St. Mary’s Ryken High School officially announced Frank Viator as the new head coach of the St. Mary’s Ryken Knights boys ice hockey program on October 20, 2026. Viator has served as an assistant coach with the Knights since October 2022 and now assumes full leadership of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) team.
Viator’s Background and Experience
Viator brings a blend of military discipline, hockey experience, and a commitment to player development. He is a Gloucester, Massachusetts native who has played hockey actively since middle school. Viator served four years in the United States Marine Corps, during which he played on an Army hockey team, and began coaching at the youth level in 2025 with the Sabres 12U hockey program in Waldorf, Maryland.
His connection to St. Mary’s Ryken is deeply personal, with two of his children as alumni. Viator’s goals for the program include expanding participation and fostering a culture where student-athletes challenge themselves while supporting one another.
Vision and Goals for SMR Ice Hockey
Viator said, “Having been part of this program for the past four years, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how much potential exists within SMR hockey. I’m excited to build on that foundation, continue developing our experienced players and introduce more students to the sport. My goal is to create a program where student-athletes are challenged to improve, support one another and take pride in representing St. Mary’s Ryken.”
Steve Howes, St. Mary’s Ryken Director of Athletics, stated, “His familiarity with our student-athletes and program, combined with his leadership experience and enthusiasm for growing the sport, makes him well positioned to lead SMR ice hockey into its next chapter.”
St. Mary’s Ryken offers 27 sports and competes in the WCAC. The school emphasizes developing student-athletes through competition, teamwork, leadership and sportsmanship. Viator’s leadership is set to enhance both the competitive and participation aspects of the ice hockey program.
MSB Take
Frank Viator’s promotion to head coach signals a continuity of leadership for the St. Mary’s Ryken Knights ice hockey team, ensuring stability while aiming for growth. His prolonged involvement with the program and his youth coaching background provide a strong foundation to cultivate talent and expand student interest in a niche sport. Viator’s military background adds a layer of discipline and leadership valuable in shaping a cohesive team culture. This appointment could be a pivotal step in broadening the reach and competitiveness of SMR’s boys ice hockey within the WCAC.
Source: Original report
