University of Connecticut Athletics
Feature: Current and Former Huskies Benefit from Hockey Mentor Nights
10/28/2019 3:50:00 PM | Men's Ice Hockey
STORRS, Conn. - Last Thursday night, the UConn men's ice hockey team hosted their bi-annual mentor night at the XL Center in Hartford. The mentoring group included prominent Connecticut business leaders and UConn alums who donated their time to share their stories and career advice with the current Huskies.
"It all started with one of my mentors when I was at Boston College," said head coach Mike Cavanaugh. "He had an idea to start this program for the students so when I came to UConn, I decided that I had to bring it with me. It takes these guys from adolescence to young adulthood and it introduces them to some people who can potentially open doors for them later in life."
There was a lot of life experience and knowledge in the room on Thursday night. Different personalities combined with different backgrounds and experiences gave the Huskies some insight on what exactly it takes to be successful after college and after hockey, depending on the path taken.
The student-athletes had the chance to share a dinner and stories with Rick Carbray ('75), former UConn Board of Trustee member and current owner of Apex Pharmacy, Home Care and Nutritional Center in Hamden; Mike Clifford, founder of BRD Builders, LLC in Hartford, Pete Cote ('90), president of Financial Resources of CT; Jim Mitchell ('83), partner at the property development firm of J&D Partners, LLC of Glastonbury; Jim O'Meara ('92), the senior vice president, chief of staff to the president and director of sales strategy for Webster Bank; and Frank Szilagyi ('81), the managing partner of Szilagyi and Daly law firm.
"It's not all about hockey," said junior Bradley Stone. "This event really puts things into perspective and makes you think about the bigger picture. It opens your eyes to what's out there and makes you look forward for what's to come. Every year I feel like I am picking up something new from this event."
Former Huskies have shown us how important taking full advantage of these mentor nights is.
"The mentor nights were an invaluable experience that helped me transition to a career after hockey," said Jeff Wight ('18). "Being able to learn from industry professionals and build a rapport with them created opportunities that other students would relish. I can't recommend enough to take advantage of a resource like this."
2017 UConn graduate Rob Nichols had a similar experience as he connected with one of the mentors whom he met his freshman year upon graduation and after helping guide him towards the career path he was looking for, ultimately led him to where he is today.
These mentor nights however aren't simply benefiting the student-athletes. Mentor Jim Mitchell and his wife, Jane Mitchell feel like this night is beneficial for them as well.
"You see them in their uniform, face mask on, kind of know who they are just by their number but they're in the game and we're rooting behind the glass so there really is no interaction," said Mitchell. "That's why this event is so special. Coach thanked us so much for being here when he greeted us and I told the guys, the pleasure is all ours. Just to get to know a little bit about them, where they're from and some background on their life outside of hockey, even if it's only for 20 minutes. It's an honor that they even want to talk to us."
Mentor Frank Szilagyi, who played lacrosse at UConn, was eager to spend the night helping student-athletes who are in a similar situation as he was over 30 years ago.
"I played lacrosse at UConn and we shared a locker room with the hockey guys, so I definitely have a connection to the team," said Szilagyi. "I had mentors, coaches and people who I met along the way, so having the opportunity to give back is something I appreciate and something I truly like doing. It's something that isn't always available to everybody; having the opportunity to speak to someone who has been through what you might be facing."
Giving these mentors a chance to share their professional experience and career advice through this night helps play a critical role in the success of the UConn men's ice hockey team's success following graduation.
All mentors who have participated in the event over the course of the last six years are helping build the program, each in a different way.
