Coach Peter Thomas holding two of his awards outside the Playland Ice Casino
The Coach of the Year Award Goes to Peter Thomas
By Melanie Cane
For Rye High School’s Hockey team, the 2019-20 season was nothing short of stellar, and a lot of the credit goes to Coach Peter Thomas. Late last month, Thomas’ hard work was recognized by the Hockey Coaches Association of NY, which presented him with the D2 Coach of the Year Award. Thomas won Coach of the Year for his League and Section 1, as well.
The Garnets achieved a winning record of 15-8 and earned the second seed in Section 1. The power league is comprised of Rye, Suffern, Mamaroneck, North Rockland, Scarsdale, and Pelham. As the No. 2 seed in the playoffs, Rye was at home until the Section championship. “That was key for us, because we wanted to be playing at Playland for as long as we could,” said Thomas.
What’s Coach Thomas’ secret sauce? “I always try to build the most difficult schedule in order to prepare the team. A challenging schedule ensures that we are battle-tested for the playoffs.” He added, “We put in time building this program and instilling a culture we believe breeds success, not just for a season, but for the long term, that I hope our players will bring with them into their adult lives.”
Thomas attributes the team’s success to the entire coaching staff. “I am fortunate to have some very dedicated individuals by my side — Assistant Coach Tom Bailey, who has been with me from the start, JV Coach Mark Kronenberger, who also helps with the Varsity; James Goldmann, who helps with Modified, JV, and Varsity, and Tom Fabiani who coaches the Modified team. Former players Rob Holmes and Brian Gillick also helped out this year as assistants.”
Thomas is quick to point out that not only did his team win the Section Championship for the first time since 2010, but a number of his players won accolades: Declan Lavelle, 1st Team All-State, All-Section, All-League, League A Player of the year; Anabelle Thomas, 2nd Team All-State, All-Section, All-League; Emmet Carroll, All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League; Sasha Vasyuta, All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League; and Liam Hurley, All-Section Honorable Mention, All-League.
Coach Peter Thomas holding two of his awards outside the Playland Ice Casino
