UConn promotes Tyler Helton to associate head coach

After serving as an assistant coach the last five seasons, Tyler Helton has been promoted to UConn men’s hockey’s associate head coach, the team announced on Tuesday.

“Since he has joined our program, Tyler’s contributions to UConn hockey have been immeasurable,” head coach Mike Cavanaugh said in a release. “He is a great young coach in the sport, I am thrilled to announce his new role and have him as a part of my staff.”

“I could not be more excited to continue my coaching career at the University of Connecticut,” Helton added. “I would like to thank Coach Cavanaugh and David Benedict for all the support they have given through the process and entrusting me with this responsibility. UConn has been my home since 2013 and I am glad I can continue to work at such an amazing university.”

Helton has been in the program longer than anyone else — including Cavanaugh. The Colorado Springs, Colorado arrived in Storrs as a freshman defenseman recruited by the previous coaching staff in 2012-13 before moving to an off-ice role the following season. He served as a student assistant throughout his undergraduate years, became a graduate assistant from 2016-18 then joined as a full-time assistant in 2018 after Brendan Buckley left for Boston College.

Helton works with UConn’s defensemen and on special teams. While he’s typically been involved with the Huskies’ penalty kill, he helped out on the power play this past season as well. Helton also assists with recruiting duties.

UConn did not have an associate head coach last season. The title was formerly held by Joe Pereira, who left for the same job at his alma mater, Boston University, following the 2021-22 season. Helton shouldered additional duties and responsibilities last summer while Cavanaugh searched for a new assistant, which ended up being Mike Pereira — Joe’s younger brother.

“He knows me inside and out,” Cavanaugh said of Helton back in October. “He knows what I want from people and what my expectations are and what my expectations are for the staff.”

At 31, Helton is young but still he’s highly-regarded by those in and around the program — and particularly so by the man in charge.

“He’s gonna be a head coach someday,” Cavanaugh said in October. “There’s no question in my mind.”

Outside of UConn, Helton has worked with USA Hockey for its district camps since 2016, where he helps with scouting, evaluation and coaching.

UConn announces newcomers

Last week, UConn made its incoming class official. The Huskies added a total of seven players, two transfers and five freshmen, broken down into four forwards, two defensemen and a goaltender.

UConn landed forward Ryan Mahshie (RPI) and goaltender Ethan Haider (Clarkson) out of the transfer portal while forwards Jake Richard, Joey Muldowney and Oliver Flynn as well as defensemen Owen Simpson and Bauer Swift will arrive as freshmen.

The group features three NHL draft picks: Haider (Nashville Predators, 2019 fifth round), Richard (Buffalo Sabres, 2022 sixth round) and Muldowney (San Jose Sharks, 2022 sixth round). There’s also a pair of Connecticut kids: Flynn (Wolcott) and Swift (West Hartford).

Mahshie Richard is expected to step into the lineup immediately, Haider should split time with returning goalie Arsenii Sergeev while Muldowney and Simpson will push for a spot in the lineup during the preseason. Barring a surprise, Flynn and Swift will serve as depth pieces.