JR Zavisza to step away as Loomis Chaffee boys head coach

For the first time in 15 seasons, Loomis Chaffee will have a new face leading the boys hockey team.

On Thursday, Loomis Chaffee announced that JR Zavisza was stepping away from being the head coach. He will remain at the prep school as a teacher.

"His commitment, steady leadership and the standards he set each day have shaped generations of players and strengthened the fabric of Loomis athletics," Loomis Chaffee said in an Instagram post. "The impact he has made on and off the ice will be felt for years to come, and the culture he built will continue to define Loomis boys hokcey moving forward."

Zavisza finished his Loomis Chaffee coaching career with an overall record of 187-153-31.

His first season came in 2011-12. Loomis Chaffee went 2-23-0. The Pelicans went on an upward trajectory in the following years.

After a 13-win season in 2012-13, Zavizsa led Loomis to a Large School title in 2014. Loomis Chaffee followed that up with two straight Elite 8 berths in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

Zavizsa's squad also won another Large School title in 2019-20.

READ MORE: 32 takeaways from the NEPSAC boys quarterfinals

"Beyond the wins and accolades, coach Zavisza built a culture grounded in accountability, effort and continuous improvement," Loomis Chaffee said. "A lifelong learner, he instilled that same mindset in his players. He was also passionate about introducing players and families to new cultural experiences and took great pride in the international travel opportunities the team enjoyed during his time leading the program."

From Lexington, Mass., Zavizsa played at UMass from 1999 to 2002 as a forward.

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