Robert M. DeGregorio, Jr. '73 is the foremost advocate of women's college hockey, and one of, if not the most respected names in the game in the United States of America.
The former commissioner of the Atlantic Hockey Association, DeGregorio currently serves as the Commissioner of College Hockey America and the New England Women's Hockey Alliance, a responsibility no one has ever had before him.
Hall of Famer Bill Berglund '70, a former goaltender with the New England Whalers, NHL scout, and college coach said," Bob is the most distinguished athletic alumnus of the University of Massachusetts Boston that I have ever known. He has been a great supporter of the university's hockey programs and has shown tremendous loyalty to the university. He is immensely proud of his alma mater. He has worked tirelessly to ensure the game's traditions and the individuals who have forged the path, are respected and not forgotten. It is an honor that we both wore the sweater for Hall of Fame Coach Eddie Barry."
He has spent his career as an advocate for women's sports at Merrimack College as the Director of Athletics for 19 years and softball coach. Many of the Warrior teams became national powers. The 15 sport Division II program reached its pinnacle in 1999-2000 when it captured the Northeast 10 President's Cup, awarded for the top overall performance of all teams. In 2001 the first NCAA Foundation Academic Achievement Awards were announced and Merrimack came in second out of 264 Division II schools with a student-athlete graduation rate of 86 percent.
He credits his hockey coach at Boston State College the legendary Eddie Barry for mentoring him toward college coaching and administration. 'Coach Barry was dedicated to his players and loved the game of hockey. I am very grateful for his confidence in me to succeed in the world of college athletics"
When DeGregorio was appointed the Commissioner of Atlantic Hockey Coach Barry said "They have hired a man of foresight, patience, preparation, tenacity, and a commitment to excellence. He will be one of the premier commissioners in all of college athletics." DeGregorio is no stranger to guiding a major Division I hockey league having served as Commissioner of Hockey East.
As commissioner, DeGregorio's knowledge of the game of hockey, his organizational skills, and his boundless energy, earned him the respect of coaches, administrators, officials, and student-athletes. When he took over as commissioner of the Atlantic Hockey Association, it was a struggling organization that had little relevance in the college hockey world. Through his leadership and know-how, the league grew to become one of the most respected hockey leagues at any level in the nation. So too was the story with the women's hockey league, College Hockey America that he took under his wing. His incredible work ethic, commitment to the student-athlete experience, and the respect he maintained in the college hockey world paved the way for numerous league members to qualify for the NCAA Championship and national recognition."
DeGregorio has spent the better part of the last half-century in hockey as a player, coach, college administrator, and commissioner. He is nationally recognized as a pioneer of Title IX, the groundbreaking law that has created an infrastructure for women to pursue their passion in sports.
