Puckmasters Hockey Training Centers

At Puckmasters we carefully select and train our coaches and boast some of the best in New England! Our staff consists of qualified teachers and adult educators who have extensive hockey playing, coaching, and teaching experience. Each staff member has either played or coached at the collegiate or professional hockey level, has completed the Puckmasters Certification Program, and has passed our 154-step evaluation process.

Puckmasters coaches deliver our accelerated learning techniques which include End Point Visualization (EPV), Backwards Shaping, and Sequence Teaching. They combine these methods with consistent positive reinforcement and detailed session plans, to help our students achieve faster and more dramatic results than with conventional training. Our teaching methodologies include: customized training, individual and team tactics, as well as offensive and defensive concepts.
 

Patrick Nugent opened Puckmasters of Marlboro in September of the 2003-2004 hockey season. He serves as General Manager and Hockey director and is responsible for all aspects of player skill development programming, facility management, and overall business operations. Quickly becoming recognized as one of the top hockey training options in the state, Puckmasters has been featured in the Metro West Daily News, the Eagle Tribune, the Boston Globe, and the Boston Herald, as well as nearly every other hockey-specific regional publication such as Hockey Night in Boston, the New England Hockey Journal and Hockey USA.

Nugent also serves as an Assistant Coach for the Boston Junior Bruins' Empire team and is the Strength Coach for the organization?s EJHL squad. The Junior Bruins compete at the nearby New England Sports Center and are known to be the top junior hockey organization in the Northeast; having claimed the 2004-05 EJHL title and placed hundreds of players at Division I NCAA institutions across the nation. Nugent assists on-ice instruction with both the forwards and defense for the Junior Bruins Empire team, administers regular strength testing for all three teams as well as develops off-ice strength training programming for the EJHL team. He also assists coaching with the AAA summer program and coaches the 1999 Minuteman Flames AAA team.

Prior to opening Puckmasters Marlboro, Nugent spent seven years (1996-2003) coaching NCAA Division I College hockey for Fairfield University of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). He was responsible for recruiting, on-ice instruction, video analysis, opponent scouting, off-ice strength and conditioning, and game-day management. He played in integral role in helping the Stags make the jump from NCAA Division III to the Division I ranks, as they moved from the ECAC South to the MAAC (now the Atlantic Hockey Conference). In addition to his coaching duties at Fairfield, Nugent also served as the Director of Sports information for Hockey and was responsible for all media contact, production of all team promotional materials, and maintenance of the school's athletic website.

Nugent earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Fairfield in English with a minor in Education in 1996 and earned a Master of Arts degree in Computers in Education also from Fairfield in 1999. He also earned three selections to the school's Dean's Honor List. A four-year letter-winner for the Stags, Nugent was recognized as one of the school's top scholar athletes in both 1994 and 1996. Primarily known for his gritty physical play and sound defense, Nugent notched nine points in two games while on a tour of Germany, Austria and Switzerland in his senior season and as a result currently holds the title as the school's top "European Scorer."

A 1992 graduate of Hull High School, Nugent was a four-year varsity letter-winner in soccer, hockey and baseball; serving as team captain for all three sports as a senior while also wearing the "C" as a junior for the hockey team. A South Shore League All-Star selection in both soccer and hockey, Nugent earned team MVP honors for each of his three sports.

Nugent is an accomplished runner, having completed the Boston Marathon in less than four hours in both 2001 and 2002. He also enjoys golf and is studying to become a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS).

He and his wife Julie and their two children Payton and Peter live in Bellingham, MA.
 

Education: Fitchburg State College, Framingham State College
Clark University - Master of Education

Hockey Achievements: ECAC All-Star, New England Hockey Writers Coach of the Year

Hockey Experience: Highest Level - NCAA Division III College

Best Advice to Give: Have fun and work hard.

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Movie: Remember the Titans

Role Models: Dad

Hockey Goal: To work in professional hockey.  

