News

Maintaining the Vipers focus of experienced coaching, Jim Leger joins us with a wealth of knowledge and an unrivaled hockey experience to share with his players. 

Formerly of Saugus and now lives in Middleton, Leger was a National Champion with the powerhouse University of Maine Black Bears in 2000.  After college, Jim spent 8 years in professional hockey playing for the Pittsburgh Pengiuns AHL, ECHL, & CHL affiliates.   He was selected for a team out of Canada to travel to Germany to play on their professional teams.

Jim has a USA Hockey Level 4 Coaching Certification.

Jim & his wife, Monica, have 2 girls, Hayden & Keira.

Coaching Experience:

• 14Vipers, Coach, 2022-Present
• Masco Youth Hockey Mites, 2020-22
• Masco Girls Varsity Summer League
• Vipers U16 & U18
• Bishop Hoban Varsity Hockey Coach (Pennsylvania) 

Playing Experience:

• 8 year professional career
• University of Maine (asst captain),
•           National Champions, 1999
•           NCCA Div 1 Frozen Four (Back to Back Years)
•           Hockey East Playoff Championship, 2000
•           NCAA Hockey Hockey Humanitarian Award, 2000
•           Most Inspirational Player Award, University of Maine
•           Unsung Player Award, University of Maine
•           Dean Smith Award - Top Student/Athlete at University of Maine 
• USHL Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Philips Andover Academy
• Saugus High School, Northeast Conference All Star
• (2x) Team Massachusetts & 1995 National Champion at the Chicago Showcase with fellow Viper Coach, Matt Sanders. 

Hometown:

• Middleton, MA

With a hockey career that culminated with four years playing for the Tufts University Jumbos, John has experience playing at all levels of the game.  John grew up in Arlington, Massachusetts, where he began his hockey career, playing both in town and for a AAA travel program, followed by four years at Arlington Catholic and Tufts University.  As a coach, John’s focuses on player development, making the game fun so the players will always want to come to the rink, work hard and improve.  John has a wife, Christine, and two sons, Wesley (’13) and Dylan (’15) who both play hockey. 

John lives in Arlington, where outside of hockey he runs a local law practice and serves on the Arlington Select Board.

Coaching Experience:

• 13Vipers, Coach, 2022-Present
• 13Vipers, Asst Coach, 2021-22
• Arlington Youth Hockey, Mite Coach, 2019-21 
• Arlington Youth Hockey, Peewee Coach, 2009-12
• Arlington Catholic High School, Asst Coach, 2005-09

Playing Experience:

• Tufts University (4yrs, Captian '05)
• Arlington Catholic High School (4yr Varsity, Captian '01) 

Hometown:

• Arlington, MA

After playing for the Detroit Vipers (IHL), Matt started Select Skills Hockey training players from Learn-to-Skate thru High School.   

Matt lives in Salisbury, MA with his wife Eliza, son Cole and daughter Kayla. 

Coaching Experience:

• 11Vipers, Coach, 2018-present
• 07Vipers, Coach, 2014-present
• Co-Founder & Director, Select Skills Hockey, training learn-to-skate thru college players. Specializing in edgework and stride development. Currently working with various DI-DIII college players, high school, prep school, town youth hockey and select programs throughout Massachusetts. 2000-present
• Owner & Director, TopShelf Hockey, recruiting & coaching teams of the top local high school & prep school players for the college recruitment tournaments. 1999-2002
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certified Advanced Coach

Playing Experience:

• Tampa Bay Lightning, Detriot Vipers (IHL), 2000-01
• University of Vermont (asst capt), 1996-2000
• Dartmouth College Ledyard Bank Tournament MVP, 1999
• UVM Rookie of the Year, 1997
• Northfield Mt Hermon School (captain), 1994-1996
• All New England Prep All Star, 1996
• Pingree School, 1992-1994
• Saugus High School, 1991

Hometown:

• Salisbury, MA

After playing for the Detroit Vipers (IHL), Matt started Select Skills Hockey training players from Learn-to-Skate thru High School.   

Matt lives in Salisbury, MA with his wife Eliza, son Cole and daughter Kayla. 

Coaching Experience:

• 11Vipers, Coach, 2018-present
• 07Vipers, Coach, 2014-present
• Co-Founder & Director, Select Skills Hockey, training learn-to-skate thru college players. Specializing in edgework and stride development. Currently working with various DI-DIII college players, high school, prep school, town youth hockey and select programs throughout Massachusetts. 2000-present
• Owner & Director, TopShelf Hockey, recruiting & coaching teams of the top local high school & prep school players for the college recruitment tournaments. 1999-2002
• USA Hockey Level 4 Certified Advanced Coach

Playing Experience:

• Tampa Bay Lightning, Detriot Vipers (IHL), 2000-01
• University of Vermont (asst capt), 1996-2000
• Dartmouth College Ledyard Bank Tournament MVP, 1999
• UVM Rookie of the Year, 1997
• Northfield Mt Hermon School (captain), 1994-1996
• All New England Prep All Star, 1996
• Pingree School, 1992-1994
• Saugus High School, 1991

Hometown:

• Salisbury, MA

2022-23 Tryout registrations are now OPEN.

The Vipers U16 team (Doherty) qualified for the USA Hockey National Tourney.

The tourney begins this weekend in Marlborough.  

Good luck this weekend boys! 

The Holiday Apparel stores are OPEN.    

Lots of new items.  Order now for Christmas and the Holidays. 

TSR STORE  CLOSES 11/11

iSLIDE STORE

VIPERS STORE

We have a few spots remaining open for the 2021-22 season.   

• 2013 - 2 spots
• 2011 - 2 spots
• 2010 - 3 spots
• 2008  - 1 spot
• U16 - 1 spot
• U18 - 1 spot

For more information, please email: vipers@vipersicehockey.com 

2021-22 Tryout registrations are now OPEN.