Fired Andover Hockey Coach Takes Job At Malden Catholic

ANDOVER, MA — Less than a month after school administrators told him he would not be asked back to coach the Andover High School hockey team, Chris Kuchar has reportedly accepted the head coaching position at Malden Catholic. Kuchar's departure was followed by a walkout by students at the school and a protest by parents and students in downtown Andover demanding that school administrators reappoint him for next season.

"I’m proud and honored to be the newest member of the Malden Catholic family. The history that has been established in academics and athletics since 1932 makes Malden Catholic a special place," Kuchar said in a statement to the Eagle Tribune, which first reported this story. "When people in MA HS hockey think about hockey in this state, Malden Catholic is a team that is easily recognizable based on the history of success and the opportunities playing at Malden Catholic has afforded its alumni. I’m excited to help continue to grow the legacy of Malden Catholic and its hockey program."

Kuchar was told last month he would not be asked back to coach the hockey team next year. In January 2018, Kuchar and two other coaches were accused of withholding food and water from players. Kuchar and the other two coaches were cleared in an investigation by the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, which determined the accusations were unfounded.

"I’d like to thank the players, past and current of Andover High School, my staff of dedicated coaches, the parental support, the overwhelming community support, The Hat Trick Club and Andover Hockey Association for helping make Andover High School Hockey, a program they can be proud of," Kuchar said in his statement to the newspaper."Our accomplishments and growth are strong, but only happened with commitment and support of many...The fine young men in the program at all levels, that represented their families, school, community and hockey program with class, respect and pride while competing at a high level is a testament to this program. You’ve set a new standard of hockey at Andover."

Andover Superintendent Sheldon Berman tried to have Kuchar removed in 2016. Berman asked the athletic director and high school principal to remove Kuchar because the way his son, Dale Haavind-Berman, who played for the team at the time, was treated.

For more on this story, see the Eagle-Tribune.