Andover hockey coaches benched

‘Methodologies’ prompt child-welfare investigation

Three Andover high school hockey coaches, including the varsity head coach, were placed on leave yesterday over “coaching methodologies” that have prompted a state child-welfare investigation, officials said.

A statement from Andover High School Principal Philip Conrad said he “took this action after receiving information that certain coaching methodologies may have been used for the hockey program which, if true, are not in the best interests of our student athletes.” The statement did not elaborate on what methods prompted the action.

State child welfare officials, meanwhile, launched their own investigation.

“The Department of Children and Families received a report on this situation and we are investigating,” a DCF spokeswoman said.

Last night, the Andover School Committee released its own statement, and referred to “an incident” but again offered no other details.

“We have been briefed on an incident involving the Andover High School boys varsity hockey team,” their statement read. “Our understanding is that the Department of Children and Families is conducting an investigation into alleged coaching practices that would violate the rules of our school district and would not be in the best interests of the students.”

Conrad said the coaches, who were not named, will remain on leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our most important priority, and I am disheartened to hear of the allegations against members of our coaching staff,” Conrad said.

According to the statement, junior varsity hockey coach Peter Loring has been named interim varsity head coach. Members of the varsity hockey team were notified of the situation this morning, and the school district also sent a message home to parents of the student athletes.