Andrew Johnson

With the 2024-2025 Worcester Railers season already underway, fans are hoping that this is the year that they can watch playoff hockey in the Canal District for the first time since the team’s inaugural season. 

Guided by West Roxbury native and Boston University alum Bob Deraney, the team seeks to improve on its record from last season. Deraney, previously an assistant coach with the Railers, begins his first season as head coach in Worcester. He is working closely with Nick Tuzzolino, was hired this past offseason as the first ever general manager/associate head coach in the history of the Railers. 

Both embark on a quest to finish with a winning record, a task that was seemingly insurmountable throughout the previous three seasons when the Railers finished with a .500 record every year. Couple that with suspended operations in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and it is easy to see why fans are eager for the team to take a step forward to be playing hockey in June. 

“The organization has a “win now” mentality,” according to the Railers’ Chief Operating Officer Michael Myers. “A lot of emphasis during the off-season has been put on constructing a roster with a combination of experience, skill, character, and team toughness.” 

Myers was clear in relaying that the team’s primary goal is to make the playoffs, but the Railers have other goals as well. 

“Off the ice, we will continue our tradition of community giveback utilizing our players, staff, and, of course, TRAX to support the many great organizations throughout central Massachusetts,” Myers expressed.

“The Railers have an unwavering commitment to being an integral part of the Central Massachusetts community,” he continued. “The team has won the ECHL’S Community Service Team of the Year award in five out of the six years it has been awarded, including this past June of 2024.  Initiatives, such as our Skate to Success, School Day Game, TraxFit and Ticket to Read programs will be at the forefront of our day-to-day operations.”

Myers promised that the organization will continue to examine new ways to make inroads with connections to local businesses and nonprofits throughout the area. 

“We’re looking forward to what is shaping up to be one of our greatest seasons yet both on and off the ice,” Myers stated, buoyant. “We have an energized hockey operations staff working with the team, as well as one of the largest and most experienced front offices that the organization has ever had.” 

“We’ve seen an uptick in support for the team as shown by a substantial increase in single game ticket sales. The team has also seen an increase in full-season ticket memberships of 300% this season and are currently 1^st in the league for new season ticket revenue growth.”

Despite this excitement, many in the stands, in the front office, and on the ice began this season bearing a heavy heart after the passing of former player Matthew Gaudreau who was killed by a drunk driver as he was cycling along with his brother, NHL player Johnny Gaudreau. Many tributes in remembrance were shared on social media following the tragedy, and it is evident that Gaudreau left his mark on Worcester long after he hung up his skates. 

It is that passionate, resonant relationship that fans have with the team that encourages the front office, coaching staff, and players to deliver on their promises and hold themselves to high standards. This investment from fans has been reciprocated in terms of investment into the infrastructure of the organization and a commitment to developing a winning team that provides an exciting experience to all who watch them compete. 

“We pride ourselves as an organization that provides all the resources available to ensure that the players are immersed in a professional atmosphere where they have the best opportunity for success,” Myers affirmed.

That culture will hopefully prompt both individual and team success and pay dividends as the Railers skate toward the playoffs when May turns to June and the heat of the summer sun envelops the frosty confines of the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Center.