Hockey Alumni Reconnect in New York and Boston

Saints ice hockey alumni recently joined current coaches Padraic McCarthy ’94 and Eliza Beaudin for two special Canterbury Hockey Happy Hours in New York City and Boston.

The first event was held at Reichenbach Hall in Midtown Manhattan, where the guest list featured classes spanning 50 years, from 1969 to 2019. Alumni enjoyed catching up with each other, their former coaches, and Interim Head of School Sue Roberts P ’24, ’27. 

“The word ‘Canterbury’ holds a special place in my heart. Any time I can see Coach Mac and Coach Cotier (Associate Head of School for Operations Pete Cotier ’86, P ’19, ’20), I am making the effort to be there,” said Nicolas Pierog ’12. “It was nice to chat with so many hockey alumni, see the girls’ team represented, and speak with Mrs. Roberts. Even though many of us were from different eras, you hear similar stories of how Canterbury gave players a strong foundation and shaped their lives.”

For Eliza, a Psychology Teacher who completed her first year as Head Coach of Girls’ Varsity Hockey last winter, the receptions were ideal venues to meet and talk with many new faces. “I was grateful to connect with graduates I had not previously known, but who have so much in common with me because of a special place like Canterbury,” she shared. “Our conversations went beyond hockey to experiences and memories they had at the School. It was great!”

Hockey alumni in Boston felt the same way when they gathered at the Castle Island Brewing Co. a week later. Paddy and Eliza were there once again to help guests reconnect and celebrate the legacy of Canterbury hockey. 

“What a fantastic evening! I went to school with Paddy, and it was good to see an old friend and catch up with other classmates,” Christopher Silvestro ’94 said following the event. “Being there took me back to a wonderful time of my life. I love talking with Canterbury alumni, no matter when they graduated. It is always a good conversation. I hope we can do more of these in the future.”

Paddy, who is Interim Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars as well as Head Coach of Boys’ Varsity Hockey, shared Chris’s enthusiasm. “It was terrific reconnecting with Saints hockey alumni,” he said. “These events were perfect opportunities for graduates to get together in a relaxed environment, reminisce, and laugh about their time on campus while also hearing updates about Canterbury and our current hockey programs.”