Andover community holds rally in support of fired high school hockey coach

ANDOVER, Mass. — The Andover High School hockey team will have a new head coach next season -- and many people are not happy about it.

Their coach, Chris Kuchar, was fired earlier in the week. Today the community came out to support him, holding a rally Saturday morning in Andover for their coach

"I'm humbled, I've been very encouraged by the support, but ultimately I feel badly for the kids and I’m coming here to support the kids and also thank the people that have supported us," Kuchar said.

On Monday, Chris Kuchar was told he would not be back to coach the Andover High boy's hockey team next season. Less than 24 hours later approximately 200 Andover students walked out of class to protest Kuchar's firing.

His dismissal is not sitting well with many in the community

"We want our coach back, this is the support you do," said Ted Teichart, an Andover resident. "We hope to get our coach back, and we're going to do everything we can to get the word out."

In January 2018, Coach Kuchar and two assistant coaches were suspended pending an investigation by DCF. They were accused of not allowing players to drink water or eat food during a 90-minute practice.

Three weeks later, an independent investigation by the school cleared the coaches, and they returned to the team.

Related: DCF investigating claims Andover hockey coaches withheld water, food

Kuchar has guided Andover High to back-to-back Merrimack Valley Conference titles. Weeks after returning to the bench in 2018, Kuchar led the Golden Warriors to their first-ever berth in the state's Super 8 Tournament

Kuchar said he's been touched by the number of well-wishes he's received after five seasons behind the bench

"But what's more impressive, what's been more heartwarming for me is the support of past players who have no skin in the game, but I've made an impact on their lives," Kuchar said. "I’ve made an impact on their lives, that's powerful stuff. That's why you coach"

While Kuchar's contract was not renewed, Andover High School says his assistant coaches’ contracts have been renewed.

Cox Media Group