Cavanaugh visits Geno for in season encouragement

STORRS, CT (WFSB) - Many of the coaches at UConn often visit Geno Auriemma during the season to introduce players and get Auriemma’s take on coaching, success, and life.

Men’s hockey coach Mike Cavanaugh has done it, but there’s a catch.

“I have, but I don’t anymore because it extends the visit about another hour and he just keeps talking,” Cavanaugh said. “So, if I do, it’s a quick hello. We have to get to practice. No, he’s so good. I think one of the things he reminds me a lot of is Jerry Rourke. They are so invested in the college way of life, they understand what college athletics is all about and it’s not just about them and their program and they’re invested in everybody else’s program. And yeah, he’s texted me the other day right after I lost: ‘You OK? What are you doing?’ And I think he’s like that with all the sports up here, he just really he loves UConn, he loves everything about college athletics, how to be successful. Also, really fortunate throughout my coaching career to have Geno and Jerry. It’s no wonder both of them have more than a thousand wins, they just do things the right way.”

The UConn men’s hockey team has a tough home-and-home series coming up this weekend with Boston College, the 4th ranked team in the country.