Reading, MA — Austin Prep has appointed John McLean as the school’s new Head Varsity BoysIce Hockey Coach. MacLean takes the helm of the program after achieving considerable playing and coaching success at the high school, college, and professional levels.
“As with any coaching position at Austin Prep, the best candidate will have the right experience, exceptional gifts, and be mission-aligned. We are fortunate to add an individual who brings a unique balance of these attributes,” Director of Athletics Pat Driscoll said. “Coach McLean’s experience and passion for developing the student-athlete makes him an excellent choice to lead our Boys Ice Hockey Program.”
McLean has had an impressive playing career. He was a high school standout leading Arlington Catholic to a MIAA State Championship. After Arlington Catholic, he attended Boston College, where he was the captain of the Eagles Men’s Ice Hockey team and was a member of the USA Select Hockey East All-Star team. He was also the recipient of Snooks Kelly Award and Pierre Club Award. Following Boston College, McLean went on to play professionally for the IHL and AHL affiliates of the Hartford Whalers.
In addition to Coach McLean’s playing experience, he brings an extensive coaching background to Austin Prep, having coached at various levels since 1989. McLean coached at the collegiate level at Boston College and Merrimack College. At Merrimack College, he was an assistant coach responsible for the defensemen and the skating and skill development for all players.
Additionally, he was the skating coach for the Tampa Bay Lightning and the on-ice Head Skating Instructor for the Boston Bruins. Coach McLean was an assistant coach for a number of years at Malden Catholic before becoming the Head Coach in 2012, winning four MIAA Super 8 State Championships in 5 straight appearances. He is the president and owner of Dynamic Skating and is the Director of Player Development for the Islanders Hockey Club.
Coach McLean is enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead the Austin Prep Boys Ice Hockey Program. “I would like to thank Head of School Dr. James Hickey and Athletic Director Patrick Driscoll for the opportunity to coach at Austin Prep. Austin Prep is a tremendous institution with a very strong academic and athletic tradition. I look forward to meeting the team and starting the new journey into the NEPSAC,” McLean said. “This is a unique opportunity for our student-athletes to compete and develop at a high level within their school community.”
In January, Austin Prep announced a transition of all the school’s athletic programs to the New England Private School Athletic Council (NEPSAC) beginning in the 2022-23 academic year. Austin Prep is an independent, Augustinian Catholic school serving young men and women in grade 6-12, located in Reading, Massachusetts.
