Rye Hockey Celebrates 40-Year Tradition And Its Four Coaches At Playland

RYE, N.Y. -- Before its hockey game against White Plains on Wednesday night, Rye's varsity hockey team celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding by Coach John Zegras.

The first Rye hockey team on the ice in 1974.
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Rye recaps its 40-year tradition of hockey at www.ryevarsityhockey.com
Photo Credit: *Provided*

Playland Ice Casino officially reopened in October, two years after Superstorm Sandy blew its roof off, requiring nearly $5 million in repairs.
Photo Credit: *Jon Craig*

Garnets Hockey Coach Peter Thomas
Photo Credit: *Provided/Sarah Derman*

Jon Craig

12/17/2014 6:00 p.m.

Since 1974, four coaches led the Garnets' team including Zegras for 17 years, Kevin Kelly, Jason Friesen and the newest head coach, Peter Thomas.

Rye had five State Final Four appearances under Zegras and one apiece under Kelly and Friesen.

Celebrating Wednesday at Playland Ice Casino were former coaches and star players including Jay Altmeyer and Peter Duncan.

Paul Deen, father of RHS captain Nat Deen, the team's goalie, planned to recap the hockey team's four decades of play.

Rhythm on Rye and the high school pep band entertained fans and alumni.

During the past 40 years, Rye also won15 Section 1 titles, eight regional titles and made it to one state championship final.

More history can be found online at www.ryevarsityhockey.com.

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