Arrival of Stanley Cup champ Tyler Kennedy boosts Sewickley Academy hockey program

By: Ray Fisher
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 7:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Purchase Photo Options

Previous Next

Tyler Kennedy adds high value and instant credibility to the Sewickley Academy hockey program.

Kennedy spent nine years in the NHL where he played in more than 500 games for four teams. He was an integral member of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Stanley Cup championship squad in 2009.

Kennedy brings his lifelong background on the ice — growing up in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, he was skating soon after he learned to walk — and his vast knowledge and love of the sport to Sewickley Academy as the new director of hockey.

“I’m extremely excited and honored to be named director of hockey at Sewickley Academy,” Kennedy said. “Hockey has given me so much in my life, and to be able to bring that experience back into the community — especially in a school setting that values both athletics and academics — is a really special opportunity.

“I’m grateful to Sewickley Academy for trusting me with this role, and I’m excited to get started. My goal is to help make Sewickley hockey something players are proud to be part of, and I can’t wait to get to work with the student-athletes and the coaching staff.”

Mike Scerbo, the Panthers’ energetic director of athletics, believes it is a great hire by Sewickley Academy.

“Tyler is now a part of the Sewickley Academy athletic department,” Scerbo said. “Tyler will oversee and engage with all of our ice hockey teams. Currently, we offer a varsity team and a middle school team with the potential for expansion in the coming years.

“Tyler will attend practices and games working with our coaches and students on overall game development.”

Kennedy’s wife Brandi, daughter Cookie and two sons TK and Ozzy have made a home in Pittsburgh.

“I live in the Pittsburgh area with my family, and I’m proud to call this home,” Kennedy said. “My wife and I have three children and another due any day.

“My role as director of hockey will focus on building and developing the entire hockey program — from skill development and player progression to fostering a culture of hard work, accountability and passion for the game. I’ll be working closely with coaches across all levels to ensure there’s a clear pathway for players as they grow. I’m looking forward to collaborating with (coach) Jake Gradwell to continue pushing the varsity program forward.”

Since retiring from the NHL, Kennedy has been training athletes in the greater Pittsburgh area at his Tyler Kennedy Hockey skill development program.

“Tyler’s name in Pittsburgh is synonymous with hockey,” Scerbo said. “When you have a man that has his name on the Stanley Cup leading your hockey program, everyone looks at your program differently.

“And while his background and playing experience are tremendous, his ability to teach the game is much greater.”

Kennedy, 39, is all about hockey players developing their game on and away from the rink.

“After training with some of the greatest athletes in the world, I developed my own unique and effective teaching methods,” Kennedy said on his TKH website. “I focus on getting your body and mind focused on the game and preparing you to compete against the best.

“I am extremely passionate about being active, healthy and developing proper hockey techniques. I’ve been told I’m tough but understanding, and I give each player the individual guidance they need to exceed their potential.”

Kennedy brings to Sewickley his experience of playing with the best players in the world and working with the best coaches, organizations and trainers.

“It is very fulfilling to take everything I have learned then bottling all of that up into my hockey program,” he stated. “I have so much to give to the youth hockey community. I want to push, guide and teach kids to enjoy the game while fine-tuning their technique.”

Gradwell, coach of the Sewickley Academy hockey team, has more than three decades of hockey experience as a player and coach.

“I think Tyler Kennedy being hired at Sewickley Academy is a great move as the organization looks to grow its hockey program,” Gradwell said. “His experience, not only as a former NHL player but also as a hockey instructor, brings instant credibility and validity to what Sewickley is building.

“Tyler’s commitment to teaching will have a direct impact on player development. Just as important, his leadership will set a standard of accountability and daily improvement, helping players stay committed to their personal growth and the program’s long-term success.”

The 45-year-old Gradwell knows Kennedy and believes the former NHL player will help elevate the Panthers’ hockey program in multiple ways.

“I did not know Tyler until I was hired as the head coach of the varsity team,” Gradwell said. “As someone who believes that both personal and coaching development are crucial to player growth, I’m really looking forward to working with him.

“Gaining insight into his experiences and seeing how he approaches and structures practices will not only help me as a coach but also elevate the entire program. I’m also eager to learn from his perspective as a former player, understanding which traits and abilities he valued most in his coaches and identifying ways to incorporate those qualities into my own development and coaching style.”

Kennedy played for the Penguins, San Jose Sharks, New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils from 2007-2016.

With Pittsburgh in the 2009 Stanley Cup Final, Kennedy scored in Game 4 then added the game-winning tally in Game 6. The Penguins went on to defeat Detroit in seven games.

“I remember Tyler as an NHL player,” Gradwell said. “He played with great speed, wasn’t afraid to battle in the ‘dirty’ areas of the ice like the front of the net and the corners and had a quick, accurate shot. He also read the game extremely well, which made him a reliable and impactful player.

“I believe many of those same intangibles such as work ethic, toughness and hockey IQ are qualities he’ll look to instill in the Sewickley hockey program, helping players not only develop skill but also embrace the commitment level needed to be successful.”

Gradwell believes it was time for an influx of new ideas and training methods for the Panthers.

“The organization is coming off two very challenging years in the PIHL,” he said. “During our recent player-staff meeting, I made it clear that we can’t continue doing the same things over and over while expecting different results. What has been done in the past hasn’t worked, and it’s time for change.

“My early expectations for the 2025–26 season are that we raise our overall commitment level to the team and the program, establish strong foundational habits and play the game the right way — with effort, speed and physicality. If we simply chase wins, we’ll never catch them. But if we stay committed, focus on player development and play our game, the wins will come.”

Gradwell’s assistants are Sam Lewis, who is back from last season, and Cam Macariola. The 2025-26 PIHL season starts Sept. 29.

“I’m truly excited for the opportunity to coach and lead this program in the right direction,” Gradwell said, “and I sincerely appreciate Sewickley Academy — especially (assistant athletic director) Kelly Carioto and Mike Scerbo — for trusting me to help build it.”

As a teenager, Kennedy was named captain of the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds junior team in the Ontario Hockey League.

Then at just 20 years old, he moved to Wilkes-Barre after being drafted by the Penguins in 2004.

Kennedy spent seven years in the Pittsburgh organization.

“I’ll definitely share stories and experiences from my time in the NHL,” he said. “I think that’s a great way to connect with players, inspire them and give them a glimpse of what it takes to play at the highest level.

“My early goals (at Sewickley Academy) are to create a strong developmental foundation while also instilling the values that make teams successful — teamwork, resilience and competitiveness. I want to give our players not just the skills to succeed on the ice but also lessons they can carry into other parts of life.”

Kennedy finished his NHL career with 89 goals and 215 points in 527 games, as well as with his name on the Stanley Cup.

Tags: Sewickley Academy