When looking for a Prep School opportunity, one of the most important things every player and parent are looking for is experience. One of the other things they look for is “connections”.
Derackk Curtis brings the experience and the right connections to the American Hockey Academy as it’s Varsity Head Coach, and the programs General Manager positions.
Derackk grew up in Canada playing minor hockey for the town of Waterloo, Ontario before leaving home to play hockey at age 15. He has spent over 25 years working with players in Canada and the US. From his first volunteer position in 1995 with the Vancouver Thunderbirds travel elite to his current position with the Boston Jr Terriers he has worked with players from Mite to pros.
During his playing career, Curtis played prep hockey at Ridley College, junior for the London Nationals WOHL for two seasons before playing for the University of Western Ontario. While at Western he completed a degree in Political Science with a minor in psychology. Injuries ultimately forced him out of competitive hockey but allowed him to find his true calling as a coach and mentor.
For his coaching career, he has been EHF champion coach at the U16 T1 and youth levels. He was the Head Coach at Archbishop Williams from 2008 -2021 leading the team Catholic Central League Champions 2010 and 2013, South Sectional Champions 2010, Super 8 2013 and 2014.
Curtis coached Sandwich High School 2004-2008 where he won a State Championship and has been named High School Coach of the Year. From 2000-2003 he coached the Abilene Christian University Inline team to consecutive South Sectional Championships and back-to-back appearances at the College Nationals.
Derackk is a member of the Ridley College Hockey Hall of Fame (Athletic Lives of Distinction) and has worked with teams in the BCHL (Surrey Eagles, Chilliwack Chiefs), and many former players in the WHL, AJHL, WOHL, and skills coach for many former NHL, CHL, NCAA players, and EHF players. He is also currently a Scout for the Carleton Place Canadians in the CCHL.
When checking off the boxes for Prep School Coaching leadership, Derackk Curtis checks them all. Players and parents have recognized this as the American Hockey Academy has assembled one of the deepest and most talented coaching and development staffs in North America.
For more information on the American Hockey Academy visit American Hockey Academy at CATS Academy of Boston
