Three months ago, Concord High School coach Duncan Walsh and then Bishop Guertin coach Gary Bishop were chatting in the hallway outside the locker rooms at Manchester’s SNHU Arena.

Sure, two hockey lifers talking the game, right? Well, the thing was, Bishop’s Cardinals had just beaten Walsh’s Crimson Tide 1-0 in a classic overtime Division I championship game.

Huh?

But you see, that’s a testament to Bishop and the way he is with everyone. And that’s how he was able to develop a good friendship with Walsh that goes beyond hockey and stood the test of time. Lots of time, as the two combined for 71 years of coaching before Bishop stepped away on Thursday.

“His first season (at BG) was my second (at Concord),” Walsh said.

In the midst of some late spring/early summer heat and humidity, Bishop provided us with a summer cooler. Hockey ruled the day on Thursday a day after the area high school spring teams called it a season in tournaments.

“That’s what I like about Bish, win or lose he’s the same,” Walsh continued. “He’s not an excuse guy. And I’m a little biased, but with Concord-BG, in my opinion, it’s the best hockey rivalry in the state.”

Some great, great games that the two coaches no doubt talk about over an adult beverage. Bishop was one of our favorite postgame interviews, often graciously staying by the bench after a game for an interview. And often, if it was during NFL playoff season, he’d say,”C’mon, what about the Patriots?”

Gotta love it.

Bishop no doubt will hear from tons of former players, if he hasn’t already. He taught life lessons, by his words but also his actions. He had a good thing going as he was the good cop to longtime assistant Mark Mantone’s bad cop. But don’t get it wrong,when Bishop spoke, they all listened.

Guertin will be moving to name his successor in another week or so, they have a plan. Not surprising. But they weren’t about to tip their skates yesterday, because, as BG athletic director Ryan Brown said, “We want Gary to have his day.”

He’s had a few of them. It was fun just before Christmas when Bishop beat his alma mater Billerica for his 500th BG win. But you had a feeling that things were trending toward this being it, especially when the Cards beat Walsh’s Tide 1-0 in the Division I title game.

Bishop goes out on top. That’s how it should be.

“Bish is one of those old school guys, keeps it simple,” Walsh said. “I’m 63 and Bish is 77, we’re definitely on the older part of the spectrum. It’s always fun to play them.

“He’s one of the best.Just a good guy, and fun to be around. Those types of guys, there aren’t many of them around any more.”

Hey, as Bishop said, it was time. We all hit the spot. Walsh will at some point.

“I won’t be there for the new guy’s 35th year, I can tell you that,”Walsh said with a chuckle.

Gotta love it. Congratulations to Gary Bishop, a coach who is simply the best.

Tom King can be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com, or on X @Telegraph _TomK.