke Pines, Fla., added, “I think my game has formed a little bit with playing at such a high level competition. It gets me ready for the season… I think everyone has high standards here, and I think it builds good character.”Gilroy, who played in the NHL after a standout career at Boston University, said events like this give back to the game in the right way.“I did the showcase circuit as a kid. College coaches came back to give back,” he said. “And you watch these kids grow at a young age. When it comes time to recruit guys… you have a little bit of a back door to fall back on.”The Matterhorn Fit All Ivy Futures continues to grow each year, offering players a unique blend of elite hockey, development insight, and a clear look at what it takes to make it to the next level.

ESTERO, Fla. —

Some of the top prep and NCAA hockey programs in the country made the trip to Southwest Florida for a one-of-a-kind summer showcase aimed at helping the next generation of players take the next step — both on and off the ice.

The Matterhorn Fit All Ivy Futures event brought together elite youth hockey players for a weekend of high-level competition, hands-on coaching, and unmatched exposure in front of schools like Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Maine, Miami University, and more.

“This is my first time coaching college hockey,” said Matt Gilroy, a former Hobey Baker winner now working with Harvard. “And it’s probably the best current event that I’ve been to in my life. So it’s great to be a part of it.”

Players hit the ice for one practice and four games — but the showcase is about more than just the scoreboard. The event includes coach-led workshops, recruiting insight, and personal evaluations. For many, it’s a chance to see exactly what it takes to reach the prep, college, and even pro levels.

“I just think the whole showcase, the information that they provide at the Matterhorn Fit is the biggest thing,” Gilroy said. “Teaching them all the different avenues. There is a long road and different roads to make it to college hockey, to prep hockey, to pro hockey — and Ryan [Vesce] does a great job explaining that to the families.”

On the prep school side, St. Johns School head boys hockey coach Scott Harff said the focus on development — not just as players, but as people — is what keeps coaches coming back.

“You’re attracting people who are patient and are focused on player development, but also just personal development,” Harff said. “That makes our job really easy, because those are the types of kids and families we want to work with.”

That impact is felt by the players, too.

Esteban Boyer, a defenseman from Gatineau, Quebec, said, “You show your talent to the scouts and have fun with friends or people you usually don’t play with. They see a different vision of your game.”

Dylan Delgado, a returning forward from Pembroke Pines, Fla., added, “I think my game has formed a little bit with playing at such a high level competition. It gets me ready for the season… I think everyone has high standards here, and I think it builds good character.”

Gilroy, who played in the NHL after a standout career at Boston University, said events like this give back to the game in the right way.

“I did the showcase circuit as a kid. College coaches came back to give back,” he said. “And you watch these kids grow at a young age. When it comes time to recruit guys… you have a little bit of a back door to fall back on.”

The Matterhorn Fit All Ivy Futures continues to grow each year, offering players a unique blend of elite hockey, development insight, and a clear look at what it takes to make it to the next level.