SARATOGA SPRINGS — After an eight-year run as head coach of the record setting Blue Streak Hockey team, Dave Torres is hanging up his skates and retiring his coaching hat.
Torres has worked in the attendance office of the Saratoga Springs School District for 28 years. This past June he retired, and as a result of teacher – coach contracts he will no longer coach the JV and Varsity hockey teams.
“I was hoping to go the 9th year, however because of that teacher contract, I was unable to fulfill that obligation to the seniors that I promised,” said Torres.
Torres’ coaching career at Saratoga Springs High School (SSHS) began with what he thought would be as a temporary substitute.
“Their current coach stepped down for personal reasons, so they needed someone to take the reins temporarily - I thought it was temporary,” said Torres. “A two-week stint had turned into an 8-year stint. I wasn’t planning that, but that’s the way it happens. What else can I say?”
In less than a decade Torres has led the team through tremendous victories. Torres’ eight – year career resulted in 121 wins, four hockey league championships, four section two championships, four regional championships, both are school records and the New York State Division I championships. Overall, he has a .889 winning percentage with his team.
“I had a lot of great players go through Saratoga who’ve gone on to play collegiately. Some have gone on to play overseas,” said Torres. “We’ve had a pretty good run.”
Torres has also found ways to incorporate the game into giving back to the community. For the past three years Torres and Coach Hutchinson, head coach of Skidmore College’s hockey team hosted “Hockey Night” at the Wibel Avenue Ice Rink, where both of their teams play in games throughout the night, and the proceeds earned are donated to a charitable cause.
Over the course of his time working and coaching in the district, he has established relationships with the community, and his players – many of whom he’s still in touch with.
Creating a successful team and building lasting relationships happens on the ice as well as off.
“I gave my teams ownership. So, I included them…and I think they bought into that ownership,” said Torres. “It’s their team, and I’m just there to facilitate. We don’t always have to agree but the bottom line is that it’s their team, without them we don’t have a team.”
Torres will continue to support the Blue Streaks, and you’ll be able to see him supporting this year’s team in the stands. More importantly, he hopes that the team’s culture under his coaching continues.
“I had a great time doing it. Met a lot of good people, a lot of good family friends, a lot of players and coaches,” said Torres. “A lot of community support has been fantastic the last eight years.”
Torres does not plan to continue coaching, but hopes his team morale continues.
“We’re not a team that really plays a dirty game - we play by the rules. That’s something we take pride in. Hopefully that continues,” said Torres. “There’s 24 kids I hope to have left a positive impression on. They know I’ll be supporting them the rest of their high school career.”
