Chris Palmer named head coach of Winthrop High School girls hockey team

WHS Hockey

For 17 seasons, Chris Palmer was the No. 1 assistant to Anthony “Butch” Martucci as the Winthrop High School girls hockey program developed into a perennial state contender.

With Martucci taking his golden coaching talents on to Salem State University this fall, Winthrop athletic director Mark DeGregorio has appointed Palmer as the new head coach of the girls hockey team.

The Palmer name is well-known in Winthrop athletics. Chris was a three-sport athlete at Winthrop High School, while his younger brothers, Michael Palmer and the late Anthony Palmer Sr., also proudly and successfully wore the Viking colors. In fact, the late Anthony Palmer is among the all-time WHS greats, the only football player in North Shore history to twice be named Item Player of the Year.

Martucci said he was happy to see his dedicated and loyal assistant coach be promoted to the top position.

“Both Chris and I started the Winthrop program together, and he was instrumental in getting the program transferred over to Winthrop from Lynn,” said Martucci. “Chris never gets enough credit for the person he is, and the amount of time and passion he has given to Winthrop High School, specifically girls hockey.”

‘Excited to continue on the program’

Chris Palmer said he was grateful to Winthrop High officials for giving him the head coaching opportunity in his beloved hometown.

“I’m excited to continue on the program and its outstanding tradition, helped by all the great kids we’ve had through the 17 seasons,” said Palmer. “Butch and I grew up together and he’s been a great friend, so it’s been a great experience to produce a winning record all those years. I’m just ready to take over for the team and proceed with all the terrific stuff that Butch did for the program.”

Palmer said he has a solid nucleus returning with three skilled and experienced seniors, player-to-watch Angela Coscia, Francesca Indrisano, and Amelia Serino, ready to lead the Vikings.

Bella Vellieux, a junior, will step into the goaltender’s position previous held by record-setting All-Star Riley Towse, who will be playing for Salem State this season.

The incoming freshman class consisting of some players with rich hockey-family heritages, including Lola Ferrara (younger sister of graduate Reese Ferrara), Ava Mackenzie (sister of state champion Ricky Mackenzie), Claire Chapman, and Giuliana Graygor, are expected to make a huge impact in the 2026-27 season. Abby Githinij, younger sister of state champion Luke Githinij, Giuliana Marenghi, and Nora Cifuni will also help establish Winthrop as a contender once again.

“We have a good crew coming back,” said Palmer. “I’ve excited and optimistic about our team. I got to coach a few games when Butch helped out at Salem State, and we were pretty successful, so I think it will be a fun year.”

The Larsen Rink at the Mike Eruzione Center should be rocking and rolling this winter as the Chris Palmer Era officially begins at the first practice on the Monday after Thanksgiving.