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Walsh enjoying new role with Colby Hockey

After a historic run, the Colby hockey team is back on the ice working toward another season of success. The Mules are hungry for more, and they've added an assistant coach who is very familiar with college hockey glory.

WATERVILLE (NEWS CENTER Maine) -- The Walsh name means a lot to hockey fans in Maine. In the 80's and 90's, legendary Coach Shawn Walsh put UMaine hockey on the map, leading Black Bears to numerous tournament appearances and two national championships.

Now, his son is carrying on the college hockey coaching tradition in Maine.

"To me it was a no-brainer," says Shawn Walsh, who joins Colby hockey as an assistant coach this season.

After two years as head coach at North Yarmouth Academy, Tyler Walsh decided to join Blaise MacDonald's coaching staff. The move made sense for Walsh, especially since his Dad and Coach MacDonald have a history.

"I've got a lot of respect for Tyler and his trajectory as a coach," says MacDonald. "I coached against his Dad. i was at BU as an associate coach through the 90's."

"We talk about stories, exchange stories, and I always love hearing about it," says Walsh. "To get it first hand from him now working with him, it definitely puts more perspective on things and really helps me learn what my Dad was like."

Shawn Walsh passed away in 2001 after a battle with cancer. Coaching here in Maine helps Tyler feel close to him.

"There are always times when I ask myself, 'I wonder what my Dad would do in this situation?' It always keeps my mind going about him, which is good," says Walsh. "I think it's always good to think about loved ones, even when they're gone. It sheds a positive light and helps me to be my best."

Walsh is giving his all to help the Mules hit new heights -- carrying on the Walsh coaching tradition, while also making a name for himself.

Cobly's season is underway. The Mule lost their first two games of the season but will look to rebound this Saturday in Brunswick during the Bowdoin/Colby Face-off Classic.

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