DOVER – Two successful coaches won’t be on the bench when the high school hockey season rolls around next winter.
St. Thomas Aquinas High School boys head coach Dan Strabone, and STA/Winnacunnet/Dover girls coach Al Oliveira have both announced they won’t be back next season.
Strabone helped the Saints win three Division II state championships in his eight years as coach, the last six year as head coach; and Oliveira, in his 11 years as head coach, led the Saints to the 2021 and 2022 state title game.
Strabone led the Saints to outright titles in 2019 and 2022; and shared the 2020 championship with Keene. St. Thomas went 6-12 this season, and didn’t qualify for the postseason.
“I’m proud of all the boys who have come through here for the past eight years,” Strabone said. “Their hard work, dedication and commitment to the program made it all possible. I had the easy job. It’s been a great run.”
St. Thomas Aquinas athletic director Dave Morissette said he is proud of the job both Strabone and Oliveira did.
“Coach Strabone has impact at St. Thomas Aquinas on and off the ice,” Morissette said. “The championships were great, but his development of young men is what he was all about. I wish him the best in his retirement and Dan will always have a home here.”
Morissette called Oliveira a great coach and mentor.
“I think I can speak on behalf of the Dover and Winnacunnet communities in thanking Coach Oliveira for his 11 years coaching and molding these athletes into fine young ladies,” Morissette said. “His leadership and grace are what I will remember. He always handled everything with class and held his athletes accountable on and off the ice.”
Oliveira said his time with STA/Winnacunnet/Dover gave him so many memories and thankful moments.
“I am so thankful that God gave me the time and ability to be part of the St. Thomas community as the girls ice hockey coach,” Oliveira said. “I cannot think of a better team to be a part of as I end my coaching career.”
STA/Winnacunnet/Dover went 7-11-1 this season, losing to Lebanon in the first round.
“As the season progressed, it started being more evident that I felt like the time was right,” Oliveira said. “I’d rather go out feeling good about what I left, instead of saying ‘oh man, why did I wait so long, this is the wrong time.’ This is just the right time, I felt the timing was perfect right now.”
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