After an extensive nationwide search, The Winchendon School’s Head of School, Sean Duncan, announced today the hiring of Mike Busconi ‘13 as the new Head Varsity Boys Ice Hockey Coach. Coach Busconi will be the 16th Head Varsity Boys Hockey Coach since the program’s inception in 1962. “The opportunity to lead Boy’s Hockey at The Winchendon School quickly garnered national interest and attention. After a thorough process in which school leadership vetted excellence among candidates in the areas of player development, culture and team building, and empowering student athletes to work toward their greatest potential on and off the ice, it became clear that Mike Busconi was the best choice to lead our program ” said Head of School, Sean Duncan.
Mike arrives at The Winchendon School with an extensive background in coaching and recruiting elite-level student-athletes. His experience is broad and extensive. Early in his career, Coach Busconi gained valuable experience in the USHL. After his time in the USHL, Mike became the Program Director and Coach for the Neponset Valley River Rats, a premiere program consisting of the top talent across the Northeast. He then helped build an elite NEPSAC program at Lawrence Academy that won an ISL Championship, became an Elite 8 Semi-Finalist, and finally a New England Small School Champion. Importantly, as an alum of The Winchendon School who spent a post graduate year here 2012/13, Coach Busconi demonstrates a sincere conviction in developing character and leadership among student athletes, a central tenet of The Winchendon School’s mission. As an alum, he serves as a role model who embodies the impact a Winchendon School education can have on the lives of our students.
Further, Coach Busconi has been a New England Region Scout for the National Hockey League (NHL) Central Scouting. He is also the owner of the Boston Hockey Club, and Program Director and Coach for the Islanders Hockey Club. Director of NHL Scouting, David Gregory lauded Mike’s appointment by saying “The Winchendon School is getting a great hockey man and excellent person in their new head coach Mike Busconi. In the five years that Mike has worked for the National Hockey League he has proven to be a hardworking knowledgeable asset to our organization. I am sure there are good things ahead for the hockey program in the years to come.” While coaching Winchendon’s Varsity Hockey Team will be his primary focus, Mike’s continued relationships with these renowned organizations will further inform the growth of exceptional hockey at our school.
Winchendon’s Director of Hockey, Jeff Pellegrini, asserts that “Mike has an incredible hockey mind who understands the game at its deepest level. His recruiting network and work ethic are second to none. He is passionate, loves teaching, and is an excellent communicator. He is also a great person. These were all qualities that stood out during this national search.”
Assistant Head of School John Toffey added, “Coach Busconi was a clear choice to lead our boys varsity hockey program. While we were inundated and humbled by the volume of resumes we received, Mike stood out. Being an alum of The Winchendon School, his care level for the School and our student-athletes was incredibly high. He loves Winch! We received numerous recommendations for Coach Busconi from trusted hockey sources at the high school, college, and professional levels. This is a great day for Winchendon hockey and our school community!”
Coach Busconi will begin his tenure this fall, and looks forward to working with our current student athletes so they grow into their greatest potential on and off the ice, while further developing our program so that it continues to be a college preparatory destination known for excellence in academics and athletics.
If you are a prospective student athlete or parent curious about the school, coach or educational professional looking to hear more about the exciting growth of Winchendon’s programs, or inspired to connect as a neighbor, alum, hockey enthusiast, or new friend, please reach out to John Toffey at jtoffey@winchendon.org, Jeff Pellegrini at jpellegrini@winchendon.org and Mike Busconi at mbusconi@winchendon.org.
