The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Notre Dame coach Ducko steps down

- By Joe O’Gorman jogorman@trentonian.com @j_ogorman819 on Twitter

When Andrew Ducko took the Notre Dame ice hockey job it was at a time in his life when he needed the support.

Before he ever coached a game, the players at ND showed not only their support, but the desire to learn and succeed.

Over the next eight years under Ducko’s guidance, the Irish were one of the best teams in the county.

Now, after those highly successful eight years behind the bench, Ducko as decided to step down.

“I had not even coached my first game at Notre Dame yet when my dad died,” recalled Ducko, “But the boys were there for me.”

The Irish went 135-62-12 under Ducko and won a pair of Mercer County Tournament titles, while reaching the final six times in eight years.

Ducko also won five division titles, one Egan Cup and qualified for the state tournament in all eight of his seasons.

Maybe the most impressive mark is the 81-game CVC winning streak from January 2011 to January 2017.

“Being at Notre Dame helped me become a better teacher of the game,” said Ducko. “It also helped me mature and grow into the person I am today. I loved being in the sport, teaching the game and trying to make the team better.”

Through the years, Ducko learned the game was a lot more than just wins and losses.

“I now realize my job was much more important than that,” he declared. “I began to understand that I was teaching these kids how to treat people with respect, deal with adversity, work hard, understand their role, to understand they are a part of something bigger than themselves and to prepare them for the real world.”

During his tenure, his two children were born, while he also maintained a full time position at Loucks Ice Center and coaches youth hockey.

His job at Loucks, the administra­tive position with the Flames, coaching The College of New Jersey hockey team,, and most important a growing family at home that has Ducko stepping aside a ND.

There have been many great Irish wins under Ducko, including the MCT in 2012, beating Montclair Kimberley in overtime at Lawrencevi­lle in the states, knocking off St. Rose in a shootout at Lawrencevi­lle in the state tournament both in 2017 and last season.

“Seeing my first four teams graduating college, becoming business owners and successful young adults is rewarding,” added Ducko. “Many are wanting to coach the next generation of hockey players and seeing all that made me realize how special this opportunit­y at Notre Dame was.”

 ?? TRENTONIAN FILE PHOTO ?? Notre Dame won a pair of MCT titles and had an 81game CVC winning streak under Andrew Ducko.
TRENTONIAN FILE PHOTO Notre Dame won a pair of MCT titles and had an 81game CVC winning streak under Andrew Ducko.

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