Boys Hockey Head Coach Paul Tortorella ’80 developed a passion for hockey, after watching a televised game between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, with his dad. Inspired by announcer Danny Galivan, Tortorella became enamored with the sport. Years later, he became a goaltender for the Varsity Hockey team at Andover. His work earned him the Sumner Smith Award for the team’s MVP. He then graduated to play Division I Hockey at Yale University, before returning to Andover in 2001.
Tortorella works to cultivate an environment dedicated to a consistent work ethic. He summed up his core team values in three words: “Trust, Honesty, and Excellence.” According to Tortorella, coaching hockey allows him to celebrate the drive and collaboration required to win.
In an email to The Phillipian, Tortorella wrote, “I enjoy the aspect of team play that [sports] [demand] to be successful. Working hard with others to create something good is a good way to spend time.”
Assistant-Captain Drew Smith ’24 highlighted Tortorella’s coaching style. Tortorella works toward building a tight-knit and a strong team, calling upon Smith and Captain Sam Myles ’24 to collaboratively achieve this goal.
“He hypes us up before games, and in between periods. And just essentially stressing that we’re all in it together. And that it’s a team battle to win it. Everyone has to be trying their hardest, giving their best. And that’s the same for practices as well,” said Smith.
According to Kele Gregory ’26, Tortorella ensures that the players are in the right headspace before stepping into the rink.
Gregory said, “He’s a great coach. I haven’t had any coaches like him, he’s all business. He’ll check in with every player before the game if need be. He’s all about the guys… He’ll talk for five minutes before the game and basically, make sure that we’re prepped and ready for the game. He wants to make sure that there’s nothing that we’re regretting before we go out on the ice.”
Smith emphasized Tortorella’s compassion towards his players. He lets players try their best and works with them individually to make them an asset to the team. Tortorella influences a hard-working team culture, reflecting the team’s values.
Smith said, “I wasn’t recruited for the team. I walked on…my Freshman year, [and he] gave me a chance that no one else really gave me. [He] has really worked with me these past couple of years. I can’t thank him enough for how much he has [done], both on the ice and off the ice, just constantly encouraging me to just always give it my all.”
With a current record of 5-0, Tortorella is working with the team to play through the season with a fierce and ambitious drive. Competition and fun are extensions of hockey and he hopes that his players can recognize that.
Tortorella wrote, “Competition is fun. It’s a game, score is kept. It makes you try to get better. You can’t play the game by yourself. There is no problem having fun. If you are not having fun, you are not working hard enough.”
