Philanthropic Power Play
The 2024–2025 season of Bentley Division I hockey boasts a 29-man roster that includes 22 returning players with their sights set on the playoffs and beyond.
The regular season included a win against Maine in Portland — the Falcons’ first-ever victory over a top five ranked team in program history. They earned a bye to the Atlantic Hockey quarterfinals by finishing in third place in the regular season standings. They went 18-14-2 overall and 16-9-1 in conference play, and are hosting the playoffs in the Bentley Arena, March 7 to 9.
From humble beginnings as a club sport in the 1960s then a prospering Division III team, Bentley Hockey has flourished into the formidable Division I team we know today — thanks to the dedication of players and coaches both past and present and their ongoing support of the program.
Breakout
Those who grew up playing hockey know that it isn’t just a sport or activity, but a lifestyle. It is a transformational and foundational training ground that teaches life lessons and provides a chosen family that’s incomparable.
Greg Quercia ’87 knows this firsthand, donning his first pair of skates at just two years old, playing youth hockey in North Reading. He knew he wanted to continue competing in college, choosing Bentley and playing for the then Division III squad. It was the right environment — and an experience that would set him up for success in many ways, well beyond his time in Waltham.
“I made a lot of great friends at Bentley — hockey players and more,” the Marketing major explains. “My roommate in college is the one that ultimately introduced me to my business partner. That network, that circle, it’s special.”
Dump and Chase
Today, his role with the team is one of great and lasting impact. The father of two learned how to get involved and give back with time, effort and heart first, thanks to his mother. After the success of his direct-hire staffing firm, Black Diamond Networks, which he sold in 2021, Quercia seized the opportunity to give back to Bentley in a bigger way.
“Once you achieve success, you realize it isn’t about you anymore. It shifts your thinking to: How can I help someone else fulfill their dream?” Quercia explains. “I started looking at success as helping others get to where they want in life.”
Quercia, who also now serves on Bentley’s President’s Council, made a $250,000 commitment to add a Director of Hockey Operations and Player Development on staff. Gudge Gentzler, now in his third season in this role, strives continuously to improve the experience of student-athletes.
A former defenseman, Quercia is excited about the future of the program with Coach Andy Jones on the bench for his second season. “I love the culture he’s building. It’s not just about the results, it’s about how you get the results — hard work, commitment, sacrifice. It’s the quality of the player off the ice, not just on the ice.”
Jones’ first season (2023–2024) boasted a number of program firsts, including leading Atlantic Hockey in fewest goals allowed per game and setting a program single-season record with five shutouts. Special teams were also a strong point, as the Falcons were one of just seven teams nationally with a penalty kill above 84% and a power play above 20%.
Quercia’s generosity has already made a significant impact on the team. He encourages peers and former teammates to join him in uplifting the program and its players.
Kick Save and a Beauty
Joining Quercia, Shane Kinahan ’94 committed $35,000 annually for five years — a total of $175,000 — to support hockey. The number 35 isn’t just any number to Kinahan, it’s his jersey number that he wore while playing goalie for the Falcons from 1991 to 1994.
“Remaining a part of the Bentley hockey story is important to me,” says the co-founder and managing partner of Lake Avenue Capital. “I want to help this program succeed as a national leader, on and off the ice.”
Kinahan’s continued support has allowed the team to recruit the very best student-athletes, expand team travel, invest in equipment and gear, while also enhancing health and wellness programming.
Breakaway
With the best and brightest student-athletes, a strong coaching staff and a supportive alumni community, the Bentley Hockey program is most certainly destined for success.
When asked what he wants to see in the future, Quercia said, “I want to see the barn filled every night. I want to see the Bentley community. I want to see the Waltham community. I want to see surrounding towns get excited about this team, about what Coach Jones and his staff are building, and the players and their results.”
Quercia has his sights set on the ultimate goal: a national championship. In supporting the coaching staff and the players, he and others, like Kinahan, are building a strong foundation that will enable Bentley Hockey to compete for Atlantic Hockey Championships every year and secure that coveted first NCAA bid.
Bentley Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams has big plans for hockey, too. “To be a champion, we need the support of many. I am especially grateful for the support from our leadership donor hockey alums. They are helping us provide the best student-athlete experience and tools necessary to be a championship program.”
End to End
In addition to being an accomplished sales and recruiting executive, Quercia found himself back at the rink, establishing his next venture: Chew Dawg Hockey Academy (CDHA). Co-founded with his son, Matthew, CDHA was established from their shared passion for hockey and the strong conviction that the lessons learned on the ice build the foundation for a successful life.
For the father-son duo, Their mission is to build character and athleticism in every player, teaching that respect, trust and hard work are as fundamental to the sport as skating, passing and shooting. The foundation of CDHA is built upon the four rules that Greg and Matthew live by:
- Have fun — passion becomes learning and working hard.
- Listen, watch and pay attention — optimize your own learning while exercising respect for those teaching.
- Work hard — your effort is one of the only things you have control over in life, so harness and maximize it.
- Be a good teammate — a skill that becomes transferable to friendships and peers.
Going into its third year, and second year at Bentley, CDHA will be held at the Bentley Arena, July 28 to August 1. The week will feature spotlight guest speakers, on- and off-ice training sessions, highly skilled coaches and the Chew Dawg Cup. Plus, players will get to board in the Bentley dorms and tour the campus to close out the week.