Cushing Academy announces the latest chapter in its powerhouse hockey program with the hiring of Dan Fontas ’98, P’27 as head coach for boys’ hockey. Fontas succeeds Ryan Bourque ’09, who has been named assistant coach of the Providence Bruins.
"We are thrilled that Dan Fontas ’98, P’27 is taking the reins of Cushing boys’ hockey,” said Dr. Randy Bertin, Cushing Academy Head of School. "Coach Fontas has been instrumental in our hockey program's recent run of success. As a former Cushing Penguin and current coach, he knows firsthand the values of our program and our commitment to our students — both on and off the ice. His experience and expertise give him invaluable knowledge and insights to impart to our players as they develop their skills.”
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to be named head coach of boys’ hockey at Cushing Academy,” shared Dan Fontas. “As a proud member of the Class of 1998, Cushing has always held a special place in my life. This school shaped me — as a student, as an athlete, and as a person — and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue to give back to a community that has given me so much. My family and I are excited for this next chapter, and I am eager to continue building on the strong foundation already in place.”
Echoing Dr. Bertin’s enthusiasm, Director of Athletics Brian Krauss added, “I am elated to announce that Coach Fontas will be the new head coach of varsity boys’ hockey. Coach Fontas deeply understands Cushing’s tradition of excellence — he has the unique experience of winning the Elite Eight NEPSAC Hockey Championship as both a player (1998) and as a coach (2025),” he said. “Coach Fontas believes wholeheartedly that the purpose of our program is the growth and development of each student-athlete — as hockey players, as students, and as young people — and we know the program will continue to grow under his mentorship.”
The Cushing Academy hockey program is perennially one of the top in the country’s independent schools and has had three two back-to-back appearances in the NEPSAC Elite 8 Tournament finals, winning the championship in 2024-25. Three Cushing student-athletes from the 2024-25 team have earned Division I NCAA scholarships, with additional Division I commitments by underclass students. Cushing has produced 19 NHL players and five US Olympic Hockey players. The program’s strong presence of alumni in the NHL includes a long line of Cushing Penguins, from Joey Daccord ’15 and Stanley Cup winner Zach Bogosian ’08, to two-time Stanley Cup winner Conor Sheary ’10 and three-time all-star Ironman Keith Yandle ’05.
Coach Fontas captained the Cushing squad that won the 1998 championship and went on to play Division I hockey at UMass-Lowell. After graduating from UMass-Lowell in 2002, he stayed on as volunteer assistant coach, and then spent 13 years coaching high school and junior hockey. In 2021, Coach Fontas returned to Cushing and spent three successful seasons as head coach of boys’ varsity B hockey, guiding the program to back-to-back Rust Cup Championships — all while supporting varsity hockey as an assistant coach. In 2024, he was promoted to associate head coach of the boys’ varsity hockey, helping coach the squad to the 2024-25 Elite Eight championship.
In addition to his role as head coach of boys’ varsity hockey, Fontas will continue to contribute to the school as an active member of the Office of Admissions and as a dorm parent.
Cushing Academy, founded in 1865, is an independent, coeducational college preparatory boarding school located one hour northwest of Boston, offering exceptional academic, athletic, artistic, and student life opportunities for students in grades 9-12 and a post-graduate year.
