New York Rangers’ Ryan Bourque controls the puck during a Sept. 22, 2015, preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Tuesday. Bourque has been named head coach of the Cushing Academy boys hockey team. (AP Photo/Tom Mihalek)
Cushing Academy announced the latest chapter in its powerhouse hockey program on Tuesday with the hiring of Ryan Bourque as head coach for boys’ hockey.
“We are thrilled that NHL/AHL veteran player Ryan Bourque (’09) is returning home to Cushing to lead our boys’ hockey program,” said Dr. Randy Bertin, Cushing Academy Head of School. “Having skated as a Cushing Penguin, Ryan knows firsthand the values of our program and our commitment to our students. His experience and expertise from his success in nine seasons of professional hockey give him invaluable knowledge and insights to impart to our players as they develop their skills. The Bourque family, including Ray Bourque and Ryan’s brother Chris Bourque, has been a meaningful part of Cushing hockey for many years, and this is a wonderful homecoming.”
Bourque played for Cushing from 2005-07, scoring 50 points in 29 games in his final season with the Penguins before heading to the U.S. National Development Program. He played nine seasons professionally, including a stint with the New York Rangers that saw him garner preseason and regular season NHL action.
“It’s an honor and privilege to return to my roots and be named head coach of the Penguins,” shared Ryan Bourque. “I’m excited to represent the school that helped shape me as a person and player and am prepared to guide our next generation of young student-athletes. I’d like to thank my Cushing family for the opportunity and support, as well as USA Hockey for continuing my development as both a player and coach. I’m beyond excited to share the campus experience with my wife Maria and sons Ryder and Jackson. I can’t wait to get started at Iorio Arena.”
A prolific scorer and two-way player with Cushing, Bourque did well with the U.S. National program, earning several medals in international competition, including an U18 World Junior Championship gold in 2009 and a U20 WJC gold the following year.
He went on to play in 585 games in the American Hockey League — with the Connecticut Whale, Hartford Wolf Pack, Hershey Bears and Bridgeport Sound Tigers — and played in the NHL with the New York Rangers during the 2014-15 season.
In 2022, Bourque moved behind the…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at "ice hockey" – Google News…