Worcester State's Quirk serves his squad, country

February 13, 2013

By Jennifer Toland, Telegram & Gazette Staff

When Ryan Quirk graduated from high school, he wanted to do three things — serve his country, pursue his bachelor’s degree and play college hockey — all at the same time.

But when he decided to join the Coast Guard Reserve, some college coach told him they weren’t interested in recruiting him because of his commitment.

“I was turned away by some coaches,” Quirk said, “because I wouldn’t be able to be there all the time.”

Worcester State coach John Guiney was not one of them. Guiney was recruiting Quirk when he played for the Valley Junior Warriors of the EJHL, and Quirk asked the longtime Lancers coach straight out what he thought about recruiting a player who was going to join the Coast Guard Reserve.

“I told him what he was doing was admirable,” Guiney said. “I told him, ‘I respect you for having that foresight on something you want to do.’ ”

Quirk, now a junior, found a great fit as a reservist and at Worcester State.

Reservists typically serve two days a month and two weeks a year training and working alongside full-time members of the Coast Guard. Quirk trains at the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Sandwich and recently returned from a trip to Clearwater, Fla.

“I enjoy it,” said Quirk, who grew up in Brockton and attended Catholic Memorial. “I always felt a desire to serve and to help people out, and I like the regimented style of it.”

Quirk is almost halfway through his six-year commitment.

Quirk is a double major (criminal justice/sociology) at Worcester State and earned a 3.6 grade point average last semester.

He has been a vital member of the hockey team. He misses three to five games a season because of his commitment, but it hasn’t been a problem.

“He’s been such a good role model for our other players,” Guiney said. “He understands his commitment, and he’s never shrugged it off.”

Quirk said his Coast Guard training has benefited him both physically and mentally.

“His physical strength has been great,” Guiney said. “He’s got great discipline.”

Another bonus of coming to Worcester State for Quirk was the opportunity to watch his brother, Cory, play during his two seasons (2009-11) with the Worcester Sharks.