University of Connecticut Athletics
Head Coach Mike Cavanaugh Announces Addition to Staff
7/29/2026 1:53:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. – UConn men's hockey head coach Mike Cavanaugh has announced the addition of Sean Walsh to his coaching staff as an assistant coach.
Walsh arrives in Storrs after serving as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Alaska Fairbanks during the 2025-26 season, where he helped guide the Nanooks to Adirondack Tournament, Governor's Cup and UCHC championships. His responsibilities included overseeing the penalty kill, recruiting, forward skill development and individual and positional video analysis.
"We're excited to welcome Sean to UConn," said Cavanaugh. "Sean has built an outstanding reputation as a recruiter and has grown up around the game. He has worked with successful programs, has a tremendous work ethic, and will be a great fit for our student-athletes and our culture."
Prior to Alaska, Walsh spent three seasons as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Bowdoin College. During his tenure, the Polar Bears captured the 2023 NESCAC Championship, maintained a team GPA above 3.7 each semester, and posted their best season since 2012 during the 2025-26 campaign. In addition to leading the recruiting efforts at one of the nation's premier academic institutions, he managed the defense corps, coordinated the penalty kill, oversaw team video and worked extensively in individual player development.
Walsh also spent the 2021-22 season at the University of New England, helping lead the Nor'easters to the most successful season in program history. UNE captured the Commonwealth Coast Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four while setting a new program standard for wins. His responsibilities included recruiting, penalty kill, video analysis and individual skill development.
Before entering the college ranks full-time, Walsh served as an assistant coach with the USHL's Omaha Lancers, where he focused on player development, scouting, defensive play and the penalty kill.
Walsh began his coaching career at the University of Maine, serving as a student assistant coach and video coordinator from 2017-21. During his four seasons with the Black Bears, he specialized in video breakdown, analytics, and player development.
Recognized for his ability to build relationships with prospective student-athletes and develop players on and off the ice, Walsh has established himself as one of the rising young coaches in collegiate hockey. His coaching experience spans NCAA Division I, NCAA Division III and the USHL, providing a well-rounded background in recruiting, player development, video analysis and special teams.
