SOUTH BEND, Ind. – A University steeped in tradition, former Irish hockey standout Brock Sheahan will return to the Notre Dame bench as associate head coach, as announced by head coach Jeff Jackson Tuesday, June 20. A 2008 graduate from the University of Notre Dame, Sheahan returns to his alma mater following a decade away in various coaching roles at the junior, collegiate and professional levels.
“We are very excited to welcome Brock back to the Irish hockey family,” Jackson said. “He has developed into a tremendous coach over the last several years and is a rising star in our profession. Brock is a perfect fit for our staff, which was evident when he first started coaching here 10 years ago. For me it’s also awesome to welcome back an alumnus, that played on my very first team at Notre Dame.””
“When Coach Jackson first approached me with the possibility of coming back to Notre Dame to be a member of this great staff, it was an opportunity that my family and I have dreamt about – an opportunity to come home,” Sheahan said. “The University of Notre Dame is a place like no other and I feel that I am uniquely prepared to help the program move forward. My experience at the highest level of junior hockey with the Chicago Steel, and then professionally with the Chicago Wolves, will help me develop our student athletes to the best of my ability both on and off the ice. “
No stranger to the Midwest, Sheahan most recently served as the head coach for the Chicago Wolves’ in 2022-23. In one season with the team he led the Carolina Hurricanes’ AHL affiliate to a 35-29-5 regular season record.
“I would like to thank the Carolina Hurricanes for the opportunity to be a head coach at the AHL level last season,” Sheahan said. “It was an incredible experience and a year that helped me get better as a coach in all areas.”
Prior to his stint with the Wolves, Sheahan spent four seasons with the Chicago Steel of the USHL. With the Steel, Sheahan was a key component in the development of 28 NHL Draftees with four first-round selections and collegiate hockey stars, including current Irish junior Tyler Carpenter.
During his time in the USHL, the Steel won two Anderson Cups, awarded to the league’s regular season champions (2019-20 & 2020-21), as well as capturing the 2021 Clark Cup championship. Assuming the role of head coach midway through the 2019-20 season, Sheahan posted a 100-27-12-3 regular season record at the helm of the Steel while adding an 8-3 record in the Clark Cup Playoffs.
Sheahan also has experience coaching at the collegiate level, having spent four seasons at Holy Cross following a year as a volunteer assistant for the Irish (2013-14).
A defenseman for the Irish from 2004-08, Sheahan was a sophomore during Jackson’s inaugural season behind the bench at Notre Dame. He appeared in 161 games over his collegiate career and tallied 33 points off four goals and 29 assists. Serving as alternate captain his senior year, Sheahan was named the William Donald Nyrop Award winner, presented annually to the team’s top defenseman.
“As an Irish alum, I am passionate about Notre Dame hockey. I cannot wait to start building relationships with our young men and help them get better every day,” Sheahan concluded.
Sheahan will join the Irish on July 1, after the recent NCAA rule change allowing for a fourth coach.