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DREW PALMER - 2012 GOLD COACH

Sunday, February 25, 2024, 12:00PM

The Vipers are pleased to announce Drew Palmer will be heading up the 2012 Gold team for the 2024-25 season.

Drew grew up in Pepperell, MA and currently living in Wakefield.  Drew's main focus as a coach is to help kids realize their full potential as players and growing their love for the game.  Drew and his wife have three boys all involved in hockey.  "I have loved being part of their development as hockey players and seeing them become as passionate about hockey as I am."

Drew has a USA Hockey Level 4 Coaching Certification with current training ages up to U16.   He will adding U18 training for this coming season. He is also a USA Hockey certified referree, which has given Drew a deeper appreciation for the game. 

In 2021, Drew won the Donald McKay Memorial Coaches Award with two VHL championship teams.

Coaching Experience:

  • 2012 Vipers Gold, Coach, 2023-Present
  • 2011 Vipers Gold, Coach, 2023-24
  • Wakefield Youth Hockey, 2010-23
  • 06 Shamrocks, Coach, 2020-Present
  • Wakefield Middle School Hockey, 2017-20

Playing Experience:

  • Gettysburg College
  • Jarved, Europa Cup
  • Acton Boxborough High School
  • Jr Wallce Wallopers

Hometown:

  • Wakefield, MA
 

NICK MERRYMAN - COACH

Sunday, February 25, 2024, 11:00AM

 

The Vipers are pleased to announce Nick Merryman will be returning for the 2024-25 season.  Nick brings a wealth of high school coacing experience. 

A former resident of Peabody and now lives in Danvers, Nick is familiar and proud to have worn the Vipers uniform for a number of years before entering high school. Now fortunate enough to join the other side of the bench, Nick brings with him the energy needed for the next generation of players. Nick is an experienced founder in the sports and fitness industries including a hockey league, development program, and training facility. In addition, Nick is employed at New England Biolabs — working towards a better world. Most importantly, Nick is a firm believer that with the right people, culture, and values you can accomplish great things.  

    

Coaching Experience:

  • U16Vipers, Coach, 2023-24
  • Malden Catholic JVB, Head Coach, 2021-present
  • Peabody High School, Asst Varsity Coach, 2019-21
  • Founder of Washed Up Hockey & Merryman Development

Playing Experience:

  • Greater Boston Vipers
  • Peabody High School - Hockey & Lacrose Captian, 2017
  • Team Massachusetts
  • NEC All-Star
  • EHL All-Star

Hometown:

  • Danvers, MA
 

Meet Our Coaches 2024-25

Saturday, February 24, 2024, 8:00PM

2011T Advance to Presidents Day Championship Game / 11 TIER 1

Monday, February 19, 2024, 12:00PM

The 2011T's have had a strong weekend up @ the Presidents Day Tournament in Manchester, NH.  

Wins over the CT Chiefs (x2), Islanders, and Maine Gladiators put them in position to advance into the Championship Game Monday afternoon. 

Great team effort throughtout the lineup.  

      

 

2012 TIER 1 UPPER GOLD COACHES / 12 MONTEIRO - TIER 1

Monday, January 29, 2024, 9:00PM

The Vipers welcome Chris Monteiro & John Karavales for the 2024-25 season as the 2012 Upper Gold Coaches.

We are excited because both coaches comes with a wealth of experience!  

For Chris & John's Coaching Bio, click HERE

 

JAYSON NALEN - 2014 COACH / 14 NALEN - TIER 1

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 9:00PM

The Vipers are pleased to announce Jayson Nalen as the 2014 Head Coach for the 2024-25 season.

Jayson was born and raised in Winthrop, MA. He still lives there now with his wife Danielle and two children: Quinn (9) and Charlie (6).

He started playing hockey at 3 years old and still plays to this day. Jayson has been a sitting board member for the last two years for his local youth hockey program in Winthrop. Jayson has been head coaching youth hockey for 15 years at all levels from MDL through Midgets. He has his level 4 USA Hockey Coaching Certification. Assistant coach for this and last season for the Greater Boston Vipers.

Coaching Philosophy: Coach Nalen's focus as a coach is player development, system style hockey, and incorporating hard work with fun. His goal is for every player is for them to end each season as a stronger skater with an advanced hockey IQ and an overall love for the game. Jayson loves hockey because it teaches life skills, such as being a good teammate, getting held accountable, and the importance of hardwork.

 

COACHING EXPERIENCE:

  • 14Vipers, Head Coach, 2024-Present
  • 14Vipers, Asst Coach, 2021-23
  • Winthrop Youth Hockey, 2009-Present
  • Winthrop Youth Hockey, Board of Directors, 2022-Present 
  • USA Hockey Level 4 Coaching Certificate

PLAYING EXPERIENCE:

  • Winthrop High School 

HOMETOWN:

  • Winthrop, MA
 

CHRIS CONNOLLY - 2016 COACH

Wednesday, January 10, 2024, 8:00PM

The Vipers are pleased to announce Chris Connolly as the 2016 Coach for the 2024-25 season.   

Chris is a passionate hockey coach that believes younger players need to play multiple sports to reach their athletic potention.   Chris grew up in Melrose, MA and currently living in South Hamilton with his wife and three young sons.     

 

Coaching Experience:
  • 2016Vipers, Coach, 2024-Present 
  • 2015 Vipers, Coach, 2023-Present
  • Wings, Mite Coach, 2020-23 
  • Pingree School, Varsity Head Coach, 2016-19
  • Pingree School, Varsity Asst Coach, 2012-16
  • '99 Vipers, Coach, 2008-11

Playing Experience:

  • Austin Icebats, CHL, 2001
  • ECAC All Star, 2001
  • Hobart College, 1997-01
  • NEPSIHA All Star, 1997
  • Pingree School, 1994-97
  • NEPSIHA All Star, 1997

Hometown:

  • South Hamilton, MA
 

OPEN ROSTER SPOTS

Tuesday, August 15, 2023, 9:32PM

We have a few spots remaining open for the 2023-24 season.   

  • 2016 - 1 spot
  • 2015 - 1 spot
  • 2013 - 2 spots
  • 2012 - 1 spot
  • 2010 - 1 spots
  • U18 - 2 spots

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