With former assistant forward coach Garrett Lessard accepting a new coaching position at the Millbrook School in Millbrook, NY, the Williston hockey team was in need for a new coach. So head coaches Cunha and Hanford went to former Williston star PJ McCadden to take over role.

McCadden, originally from Mount Sinai, NY, decided to move away from home at a young age to play New England Prep Hockey. McCadden had a very successful athletic career at Williston, playing for both the hockey and lacrosse teams. McCadden graduated from Williston in 2010.  He later went to play for Westfield State University, where he posted 51 points throughout his three seasons.

“Coach McCadden was a top prep player in his time at Williston and brings with him a wealth of knowledge about the game,” says Cunha, who was fortunate enough to coach PJ McCadden. Cunha also coached former assistant coaches Garrett Lessard and Kevin Kelly. “Being an alumni of the school, I know PJ will be able to relate well with our players and their experience here at Williston.”

In a recent interview with Coach McCadden, he had nothing but great things to say about his time at Williston back from 2009-2010.

“My experience as a hockey player at Williston was incredible. Hockey was a major factor in my decision to leave Long Island and go to Prep School because of the reputation New England Prep Hockey has as one of the best leagues in the country.” Just like many Williston hockey players now, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play in a top tier league, where you are playing talented players every time you step on the ice.

“I realized how passionate Williston as a whole was about hockey after our first Friday night game versus Northfield Mount Hermon,” says McCadden.  “Lossone was rocking and it was our first win of the year, and my first wearing a Williston jersey. Some other great memories from my first year include handing Berkshire their first loss at in their new rink, and an overtime thriller at South Kent.”

McCadden also remembers tying the New England defending champions, Salisbury, and beating Deerfield in their own building. However, he said that his best memories throughout the two years at Williston was the relationships built along the way.

When asked Coach McCadden what he is most looking forward to as assistant coach this season, he said, “I am most looking forward to getting ‘better every day.’ ‘Better every day’ is not just a sign we touch every time we leave the locker-room down at Lossone; it is a message that we can take with us and apply in all areas of our lives, every single day.”

“I look forward to working with Coach Cunha and Hanford and consider myself a student who will be constantly learning from them as I start the second coaching stint of my career,” says McCadden. “Finally, I am looking forward to helping the team and players accomplish of our collective and individual goals.”

“We are excited to have him with us and I know he will be a great asset for our program,” says Cunha.