Returning candidates meeting - Thursday, June 11, 2026 @ 2:30pm (in the studio across from the field house). This meeting is mandatory for those wishing to play ice hockey next winter. The coaching staff will review the offseason workout plan. The meeting should last 15 minutes.
In the past 25 years:
5 Division III State Championships (2000, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018)
12 League Titles
Joined Division I in the 2018-2019 season with playoff appearances the last four seasons
Richard Grant:
508-667-9020 (cell)
15 years at Shrewsbury High School (4th season as Head Coach)
11 seasons as Head Coach at Nashoba Regional HS
5 seasons with Northstars HC
Steve Cardosi - '87:
8th season at Shrewsbury High School
#2 all-time points leader at Shrewsbury High
10 seasons with Northstars HC
J.T. Kelley:
5th season at Shrewsbury High School
15 years at St. John's
10 seasons with Minuteman Flames HC
Todd Cooksey - '03:
19th season at Shrewsbury High School
Matt Ward - '17:
5th season at Shrewsbury High School
#4 all-time points leader at Shrewsbury High
The SHS Athletic Department has adopted the motto of "Effort, Attitude, & Discipline". These are traits that our student athletes have control over. Effort contains the physical attributes, Attitude is the mental component, and Discipline is the regimen of both. The Hockey Program precedes this motto with the acronym B.E.S.T. which stands for "Better Every Single Time". Beyond the X's and O's we want to promote teamwork, accountability, respect, and a strong work ethic. The coaching staff empowers players to make decisions and support one other, all in an effort to foster team unity and perseverance.
We are committed to maintaining a high standard of excellence both on and off the ice under the guidance of SHS and MIAA policies. Our program discourages unexcused absences, habitual tardiness, and missing equipment as these impact the entire team's performance. We also emphasize the importance of team play over selfish actions and any penalties that reflect poorly on our sportsmanship, including incidents with officials, will be addressed by the coaching staff. Additionally, misconduct either in or outside of school such as bullying, cyberbullying, hazing, fighting, or breaches of the chemical health policy will face appropriate consequences.
We are dedicated to creating a respectful and supportive environment. The coaching staff sincerely appreciates everyone's cooperation and commitment.
Eligibility requirements to tryout:
Register through PowerSchool Parent Portal which is typically available mid-October
You must be academically eligible. School work comes first. If you are having issues with grades, it is important to connect with a member of the coaching staff to review your plan on seeking additional academic support
You must have a current physical on file. Physicals are valid for 13 months from the physical examination date. Please check with the school nurse if you have questions
Items required for tryouts:
With the exception of goalies, each skater needs two (2) jerseys for tryouts - a White jersey and a Black or Navy jersey. Other jersey colors are not permitted. Coaches will break up players into teams for small area games and scrimmaging. The white and black/navy colors provide for clear distinction of teams. Each day of tryouts, coaches will post a list of what color jersey players will wear
Your last name must be clearly written on the front of your helmet even if your name is on the back of your jersey. It is suggested you layer a couple strips of tape together so you can write in big, legible letters. It is also recommended you do this the night before tryouts
A water bottle with your name written on it. There will be water breaks during the skates, but the coaching staff will not be supplying water during tryouts so please bring your own
Sharpened skates and extra set of blades. Check your edges each day. There have been instances where players lose an edge or break a blade during tryouts so bring an extra pair and know how to change out your blades if needed
A few general points to remember with tryouts:
Tryouts are closed to the public. Parents are encouraged to remain outside the rink during tryouts
During tryouts the coaching staff is available to answer any questions that players may have. Coaches are observing players and are not necessarily providing individual feedback on how a player is doing or what a player “should be doing” within the drill or scrimmage itself. Mistakes will happen and the coaches want to see how players recover in those instances
Players should try out for the position they are most comfortable playing, meaning either forward, defense, or goalie. During scrimmaging players may need to play on their offhand side, or they may need to play wing if they typically play center, or even take some shifts at center if they are usually a winger
The school provides game and practice jerseys, game socks, and pant shells
Items required if you make a team:
Navy hockey helmet with a black cage or full, clear face shield (ear protection & J clips must remain in the helmet)
Navy and white hockey gloves
Neck protection
Water bottle
Mouthpiece
Extra pair of skate laces
Extra pair of sharpened skate blades
SHS hockey bag
Team sweats
Game schedules can be found through the link above at arbiterlive.com
Varsity practices up to five days each week at Northstar
Varsity has a 20-game regular season schedule
We joined the Merrimack Valley Conference/Dual County D1 Conference in 2022. The league includes Westford Academy, Central Catholic, Andover, Billerica, Lincoln Sudbury, and Chelmsford
Other scheduled opponents include St. John’s, Pope Francis, St. Mary's of Lynn, and a Christmas Tournament hosted by Malden Catholic (2024-2025 Winner)
Prior to the regular season, we participate in the Garrett Regan Summit at NESC plus one or two scrimmages
Jr. Varsity practices twice per week typically on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Northstar
The JV Team has a 20+ game schedule which includes the JV league at Northstar plus additional games with St. John’s and JV teams in the MVC/Dual County League, with these games preceding the Varsity Team’s opponent
