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VIDEO: New Andover hockey coach Mike Ciarletta

Thursday, August, 25 By David Willis
Staff writer

 

ANDOVER — Mike Ciarletta was hungry for a head coaching job, and while surfing the internet this spring he discovered the Andover High hockey vacancy.

"Andover seemed like the perfect fit," he said. "I did everything I could to become a part of the program. I knew I could do the job."

After a lengthy search, Andover High agreed with Ciarletta.

 

Six months after shocking the local hockey scene by dismissing seventh-year coach Mario Martiniello late in the regular season, Andover announced the 30-year-old Ciarletta as the new coach this week.

"I am so excited," said Ciarletta, who spent two seasons as head coach at North Quincy. "To me, Andover is one of, if not the best program in the Merrimack Valley Conference/Dual Country League. I first interviewed at the end of June and I was very optimistic."

Scott Manty, who finished the season as interim coach for the final four games, was a finalist for the job.

"We are very happy to have Mike as our coach," said Andover athletic director Chris Bergeron. "We are looking forward to the direction that he will lead our hockey program in."

Ciarletta, an elementary physical education teacher in Lynn, has already built an impressive resume as a coach.

After starring at Arlington Catholic, he played at Bentley then UMass Boston.

He earned his first major opportunity when he was named head coach at North Quincy at only 26-years-old. He held the job for two seasons (2007-09) and compiled a 23-13-7 record.

"It was hard," he said. "But we qualified for the state tourney both seasons and had a few pretty big wins. It was a lot of fun."

Ciarletta made the decision to move on when he earned an internship with USA Hockey, working under top coaches including ex-NHLer Bob Corkum, the associate head coach at the University of Maine. Ciarletta followed that with a season as an assistant coach at BB&N last season.

"I learned a lot," he said. "But I was anxious to be a head coach again."

He then learned of the Andover High vacancy. He interviewed, received a call-back later, and was informed last week he was hired.

"He is young and energetic," said Bergeron. "He knows the sport of hockey and has plenty of experience. He has a very good vision for the program and we like what his leadership could do for the program."

Ciarletta is working to build his coaching staff, and expects to meet with his players in September, once the school year begins.

The new coach follows up Martiniello, who posted a 81-48-21 record and a trip to the 2007 Division 2 state championship game.

Both Ciarletta and Bergeron quickly dismissed the idea that his young age would be an issue.

"I am very confident," said Ciarletta. "The next generation of coaches, the 30-to 35-year-olds are establishing themselves. A lot of friends my age and younger are becoming head coaches. We're young, energetic and very passionate about the game.

"I feel like I work very hard to give the kids the best experience they can have. And I am very confident about the X's and O's."