For the first time in more than two decades, the Canton boys hockey program will have a new head coach, but it will be a familiar face behind the Bulldogs’ bench.
Canton announced that longtime assistant coach Tim Ford has been named its next head boys varsity hockey coach, replacing legendary coach Brian Shuman, who stepped down following the season after 21 years in charge of the Bulldogs. Shuman won 371 games, captured four state titles, and helped turn Canton into one of the premier public school hockey programs in the entire state.
Ford has been part of the Bulldogs’ staff since 2014, serving as one of Shuman’s top assistants during one of the most dominant runs in program history. Since Ford joined the staff, Canton has won 229 games, won the Davenport division title every season, and captured state championships in 2019, 2020, 2023, and 2026. The Bulldogs went 24-1-0 last season, beating Tewksbury to capture the Div. 2 state title.
Ford also has deep ties to the program as a former Canton player. A member of the Canton Class of 2009, Ford helped lead the Bulldogs to a Hockomock League title as a senior and was part of the team that won the Div. 2 South sectional championship before falling to Newburyport in overtime of the state final. Ford had an assist in that championship game.
“It is an incredible honor to lead a program that has meant so much to me,” Ford said in the release. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on the tradition Coach Shuman and our staff established while helping our players grow as teammates, competitors, and young men. I am excited for what lies ahead for Canton Hockey. I’m excited to lead the next generation of Bulldogs while honoring the program’s proud history.”
Below is the release from the Canton athletic department:
The CHS Athletic Department is thrilled to announce the hiring of Tim Ford as our next Head Boys Varsity Hockey coach. Ford replaces long-time hockey coaching legend Brian Shuman.
Ford is no stranger to the Bulldog bench as he has served as a top assistant to Coach Shuman since 2014, contributing greatly to this period of unparalleled success for the program. His first visit to the Green and White’s bench came as a player under Shuman where he learned what it really meant to be a part of the Bulldog Hockey family.
Ford now resides in Canton with his wife Jenn and two sons, Owen and Hayes. He works for the Canton Parks and Recreation Department where he is involved in managing the Ponkapoag Rink.
Ford had this to say upon his appointment:
“It is an incredible honor to lead a program that has meant so much to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to build on the tradition Coach Shuman and our staff established while helping our players grow as teammates, competitors, and young men. I am excited for what lies ahead for Canton Hockey. I’m excited to lead the next generation of Bulldogs while honoring the program’s proud history.”
CHS Athletic Director Danny Erickson stated:
“We are really thrilled to have Timmy take the top spot in our boys hockey coaching staff. He is more than up for the job. He told us early in the interview process that this was his “dream job.” It was clear throughout the entire process that was a genuine statement. It is easy to see that he is passionate about developing student athletes both on and off the ice. He is not looking to ‘fill the shoes’ of Coach Shuman. He is looking to forge his own path while maintaining the program’s values. He is going to do a wonderful job.”