Thank You Coach Slocum – Goffstown Hockey

Thank you Coach Slocum ~ April, 2023 –

Thank you Coach Slocum, not just for the 16 years. But for the joys, the celebrations, and maybe even a few tears.

Undaunted by adversity, and what others may deem; you were fair and honest. Years weren’t about you, but rather, the team.

Your teams exceeded predictions and set records, the wins they did amass. But nobody can take away your 16 seasons of exuding class.

The program must carry on, but it, I, will miss you. And this winter when I’m in the booth, I hope you’ll be on a beach, with a view.

I know that you would be the last one to do what I am about to do, but this one, Ben, this one is all about you.

So, spring of ’23 and I roll out some words in this rhyme, a Thank You Coach Slocum, words and numbers one last time.

 

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2015-2016

The 2015-2016 Grizzlies Hockey team went 11-8-1 in league play (11-11-1 overall). They scored 70 goals and allowed 56. They beat Lebanon, 2-1 in OT in the playoffs before falling to Merrimack in the QF Round.

 

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In my mind, I have been contemplating stopping this writing run for the Grizzlies hockey team since 2019 (more seriously since 2021). But something has always pulled me back in. Primarily, my allegiance to Coach Ben Slocum, the unpredictable awesomeness of Goffstown Hockey teams, and a legacy I started (intentionally or otherwise) back in December, 2015. Now Coach Slocum will be moving on. Thank you Coach Slocum, for all of your patience with me and your unending support.

Here we are, 8 seasons later, 95 wins later. And to be honest, for the 8th straight year, the Grizzlies hockey team was a pleasant surprise. The Goffstown hockey team qualified for the postseason for the 16th straight year, but that wasn’t all of the surprise. This team showed that they could play with the best teams in all of D-II hockey. They showed that they were a legit threat to compete with the best teams, score on anyone, and get excellent goaltending every night.

For Coach Slocum, the season that just finished was his 16th hockey season with the Goffstown Grizzlies Hockey team. 16 seasons! 8 years as a JV Coach or Assistant Coach, and 8 years as the Head Coach. The Grizzlies Hockey program has been a varsity sport for 23 years after a single season as a ‘club sport’. Goffstown hockey has enjoyed 14 winning seasons in NHIAA Hockey D2 League play – Coach Slocum was head coach for 7 of those seasons.

 

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At the end of the 2022-2023 Season Coach Slocum wrote a letter he called “End of Season Letter and Resignation”. I will share some words from that letter here.  Starting with the end.

“Finally, I would like to thank the countless number of players that came through the program over the last 16 years.  It was truly great to watch you come in as a freshman and progress into a young adult by the time you graduated four years later. I truly hope that you can look back and have great memories of your time with the GHS hockey program. Without the dedication you guys showed to the program it would not be where it is now. You bought into what the coaches taught you and I appreciate the respect you showed me and the coaching staff. I hope you look back and have great memories and had some good times. 

I know that over the years, I personally can look back and remember a lot of laughs I have had with you guys and girls. I can remember some great games that we played. 

Sam Greenwood with an overtime winner in the playoffs at home. Beating Keene in Keene, ruining their undefeated streak and getting escorted out by the police. Beating John Stark by a goal on their senior night, ruining their undefeated season. Max Lajeunesse always the last guy out of the locker room because he was combing his hair. Grady Chretien surpassing the all-time scoring title for GHS Hockey. The look on the opposing players faces during the player introductions when they heard Maddie Sage’s name announced as a starting goalie. Then proceeding to stonewall them. There are so many more.”  

 

 

 

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2016-2017

The 2016-2017 Grizzlies Hockey team went 12-7-0 in league play (13-9-0 overall). They scored 91 goals and allowed 73. With no goalies enrolled at GHS, two sophomores were encouraged (by schoolmates) to come out and play hockey for the first time in their lives. To take on a bigger challenge, they both played goalie. Absolutely incredible story!

