BRUNSWICK, Maine — Terry Meagher, a two-time national coach of the year who guided the Bowdoin College men’s ice hockey team to six NCAA Division III Tourney appearances, will step down as the program’s head coach after the upcoming season, his 33rd with the team.
Meagher has accumulated a 529-245-54 record, sixth in Division III, and was named the American Hockey Coaches Association National Coach of the Year in 1986 and 1989. He also directed Bowdoin to two titles in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (2013, ’14) as well as two Eastern College Athletic Conference crowns (1986, ’93).
“I have been exceptionally privileged to coach at Bowdoin for the last three decades, where the success of the program was never measured by wins and losses but by the development of students through lessons learned on the ice,” Meagher said in a Bowdoin news release.
“I was blessed and humbled to follow such a gracious and loyal friend as Sid Watson, who was an invaluable resource in my early seasons at Dayton Arena. The continued success of the program is in great part due to the unwavering support of my friends, colleagues, the staff and campus community,” he added.
Meagher set a powerful example for members of the Bowdoin community with his unwavering support of the academic interests of its students and ability to prepare its teams to compete at the highest level within Division III athletics, according to Bowdoin Director of Athletics Tim Ryan.
“Terry’s coaching record speaks for itself, but he is known primarily for his positive impact on the development of Bowdoin students in several athletic programs, especially our men’s ice hockey program, and the relationships he nurtures across our campus community,” Ryan said. “The college will forever be grateful for Terry’s dedication to our students and we look forward to continuing to see him at Watson Arena in the years ahead.”
Meagher and his predecessor, Watson, combined to give the Polar Bears just two coaches in the last 56 years, accounting for 855 wins dating back to 1959. Bowdoin is the only college in NCAA ice hockey history with two 300-win coaches exclusive to its program.
They are also responsible for inspiring a coaching tree that launched dozens of former Polar Bears to careers on the bench and in the front offices of professional, collegiate and junior hockey, according to the release.
“Above all I am so grateful to my wife Nancy, my children Jennifer and Kelly, grandchildren and extended family who have made this wonderful journey possible,” Meagher said. “At the end of the day, however, the credit goes to the many players whose character and dedication have lifted the program to tremendous heights, and who share an unbreakable bond as members of the Bowdoin hockey family.”
Meagher is a 1976 Boston University graduate, played hockey for the Terriers and led the team in scoring during his senior season.
He has also coached men’s lacrosse, men’s soccer and softball at Bowdoin.
A national search for Meagher’s replacement will begin following the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. An event to recognize his service will be held on Saturday, May 7. More information on the event will be available in the coming months.