(Release courtesy of St. Peter-Marian High School)
St. Peter-Marian High School of Worcester announces that Mr. Ryan Neville, an assistant coach for the past seven seasons, has been promoted to the position of head varsity coach of the SPM Guardian ice hockey program.
Neville takes over for Brian Allain, a 1975 graduate of St. Peter’s, who coached SPM from the 2008-09 season through this past season, which saw the Guardians post a 6-14-1 record against one of the toughest schedules in the state. As one of only two Division 1 hockey programs in Central Mass., SPM went 5-4-1 in its last 10 games of the 2014-2015 season and had four Worcester Telegram & Gazette Honorable Mention selections.
Neville, who was the starting goaltender at St. John’s-Shrewsbury in high school from 1994-97, helped lead the Pioneers to a Division 1 State final as well as an appearance in the Super 8. In his capacity as assistant coach under Allain at SPM, Neville worked with the goaltenders and coordinated all aspects of the offense and power play situations.
St. Peter-Marian Headmaster Matt Sturgis said, “I believe Coach Neville is going to do an outstanding job for the Guardians. In addition to being a knowledgeable hockey coach, he has all the characteristics and leadership skills that are necessary and viable to a Catholic High School. I believe Coach Neville is going to be a tremendous addition to our staff and community at St. Peter-Marian.”
Neville, who resides in Worcester with his wife Amie, was announced to the players and parents at a small meeting in the SPM chapel. He will take over a varsity team that returns 16 of 18 letter-winners.
“I’m excited to take over the program for a school and community that I’ve come to love over the years,” said Neville. “We have a young nucleus returning, full of hard-working and talented players, but even more importantly good young men. The future is bright.”