 

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2017-2018

 

The 2017-2018 Grizzlies Hockey team went 14-5-0 in league play (15-7-0 overall). They scored an all-time program record 119 goals and allowed 85. What a team this was! The team recorded Goffstown hockey’s first 14-win season in regular season play, surpassing 13-wins which had been done only once before.

 

 

 

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2018-2019

 

The 2018-2019 Grizzlies Hockey team went 14-4-1 in league play (17-5-1 overall). They scored 114 goals and allowed 66. The team recorded Goffstown hockey’s second straight 14-win season in regular season play. They won 3 games in the Christmas Tourney and played for the title there. They played 23 games, a single-season record.

 

Two more memories on Coach Ben’s list. “…Beating Keene in Keene, ruining their undefeated streak and getting escorted out by the police. Beating John Stark by a goal (or two) on their senior night, ruining their undefeated season.”

From 1inawesomewonder…“The game did not disappoint. Goffstown skated out of town with a thrilling 3-1 victory. They beat a team, on their home ice, on Senior night, that had an overall record of 18-0 this season, they are D3 defending champions and had won 21 straight games…”

 

 

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2019-2020

 

The 2019-2020 Grizzlies Hockey team went 13-6-0 in league play (13-9-0 overall). They scored 99 goals and allowed 86. The Class of 2020 hockey players graduated with the most hockey wins over their 4-year careers, going 53-22-1.

 

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2020-2021*

 

The 2020-2021 Grizzlies Hockey team went 6-8-0 in league play (6-8-0 overall). They scored 56 goals and allowed 57. * I don’t typically believe in the suggestion of the asterisk, but if there were ever a season that was unfairly marred by controlling agenda it was the 2020-2021 season. My heart still breaks for all the kids who lost out on so many of the ‘best days of their lives’.

 

The 2020-2021 Goffstown hockey team lost their first six games of the season. The sixth loss was a complete demolishing at the hands of Merrimack. Through six games they had been outscored 31-14. It turned out that a day or two after the game at least half the team was sick. They didn’t play for another 14 days after the loss at Merrimack. Of course this all came after the season started a month late.

When the Goffstown hockey team returned to the ice in February, they were healthy (mostly) and on a mission to play the hockey they knew that they were capable of. They sure did that. They won 5 of their last 6 games with only one OT loss. They turned the tables, outscoring their opponents 35-16 in those 6 games.

They would go on to win one playoff game before losing in the Quarterfinals. It was the second, and final playoff win for the Grizzlies under Coach Slocum.

“…Grady Chretien surpassing the all-time scoring title for GHS Hockey. The look on the opposing players faces during the player introductions when they heard Maddie Sage’s name announced as a starting goalie. Then proceeding to stonewall them…”

From 1inawesomewonder…“Maddie and Grady, two of our greats! Even though they didn’t get a Christmas Tournament in their final season, and the regular season was six games shy of a regular full schedule, they left as the best. That’s nine games they didn’t get to play, which would have likely only elevated their numbers and status among the all-time greats. Thank you both for your commitment to excellence, to yourselves, and to the Goffstown Grizzlies Hockey Program. We are all better for it. It has been my sincere pleasure to get to know you and your families over your careers.”

 

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2021-2022

 

 

The 2021-2022 Grizzlies Hockey team went 9-9-1 in league play (9-12-1 overall). They scored 59 goals and allowed 84. It was awesome to get back to a full season of Grizzlies Hockey. This team rattled off a 8-2-1 stretch over a 32 day span after starting the season 0-4. They made the playoffs but lost to Portsmouth in a classic battle, dropping a 3-2 decision in OT.

 

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2022-2023

 

The 2022-2023 Grizzlies Hockey team went 10-7-2 in league play (11-9-2 overall). They scored 65 goals and allowed 60. This team surprised everyone by winning 10+ games and by competing stride for stride with the best teams in the division all season long.

