Kevin Delaney has had hockey in his blood basically since birth, and the Denver native has experienced marked success recently at Proctor Academy, a prep school in Andover, N.H.

In the 1980s, Delaney’s father, Chris, played high school hockey with Proctor’s head coach, Mike Walsh.

“We looked to go down the prep school path after my 15U season (with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders) and that connection made Proctor Academy my first choice,” Delaney said. “This year, we advanced to the Lakes Region final and the NEPSAC Small School playoffs for the first time in seven years. For my performance throughout the season, I received recognition as a Lakes Region All-Star and a New Hampshire Legend of Hockey.

“While living away from home can be challenging when you are missing time with friends and family, it is easy to stay busy in the dorm and on campus.”

Back in Colorado, Delaney started playing hockey for the Jr. Pioneers, an organization he was with from 8U to 12U. He then hooked up with the RoughRiders from 13U through 15U before heading east.

“I wanted to be a hockey player like my dad,” said Delaney. “The University of Denver hockey team played a significant role in establishing my love for hockey along with the Boston Bruins and Colorado Avalanche. My dad coached me on the Jr. Pioneers from U8 to 12U. I am thankful and have learned a lot from every coach I’ve played for, but the two most influential have been my dad and Steve Quailer. They both helped develop me as an athlete and person both on and off the ice.”

As he reflects back on his youth days in Colorado, Delaney said the memories are aplenty, but a couple stand out over others.

“Winning the 12U Silver Stick tournament and playing for the Colorado Shamrocks tournament team my dad started are two of the most memorable moments of my life on the ice,” he said.

Plodding ahead, Delaney has ambitious goals in mind that he intends to chase down and continue his passion for the game.

“My goal for next season is to win the Lakes Region tournament, get back to the NEPSAC playoffs, and start my junior hockey career,” said Delaney. “In the next five years, I plan to play NCAA Division I college hockey. In the next 10 years, I want to be on the ice for an NHL team.”

Photo/Proctor Academy

— Matt Mackinder

(May 5, 2024)