Oliver Ames has hired former Franklin standout Sean Bertoni as its new hockey coach, Athletic Director Bill Matthews confirmed to HockomockSports.com.
Bertoni, 32, spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the Tigers before taking last year off after the birth of his first child. He spent one season as an assistant coach at Mystic Valley Regional prior to his first stint with OA.
“This is a great opportunity,” Bertoni said. “I’m very appreciative and feel blessed for the opportunity. It’s not just any varsity program either, OA has a great program and community.”
Bertoni had a stellar career for the Panther, graduating in 2002. Starting between the pipes, Bertoni was the team’s Gary Luccini MVP in 2002. He was also the team’s playoff MVP for 2000, 2001 and 2002.
“I am not surprised by Sean becoming a head coach,” Franklin coach Chris Spillane said. Spillane took over the reins at Franklin during Bertoni’s junior year. “Sean was an outstanding goalie for our program, but more importantly he was a team leader who had the ability to motivate his fellow teammates. Sean also had a great understanding of the game, and was like a coach on the ice during practices and games. Oliver Ames is a fortunate program to have him.”
When Bertoni and the Tigers take on Franklin, it will be more than just playing his alma mater. Bertoni’s uncle, Bruce Bertoni, is an assistant coach for the Panthers. Both Bruce and Sean’s father Bill Bertoni are members of the Franklin Hockey Hall of Fame.
The Franklin alum replaces Mark Homer, who spent three years on the bench leading the Tigers. Homer was hired as the new Attleboro hockey coach in early May.
“Mark did a great job building the culture here, building up the program,” Bertoni said. “We want to continue to build it. I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get started. I’m really appreciative of Bill Matthews and the committee for having confidence in me.”
After Franklin, Bertoni went on to play hockey at UMass Boston for three seasons and one year with Suffolk Rams, amassing 1,339 saves. He graduated from Suffolk in 2007.
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