Global ice, local impact

When Aidan Connolly ’26 transferred to Salve Regina University as a sophomore, the move was driven by more than athletics. After spending his early college years in a Division I hockey program, Connolly was looking for balance – strong academics, competitive athletics and a place that kept him close to what mattered most.

“Family means a lot to me,” he said. “Being able to play within an hour of home so my parents and grandparents could come to my games was really important.”

Between attending classes in historic mansions, stepping outside to see the ocean and being minutes from downtown, Connolly found a campus that felt both grounded and inspiring. “You’re close to activity,” he said, “but also close to beauty at the same time.”

Connolly arrived at Salve with Division I experience and a clear sense of what he did and didn’t need to succeed as a student-athlete. While the facilities were different from what he had known before, the culture stood out.

“I don’t need all the bells and whistles,” he said. “What you need as a hockey player is ice, a gym and good people around you.”

That’s exactly what he found. Connolly describes the men’s hockey culture at Salve as one of the strongest he’s experienced, built on trust, accountability and resilience. “

As a veteran presence, Connolly leads mostly by example, bringing energy, consistency and composure both on and off the ice. “I try to be that calm, mature guy,” he said. “Handle things the right way, take care of academics and be ready when it’s time to compete.”

That same sense of community extends into Connolly’s academic life. After transferring, he flipped his sports management major into a minor and entered Salve’s combined bachelor’s/master’s program in business administration, allowing him to begin working toward his MBA while finishing his undergraduate degree.

What made the difference, he said, was the classroom environment. He credits small class sizes and engaged faculty for helping him feel supported as both a student and an athlete. Professors were flexible during travel-heavy weeks and willing to meet outside of class to make sure he stayed on track. “They want to know how you’re doing as a person,” he said. “Not just how you’re doing in the class, and that really matters to me.”

Representing Ireland on the ice

While Connolly’s Salve experience has been formative, his journey with the Irish ice hockey national team has been truly one of a kind.

After being first approached during his freshman year, a hip surgery delayed his debut. Once healthy, Connolly earned the opportunity to compete internationally, traveling to Europe to play on Olympic-sized ice against teams he had never faced before.

Connolly described a roster made up of players ranging from 17 to 43 years old, many of whom came from different hockey systems and life paths. “Every guy was different, but everyone bonded,” he said. “Right away, they made you feel like part of the team.” The experience required constant adjustment – reading opponents in real time, adapting to unfamiliar styles of play and relying on communication rather than routine.

The experience was intense, unpredictable and deeply meaningful. Connolly helped Ireland win a gold medal – an emotional moment made even more powerful by his family’s Irish roots. “Seeing how hard these guys worked their whole lives to win something for their country, it was really emotional for me,” he said.  

That emotion carried home. When the team landed in Dublin, they were greeted by crowds of families, friends and supporters lining the airport. Celebrations followed across the country, from city streets to small pubs on Ireland’s west coast. “It didn’t matter if people knew hockey or not,” Connolly said. “It brought everyone together.”

Since then, Connolly has stayed committed to growing the sport. He’s helped host Irish youth teams in the U.S., organized international tournaments and participated in fundraising events aimed at building awareness and infrastructure for Irish ice hockey. While the long-term goal includes expanding competitive opportunities, Connolly is just as focused on connection and access.

“Sure, it wasn't for a gold medal this time, but it was for something bigger, creating awareness for Irish ice hockey itself.”  

Service at the center

That same mindset drives Connolly’s hockey skills program back home, which he started at 17 to provide affordable training for young athletes. Built intentionally to avoid the high costs common in youth hockey, the program focuses on quality coaching, accessibility and long-term development.

“I’m not in it for the money,” Connolly said. “Seeing kids come back year after year and grow – that’s what matters.”

As Connolly works toward completing his MBA at Salve, his future paths remain rooted in service, whether through coaching, player development or athlete representation. He credits Salve with preparing him through meaningful relationships and real-world connections.

For other student-athletes considering a transfer or a change, his advice is simple: “Find your happy place, Salve is mine,” he said. “If you can be happy there on a rainy day, you’ll be happy there anytime.”