 

 

Thank you Coach Slocum

Goffstown Grizzlies Hockey Coaching Records

• Most seasons head coach: 8
• Most games coached: 160
• Most wins overall: 95
• Most wins NHIAA Hockey play: 89
• Most wins season overall: 17 (2018-19)
• Most wins season NHIAA Hockey play: 14 (twice, 2017-18 and 2018-19)
• Most winning seasons NHIAA Hockey Regular Season: 7
• Most 10-win seasons: 6
• Most postseason (Tournament) appearances: 8
• Most Players to earn All-State: 13
• NHIAA Hockey Division II Coach of the Year: 2016-17
• Unofficially most bubble gum bubbles blown on the bench: 1,617

 

 

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“End of Season Letter and Resignation”

~A Thank you from Coach Slocum~

“I would like to take a moment and update the FOGH, Players, and Parents on a couple of team related items and thoughts. At the onset of the season the coaching staff was not sure what to expect of the upcoming season, but we felt we had a great group of players after tryouts. We had a great core of returning players along with some strong incoming players.

As the season progressed it was apparent that we could play with any team on the ice and beat that team. When this team played as a cohesive unit, from goaltending, defense, and forwards, they could compete with, and beat any team in the league. I truly believe this was one of the best, complete teams GHS Hockey has had. 

 

Of course, looking back over this season, we can always say as a coaching staff we could have done something differently, changed a player here or there, we should have won this game or that. It’s human nature to second guess oneself, because in the back of your mind you know someone is always out there to second guess you.

I can look back over the past season with pride and little regret knowing that we as a coaching staff and you as players put forth the best effort we could and ended the regular season with minimal regret. Over the course of the season, we had some ups and downs, but I hope all of you can look back and say it was a memorable season and do so with pride. 

 

As for the postseason. What can I say. From start to finish that game was a battle. Your compete level never wavered regardless of what took place on the ice. I understand how much the loss stings and that’s good that is does, but you should also look back at that game with a sense of pride. 

 

For all the hard work both on and off the ice, the coaching staff would like to thank the players and team managers for buying into the GHS Hockey work ethic and for competing at the best level you could. For representing GHS and GHS Hockey in a positive manner both on and off the ice.      

 

Some of you may have heard, but after 8 years as the head coach and 8 years as an assistant coach this will be my last season as the head coach of the Grizzlies. This decision did not come lightly and was not easy for me to make. First off, I would like to thank my wife and my family for their undying support during this venture. They put up with, and sacrificed a lot, for me.

It was always reassuring to look behind me at home games and see them sitting four rows up. They were also a great source of intel on parents and family members talking crap about the coach, since no one knew who they were. I guess now we can take that winter vacation I have been promising her for the last 16 years. 

 

I would like to thank current and past board members of the Friends of Goffstown Hockey for their support in making this one of the best high school hockey programs in the state. I can’t remember a time when I asked for something from the FOGH and was told no. I don’t think the players realize what a great benefit the FOGH is to the program. Without that support, the program would be nowhere near where it is today and where it will continue to go…

 

I would like to thank GHS Principal Frank McBride and Athletic Director Justin Hufft. When Mr. McBride offered me the job as the head coach, he made it clear he was not happy with the culture surrounding the hockey program. Over the last 8 years, I have had several positive conversations with Mr. McBride related to the progression of the hockey program and his continued support. I would like to think over the last 8 years that I left the program better than it was when you hired me. 

 

As much as the following pains me to say it, and I’ll deny I said it, AD Hufft, your mentorship and guidance since you became AD has been priceless. You were a great sounding board for me when things went wrong and right, and you would give objective feedback and direction. Even if I didn’t want to hear the answer.

Through the COVID years, you were one of the biggest advocates for the continued season. You have supported me, and GHS Hockey more than any parent or player knows. I will miss the weekly, if not the daily, conversations about how you messed up the ice schedule or locations of away games and how you are a “Hockey Guy”. Thank you.

 

Over the last 8 years I have been surrounded by a great coaching staff with Josh Andruchuk, Justin Mazone, John Nanoff, Sean Leighton, and Shane Tuffs. I learned a lot from you guys, and you were great mentors to the players. We had a lot of great laughs and without your support I would not have been able to last so long.   

