Cushing Academy announces the latest chapter in its powerhouse hockey program with the hiring of Ryan Bourque ’09 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 ’04, has been a meaningful part of Cushing hockey for many years, and this is a wonderful homecoming.”
“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.”
Echoing Dr. Bertin’s enthusiasm, Director of Athletics Jennifer Viana added, “I am elated to welcome Coach Bourque as head of varsity boys’ hockey. His tremendous knowledge and leadership will build on our hockey program’s strong legacy and proud history,” she said. “Having most recently served as the U18 Assistant Coach for the US National Team Development Program, Coach Bourque is deeply committed to the development of his players, and our student-athletes and our program will benefit greatly.”
Added legendary Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, “I could not be more pleased that Ryan will once again be on the Cushing ice, this time as head coach and a mentor to young players. His immense talents, love of the game, and dedication to his players will undoubtedly spur this program on to new heights. My wife Christiane and I are very proud of Ryan, and as strong Cushing hockey supporters, we look forward to watching this team thrive. The entire Bourque family will be cheering them on. We are very happy for his family to join and be part of the Cushing Academy community.”
The Cushing Academy hockey program is perennially one of the top in the country’s independent schools and was ranked #1 in New England in the 2023-24 season, with two back-to-back appearances in the NEPSAC Elite 8 Tournament. Three Cushing student-athletes from the 2023-24 team have earned Division I NCAA scholarships, with additional Division I commitments by underclass students. Cushing has produced 18 NHL players and five US Olympic Hockey players. The program’s strong presence of alumni in the NHL includes current players Joey Daccord ’15, two-time Stanley Cup winner Conor Sheary ’10, and Stanley Cup winner Zach Bogosian ’08, who have joined a long line of Cushing Penguins over many years, including three-time all-star Ironman Keith Yandle ’05.
Bourque’s professional hockey career spanned nine seasons. He played 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 bench, serving as assistant coach and manager of hockey operations for the South Carolina Stingrays, where he helped lead the team to a South Division championship. For the 2023-24 season, Bourque has been an assistant coach with the U.S. National Under-18 Team as part of USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program.
In addition to his role as head coach of Boys’ Hockey, Bourque will also contribute to the school as an active member of the Office of Advancement.
Cushing Academy, founded in 1865, is an independent, coeducational college preparatory boarding school located one hour northwest of Boston, offering exceptional academic, athletic, artistic, and student life opportunities for students in grades 9-12 and a post-graduate year.
