Andover, MA, January 15, 2026
The Andover High School boys’ hockey program faces a significant shift as Head Coach Kevin Drew resigns more than a month into the season. This change poses challenges for the team while presenting growth opportunities for the athletes and the community. The sudden departure underscores the importance of resilience and teamwork, hallmarks of high school athletics. As the Golden Warriors move forward, the focus will be on maintaining commitment and unity through this transitional period, aiming to uphold the core values that define their program.
Andover, MA
Andover High Boys’ Hockey Sees Mid-Season Coaching Change
A significant leadership transition has occurred for the Andover High School boys’ hockey program, as Head Coach Kevin Drew stepped down over a month into the 2025-26 season, prompting a moment of reflection and resilience for the team and its dedicated community.
Introduction: A Test of Character on the Ice
In the vibrant landscape of Boston MA high school sports, where every face-off, every sprint, and every game builds character and hones discipline, the Andover High School boys’ hockey team finds itself navigating an unexpected challenge. The early weeks of any Massachusetts prep hockey season are crucial, setting the tone for competition and forging the bonds of teamwork. For the Golden Warriors, this period has introduced a significant coaching change, an event that will undoubtedly test the resolve and adaptability of its young athletes. High school athletics are more than just games; they are crucibles where young men and women learn invaluable life lessons—about perseverance, responsibility, and the strength found in unity.
The sudden departure of a leader can always send ripples through a program, but it also presents an opportunity for growth and for the athletes to step up, demonstrating the leadership qualities instilled by years of dedicated training. Here in Andover, a community deeply invested in its school’s athletic success, the focus remains squarely on the student-athletes, ensuring they continue to develop both on and off the ice. The spirit of competition and the commitment to excellence are foundational principles that guide these young players, reinforcing the belief that with hard work and a collective mindset, any obstacle can be overcome.
The Coaching Transition Unfolds for Andover High Hockey
This week, the Andover High hockey program announced the resignation of Head Coach Kevin Drew. The move comes just over a month into the 2025–26 season, marking an abrupt end to Drew’s tenure for the current campaign. Coach Drew had served a combined total of 14 years as a hockey coach at Andover High School. The departure was attributed to a “difference of opinion,” as cited in reports. Such transitions, while challenging, often highlight the dynamic nature of prep sports coaching and the continuous evolution within athletic programs. The immediate focus for the team will be to maintain stability and continue its pursuit of excellence, drawing upon the discipline and teamwork that are hallmarks of successful hockey programs.
Embracing Resilience in a Time of Change
A mid-season coaching change presents unique hurdles, demanding increased focus and mental toughness from every player. This situation underscores the importance of the principles central to high school athletics: resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to the team. Athletes are called upon to demonstrate their discipline, trust in their training, and rally together. In these moments, the true character of a team shines through, as players learn to navigate unforeseen circumstances, leaning on their teammates and the foundational skills they have meticulously developed. It is an opportunity for personal growth, where each player takes greater ownership of their role and contributes to the collective strength of the squad.
Building Character and Leadership Through Adversity
High school sports are a profound arena for developing character and leadership, and the challenges presented by a coaching transition are no exception. The Golden Warriors now have the chance to demonstrate precisely these qualities. Athletes learn that success is not solely about winning games, but about how they respond to setbacks, how they support one another, and how they uphold the values of sportsmanship and respect. Coaches, regardless of their tenure, play a vital role in shaping these young individuals, instilling lessons that extend far beyond the rink—lessons about personal responsibility, accountability, and the power of a unified effort. This experience, while difficult, can ultimately serve to strengthen the team’s resolve and further develop the leadership capabilities of its members.
Community Support and Program Continuity
The strength of any high school athletic program, particularly in a community like Andover, is deeply intertwined with the support it receives from parents, alumni, and local fans. During times of transition, this community engagement becomes even more critical. Local sponsorships, booster club activities, and enthusiastic fan turnout are market-driven opportunities that not only provide essential resources but also foster a strong sense of school pride and identity. Such collective investment in youth sports leadership ensures that programs can maintain continuity, support their athletes, and continue to offer enriching experiences that contribute to the overall fabric of the community. The unwavering backing from the stands and beyond reinforces to the players that they are part of something larger than themselves.
Looking Forward: Charting a Course for Andover Hockey
As the Andover High School boys’ hockey team moves forward, the focus will be on maintaining momentum and cohesion throughout the remainder of the 2025-26 season. The commitment of the players, coupled with the interim leadership and the eventual selection of a new head coach, will be paramount in guiding the program through this period. This moment presents an opportunity to reinforce the core values that define Andover athletics: hard work, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. The team’s ability to adapt and perform under new circumstances will be a testament to the character of its athletes and the enduring spirit of the Golden Warriors program. The search for a new leader will undoubtedly prioritize an individual who not only possesses strong hockey acumen but also embodies the principles of character development, discipline, and community engagement that are essential for high school athletics.
Conclusion: A Call to Support Local Talent
The coaching change for the Andover High School boys’ hockey team marks a significant point in their season, yet it also highlights the inherent resilience and spirit of high school athletes. These young men are learning invaluable lessons about adapting to change, working together, and upholding their commitments, all within the competitive framework of Massachusetts prep sports. As the Golden Warriors forge ahead, their dedication to the game and to each other will be their guiding strength. We encourage all members of the Andover and greater Boston community to continue showing their support for the team, attending games, and celebrating the efforts of these remarkable young athletes. Follow HEREboston.com for ongoing coverage of Andover High hockey and all the compelling stories from Boston MA high school sports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andover High Boys’ Hockey Coach Resignation
- What happened with the Andover High School boys’ hockey coach?
- Andover High School boys’ hockey coach Kevin Drew resigned this week, just over a month into the 2025–26 season.
- What reason was given for Coach Drew’s resignation?
- The resignation was attributed to a “difference of opinion.”
- How long had Kevin Drew coached hockey at Andover High School?
- Kevin Drew had served a combined total of 14 years as a hockey coach at Andover High.
- When did the resignation occur?
- Coach Drew stepped down just over a month into the 2025–26 season.
Key Details of Andover High Boys’ Hockey Coaching Change
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Coach Name | Kevin Drew | Local |
| School | Andover High School | Local |
| Sport | Boys’ Hockey | Local |
| Action | Resigned | Local |
| Timing | Just over a month into the 2025–26 season | Local |
| Reason Cited | ‘Difference of Opinion’ | Local |
| Prior Coaching Tenure | Combined 14 years as a hockey coach at Andover High | Local |
Now Happening on X
- @GillsiesGoons (January 15, 2026): Shares surprise over the Andover High School boys’ hockey coach resignation, citing it as due to a ‘difference of opinion’ and linking to a local news article. View on X
- @GlobeSchools (January 14, 2026): Highlights Tuesday’s high school sports takeaways in the Boston area, including a midseason coaching retirement and a new scoring leader. View on X
- @BGlobeSports (January 14, 2026): Summarizes key high school sports updates from Tuesday, focusing on coaching changes like a midseason retirement and emerging leaders. View on X
- @BGlobeSports (January 13, 2026): Reports on the Columbus Blue Jackets firing coach Dean Evason and hiring Rick Bowness, touching on broader coaching transitions in hockey. View on X
- @KaylorHodges (January 11, 2026): Confirms a coaching change report and mentions Jay Heaps stepping in temporarily until a new coach is hired. View on X
- @osvarsity (January 8, 2026): Notes Boone football coach Andy Johnson stepping down, stating it’s simply time for a change in high school athletics. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
