'An incredible journey': Life comes full circle for this Shrewsbury resident with the Worcester Railers

WORCESTER — Bob Deraney is back where it all began.

In February 2016, during a snowstorm in the Canal District, Deraney attended the Worcester Railers ’ introductory press conference — just as a spectator.

Eight years later, Deraney was back at the DCU Center Saturday — just this time as the newest coach of the Railers.

Hockey has come full circle for the Shrewsbury resident.

“How do you do that? I still pinch myself,” Deraney said prior to the Railers’ 2-1 loss to the Reading Royals in their season opener. “I talk about dreams all the time, I’m 59, and I still talk about dreams. From what I was doing eight years ago to now as head coach, it’s really an incredible journey.”

Once Deraney graduated from Boston University, where he played goaltender for the Terriers in the mid 1980s, the West Roxbury native was invited to extended training camp with the Boston Bruins — thanks to John Cunniff.

“It was a highlight for a local kid,” Deraney said. “They needed a spot filled.”

From that point on, Deraney decided to delve into the world of coaching.

He’d tag along with Cunniff and soak up as much information as possible from the hockey guru — who was known for his innovative training and coaching methods. Cunniff, a head coach during three seasons in the NHL, was inducted into the Massachusetts Hockey Hall of Fame in 1997.

“I thought John was like an Einstein when it came to hockey,” Deraney said. “Listening to him talk, sometimes I had to ask him to slow down and ask him to explain it again. And he always would. He would always make time for me.

“So, to have the opportunity to learn the craft from a guy who was so respected around the world was an unbelievable privilege.”

Three years after the Railers debuted in Worcester, Deraney visited the DCU Center to congratulate David Cunniff, the son of John, on becoming the second coach in franchise history in November 2019.

Deraney offered to help David Cunniff — as a volunteer coach — in his new role with the professional hockey club.

“I couldn’t think of a better way to repay my debt to his dad,” Deraney said.

Five years later, Deraney became the fourth coach in Railers history. He took over for Jordan Lavallee-Smotherman, who stepped down in April after two seasons.

“Worcester is a great hockey town with a rich tradition,” Deraney told the T&G in June. “To now have the opportunity to be the head coach of the organization is really a dream come true.”

Deraney, who served as the Railers’ assistant coach last season, has 35 years of collegiate and professional coaching experience — including two seasons as coach of the Worcester State men’s hockey team.

“He’s one of those people that lights up a room when he walks in,” said Worcester State athletic director Mike Mudd, a former president of the Worcester Sharks. “He just works his (butt) off in the game he loves. I think the world of Bob, and I think he’ll do a great job there.”

On Saturday, Deraney completed his first game as coach of the Railers — eight years after showing up to the franchise’s opening news conference.

It was a day long in the making.

“Bob’s had his fingerprints on the hockey side of the Railers for a little while now,” Railers chief operating officer Mike Myers said. “It’s an opportunity he’s earned. I know he’s really excited to seize the moment and put his mark on making a real winning tradition here in Worcester.”

“It means everything to me,” Deraney said.

—Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: 'An incredible journey': Life comes full circle for this Shrewsbury resident with the Worcester Railers