John Desmond named Ed Robson ’50 Head Hockey Coach
June 21, 2024
NORTH BRIDGTON, ME – Bridgton Academy is pleased to announce the hiring of John Desmond as the Academy’s new Ed Robson ’50 Head Hockey Coach. A graduate of Western Michigan University, Desmond initially joined the Bridgton community in 2022 as an assistant coach, and most recently served as Interim Head Hockey Coach.
“John Desmond’s experience and expertise both as a player and coach have been tremendously beneficial to the hockey program at Bridgton Academy over the past two years,” shared Head of School, Diana J. Gleeson. “John loves coaching this level of hockey and he is excited to lead practices designed with intention. His commitment to player development and position specific training, combined with his passion for building team camaraderie off the ice, make him a wonderful fit for this role. I am looking forward to seeing Coach Desmond and the Class of 2025 out on the ice this season competing and representing Bridgton Academy.”
Bridgton Academy hockey has a long and storied tradition, and Coach Desmond is eager to take on the mantle of this program. Desmond brings a dynamic hockey background having played and captained his Division I club hockey program at Western Michigan University. Since his playing years, Desmond has worked diligently to develop his coaching resume and knowledge of the game.
“We are excited to embark on the next era of Bridgton hockey, one that is both promising and aspiring,” stated Director of Athletics, Aaron Izaryk. “John Desmond is a quality hockey mind with tremendous talent in the skills and player development realm. John is the right coach to move our program forward, one who will create a supportive and positive environment for the group. I cannot wait for the Class of 2025 to meet Coach Desmond and get started this fall. Without a doubt, it’s an exciting time in Chalmers Ice Arena at Bridgton Academy.”
Coach Desmond officially begins his role on July 1, but is already jumping into his new responsibilities, including recruitment for the upcoming Class of 2025 season. “I am very grateful and excited to be named the Ed Robson ’50 Head Hockey Coach at Bridgton Academy,” shared Desmond. “These past two seasons have allowed me the opportunity to build my understanding of not only the Bridgton hockey program, but the school as a whole. I look forward to applying my strengths to the head coaching role, which includes highly focused individualized skill work and a variety of other new ideas. I can’t wait to get the 2024–25 season started!”
Bridgton Academy’s mission is to provide a program for young men in a unique, one-year postgraduate environment to prepare for the competitive rigors of college and beyond. For more information, visit www.bridgtonacademy.org.
