Instructors

Coach Zaniboni, a proud native of Plymouth, MA, first made waves in the hockey world at Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury, where his talent and leadership propelled the team to three State Championships. Named MVP in both his Junior and Senior years, Zaniboni’s skill between the pipes was undeniable, earning him the prestigious ESPN Male Athlete of the Year award in 2000. His high school success paved the way for a standout junior hockey career in both the USHL and NAHL, before he accepted a scholarship to play at Northern Michigan University, a Division I powerhouse in the CCHA.

At Northern Michigan, Zaniboni’s excellence continued. As a senior, he earned the Peranni Cup for most game stars and was recognized for his commitment to the community with back-to-back Community Service Awards in his Junior and Senior seasons. Read More Zaniboni graduated with a B.S. in Business Marketing, but his journey on the ice was far from over. He went on to play professionally in the ECHL, CHL, IHL, and SPHL, where he established himself as a top-tier goaltender. In his final season before retiring, Zaniboni was named Team MVP and Goalie of the Year while leading the Mississippi Surge to their first professional championship.

Transitioning from player to coach, Zaniboni’s impact has been nothing short of remarkable. As a junior hockey coach, he earned the prestigious Coach of the Year award three years in a row, a testament to his ability to develop both talent and character. Under his guidance, his teams secured two consecutive league titles and made two appearances in national tournaments, cementing his reputation as a top-tier coach.

Zaniboni’s dedication to his players is evident in his impressive track record of player development. On average, over 16 players per season have advanced to higher levels of play, including NCAA, ACHA, Tier I/Tier II leagues, and even professional hockey. His influence has even extended to the NHL, with several of his former players appearing on the NHL Central Scouting list.

With a career that has spanned the highs of championship victories and the development of future stars, Coach Zaniboni’s legacy as a player, coach, and mentor continues to inspire the next generation of hockey players.

Coach Mike Richard, a proud native of Montreal, Canada, began his hockey journey in the prestigious Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he was drafted by the Quebec Remparts. His junior career spanned four successful years in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL), where he quickly became known for his offensive prowess, averaging over a point per game. A standout highlight of his junior career was his participation in the Royal Bank Cup and the Fred Page Cup, both of which solidified his reputation as a competitive force on the ice.

After wrapping up his junior career, Mike transitioned to Elmira College, where he became a four-year standout in Division III hockey. Read More There, he not only excelled on the ice—averaging an impressive 1.14 points per game—but also earned numerous accolades. He was named Rookie Athlete of the Year, an All-American, and helped lead his team to two conference championships. Mike was also a finalist for Division III Player of the Year and was honored as Elmira’s Athlete of the Year during his senior season. His leadership and exceptional talent took his team to two Final Four tournaments, cementing his place as one of the college’s all-time greats.

Mike’s professional career was equally impressive. Following his college years, he spent five successful years in the minor leagues, where he continued to shine offensively, averaging 1.45 points per game. In 2009, he was named to the SPHL All-Rookie Team and Rookie of the Year. His success peaked in 2010 when he was selected to the SPHL Second All-Star Team, led the Mississippi Surge to an SPHL Championship, and was named Playoff MVP and a Second Team All-Star. After retiring in 2011, Mike transitioned into coaching, bringing his extensive experience and passion for the game to the next generation of players.

Since 2021, Coach Richard has been the Head Coach of the Seahawks EHLP team, where he has continued to inspire, develop, and guide players with the same commitment to excellence that defined his playing career. His journey—from a standout junior player to a Division III All-American and professional champion—has equipped him with a unique blend of experience and insight that he now passes on to his players, helping them reach their fullest potential both on and off the ice.

Matt, a proud native of Plymouth, MA, first made his mark on the ice at Archbishop Williams High School, where his leadership and skill earned him the role of team captain and a spot as a Catholic Central League All-Star in his senior year. His commitment to excellence continued at Stonehill College, where he was honored with the Rookie of the Year award during the 2003-2004 season, quickly establishing himself as a key player in Division III hockey.

But it’s not just his accomplishments as a player that define Matt—his true passion lies in motivating and inspiring the next generation. As a coach, Matt brings an unwavering dedication to developing not just skilled athletes, but well-rounded individuals. Read More He believes that hockey, like life, is about more than just what happens on the ice. It’s about perseverance, teamwork, and resilience—lessons that transcend the game itself.

Matt’s coaching philosophy is simple yet powerful: a great coach doesn’t just improve skills, they empower players to unlock their full potential, both on and off the ice. His approach creates an environment where athletes thrive, not only growing as hockey players but also gaining the confidence and life skills needed to succeed in whatever path they choose.

Matt's impact extends far beyond the rink—he’s a mentor, a motivator, and a trusted guide, shaping the future of those fortunate enough to learn from him.