METHUEN — Last year, Dave O’Hearn got a taste of what it’s like to run the show. He was named the interim head coach of the Methuen/Tewksbury co-op girls ice hockey team when state championship-winning head coach Sarah (Oteri) Doucette was out on maternity leave, before returning late in the season.
A former Methuen star defenseman, O’Hearn helped guide the Rangers to an impressive 13-6-3 overall record.
This fall, Doucette announced that she was officially stepping down from the head coach position to spend more time at home with her new baby.
O’Hearn was quickly named as the fourth head coach in program history.
“Taking over for the Red Rangers has been bittersweet. I have worked with Sarah for the past seven years as one of the team’s (assistant) coaches. Together, we feel we’ve helped shape a winning and competitive program that we are extremely proud of,” said O’Hearn. “Sarah is one of the best coaches I’ve ever been around in all my years of hockey, and I have learned so much from her. We have always made a great team, one of my great friends and she will be sorely missed.”
Doucette leaves the program with an overall record of 119-32-22, which includes a Division 1 state title in 2018-19 and four league titles.
O’Hearn, who has been an assistant coach since the 2016-17 season, made his mark as a player, helping lead the Rangers to two league titles before graduating in 1995.
“I am hoping that I can keep the same standard we have set with Sarah at the helm,” he said. “I am extremely fortunate to have one of the best assistant coaches in Ryan Sheehy. It has been a seamless transition as I have already been with the program going into my eighth year. What I love about our program is how well we are supported by both communities.
“They are a serious group of young women that love to compete and don’t complain about the hard work they put in, all while having a smile on their face competing with their friends,” he added. “It would be any coach’s dream to have the team of girls I do and I am very fortunate for the opportunity to lead them this year.”
Twitter: @JamiePote