University of Connecticut Athletics
Men's Ice Hockey
- Title:
- Assistant Coach
- Email:
- michael.2.pereira@uconn.edu
Head Coach Mike Cavanaugh announced the hiring of Michael Pereira as an assistant coach with the program starting in the 2022-23 season.Â
Pereira joins Coach Cavanaugh’s staff after spending the past five years at Avon Old Farms School where he most recently served as the Associate Head Coach with the hockey program. He worked with players throughout the year on skill development on the ice as well as video breakdowns. He also handled the recruiting process for the hockey program.
While at Avon Old Farms, Pereira also held the position of Associate Director of Admissions with the school, consulting with prospective families while fostering relationships throughout the year. He was also in an advisory role for current students at the institution while monitoring their individual progress both in and out of the classroom.
Pereira earned a degree in communications from the University of Massachusetts in 2014, where he played for the Minutemen. He finished his career with tied for sixth place in career points at UMass with 107 and was one of five players in school history to finish with 50 goals and 100 points in their respective careers. He was the 2011 Hockey East Co-Rookie of the Year and named to the NCAA All-Rookie team.Â
After graduating, Pereira played professionally for three seasons including stops with the AHL’s Worcester Sharks, Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Utica Comets and the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder and Reading Royals. At the conclusion of his playing career, he returned to his high school alma mater in Avon Old Farms where during his playing days he helped lead them to 2010 New England Prep School Championship and was an All-New England, All-Conference and Team MVP.
Pereira has also served as an instructor for the Connecticut Elite Hockey Camp since 2010 where he has worked teaching conditioning, training, and skills to players ranging from six years of age to high school young adults, with a focus on high school level players.