Tom Keogh, who was off the bench for six years with the Bergen Catholic ice hockey team, has been relieved of his duties.
Keogh told New Jersey Advance Media that he learned of the administration's decision the day after the team's season-ending banquet in late March and that the school informed him it wanted to move the program in a different direction.
“It was a bit of a shock,” Keogh said. “If they want to go a different route, that's it.”
Bergen Catholic Church President Brian Mahoney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Keogh took over the program before the 2018-19 season and amassed a 70-50-9 record along the way. He played for the Crusaders until he graduated in 2004, winning state championships in 2001 and 2003. As coach, Keogh helped the Crusaders win Bergen County titles in 2020 and 2024, including the team's first win against Don Bosco. Prepare for tournament history.
He inherited a team that had a record of 17-42-6 in the three seasons prior to his appointment. The Crusaders finished on top. He hit .500 in four of his six seasons in charge. The last time the program was able to do that was in the early 2000s when he was playing for the program.
“My best memories are of the players and the teams I was on,” he said. “I just wanted to give them the best of both worlds: a quality education and an unforgettable experience at B.C. And obviously we won some good championships. ”
One of those players was Aram Minnetian, who played two seasons under Keough before going on to USNTDP and eventually Boston University. He was selected in the fourth round, 125th overall, by the Dallas Stars in 2023, becoming the first player from Bergen Catholic to be drafted into the NHL.
Despite his disappointment at ending his time at his alma mater, Keogh continues to focus on the positives and hopes to be back on the bench soon.
“I'm a crusader,” he said. “I went to B.C. and I'm grateful for the opportunities they gave me in my life. I'm just disappointed, that's all. It's going to be okay. When one door closes, another one closes. open.”
Brian Bobal can be contacted at: bbobal@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @Brian Bobal.
The NJ High School Sports newsletter is currently in the mailbox five days a week. Sign up now!
Follow us on social: Facebook | Instagram | X (old Twitter))
