By Rick Zmudzien, New England Hockey Journal

It's not often that you see children leading their parents to dream jobs, especially when it comes to coaching collegiate ice hockey.

It's even rarer when your children don't play hockey. But that's exactly the case for Garry Hebert.

In 2005, Hebert's oldest son Derek transferred to Stonehill. Hebert credits the "positive impact that Stonehill has on the student-athlete" for the success of his son, who served as captain of the soccer team in 2006, and was an All-American member of the track and field team last spring.

Even though Derek didn't play hockey, the hockey coaching staff definitely took notice of his arrival and his father's prominence in the sport. So they invited Garry Hebert join the coaching staff as associate coach.

"(Former Stonehill coach) Scott Harlow invited me in," said Hebert. "He told me, ‘we may not attract blue-chip prospects yet,' but I should take what we've got and develop it like I'd done for years with so many high-level players."

Hebert went on to add, "We've got kids that pride themselves on work ethic, character, and dynamic playmaking."

Garry Hebert is now the head coach at Stonehill after Harlow's departure.

Hebert was Thayer Academy's first high-school All-American and a full-scholarship standout at Vermont - recognized as one of the best pure skaters to come out of the Boston area. He was on the fast track to the NHL before a serious head injury left him in coma, and unable to play ever again. But when the Boston Bruins came calling, Hebert jumped at the opportunity.

"They told me that although my injury prevented me from playing again, I could use my talent for making their players better," said Hebert about how he first got into coaching. "Rick Bowness invited me into work at Bruins training camp. I ended up working with them and their AHL team in Portland, Maine, the Portland Pirates."   

Hebert founded the World Academy of Hockey in 1990. For 18 years, it's been his full-time job training future Olympic and NHL players. Hebert's coaching ability is recognized internationally by coaches. Hebert specializes in power-skating and skill development.

Another Hebert endeavor is as co-founder of the college hockey Humanitarian Award. The Humanitarian Award is given out annually to the finest citizen in all of college hockey, men's and women's. Given out on the same day as the Hobey Baker award, it is one of the most prestigious prizes in the sport.

"After my very traumatic injury, what matters to me now pales in comparison as before," says Hebert. "Family, faith, friends, and selfless service has always been something important to me," Hebert says, "and that is what the award stands for."

"I feel extremely honored and blessed," Hebert said about accepting his new job. "I share the players' excitement and dedication for another great year."

Hebert will become the ninth head coach in the history of the Skyhawks program. Hebert takes over at a good time in Skyhawks history. Since joining the Skyhawks as an associate coach, the Skyhawks have enjoyed unprecedented success over the past two years, culminating with their first ever Northeast-10 championship.

"What we may lack in talent, we make up in heart," said Hebert.

But he may not have to worry about that. Stonehill returns Brendan O'Brien, one of the top scorers in the league over the last two years; Matt Curran, another top scorer; and James Florentino, who Hebert calls "a pro-caliber defenseman who continues to be a defensive weapon."

There are also many other player back from their championship squad.

"We want to continue our success, and to eliminate the dramatic ups and downs by maintaining a high level of performance," Hebert said. "With prayer and a little help from above, we'll continue to fulfill our goals and build some great memories together."