University of Connecticut Athletics
Feature: Former Husky Shawn Pauly Continues Career Behind the Bench
12/17/2019 10:00:00 AM | Men's Ice Hockey
It's not easy to walk away from something that has not only been a part of your life for 25 years but has helped transform and shape you into the person you are today.
2016 UConn hockey alum Shawn Pauly knew he couldn't walk away from the game that easily.
"I always knew I wanted to stay involved in the game in some aspect," said Pauly. "I will never be able to fully walk away, and coaching was an instant urge once I decided to end my playing career. Now being on this side of the game I realize what a perfect choice this was for me. I am loving still being part of a competitive team and knowing that I can help mold players futures just as my coaches did for me is an incredible feeling."
Pauly played four seasons as a Husky, serving as the team's alternate captain for his senior season. He ended his collegiate career with 83 points on 28 goals and 55 assists. Following his time at UConn, Pauly spent two seasons playing in the ECHL and then headed across the Atlantic for the 2018-19 season to play for the Coventry Blaze who compete in the British Elite Ice Hockey League. Three years after graduating from UConn, Pauly has found himself as the assistant coach at UMass Boston.
UMass Boston's head coach, Peter Belisle is another UConn hockey alum which led to an instant connection between the two Huskies.
"Our head coach (Belisle) has an outstanding reputation in the hockey world and the location being about three miles south of downtown Boston made for an easy choice to join the staff and follow Peters mentorship as I grow as a young coach," said Pauly.
Pauly's duties as assistant coach include helping facilitate all of the daily hockey operations including practice planning and preparing for games but most importantly, Pauly acts as the recruiting coordinator as well which has given him the opportunity to watch and assess players talents and potential to mesh into the program that UMass Boston has created.
Looking back on his time as a Husky, it's safe to say that none of this would have been possible if it weren't for the experience he had at UConn.
"UConn made a huge impact, especially the hockey program, to get me to where I am now," said Pauly. "It helped mold me into the person and coach I am today. It's funny how looking back on it, you really appreciate all of the small things such as quotes you picked up or habits that were formed while being part of the UConn hockey family and culture."
No college athlete wants to see their career end but for Pauly, it's now time for a new passion to be seen through.
