| Staff |
Executive Mite Development Program 15/16 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Head Coach '23-24 |
Jeff Butters |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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Coaching Expereince:
15/16 Vipers, 2023-present
U18 Vipers, 2015-16
Essex Tech, 2021-present
Hometown:
Salem, MA |
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15 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Chris Connolly '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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The Vipers are pleased to announce Chris Connolly as the 2015 Coach for the 2023-24 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:
- 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:
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14 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Jim Leger '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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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:
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13 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
John Hurd '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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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:
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11Gold Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Head Coach |
Drew Palmer '23-24 |
Vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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The Vipers are pleased to announce Drew Palmer as the 2011 Gold Coach for the 2023-24 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, Coach, 2023-Present
- Wakefield Youth Hockey, 2010-23
- 06 Shamrocks, Coach, 2020-Present
- Wakefield Middle School Hockey, 2017-20
Playing Experience:
- Gettysburh College
- Jarved, Europa Cup
- Acton Boxborough High School
- Jr Wallce Wallopers
Hometown:
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11 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Matt Sanders '23-24 |
msanders@vipersicehockey.com |
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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, 1996-2000
- Dartmouth College Ledyard Bank Tournament MVP, 1999
- UVM Rookie of the Year, 1997
- Northfield Mt Hermon School, 1994-1996
- All New England Prep All Star, 1996
- Pingree School, 1992-1994
- Saugus High School, 1991
Hometown:
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10 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Brendan Forrest '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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Coaching Experience:
- 10Vipers, Coach, 2021-present
- 09Vipers, Coach, 2020-21
- USA Hockey Certified Coach
Playing Experience:
- Hamilton College Hockey
- Hamilton College Lacrosse (captain)
- Hamilton College Soccer (captain)
- Governor's Academy: Hockey, Lacrosse, & Soccer
Hometown:
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U14 FULL - IANNOTTI
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Marc Iannotti '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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Marc grew up in Barrington, Rhode Island and started playing hockey at age 7. He credits his
success in hockey to some of his earliest coaches who demanded accountability and required
meticulous technique but meanwhile instilled love of the game. Hockey not only provided him with some of the best experiences, friendships, and mentorships of his life but also provided him with the opportunity to learn critical life lessons.
Marc is currently the Chief Operating Officer of a Boston based retail food business where he
manages a team of 90 employees. He lives in Swampscott, MA with his wife, daughter, and twin
sons. His passion is watching all 3 of his children as well as other children learn, enjoy, improve,
and love the game of hockey the way he does.
Coaching Experience:
- 09Vipers, Coach, 2020-Present
- Salem Swampscott Blades, Director of Hockey Operations, 2019-present
- Salem Swampscott Blades, Coach 2016-20
- Swampscott Salem Blades, Learn to Play Program, Coach
- Swampscott Indoor Soccer, Coach, 2017
- Swampscott U9/10 Girls Soccer, Coach 2016-2017
- USA Hockey Level 3 Certified Advanced Coach
Playing Experience:
- Williams College, 1992-96
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- John McCormick Award 1996 An award recognizing a senior team player exhibitingleadership, loyalty, a selfless devotion to the team, a youthful delight in the game of hockey, and above all, a strong personal commitment to community service.
- 1996 Division 3 AllStar
- ECAC East Champions 1994
- Northfield Mt Hermon School, 1989-92
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- played under legendary Coach, Chris Serino
- Student leader of the year award, 1992
- Junior athlete of the Year Award, 1991
- East West Prep school Allstar, 1992
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- 1991 Member of the Massachusetts Chicago Showcase High School Allstar Team
- Hockey Night in Boston Sophomore Allstar team 1989
- Hockey Night in Boston RI defenseman of the year Junior Year 1991
- Hockey Night in Boston RI defenseman of the year Junior Year 1992
- Barrington High School Varsity 1987-89
- Played for RI Saints Hockey Club and Providence Capitals from 1980-1988
Hometown:
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U14 FULL - DEFEO
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Rick DeFeo '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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Rick grew up in Wakefield, MA where he began his hockey career, playing for the in town youth hockey program and then later for the Varsity Hockey Team at Wakefield Memorial High School, where he also played Varsity Baseball and Soccer. As a youth sports coach (hockey & baseball) Rick's focus is always on the growth and success of his players, so that they may develop, improve and enjoy playing sports with their teammates.
Rick and his wife Wendy, live in Wakefield, MA with their son Max ('09) who not only plays hockey, but also enjoys playing lacrosse and golf.
Coaching Experience:
- Wakefield Youth Hockey, Mites thru Pee Wees 2016-2022
- Wakefield Little League, 2015-2019
- North Shore Coyotes Hockey Club, Squirts thru Pee Wees 2019-2021
Playing Experience
- Wakefield Memorial High School ( 3 yrs. Varsity )
- HNIB
- New England Pro-Am
Hometown:
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U14 SPLIT U15 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Nick Merryman ‘23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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The Vipers are pleased to announce Nick Merryman as the U15 Coach for the 2023-24 season. Nick brings a wealth of high school coacing experience to the U15 roster.
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:
- U15Vipers, Coach, 2023-Present
- 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:
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U16 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Dante Maribito '23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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The Vipers are pleased to announce Dante Maribito as the U16 Coach for the 2023-24 season. Dante brings a knowledge of high school coacing experience to the U16 roster.
Dante was a 98 Vipers team alumni who excelled on the ice at St Mary's of Lynn, Phillips Andover, & Assumption College. The former D1 State Champion at St Mary's of Lynn also captured a conference Championship while at Assumption College.
Dante brings a boat load of experience and success that he can share with his players.
Coaching Experience:
- U16 Vipers, Coach, 2023-Present
- St Mary's of Lynn, JV Coach, 2022-Present
- Skills Instructor, 2020-present
Playing Experience:
- Assumption University, 2018-22 (asst captain, 2nd team all conference, '22 conference champions)
- Phillips Andover Academy, 2017-18
- St Mary's of Lynn, 2013-17 (2 yr captian, 4x CCL All Star, 1x CCL MVP, 2017 D1 State Champions
Hometown:
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U18 Tier 1
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Matt Sanders ‘23-24 |
msanders@vipersicehockey.com |
-- |
|
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Coaching Experience:
- 2011 Vipers, Coach, 2018-Present
- 2007 Vipers-Elite, 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, 1996-2000
- Dartmouth College Ledyard Bank Tournament MVP, 1999
- UVM Rookie of the Year, 1997
- Northfield Mt Hermon School, 1994-1996
- All New England Prep All Star, 1996
- Pingree School, 1992-1994
- Saugus High School, 1991
Hometown:
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U18
| Position |
Name |
Email |
Phone |
Bio |
| Coach |
Wayne Silva ‘23-24 |
vipers@vipersicehockey.com |
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Coaching Experience:
- U16/U18 Vipers, Coach, 2020-present
- 06Vipers, Coach, 2019-20
- 06 NS Wings, Coach, 2016-19
- Lynn Youth Hockey, 2012-16t
- 20yrs College Referee
- 15yrs NEC Hockey Commissioner
- USA Hockey Level 3 certified
Playing Experience:
- Salem State
- Matt O'Neil Hockey Club (EJHL)
Hometown:
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