Since he was nine years old, Carmichaels, Pennsylvania native Anthony Post has loved the game of hockey. He attended the Little Penguins Learn to Play Program, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins, and from there, he was determined to play the sport. Today, that dream has been realized as Post is playing with the Bishop Canevin High School Hockey team as part of a co-op that allows him to the play the sport he loves while completing his studies.
“Playing for [Bishop Canevin] is quite an experience,” said Post. “It started in the summer league where I met half of the team, and I loved them. Once I met the rest of the team, they were very inclusive and accepting of me playing with their team. It feels great to have a high school team of my own.”
It was a long road for Post to find his current home at Bishop Canevin, and it took hours of work to find the right team. His first stop saw him reach out to Connellsville, where he played travel hockey. Their co-op was full and, after calling several coaches around the area, he had his field narrowed down to Sewickley Academy, Bishop Canevin, and Deer Lakes. He chose Bishop Canevin because it was the best fit for him as a player, and he says his administration at Carmichaels has been all on board.
“The Athletic Director, principals, students, and even school cops have all been very supportive,” said Post. “I talked to the AD and the principal, and they were all for it and asked for my schedule. The rest of the school found out about a month ago when I earned Player of the Game. Carmichaels posted it on their social media, and everyone has been really supportive since.”
Post has gotten off to a strong start through the team’s first three games, starting in net for two of those games. He has won both games that he has started and holds a .882 save percentage and 3.0 Goals Against Average. It continues the journey that began when he was nine years old, and he credits his success to a pair of goalkeeper coaches that helped him along the way.
“When I initially started playing travel hockey, I knew I wanted to be a goalie, so I went out and got equipment,” said Post. “I worked with a private goalkeeper coach, Steve Switzer, and practiced a lot to get better. During the pandemic, I began working with Tyler Hawk and those two really helped me get to where I am today.”
It took a lot of work to create this opportunity, and Post’s advice to others looking to do the same is “be ready to do the work and pursue your passions.”
“Be persistent and don’t stop emailing, calling, and reaching out to people,” said Post. “Make sure the team is a good fit for you. It is a big-time commitment, with the closest arena being 30 minutes away and some of them being even farther. If you have the time and love the sport, it will be something you will never forget.”
