University of Minnesota Athletics
Freshman Faceoff: Tyler Sheehy
8/10/2015 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) -- Exactly two months from today, Gopher Hockey kicks off the 2015-16 season at Mariucci Arena. But before the puck drops, we're sitting down with each of the Gophers newcomers starting with freshman forward Tyler Sheehy.
A native of Burnsville, Minn., Sheehy brings a plethora of experience to the Maroon & Gold this season, having suited up at the high school, junior and international levels already. The forward skated in 118 regular-season USHL games with 104 points (39 goals, 65 assists) over his junior career and helped two organizations to Anderson Cups as USHL regular-season champions. He was tabbed as a member of the USHL All-Rookie Team in 2013-14 - the same year he helped the U.S. Junior Select Team win the World Junior A Challenge. Prior to his junior career, Sheehy was an alternate captain and an All-South Suburban Conference honoree for Burnsville High School.
Why did the Gopher Hockey program seem like the right fit for you?
Growing up, I used to come to games with my dad all the time. It was pretty special to be able to get an offer from the Gophers. Overall with the rich tradition here at Minnesota and the academics, I just thought it was the best fit for me. Being able to play for one of the best college hockey programs is really special.
You had a ton of success in the USHL, winning Anderson Cups with Youngstown and Waterloo. What was it like winning regular-season titles with two different teams?
It was pretty unbelievable. My first year in Waterloo we set a bunch of records. My coach there had the most wins in USHL history. We set a record for most consecutive wins. Ultimately we won the Anderson Cup at the end of the year and came just short of the Clark Cup. That year was pretty special. It was the most fun I've had in my hockey career. Then I was traded over to Youngstown and had a chance to win another Anderson Cup with them. We actually broke the record that we set the year before for most consecutive wins. Looking back, I was lucky to be part of two special groups.
You were lined up with fellow Gopher freshman Tommy Novak while you were with the Black Hawks. Are you looking forward to playing with him again this season?
Yeah, playing with Tommy was pretty cool. I think we played together a bit in the elite league as well. When he got traded to Waterloo, it was a pretty exciting time. With both of us committing and signing with the Gophers, we talked about it all season. We were really excited to get here.
In a perfect world, are you hoping to be matched up on the same line with him again?
I'm not sure how things will work out, but if that's the way it goes then it will be pretty cool. I think we have some great chemistry together, and it would be fun. Obviously, Justin Kloos and Taylor Cammarata had a similar situation coming out of Waterloo a couple years ago, and they were able to bring that success with them to the college level.
In addition to the USHL, you played at Burnsville High School and also helped Team USA to its sixth title in seven years at the 2014 World Junior A Challenge. How did those opportunities help your development?
My coach at Burnsville High School coached me all the way growing up from being a mite until my junior year at Burnsville. His son was the same age as me, and now he's at Colorado College. He was an unbelievable coach and really taught me a ton of different things. Playing at Burnsville and being around all my friends growing up was an awesome experience. And the USA Hockey experience was another great opportunity. I think anytime you get to wear the Red, White and Blue is pretty special just because not everyone gets to do it. You have to cherish a chance like that.
Between the USHL and USA Hockey, you've played with or against quite a few of your new teammates. Does that help with team chemistry and all of you coming into a new level of hockey?
I think so. A lot of the guys knew each other either through high school or juniors or international hockey, so it wasn't awkward. We didn't need any ice breaking because we were all pretty familiar with each other. It helped us get along even more I'd say.
Do you remember how you learned to skate or play hockey?
Growing up, I had a neighbor that got me into it. He played hockey growing up, so he got his son into it. His son was a couple years older than I was, so I started at a young age...around three. I always played with him growing up. We played together on the same youth teams, so I was playing with guys that were older than me. I think that helped me a lot.
Outside of hockey, what do you like to do?
We have a cabin in Wisconsin, so I like hanging out there in the summertime. Just being on the lake and riding around on the Jet Ski. I also like hanging out with my friends and doing whatever comes upon us.
