WORCESTER — Bob Deraney is back where it all began.
In February 2016, during a snowstorm in the Canal District, Deraney attended the Worcester Railers ’ introductory press conference — just as a spectator.
Eight years later, Deraney was back at the DCU Center Saturday — just this time as the newest coach of the Railers.
Hockey has come full circle for the Shrewsbury resident.
“How do you do that? I still pinch myself,” Deraney said prior to the Railers’ 2-1 loss to the Reading Royals in their season opener. “I talk about dreams all the time, I’m 59, and I still talk about dreams. From what I was doing eight years ago to now as head coach, it’s really an incredible journey.”
Once Deraney graduated from Boston University, where he played goaltender for the Terriers in the mid 1980s, the West Roxbury native was invited to extended training camp with the Boston Bruins — thanks to John Cunniff.
“It was a highlight for a local kid,” Deraney said. “They needed a spot filled.”
From that point on, Deraney decided to delve into the world of coaching.