Patete Eager to Get Started as BHS Hockey Coach

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

The last time a Bellingham High ice hockey team competed in the playoffs was in 2014 when coach Ken Bertoni’s squad was eliminated by Dartmouth. And, since that time, the Blackhawks have not had a winning season.

Tony Patete (pronounced Pa-tet-ti), who was hired in July as the team’s new coach, intends to change the program’s direction.

“The key for any team to be successful is to get the individual personalities all working towards the same goal and all rowing with their oars going in the same direction,’’ Patete emphasized. “For a turn-around to occur, there has to be a change in the culture; the players have to be positive and motivated, and they’ve got to believe they’ve got a chance to win. There also must be total preparation for every game.’’

The 51-year-old Patete, who lives in East Bridgewater, is a native of Franklin and a graduate of Franklin High, where he played two years for the Panthers’ baseball team. Acutely aware of how strong the Tri Valley League is in hockey, he firmly believes his goals for the coming campaign are realistic.

“It goes without saying that I want to build a positive culture that makes our players excited to compete in practice and in games,’’ he noted. “My first goal is for our team to win more games in our first season together than their teams did in the last two seasons, which was three. I also want our players to outwork every team we play, regardless of the outcome. And finally, another goal is to qualify for the playoffs, compete hard and aim for a victory in the tourney.’’

Patete’s background in hockey involves coaching at the grassroots level.

He coached the West/East Bridgewater co-op varsity in competitive spring and summer leagues in Canton, Rockland and Foxboro for three years. Those players were from East Bridgewater High and West Bridgewater High. 

“I provided information on both our players and our competitors, some of which we would see during the varsity season in the winter,’’ Patete said. “I’ve also coached youth hockey for two years with the South Shore Eagles, whose players were from Abington, Rockland, and East Bridgewater. And, I was a tournament director for youth hockey programs for three years.’’

Patete has an interesting outlook on why Bellingham hockey fans should be upbeat about a potential tourney berth.

“The rules have changed for a team to qualify,’’ he offered. “The power rankings should help Bellingham because of the weight given to strength of schedule. The TVL is so deep. Bellingham is a Division 4 school playing mostly Division 2 and Division 3 teams. Playing those teams close and aiming for an upset or two could help with our rating. Another key is building a strong environment against non-league teams. We’ll face Stoughton-Brockton, Bridgewater-Raynham, Leominster, Tri County (Christmas Tourney) and one more team to be added. We can match up with these teams.’’

Patete, who’s married, enjoyed watching his son Anthony star for West/East Bridgewater. When he refers to his son, Petete often emphasizes the importance of keeping players local. 

“My son stayed local instead of pursuing the Catholic School route,’’ Patete said. “My son was a three-sport athlete, broke hockey scoring records and was a Boston Globe all-scholastic. To keep kids local, the key is for them to value their high school hockey experience with their friends and with community support. What has to be weighed is where does a family want its child to get an education and play. It’s about what path will be suitable.’’

One of the strong attributes that Patete brings to the table is his ability to motivate.

“I want to empower kids,’’ he noted. “If they see something on the ice, I want them to offer that advice. They have to know they can come to me for anything. I want them to buy in and know they can bank on my open-door policy.’’

Patete, who also coached youth soccer, says he’s detailed-oriented, is a pro-active decision-maker and is devoted to preparation.

“We can compete in the TVL Small Division, and we can go head-to-head in all our non-league games,’’ he said. “I’m still in the process of building our staff, and I hope to add volunteer coaches.’’

Patete’s philosophy of coaching stresses “ensuring that our kids have a winning mentality, but not focus on the number of wins.’’ He added that: “I want our players to value competing and know it’s a powerful learning tool. I also want our seniors and juniors to leave high school knowing that their hockey experience was valued and cherished.’’

Bellingham High Athletic Director Michael Connor is pleased with Patete’s enthusiasm and potential. “Tony brings an understanding of the strength of the TVL, a solid x’s and o’s background, and a defined plan to hit the ground running,’’ Connor said.

Patete is a firm believer that working in the off-season, especially competing in a spring or summer league, “is vitally important and I will press our players to participate.’’

A graduate of Bridgewater State who majored in business and specialized in finance and marketing, Patete firmly believes in building a strong defensive team. He will likely employ three or four lines instead of two. “Different lines have different roles,’’ he said. “Also, I’ve met the captains and the players, and I’ve spoken to two members of the booster club. Parents can help a program, and I want them to know they have an open door with me,” says Patete, eager to get the BHS hockey program back on track.

The Blackhawks’ opening game will be a challenge — a home game against Division 4 state champion Dover-Sherborn.