Born in Marlborough MA 1959, Guy is currently the head coach for the Minuteman Flames Minor Junior Squad. Prior to assuming that post, Angers was the Head Coach at Framingham State College after serving a stint as an Assistant at Fitchburg State College. He has also been an instructor for the Falcon Hockey School, the Phillips Exeter Academy Hockey Camp, and the Central Masachusetts Instructional Camp.

Education: Mount St. Charles Academy Class of 2002, Asumption College Class of 2006.

Hockey Achievements: Steve has been an instructor a various summer camps most recently serving at the Bill Belisle Hockey School at Mount St. Charles Academy.

Hockey Experience: NCAA Division II Asumption College

Best Advice to Give: Give 110% in all games and practices

Played With/Against: Brian Berard

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Movie: Top Gun

Last Book Read: Don Quijote

A native of Harrisville Steve was a captain at Rhode Island's perennial State Champion Mount State Charles Acadmey. A four-year starter, Snizek was a part of four consecutive Division 1 State Titles under the legendary Hall of Fame coach Bill Belisle. As a junior in 2001, Steve was selected to the third team for both All-Division and for the All-State teams. During that season, he also earned the Unsung Hero Award at the Holiday Face Off Tournament. Steve raised his stock as a senior earning first-team honors for both the Division and State selections, while also earning the award as the highest scoring defenseman. Snizek was also a four-year starter at the college level, playing in 80 games at Assumption where he registered nine goals and 25 assists for 34 career points. In 2005 Snizek had a banner effort against Franklin Pierce when as a defenseman, he notched a hat trick and earned himself first star of the game honors. Steve is currently enrolled at Assumption's graduate school where he is pursuing a Master's Degree in School Counseling.

Began at Puckmasters: August 2006

Education: The Ohio State University, BSc Exercise Science 1996.

Hockey Achievements: MIAA Head Coach Wayland High School
NCAA Division III Head Coach Neumann College
Ivitee Canadian National Program 1991/92
MVP Silver Stick Tournament 1990

  Hockey Experience: 17 Year playing career
Markham Waxers 1991 (Major Jr A)
Niagra Falls Thunder 1992 (OHL)

  Best Advice Given: Don't just play the game, learn it.

Best Advice to Give: The harder you play as a kid the more you get to play as an adult.

Played With/Against: Eric Lindros, Keith Primeua, Manny Legace, Kris Draper, Scott Thorton.

Favorite Food: Anything Italian or Chinese

Favorite Movie: Braveheart

Last Book Read: The Rule of Four

Role Models: Father

Hockey Goal: Continue to work within the game.  

Bateman, a native of Toronto, began playing goal at the young age of five then went on to a 17-year playing career. Unlike many players in the United States who aspire to play college hockey, Canadian kids strive to play Major Junior A hockey-a pathway for many to the NHL. Phil achieved this goal by earning a roster spot for both the Markham Waxers (1988-90) and the Niagara Falls Thunder (1990-92) of the Ontario Hockey League. In April of 1989 Phil was named Most Valuable Player in Toronto's annual prestigious Silver Stick Tournament. He was an invitee to the Canadian National World Junior team in 1991 and 1992.

Head Coach Women's Ice Hockey Team Neumann College in Aston, PA 05-06 season.

While at Neumann, Bateman led the Knights to a 14-9-2 record in the ECAC West Division III conference. He coached the team to their first-ever tournament win on December 31st in the St. Michael?s Invitational, and also helped the team earn their highest national ranking in program history at 11th?previously at 16th.

This season Bateman will Head up the Wayland High School Boy's Varsity program. The Wayland High school Varsity team plays it's games out of the New England Sports Center in Marlborogh MA.

Education: Don Bosco H.S. 1994 Merrimack College 1998

Hockey Achievements: After finishing his playing career at Merrimack, Jim began his coaching career in 1996-97 as an instructor for the All-American Goaltending School. He then served as an Assistant Coach for the Brooks Academy Girls Team, and most recently worked as an instructor for Super Skills/Daccord Goaltending where he taught both skaters and goalies. He currently serves as the Director of Athletics for the Perkins School for the Blind.