 

Finally, I would like to thank the countless number of players that came through the program over the last 16 years.  It was truly great to watch you come in as a freshman and progress into a young adult by the time you graduated four years later. I truly hope that you can look back and have great memories of your time with the GHS hockey program. Without the dedication you guys showed to the program it would not be where it is now. You bought into what the coaches taught you and I appreciate the respect you showed me and the coaching staff. I hope you look back and have great memories and had some good times.

I know that over the years, I personally can look back and remember a lot of laughs I have had with you guys and girls. I can remember some great games that we played.

Sam Greenwood with an overtime winner in the playoffs at home. Beating Keene in Keene ruining their undefeated streak and getting escorted out by the police. Beating John Stark by a goal on their senior night ruining their undefeated season. Max Lajeunesse always the last guy out of the locker room because he was combing his hair. Grady Chretien surpassing the all-time scoring title for GHS Hockey. The look on the opposing players faces during the player introductions when they heard Maddie Sage’s name announced as a starting goalie. Then proceeded to stonewall them.

There are so many more.

Thank you.”

Ben Slocum

Goffstown Hockey Head Coach: 2015-2016 thru 2022-2023.

 

• A ‘fierce’ Chris Stapleton fan.
• America’s Original Dubble Bubble gum obsession.
• Prepared dinner on nights when there was an evening game or practice, a sign of how important his family is to him.
• “Quiet as a snake” – Ben would sneak out of the house in the morning for the 530am practices, or return home after a late game, without a sound.
• Despite all the time it took to be a record-breaking coach, Ben was excellent at balancing it all with home life.
• Parents of players who have become great friends are the biggest bonus.
• While I will not confirm, nor deny this, it is possible that someone has been keeping track of all the winter vacations Ben has not been able to take with a certain someone.
• Ben enjoys an annual pig roast that he hosts, and loves cooking pig meat or even bear meat over an open fire.
• He enjoys huge bonfires and woodworking.

 

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Thank you Coach Slocum

 

I also have had the good fortune to meet so many people that Ben has come across in his years of coaching, including players, opposing coaches, administrators, and more. Honestly, the pleasure has been all mine. Let’s hear from some of these wonderful folks. Here we go.

 

“I’ve been at Dover High for 15 of Ben’s 16 years at Goffstown, and we’ve had some incredible battles over the years, but the friendships we make along the way is what makes coaching such a great experience. Ben has always been one of the most well liked and respected coaches in our division, his teams always competitive and respectful, he was always willing to talk hockey, and always good for a laugh.

The Goffstown Hockey program was lucky to have him, big shoes to fill, and he will be missed by all of us, especially his ball busting at the end of the year meeting. Best of luck Ben.”

Mike Young

Dover High Hockey Head Coach

 

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“I was a new coach in the league the first time I met Ben over at Saint A’s back in 2019. Always appreciated him coming over, introducing himself and making me feel welcome as the new guy in the league. Over the last few years, I got to know Ben more and always enjoyed sharing thoughts and getting his perspective on happenings around the league. Ben was competitive, always had his teams prepared and his teams played hard. Certainly had the respect of our program.

I think most importantly for me though, once the final whistle was blown, Ben always showed humility and class to me and our players regardless of the outcome on the ice. His program achievements speak volumes. Coach Ben is a class act who will be missed in this league.”

Paul Kinnaly

Head Boys Hockey Coach

Winnacunnet High School 

 

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“I had Ben as an assistant coach for both JV and Varsity. One memory that comes to mind (that I can share) was when I was the first one to come out of the locker room for an early morning practice just in time to see him attempt to jump on the ice with his skate guards still on. I got a good laugh out of it, but I knew I couldn’t make fun of him too bad because of how good he was at chirping me and the rest of the guys on the team.

