Thomas To Lead Bishop Brady High School Hockey Program

CONCORD, NH — When students take to the ice later this year at Bishop Brady High School, they will have a new hockey coach.

Long-time capital region hockey coach and player, John Thomas, was recently named the Giants’ varsity boys hockey. Thomas has been coaching players from in and around the city for nearly 15 years, including the mites and midgets program, with the Concord Capitals. He is USA Hockey certified.

“I was honored to be asked to take on the responsibility of Head coach for this coming hockey season,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing how this year’s team shakes out. We have several players returning from last year. We also have some new players coming to Brady this year that will make fine additions to the team. Brady has a long successful hockey tradition and I hope to be able to build on that.”

Thomas has been a Concord police officer for more than 27 years. He is currently a deputy chief for the city. Thomas played hockey for Catholic Memorial High School in Boston, Massachusetts, as a boy and attended Northeastern University, earning a degree in criminal justice and a minor in political science.

Earlier this year, Thomas was selected out of 800 nominations nationally to receive a “Stick Taps for Frontline Heroes Award,” from the Boston Bruins, in recognition of his "positive impact in the community, for both on the job and on the ice." Thomas has also served on the executive board for the Concord Boys and Girls Club and coordinates and is a fundraiser for the Concord Regional Crimeline. He also serves on the board of directors for the Law Enforcement Memorial in New Hampshire.

Tony Johnson, the athletic director for the school, called Thomas a “fantastic fit” for the school and hockey program.

"He has the experience and passion for the game,” he said. “He also has the respect and commitment from the kids. We are excited about John taking Brady hockey to new levels.”

Thomas has been married to his wife, Anna, for 19 years and has two sons, John and Chase, who are both hockey players, too.

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