Legendary Coach Retires: “Respected by Everyone”
WHS varsity boys hockey coach John Maguire, who led the Hawks to two state championships over a celebrated 40-year career, announced his retirement Friday.
He thanked his family, assistant coaches, officials and fellow coaches.
“Special thanks to my wife Brenda, son Christopher and daughter Brianna for all their support,” he said.
Maguire also thanked hundreds of former players who went on to become teachers, lawyers, tradesmen, first responders, elected officials, dads and coaches.
Some of those players were among the hundreds who congratulated Coach Maguire on a social media post. They recognized his outstanding contribution not only to hockey, but also to mentoring young athletes into community-minded citizens.
One parent, Linda Hanley, said “His quiet, yet strong, dedication to Waltham youth has been absolutely stunning. He’s taught students way, way more than how to play great hockey.”
“He was the standard that other coaches strived to be,” said Waltham High School Athletic Director Steve LaForest. “His dedication to the players and his program was tough to match. He was respected by everyone (student athletes, opposing coaches, teachers, administrators and officials), which shows how great a person he is, not just a great coach.”
Maguire coached the Hawks to MIAA Division 1 titles in 2002 and 2018. “The highlight was winning the 2018 state championship with my son Christopher on the bench as an assistant coach,” Maguire said.
In 2021, he was recognized for his 400th win as head coach.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) named Coach Maguire a 2022-23 Coach of the Year.
“It’s hard to put into words the impact Coach John Maguire had on countless players, colleagues and friends over the past 40 years,” said the Massachusetts High School Hockey Coaches Association. “Massachusetts high school hockey has a major void to fill. He was a legend and one of the GOATs of the game.”
Congrats to John and his family!
File photos: Peter Lobo
