NASHUA, N.H. – After 35 seasons and more than 500 victories behind the bench, Bishop Guertin Boys Hockey Head Coach Gary Bishop has announced his retirement.

Bishop has led the Cardinals since the 1991-92 season, building one of the most successful and respected programs in New Hampshire, while impacting the lives of hundreds of student-athletes over the course of his remarkable career.

“After 35 years, stepping away from the rink isn't just about leaving the game, it’s about concluding a lifetime of shared wins, tough losses, and unforgettable memories,” Bishop said. “To Bishop Guertin: I thank the administration for the opportunity to coach the sport I love. And, of course, thanks to all my former players with whom we shared lasting memories of victories and defeats.”

Under his guidance, the Cardinals captured seven New Hampshire Division I State Championships in 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2015, 2023 and 2026. Fittingly, Bishop's final game behind the bench ended with a championship, as BG defeated Concord, 1-0, in overtime at SNHU Arena in Manchester to secure the program's seventh state title under its legendary bench boss.

In all, Bishop's teams won 514 games and reached the Division I championship game 13 times during his tenure, meaning the Cardinals played for a state title roughly once every three seasons — a level of sustained success unmatched by any other program in New Hampshire over that span. 

Bishop's longevity, commitment to excellence and ability to develop generations of players earned him widespread respect throughout the Granite State hockey community. In recognition of his accomplishments and contributions to the game, he was inducted into the New Hampshire Legends of Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing his place among the state's most influential figures in the game.

“I cannot properly express my gratitude for what Gary has done for our boys hockey program and BG Athletics in more than three decades of service,” Director of Athletics Ryan Brown said. “His championships and wins will be forever immortalized in banners and our record books, but knowing Gary is to understand that he’s more than just on-ice results. Gary has built something here that we are all proud of, connecting generations of Cardinal hockey players through the common thread of his teams’ unifying bonds. We will miss him behind the bench, but know that we will continue to see him around the rink in support of the program.”

Additionally, Associate Head Coach Mark Mantone will retire alongside his longtime coaching partner, bringing an end to one of the most successful and enduring coaching tandems in New Hampshire high school hockey.

Mantone spent 27 seasons behind the Bishop Guertin bench after joining the program in 1999-00. In his first season with the Cardinals, BG captured the first of Gary Bishop’s seven state championships and just the second title in program history, following the school's inaugural championship in 1987.

Over nearly three decades, Mantone played an instrumental role in the sustained success of the Cardinals, overseeing the defensive group for much of his tenure and helping establish Bishop Guertin as one of the premier programs in the Granite State. His dedication, hockey knowledge and commitment to the development of student-athletes were key factors in the program's ability to contend for championships year after year.

“To my longtime assistant Mark Mantone, you weren't just the person next to me on the bench; you were the steady anchor, the trusted confidant, and the brother-in-arms who made every single season possible. We may be walking out of the locker room, but I’m walking away with a lifelong friendship,” Bishop added.

Together, Bishop and Mantone helped build a program around the ideals of excellence, producing seven state championships, 13 appearances in the Division I final and generations of players who proudly represented the Cardinal sweater. Their impact on Bishop Guertin hockey and the New Hampshire hockey community will be felt for years to come.