YARMOUTH, Maine — Tyler Walsh continued to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father Tuesday when he was named North Yarmouth Academy’s varsity boys ice hockey coach.
“The recent success of the program and what Eric Graham has done during his tenure has put the program in a very good place. There is a chance to do something special at NYA this upcoming season and into the future,” Walsh said in a news release.
“I have a great passion for hockey in the state of Maine as well as developing players moving on to the collegiate level. Maine is home for me. Always has been and always will be,” added Walsh, whose father, Shawn Walsh, guided the University of Maine men’s hockey team to two national titles before dying of cancer in 2001 at age 46.
Tyler Walsh serves as an assistant coach with the USA Hockey National Development Program U18 team in Plymouth, Michigan, and had been director of Hockey Operations at
Canisius College in Buffalo, New York.
Walsh grew up immersed in hockey as his father coached for 17 seasons at UMaine, compiling a 399-215-44 record, and his grandfather, the late Ron Mason, was the second winningest coach in college hockey.
Walsh started his coaching career at UMaine where he was an undergraduate assistant coach for the hockey team under coach Tim Whitehead and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in May 2013.
“I heard wonderful things about Tyler Walsh during the search and interview process. It all proved to be true when the interview committee had the chance to meet him,” NYA Athletic Director Jack Hardy said. “I believe his communication skills, personality and ability to connect with his staff, parents and student-athletes will go unsurpassed. Our hockey community is excited, and on behalf of everyone, I welcome him to North Yarmouth Academy.”
Walsh said his plan for the team and program is to give the players the best chance at achieving their goals whether it is to play hockey at the collegiate level or wherever their passion may be.
“We will compete at the highest level while helping develop these young men on and off the ice. I am looking forward to building upon what Eric has done and really do something special for these players, North Yarmouth Academy, and hockey in the state of Maine. I am excited to be back in Maine and being a member of the NYA family,” he said.
Graham has taken a position as an assistant coach for the Bowdoin College men’s hockey team.
The North Yarmouth Academy boys and girls varsity ice hockey teams play in the New England Prep School Athletic Council.