Played With/Against: Mike Grier, Jim Carey, Cam Neely, Chris Drury, Jay Miller, Eddie Campbell, Paul Kariya, Mike Dunham.

Favorite Movie: Miracle  

Jim has been a standout goaltender since he began playing the position at age seven. A three-year starter for now defunct Don Bosco High School, Jim served as team captain and led his team to a 1992 appearance in the Elite Eight State Tournament held annually at the Boston Garden. One of the top goalies in the state, Jim recorded the second lowest goals against average in the Commonwealth, with only Jim Carey (NHL veteran and former Washington Capitol) boasting a better G.A.A. Jim spent his high school summers playing in various tournaments including the Bay State Games where in 1991 he helped lead his team to a Bronze metal. During the same summer, Jim earned the Best Goaltender award at the Joe Bertagna Select Goalie Camp. In 1992 he one-upped his previous summer's performance by helping to claim the Gold Metal an effort which earned him MVP and Best Goaltender of the Bay State Games honors. The summer of 1992 also saw McNiff earn New England College Development League (NECDL) All-star honors. In 1993 Jim earned a spot as a walk-on with the Warriors of Merrimack College who compete in Hockey East: arguably the top College Hockey Conference in the Country. Jim spent two years with the Warriors earning his first collegiate win in his first start a 9-2 decision over West Point.

Playing Experience: A native of Worcester, Jeff began his hockey career at Wachusett Regional High School where he was a four-year letterwinner who played both forward and defense. A natural leader, Jeff wore the “C” on his jersey as a senior at Wachusett as well as for the Keene (New Hampshire) Jr. Blackhawks where he played for two years following high school graduation. While with the Blackhawks, Jeff was honored by earning a spot on the New Hampshire Sr. Selects National Team where for his efforts he earned 13 different invitations to NHL training camps. He would go on to have professional playing stints with the Birmingham Bulls of the ECHL, the Utica Blizzard of the CoHL, and the Memphis River Kings of the CHL.

Coaching Experience: Jeff is a veteran coach, having been teaching the game at all levels from youth to Junior for the past 15 years. He is currently an Assistant Coach with Assumption College who compete at the NCAA Division III level. He is responsible for on-ice instruction, game day management and working with both forwards and defense. Following his playing career, Jeff began as an Assistant Coach at St. Peter Marian High School, then served as an assistant with the Tyngsboro Huskies of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL), and finally as a head coach for the College of the Holy Cross club team. Jeff is a dynamic instructor with a wealth of clinic experience. With “Jeff Clark’s Hockey Concepts,” he pioneered body checking instruction for all ages from Mite to Midget. He has also been an instructor and or director at each of the following hockey institutions: Competitive Edge Hockey School, Basic Training Hockey School, and John Dillon’s Power Skating School.

Education: Oswego State University, 2003 BS Wellness Management. John is currently the Site Director for the YMCA of Greater Boston's Burbank Branch.

Best Advice to Give: The only thing you control is how hard you play.

Favorite Food: Pasta

Favorite Movie: Bronx Tale

Role Models: Mario Lemieux

Hockey Goal: Become an NCAA Head Coach.

Originally from Jamestown, NY, John played two seasons (1997-98 & 1998-99) of junior hockey for the Buffalo Saint Selects. A natural leader, John served as captain for each campaign. John played a gritty two-way style of hockey and had a strong ability to score. During each of the summers while playing for the Saints, John was selected to compete for Team New York at the USA Hockey Select 16 & 17 Festivals held annually in Ann Arbor, MI. He found success in 1998 as he played a critical role in helping the NYS 17 team capture the gold medal. In the fall of 1999 John made the transition from juniors to college as he attended Oswego State University, a member of the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). At Oswego John was a four-year letter winner, finishing with 48 goals and 44 assists for 92 career points in 118 games played. In the 2002-03 season John, serving again as team captain, capped a stellar career by leading the Great Lakers to a SUNYAC Championship and its first NCAA Division III National Championship Final appearance in 16 years. During that season, Hirliman had career highs for games played (33), goals (19), assists (19), points (38), power play goals (7), and short handed goals (3).

