Anthony Pratley joins the St. Mary's Ryken Community as the new Head Boys/Co-Ed Ice Hockey Coach

Anthony Pratley joined the St. Mary's Ryken community this week as the new Head Boys/Co-Ed Ice Hockey Coach. 

Coach Anthony Pratley has extensive ice hockey and football coaching experience in the Southern Maryland and Michigan areas. Most recently he was the Assistant Ice Hockey Coach for the Capitals U16 Travel Team, and Assistant Ice Hockey Coach for the Southern Maryland Sabres in the U10-16 age ranges.  

"My immediate goal is to continue to build on the great championship tradition that was established at St. Mary’s Ryken by both previous head coaches, Matt Billman and Chris Palombi", said Coach Pratley. "They have done a tremendous job in getting this program to where it is today. I hope that when people hear the word hockey in Southern Maryland, they think of the Washington Capitals first, and St Mary’s Ryken second."

"My hope for this season is to provide a positive, and fun atmosphere for the players. I am a firm believer in setting goals both on a personal and team level and will work tirelessly to help our players accomplish those goals. Ultimately, I hope to build a love for the game of hockey and establish a foundation in our program to build upon for the future," said Pratley. 

St. Mary's Ryken Athletic Director, Duane Atherton has full confidence in Coach Pratley's focus on the school's mission and goals. "I am confident that Anthony Pratley will support our SMR mission, provide our athletes with the skills and strategies necessary to compete at a high level in the Washinton Catholic Athletic Conference, and work in concert with girls ice hockey coach, Chris Palombi, to continue building our ice hockey program," said St. Mary's Ryken Athletic Director, Duane Atherton.

Coach Pratley earned his bachelor's of science degree in elementary and middle school education with a social studies minor from Concordia University. He earned his masters of science in educational technology from Boise State University. 

"Solid defensive play is one of the big differences between hockey played in our region in comparison to northern states," said Mr. Chris Palombi, Director of Hockey Operations and SMR Girls Ice Hockey Coach. "Coach Pratley has a lot of experience understanding the nuances of the sport. He is also very analytical and data driven.  Add that to his expertise and knowledge in the defensive aspect of the game, and I believe you will quickly see our program excel defensively."