Head Coach: Shawn Bates

Coach Bates brings a wealth of experience both on and off the ice. With four years of Division 1 hockey at Merrimack College and six seasons in professional hockey with the ECHL and Southern Professional Hockey League, he has a deep understanding of the game at all levels. Over the past three years, Coach Bates has contributed as an assistant coach and has now taken over as the head coach in his fourth season at Pingree.

In addition to his coaching role, Coach Bates owns the Speed Factory, a personal training clinic dedicated to helping young student-athletes elevate their performance both on the ice and in the gym. Coach Bates is committed to fostering both the athletic and personal growth of his players, preparing them for success in hockey and beyond.

Assistant Coach - Jon Gistis

Coach Gistis joined Pingree in the 2011-2012 academic year and works in Pingree’s History department. Prior to joining Pingree, coach Gistis was an assistant coach with the Winchester Girls’ Varsity High School team and the U16 Bay State Breakers boys’ team. As a player, coach Gistis played his prep school hockey at Tabor Academy where he participated in two Elite 8 tournaments. Following Tabor, Coach Gistis matriculated to Trinity College in Hartford, CT where he was a member of the 2003 NESCAC champion Bantams team. Coach Gistis believes in the power of hockey and athletics to help mold young people into well-rounded and responsible adults through a focus on team goals, sacrifice, and hard work. In addition to coaching hockey and teaching History, coach Gistis also coaches tennis at Pingree. He lives locally with his wife and three children.

Assistant Coach - Mike Collins

Coach Collins brings extensive experience from a successful career at both the collegiate and professional levels. A four-year standout at Merrimack College, he earned multiple Hockey East honors and was recognized as an All-American for his strong play. After college, Coach Collins went on to compete professionally for six seasons, including time in the AHL and several years in Europe’s top leagues.

In recent years, Coach Collins has dedicated himself to developing young athletes, bringing his knowledge, competitiveness, and passion for the game to the rink each day. He is committed to teaching the fundamentals, fostering confidence, and helping players grow both on and off the ice as they work toward their goals in hockey and beyond.

Goalie Coach: Mike Boccuzzi

Coach Boccuzzi enters his second season with the Pingree hockey team. He spent 8 seasons as a goalie/assistant coach with Beverly High School including their state championship-winning season in 2013-14. Boccuzzi, a goalie for over 30 years brings both experience and a passion for the position, is a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, and Salem State University. He is currently employed as a police officer and resides in Beverly.