Jacobs retiring after 22 years as Cushing hockey coach
Hebron coach announced as successor

"My high school coach

Steve Jacobs at Cushing

Academy was probably the best coach I ever had. He was like a best friend,

not just a coach,"

- TOM POTI NEW YORK ISLANDERS

After 22 years at the helm of the Cushing Academy boys' varsity ice hockey team, Steve Jacobs is retiring.

Hebron Academy's ice hockey coach Rob Gagnon will succeed Jacobs on July 1.

"Coach Jacobs is a professional of the highest caliber, a man of honor and a gentleman," said Wayne Sanborn, Cushing's Director of Athletics. "He has dedicated his life to working with young people, and inspiring his players. Coach Jacobs has earned the respect and admiration from his players and other coaches in the profession. His dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of the hockey program have made him one of the finest coaches in New England prep school hockey."

Jacobs built the nationally recognized hockey program at Cushing. Under Jacobs' coaching the school's team has made 20 New England Prep School Tournament appearances, 12 Final Four New England Prep School Tournament appearances, six title game appearances and two championships, in addition to 31 prep/junior hockey tournament championships.

A role model and mentor to many, Jacobs has coached and placed over 150 Division I college players and 68 professional players including 18 current professional players.

"My high school coach Steve Jacobs at Cushing Academy was probably the best coach I ever had. He was like a best friend, not just a coach," said Tom Poti of the New York Islanders and NHL All Star, according to the Islanders Web site. "I really developed under him and he pushed me to become a better player."

Ray Bourque, NHL Hall of Fame member, legendary Boston Bruin and 17-year NHL All Star player remarked, "Steve Jacobs is a great coach who I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with at Cushing. The success of the Cushing hockey program is a testament to his leadership ability. Steve is more than just a coach. He has a powerful impact on his players' lives on and off the ice. Steve is a knowledgeable and experienced teacher who encourages his players to elevate their performance on a daily basis."

Jacobs' successor has already made an impact on the hockey world.

At Hebron Academy, Gagnon led his team to win the 2006 New England Prep School Division 2 Hockey Championship and was named the 2006 New England Prep School Division II Hockey Coach of the Year.

Gagnon has also served as the head coach of the USA Hockey National Training Development Program for the Maine Select 15 team in 2006, and as the head coach of the Hockey Night in Boston All-Scholastic New England team in 2006.

"Rob is an outstanding young man with a brilliant career ahead in prep hockey," Sanborn said. "He brings to Cushing a strong knowledge of the game, a strong work ethic, a sincere personality, dedication, enthusiasm and experience. I am confident that we have selected the best coach and the best person to continue the legacy and traditions of Cushing Academy Hockey."

Gagnon played high school hockey at Avon Old Farms School where he was twice named the Athlete of the Year, and was chosen for the USA Select 17 National Hockey Team. He was voted to the All New England Prep School Team and honored as the All New England Player of the Year. Gagnon attended the University of New Hampshire, played in the NCAA Division I Frozen Four, and was named the Hockey East Rookie of the Week during the season.

Gagnon will work in the Academy's admission office, live on campus and be involved with all aspects of life at the co-education boarding school.