Worcester, MA --- After a 22-year career which included eight trips to the postseason, John Guiney has announced that he will be stepping down as head coach of the Worcester State ice hockey team.

Guiney completes his Worcester State coaching career with 161 victories and had his 150th win last season in a triumph on the road against Fitchburg State.

"John has been the face of the Lancer ice hockey team for the past 22 years and we are indebted to him for his service to Worcester State," said Deputy Director of Athletics John Meany. "He has been a great presence on campus and a tremendous link to the history of the WSU program."

After taking the reigns of the squad over from former WSU teammate Marvin Degon in the winter of 1992, Guiney guided the Blue and Gold to four trips to the ECAC Division III Tournament. En route to MASCAC Coach of the Year honors, his 2000-01 team ended a three-year playoff drought with an appearance in the ECAC playoffs.

Since joining the newly formed MASCAC for the 2009-10 campaign, Guiney has helped the Lancers qualify for the conference tournament in every season. His 2011-12 squad earned a spot in the semifinals.

Over the course of his career, Guiney tutored 21 all-conference honorees, two ECAC Rookies of the Year and Keith Blanchette was recognized with First-team All-New England laurels by the New England Hockey Writers in 1997-98.

From his position as a part-time coach, Guiney gave back to the program where he got his first taste playing ice hockey at the collegiate level. Guiney was a member of the 1972-73 and 1976-77 teams that captured ECAC Division III Tournament crowns as both have been enshrined in the Lancer Hall of Fame.

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