McKendry has been with the Walsh Jesuit program from Day One, beginning as an assistant to Bill Switaj from 2004-2009.

“It has been a long journey to go from a brand-new program to one that participates in the top league in the state of Ohio,” said McKendry.  “As a founding member of the Great Lakes Hockey League I am very proud of where our program has come from and where it will go from here.  To all of the former players, coaches, and parents throughout the years, thank you.  It has been my pleasure to work together with you.”

McKendry’s teams won 172 games during his tenure as head coach, which included runs to the Kent District championship game in 2017 and 2018.  The Warriors advanced at least as far as the district semifinals in eight of his 10 seasons in the head job.

Switaj, with help from McKendry, started the hockey program at Walsh Jesuit from scratch in 2004.  They have been the only two head coaches in program history.

Switaj, now coach-in-chief of the Mid-American District of USA Hockey, manages the Kent State University Ice Rink – home of the Warriors – which has allowed him to continue to serve as a mentor to McKendry to this day.

“Having hired him as a graduate assistant, it is very gratifying to see Pat’s development and the development of the program over the years,” said Switaj, who hired McKendry to work at the rink and then to coach.  “He’s been the one constant from the very beginning.”

“It’s bittersweet – kind of the end of an era” Switaj continued.  “But I’m very proud that the program has come as far as it has. It’s basically one of the top 10 programs in the state year-in and year-out.”

McKendry assumed the head coaching reigns in 2009 and, under his watch, the Warriors left the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League for the Great Lakes Hockey League when it was formed in 2013.

McKendry was a major proponent of the formation of the new league, which represented a major shift in the high school hockey landscape in Northeast Ohio. 

Paul Michalko, at the time the Athletic Director at St. Edward and the original commissioner of the GLHL, recognized McKendry’s role in getting the fledgling GLHL off the ground.

"The Great Lakes Hockey League will sorely miss Coach McKendry,” Michalko said.  “He was instrumental in the formation of the new league in 2013 when eight schools took the dramatic step of branching out on our own and stepping away from the Greater Cleveland High School Hockey League.”

Michalko, now the associate director of athletics at Gilmour Academy, said McKendry helped to build a consensus among the schools considering the jump.

“The athletic directors had been discussing the possibility for several years,” said Michalko.  “But Pat garnering the unanimous support of the coaches helped make the move a reality.”

The Warriors tied University School for first place in the league standings during the inaugural season of the league, which is widely considered to be the top high school hockey circuit in the state.  Walsh’s 23-11-2 record that year was one of four 20-win seasons for the team under McKendry’s tutelage.

Knowing he wanted to pass the torch, McKendry had a succession plan to make sure he left the program in a good place.  The Warriors have iced a young roster in each of the last two seasons and are well-positioned for the future.  Walsh only graduates four players from this year’s team, which has seen 12 sophomores and six freshmen gain valuable varsity experience.

“We have a great program in place,” McKendry said.  “The right people are in place and the plan to continue to be successful is there, so I am really very happy about that.  Having personally been around from the beginning, that part was very important to me.”

The Warriors have started having regular success, not just in the standings, but moving players on to higher levels of hockey.

Dawson DiPietro, who is currently playing NCAA Division I hockey at Western Michigan University, is a prime example.

“Coach Pat took me under his wing at a young age as he recognized my ability and I will forever be thankful for the time and energy he put toward myself and the Walsh Jesuit community,” said DiPietro.

DiPietro is not the only former Warrior that has gone on to play college hockey after playing for McKendry.

“I loved playing for Coach McKendry,” said four-year Warrior and current Cincinnati BearCat Logan Rossiter.  “He pushed me to become a better player on and off the ice. In my four years, he set a great example and had a true passion for the game of hockey. His passion taught me what it meant to be a part of something bigger and left me with many fond memories and a brotherhood with fellow teammates.”

Walsh Jesuit did not immediately name McKendry’s successor, but a full search will commence as soon as possible.

“Pat McKendry is one of the finest coaches it has been my pleasure to know,” said Barb Salata, athletic director at Walsh.  “His knowledge of the game is exceptional and only superseded by his genuine care and concern for young people.”

McKendry had plenty of people he wanted to thank as he prepared to turn over the keys to the Warriors.

“I have been grateful and lucky to have coached for 15 years and owe my sincere thanks to a number of people,” said McKendry.  “Most importantly, my wife and daughter for supporting me throughout the years.  Also, to a great friend and mentor Bill Switaj.  Bill prepped me to be a coach and I cannot say enough to show my gratitude towards Bill.  Our school administration, Barb Salata, Karl Ertle, Mark Hassman and Mark Herbele have always been so supportive of me and our hockey program - I cannot thank them enough.  Our former Athletic Director Grant Conzaman is also someone who I owe a lot to, he was there for me in my early years as a coach and was always so supportive.”

--- Scott Harrington for Ohio Hockey Digest

“When we discuss high-level coaching, Pat for sure has provided that to his players,” said Sullivan.  “And as high a level of coach that Pat is, he is even a higher-level person.  As a husband and father, I admire Pat’s dedication to his wife and daughter.  Our friendship outside the rink has evolved to one I will cherish.  Although Cleveland may be losing a great coach in Pat, it’s fair to say that his players, coaches, administration, opposing players and coaches have gained a great friend.  Congrats on a great career, Pat!”

Holy Name head coach Tim Sullivan

“For the past six years, Pat has been at the forefront of many changes designed to improve the league for the betterment of our players. As the first Commissioner of the GLHL, I was proud to have him at my side as we navigated the challenges of establishing a new league. I appreciate all of his efforts on behalf of our schools and programs and wish him well at whatever he chooses as the next step in his career."

Former GLHL Commissioner Paul Michalko

“Coach Pat is what I call him and what I will always call him. I’ll never forget the day coach pulled me aside and told me, ‘You have the talent and ability to one day play in the NHL, be a guy that does the right things when nobody is looking.’ He was maybe the first person to ever say that to me and I was only 17 years old, those words stick with you for the rest of your life as I continue to work toward that dream today.

Coach Pat took me under his wing at a young age as he recognized my ability and I will forever be thankful for the time and energy he put toward myself and the Walsh Jesuit community. We keep in touch and talk once a week as he is still coaching me even six years later at the division 1 level. To this day he always says to me, ‘I’m with you man, I’ve always been with you.’ I’ve had many coaches in my life but none that have stood in my corner through thick and thin like Coach Pat. Thank you for being MY COACH. 

Western Michigan University forward Dawson DiPietro

“Throughout his coaching career, Pat has been an excellent mentor for new coaches and a fine role model for athletes. His love of the game coupled with his competitive spirit has been a guiding force for Walsh Jesuit Hockey. In addition, Pat is a genuine human being and an outstanding person whose influence will be felt by his players for years to come. Walsh Jesuit Hockey and our Athletic Department will surely miss him – good luck, Pat!”

Walsh Jesuit athletic director Barb Salata

“Pat is great guy.  We always looked forward to playing Walsh a couple times a season as his teams play hard and consistent, they play with speed and respect the integrity of the game.  His teams continually buy into his style.  Not only did he coach high school but also gave back to youth coaches at Mid-Am coaches clinics.  We wish him well.”

Rocky River head coach Chris Cogan