John started coaching in 1996 at the McFall Brothers Hockey School in Jamestown, NY. From 1999-2003 he was a camp instructor at Hockey Night in Oswego. Immediately following graduation in 2003, John served as a Beginners Hockey Volunteer Coach in Jamestown and then as an NCAA Assistant Coach at his alma mater. While on the Oswego coaching staff, John was responsible for recruiting, on-ice instruction and off-ice strength development. He also handled various administrative duties.
 

Education: The Culver Military School- 2001, The Taft School- 2002, Union College M.S. Economics-2006

Hockey Achievements: Being named a two-year captain at Union Collge.

Best Advice to Give: "You get out of it what you put in."

Played With/Against: Alexander Ovechkin

Favorite Food: Burgers

Favorite Movie: The Prestige

Last Book Read: Final Harry Potter

Role Models: Father  

Playing Experience: One of the most decorated coaches on the Puckmasters staff, Scott Seney was a four-year letterwinner and team co-captain at Division I Union College of the Eastern College Athletic Conference Hockey League (ECACHL). As a rookie in 2002-03, Seney played in 35 of the Dutchmen’s 36 games, finishing sixth on the team in scoring with 18 points. He followed up the effort as a sophomore by tying for the team lead in goals with 13, leading the squad with five game-winners and being one of only six players on the roster to play in all 36 games. As a junior Seney led the team in assists with 18 and tied for second on the team with 29 total points. He finished his senior campaing third in team scoring with five goals and 17 assists for 22 points. In total Seney finished his college hockey career with 33 goals, 55 assists for 88 points in 147 games. After Union Seney played a year of professional hockey in 2006-07, making stops in the United Hockey League (UHL) with the Fort Wayne Komets (four goals, six assists in 40 games), the East Coast Hockey Leauge (ECHL) with the Phoenix Roadrunners (two games) and the Central Hockey Leauge (CHL) with the Arizona Sundogs (three goals and one assists in 11 games). Prior to Union Scott played 26 games for the Taft school who finished as the New England Prep School Runners Up in the 2001-02 season. Prior to taft Seney played 121 games at the Culver Military Academy, finishing with 42 goals and 66 assists. While there, Scott earned MVP and Athlete of the Year honors as a senior and became the school’s all-time leading scorer.

Personal: Scott hails from Silver Spring Maryland and is the son of Mark and Christine Seney. In addition to teaching at Puckmasters, Scott is partners with fellow PM coach Dan Tatar in their marketing and promotional products business; ADK Promotions. The two currently reside in Boston’s south end.

Education: The Loomis Chaffe School ’03, Union College’07; B.S. Cum Laude Psychology & Philosophy

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Movie: Dumb & Dumber

Last Book Read: The Audacity of Hope- Barak Obama

Role Models: Bill Riga  

Playing Experience: Dan was a four-year letter winner in goal for the Ductchmen of Union College who compete in the Division I Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Hockey League (ECACHL). While there Dan earned a spot on the ECACHL All-Academic team each season eligible. As a senior Dan earned the the Union College Athletics “Citizen of the Year Award” given to the top student athlete dedicated not only to his sport, but to academics and community activism. Prior to Union, Tatar spent two year’s between the pipes for the Pelicans of the Loomis Chaffe School in Hartford, CT. While playing for the Pelicans, Dan earned team MVP honors as well as the Coaches Award as a senior. He was also selected as a Western New England Prep School All-Star.

Coaching Experience: Dan spent the 2007-08 season as an Assistant Coach with the Boston Junior Bruins of the Empire Junior Hockey League. In 06-07 he served as an Assistant at his alma-mater, Union College. He has also had coaching stints with the Syracuse Stars, the Westchester Express, and Capital District Selects programs out of New York State.

