Devin Fitzpatrick, who guided the John Bapst High School boys hockey team to its first Class B North championship and state title game appearance last season, has stepped down for “personal reasons” according to John Bapst Athletic Director Dan O’Connell.
“We are very thankful for his hard work during his tenure at John Bapst and he will be missed,” O’Connell said about Fitzpatrick.
The Crusaders finished last season with an impressive 19-2-1 record.
Bangor-based John Bapst, which is part of a cooperative team along with players from Hermon High, Bangor Christian and Deer Isle-Stonington, won its first seven games a season ago. And the Crusaders then followed a 4-2 loss to Presque Isle with a 13-game unbeaten streak (12-0-1) before losing to Cheverus of Portland/Yarmouth 5-1 in the state championship game.
Cheverus/Yarmouth used a four-goal third period to earn its second straight B state title.
Fitzpatrick took over as the head coach at John Bapst in 2019.
He was an outstanding defenseman at Brewer High and he and brother Dylan Fitzpatrick helped lead the Witches to the state Class B title in 2007. Their father, Mike Fitzpatrick, was an assistant coach at Brewer.
Both Mike and Dylan Fitzpatrick spent time as assistant coaches under Devin Fitzpatrick at John Bapst.
In addition to his playing and coaching career, Devin Fitzpatrick is also a well-respected referee.
O’Connell said that John Bapst is still collecting application materials and search committee interviews will begin in the coming weeks.
The first official practice for boys ice hockey teams is Nov. 17 and the first countable game can be played on Dec. 4.