Q&A with head hockey coach Kevin Zaschak on stepping down from the program

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Matthew Mahoney, Editor in Chief

Head hockey coach Kevin Zaschak has been an integral part of the FHC athletic program for the past six years. Whether it was at summer strength and conditioning, hockey games, or volleyball games, Zaschak could be seen interacting with athletes from every sport at FHC. In his six years as head coach, he and assistant coach Mark Beaufait led the Rangers to a record of 118-43-5, a remarkable record that resulted in two regional championships, two conference titles, and two regional runner-up finishes. With the recent announcement that both him and Beaufait will be stepping down, although his run has come to an end, he will surely have a lasting impact on the program.

 

What are you going to miss most about coaching the team?

“I’m going to miss the players and the camaraderies with the coaches—not only within the hockey program but school-wide [as well]. Being a coach for FHC was and is a very proud moment for me. I love our community and school.”

What was the best season you experienced?

“Our 2014-15 (24-5, Regional champions), 2016-17 (25-3-1, Regional and conference champions), and 2019-20 (22-5, conference champions and Regional runner-ups) seasons. In 2014-15, we lost to Flint Powers in the state quarterfinals in double overtime, and in 2016-17, we lost to Powers again in overtime in the quarterfinals. We were ranked second in the state and they were first.”

Who was the most influential player in your time at FHC?

“All the players played a part in our success. Our model was “WE” not “ME,” and that signified our unity and respect for everyone on the team.”

What is your favorite memory from FHC?

“There were many great memories. Winning two conference and Regional titles was amazing, and we beat some of the state’s best teams over the six years: Detroit Catholic Central, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Flint Powers, Saginaw Heritage, Brighton, Northville, and Hartland just to name a few. The best memories were seeing our community and students’ excitement after big wins coming off the ice.”

What are you most proud of?

“I’m most proud of the way our teams represented themselves both on and off the ice. I heard from many people over the years [about] how our hockey players were positive role models in school and our community. I’m also very proud of the coaching staff from Mark Beaufait and Jim Gaudette, who were also community members and had kids in our program, and Chris Green, who helped us in many ways on and off the ice. I’m also very proud of the relationships we developed with Mr. Udell, Mr. Passinault, Mr. DeStefano, and Mrs. Sprys, along with Dani, JaNae, and the other FHC coaches.”