Personal: In addition to his athletic and academic success, Dan has been an active contributor to the community at large. In the summer of 2007, Dan organized RollingForAutism, an event which saw he and three other former College Hockey players roller blade from Florida to Maine over the course of 56 days. During this time, the foursome participated in over 35 different fundraising events, 80 media appearances, had a spot on ABC’s Good Morning America, and raised nearly $200,000 for Autism Awareness and Program Funding. As founder and Board President of ADKCharities, Dan continues to plan and oversee fundraising efforts for a wide range of causes, and gives speeches to high school and university students nationwide. Additionally, he and fellow Puckmasters Coach Scott Seney have recently started their own Marketing and Promotions Business-ADKPromos.

Education: Holderness School, Bowdoin College, BA 1997

Hockey Achievements: Kevin was a member of the first-ever Bowdoin College Hockey team to participate in the Division III NCAA playoffs.

Best Advice to Give: Work hard in the classroom and on the ice.

Played With/Against: Chris Drury

Favorite Movie: Godfather II

Role Models: Parents

Hockey Goal: Help develop quatity student athletes.  

A native of Burrillville, RI Zifcak was born July, 15 1974. Kevin was a four year letterwinner at Bowdoin College where he played from 1993 through 1997. Prior to Bowdoin, Zifcak played prep school hockey at the Holderness school.

Education: Northwood School 2007

Played With/Against: Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)

Favorite Food: Chicken Parmesean

Favorite Movie: Wedding Crashers

Last Book Read: For Whom the Bell Tolls

Role Models: Brian Leetch

Hockey Goal: The earn a Division I College Scholarship.  

Playing Experience: A native of Clifton Park, NY Patrick (Patch) Alber began playing for the Albany Storm AAA team throughout his youth hockey career. He spent his first two high school seasons at Shenendehowa where he earned Second Team All-State and section 2 “Best Defenseman” honors as a sophomore. Patch then transferred to the Northwood School where he earned a spot on their All-Tournament team held annually in January at the historic 1980 Olympic Rink in Lake Placid, NY. Alber spent the 2007-08 season as a post-graduate with the Boston Junior Bruins of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL). During that campaign, Patch played over 50 games, finishing with nine assists and a plus 15 plu/minus. Patch serves as a team captain with the 2008-09 Junior Bruins.

Coaching Experience: Patch has served as an instructor at the Union College Summer Hockey School, the Hockey Hut Hockey School and the Advanced Hockey camp—all of which are in the Albany, NY area.

Education: Nichols College- B.S. Sport Management - 2008

Best Advice to Give: "Hard work always pays off."

Played With/Against: Steven Gionta (New Jersey Devils)

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Movie: Slapshot

Last Book Read: The Last Templar

Role Models: Father

Hockey Goal: To become a college Head Coach.  

Playing Experience: A native of Brockport, NY, Nick began his hockey career in goal for the Rochester Junior Americans AAA team. A standout at Brockport High School, Unger was a four-year letterwinner who led his team to a 2002 State Championship—a season in which Nick earned New York State Most Valuable Player honors as well as First team All-State Goaltender Honors. He finished his high school career with a 2.13 goals against average, a .933 save percentage and 12 shutouts. Following graduation, Nick spent the 2003-04 season with the Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Provincial Hockey League (OPJHL), then backstopped played for the Buffalo Lightning Jr. A squad (now known as the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, also of the OPJHL) in 04-05; a season in which he earned Team MVP honors for his 2.78 goals against average and .928 save percentage. Nick went on to play college hockey at nearby NCAA Division III Nichols.

Coaching Experience: Nick is entering his second season as an Assistant Coach at Nichols. His responsibilities include, recruiting working with the goaltenders as well as on-ice instruction for both forwards and defensemen. He has also been a Head Instructor at the Rick Heinz goalie schools and has been a coach, trainer and sales associate for Goaler One Athletics.

Education: Berkshire School/Hopkinton High 2008

Best Advice to Give: "Never quit."

