Josh Ciocco was a former hockey player and coach who had a significant impact on the sport.
He played for various teams in Canada and the US and later became an assistant coach at Merrimack College.
Sadly, he passed away suddenly at the age of 38 on October 17, 2022.
His cause of death was reported to be a heart condition that led to sudden cardiac arrest
In this article, we will explore his life, career, and legacy, as well as the reactions and tributes from the hockey community.
Josh Ciocco’s Early Life and Education
Josh Ciocco was born on June 9, 1984, in Burlington, Massachusetts.
He grew up playing hockey and developed a passion for the sport.
Josh attended Burlington High School, where he was a standout player and captain of the hockey team.
He then moved to Canada to play for the Spruce Kings from 2000 to 2002, and the Silverbacks during the 2002/03 season.
Josh also played for Vernon and Salmon Arm in the British Columbia Hockey League.
After his junior hockey career, he enrolled at the University of New Hampshire, where he majored in political science.
He was a four-year member of the hockey program and served as the team captain during his senior year.
He graduated in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree and later returned to UNH to earn his MBA.
Josh Ciocco’s Playing and Coaching Career
Josh Ciocco had a brief professional playing career in the ECHL,
where he played for the Wheeling Nailers and the Fresno Falcons during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.
He then transitioned to coaching and worked as an assistant coach at various colleges and universities.
Josh was an assistant coach at Brown University from 2010 to 2013 and at the University of Alaska Anchorage from 2013 to 2014.
He joined Merrimack College as an assistant coach in 2018 and was entering his fifth season with the Warriors.
As a coach, he was known for his tireless work ethic, his passion for recruiting and developing talented players, and his commitment to helping them reach their potential.
He was also respected and admired by his colleagues, peers, and students for his character, integrity, and leadership.
Josh Ciocco’s Death and Tributes
Josh Ciocco’s death was announced by Merrimack College Athletics on October 4, 2022.
The statement read: “The Merrimack community and men’s hockey program are deeply saddened by the passing of assistant coach, Josh Ciocco.
Josh was entering his fifth season with the Warriors and was tireless in recruiting talented and dedicated student-athletes to Merrimack
he was equally passionate in his commitment to coaching them to reach their greatest potential.”
The news of his passing shocked and saddened the hockey world,
many people who knew him or were influenced by him expressed their condolences and shared their memories of him.
Some of the organizations and individuals who paid tribute to him include:
- The Vernon Vipers, tweeted: “The Vernon Vipers are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former Viper Josh Ciocco!
We want to pass our condolences along to Josh’s family and friends as well as Merrimack College where he was an assistant coach.”
- The UNH Men’s Hockey, who tweeted: “We mourn the loss of former captain Josh Ciocco ’07.
We are deeply saddened and we send our condolences to Josh’s family, friends, and @MerrimackMIH.”
- The USA Hockey, tweeted: “We join the hockey family in mourning the loss of Merrimack assistant coach Josh Ciocco.
Our thoughts go out to his family & friends, in addition to the @MerrimackMIH and @UNHMHOCKEY programs.”
- Scott Borek, the head coach of Merrimack Men’s Hockey, said: “Josh was a great friend, a great coach and a great person.
He loved the game of hockey and he loved Merrimack.
He will be missed by everyone who knew him.”
- Mike Souza, the head coach of UNH Men’s Hockey, said: “Josh was a tremendous leader and captain for our program
Conclusion
Josh Ciocco was a remarkable hockey player and coach who had a positive and lasting impact
He was a dedicated, passionate, and respected professional who loved what he did and who he did it with.
He was also a kind, generous, and humble person who cared for his family, friends, and community.
His sudden and tragic death at the age of 38 has left a huge void in the hockey world and in the hearts of many.
He will be remembered and honored for his contributions, achievements, and legacy. Rest in peace, Josh Ciocco.
You will be missed
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