Fathers tend to look over their sons. For Swampscott’s hockey team, this father does it – literally – over the bench.

Gino Faia has been coaching the Big Blue for 27 years (24 as head coach), and in the past four, he’s had the privilege of coaching his son, Derek. 

“It’s definitely a special thing. Growing up, I always helped out with his other teams. I was never the head coach. I just stayed in the background,” Gino said. “Once he got to high school as a freshman, I was able to coach him. I still remember – like it was yesterday – his first Swampscott Middle School game in sixth grade at Connery [Rink in Lynn]. It’s been fun to watch him develop over the years and get better.” 

For Gino, his favorite part is not only watching Derek develop as a player, but as a person.

“It’s just fun to watch. Number one, as a parent, but also as a coach. Just the way he’s developed, he’s one of those kids that really pays attention. He works hard on his game,” Gino said. “Hockey is a unique sport in which you can’t just throw on a pair of skates and hop on the ice. You need to be able to skate first, then you’ve got to be able to shoot, stick handle, pass, etc.”

As for Derek, he said it’s fun playing for his dad and credits him for the player he’s become. 

“I definitely believe he’s one of the reasons for my development,” Derek said. “I remember all the little things he did to help me get better. Between taking me to club hockey, signing me up, buying me synthetic ice boards to shoot on, and getting me a net, all of those things help encourage me to be the player I am today.” 

Gino admits, “You’re always going to get the critics.”

“From the parents, whoever,” he said. “Between people thinking it’s favoritism or whatever, I told Derek from day one, he’s got to earn everything he gets. I think he really has.”

Derek’s earned some friendly teammate banter, too.

“The one downside, I guess, are the constant jokes I hear from my teammates,” Derek said. “It’s not too brutal, but they can get old sometimes.” 

On the ice, Derek lets his play do the talking. Despite his freshman year being plagued by the coronavirus pandemic, he worked hard to earn the playing time he believed he deserved. 

“His freshman year was the COVID-19 year, so it wasn’t a great start for his high school career because we couldn’t meet before practice [and] we couldn’t do a lot of things since it was restricted, but I remember that year, he was on the bubble for the third line,” Gino said. “I gave the nod to the upperclassman, but halfway through, it was clear he belonged. I kind of don’t worry what other people think now because he goes out and produces.” 

As tough as Gino can be in practice, he doesn’t single anyone out individually, but rather, coaches as a collective by talking to players privately. 

“I try to keep it even. I mean, I’m probably a little more critical with Derek on certain things – just because I know his capabilities and his skillset and all that,” Gino said. “I try not to be that overbearing coach and/or parent.” 

“I think he’s pretty even and fair with me and all the guys,” Derek added. 

After an emotional win or a tough loss, Gino tries to keep hockey talk outside of the house. 

“Generally, after games or practices, I don’t talk hockey with him. I’ll just talk to him like I do with any player and say, ‘Hey, these are the areas you need to work on and these are the things you’re good at,’” Gino said. “I try to keep the car talk down – I always have. I have never been overly-critical. However, there are times when I have to voice my opinion strongly to him if he did something… Overall, he’s responded really well.” 

Derek said, “I can’t really remember a time we had a big disagreement that carried into the car ride home.” 

“We have a good understanding and trust of one another and what we are looking for,” he added. 

As a senior, this is the last year Derek will be playing for his dad. That said, he’s doing his best to “soak it all in.” 

“I’ve been looking forward to this since I could remember. I couldn’t wait until the day I was on the ice playing for my dad,” Derek said. “I’m definitely trying to take it slow and absorb all the events and memories… It’s really special. It’s not every day you can get your dad to be your high school coach. It’s special for us.” 

With Gino’s 200th win right around the corner, the father-son duo looks to make this season just a bit more memorable than it already is.