He taught me a lot about the game, but what I remember most were the laughs we would have at the players (or sometimes the other coaches) expense. He was an easy choice to take over as head coach shortly after I graduated, and it was obvious the program had grown when I came back as a fan a few years later. Congratulations on a great 16-year run, and thank you for the memories along the way, both as a player and a fan.”  ~ Andrew Chretien

 

“Slocum is one of the coolest coaches I have had. He always pushed us to get better and made the 6am practices enjoyable.” ~ Sebastian Beal

 

“At the end of my senior year, Coach Slocum sent me a text that read, “I hope you look back years from now and can remember these years as the best years of your life”. That’s what made Coach Slocum stand out for me, he would always remind us to enjoy every moment we had because it truly does go by so fast. I couldn’t have asked for a better high school hockey coach. An unforgettable 16 years by #16 himself, thank you Coach Slocum for everything you’ve done for Goffstown Hockey.” ~ Grady Chretien

 

 

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“I recall sitting behind the home bench and Ben always pulling out a piece of bubble gum to chew on the bench. You could tell how the team was doing based on his face. I miss sitting behind him and it won’t be the same going forward. Best of luck to you Ben, THANK YOU for all the time you spent and THANK YOU Randee and family for allowing him to be Gtowns Best High School Coach!!” ~ Amaris Beal

 

 

We want to Thank Ben and his family for all the time and effort it takes to dedicate to coaching a team.  So many firsts under your coaching, kids that wouldn’t have played, baseball players and golfer’s that couldn’t skate, girls on the varsity team, records and more records!  It was a fun ride and Noah was thankful to have the opportunity to play with his classmates for his school, and for you, John & Shane. ~ The Charron Family

 

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“Ben has been an outstanding steward of the Goffstown High School Hockey Program.. Ben and his staff’s professionalism translated into competitive teams that always represented GHS with class.  Many thanks to Ben for the thousands of hours of time and care he extended to our student athletes and their families. He will be missed!“

Frank McBride
Principal
Goffstown High School

 

 

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“I can’t begin to thank Coach Slocum enough for all that he has done for Goffstown High School Hockey. Taking a program that was still “young” in a lot of ways and molding it into a respectable and respected program takes a lot of work. Ben did this by showing up day after day with the right attitude, by letting his team members know that he cared about them, and by implementing and enforcing high standards.

It’s been a pleasure watching his teams play year after year, competing hard against everyone they took the ice against and doing so in a manner that made the school community proud. I’m sad to see Ben leave, but I’m sure he’ll still be seen at games and off-ice events as he always has been for so many years. Thank you for all of your years of dedication to the Grizzlies, best wishes moving forward.”

 

Justin Hufft

Director of Athletics

Goffstown High School

 

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If you read this or share this with others please be encouraged to share your memories, quotes, and stories of Coach Slocum in the Comments section provided with each of my blog posts here.

 

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Maggie’s Song

~Chris Stapleton, Dave Cobb. 2020.

 

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People may not know that Ben was, and still is, quite a good hockey player himself. It wasn’t too long ago that this happened. 16 seasons. #16, Ben Slocum.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you Coach Slocum

 

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When I’m With You

~Christopher Alvin Stapleton. 2020.

 

 

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When I was growing up and there were only so many channels available by way of the ‘rabbit ears’ antenna on the TV. And late at night some channels went ‘off the air’ until the following morning. I know I am using terms here that many folks might not be familiar with, but you can check with your household elder if you are confused.

I have also said, many times how much I love our National Anthem. When channels went ‘off the air’, the TV would usually show a picture or a video of the American flag, while playing the National Anthem. So, for one last time, with Head Coach, Ben Slocum, ‘officially going off the air’, and being a ‘fierce’ Chris Stapleton fan, let’s listen to the Anthem and ‘go off the air’.

 

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The thoughts and opinions expressed here are those of the individual contributors, mostly mine, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the schools, coaches, players, or characters listed in any of these blog posts. Or, maybe they do, but you would have to ask them directly.

 

Either way, “It’s a great day for hockey” ~ the late “Badger” Bob Johnson.

 

“To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. Number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it: If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that’s a full day. That’s a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you’re going to have something special.” ~ Jim Valvano on how to live life, during his ESPY speech.

“I started writing sports stories 20 years ago. I still do. I write because somewhere, in some game, a kid might be having the time of his or her life. That’s awesome to think about. It’s all about the kids.” ~ Steve Beal Sr.