Played With/Against: Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning)

Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo

Favorite Movie: Superbad

Last Book Read: "The Game" by Neil Strauss

Role Models: Martin St. Louis

Hockey Goal: To earn a Division I College Scholarship.  

Playing Experience: Russ, a native of Ridgefield, CT began playing at the age of five in the Mid-Fairfield Youth Hockey Program. In 2002 Stein led his team to a third place finish in the USA Hockey National Championships in Colorado Springs. Following midget hockey, Russ went on to play for the Berkshire School—a Division I New England Prep School—where in 2004-05 and 2005-06 he ranked among the top five goalies in the country for save percentage and goals against average. During the 04-05 season Stein also earned a spot on the Edward G. Watkins All-Tournament team hosted by Cushing Academy. Following Berkshire, Stein moved on to play for the Boston Junior Bruins of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL). During the 2007-08 season Stein earned first star honors in four games. He finished the campaign with a 13-5-2 overall record, a 2.48 goals against average and a .922 save percentage.

Coaching Experience: Russ has been an instructor for the past two seasons at the Boston Junior Bruins summer and in-season camps and clinics. He has also worked at Joe Bertagna Goaltending Camps and the Rick Heinz goalie school.

Education: Graduated Marion High School June 2003.

Hockey Achievements: In my sophomore year at Marian High, I was the MVP of the Catholic Central league and a Boston Globe all-scholastic all-star. I made the all-star game 2 out of 3 seasons with the Junior Bruins.

Hockey Experience: Two years with Marian High School in Framingham, and three seasons with the Boston Junior Bruins.

Best Advice to Give: Work hard every day and have fun doing it.

Favorite Food: Chicken Parmesan

Hockey Goal: To play college hockey.  

Born in Boston, MA on May 28, 1985. Nevin began playing hockey at the age of four. Still in the midst of his playing career, Hamilton is in his third season as the starting goaltender for the Boston Junior Bruins. Prior to playing with the black and gold, Hamilton was the starting netminder for Marian High School in nearby Framingham.

Education: Marlboro High School, Class of 2005, currently enrolled part-time at Worcester State College.

Best Advice to Give: Shoot hard and shoot to score.

Role Models: Father

Hockey Goal: Play Division I College Hockey  

Born and bred right here in Marlboro, Bob is arguably the best-ever player in Marlboro High School history. A product of the Minuteman Flames, the Triboro Titans, the Middlesex Islanders, and the Boston Junior Bruins, Butler has had success with every team at every level- and hopes to continue his winning ways in 06-07 when he'll be competing for the University of New Hampshire where he has accepted a scholarship to play for the Wildcats. In 2002-03 Bob finished third in team scoring (21 g, 27 a, 48 pts) as he helped lead Boston Junior Bruins split season team (Little Bruins) to an Eastern Midget Junior Hockey League (EMJHL).

During his four-year tenure at Marlboro High School, Butler was the backbone of a team which won four consecutive Central Massachusetts Championships, made two Division III State Final appearances, and claimed one Division III State Championship. As a junior in 2003-04 Butler broke the school's single-season scoring record with 50 goals in 20 games, en route to earning his first of two state scoring titles and Central Massachusetts Most Valuable Player Awards. In 2004-05 he notched 58 goals and added 20 helpers for 88 total points to again lead the state in scoring while also leading Marlboro to its first-ever Division III State Championship. The effort earned him his second Central Mass. MVP along with his third consecutive All-League selection. Butler currently stands as Marlboro High's All-time leading scorer with 284 points. While leading the charge for the Panthers in 2003-04 and 2004-05, Butler was also splitting his time with the Boston Junior Bruins of the Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL). In 20004-05, while earning an All-League selection, he played a key role in helping the BJB's earn their first-ever EJHL Championship. The win came just days after the Panthers claimed their first-ever crown. Most recently Butler earned MVP Honors at the 2005 Beantown Classic for leading his Bombers of the Pro Division to the Tournament Championship with five goals and six assists in five games.