LYNNFIELD — Former Lynnfield High baseball, hockey and football standout Ryan Sheehan was recently named the new boys hockey coach at Essex Tech, succeeding Mark Leonard.
“I heard some talk about the position being open, so I just thought I might as well toss my hat in the ring,” Sheehan said. “I’m really looking forward to being closer to home. A big part of my decision to go for it is its proximity. The location will definitely be so much more convenient for me and my family.”
At Essex Tech, Sheehan inherits a program that made deep runs in the Division 3 state tournament the last couple of years under Leonard. The Hawks reached the Elite Eight in 2023 and the quarterfinals in 2024. Sheehan credited Leonard for elevating the program.
“I’m inheriting a few really strong years at Tech. Mark has done a great job over there,” Sheehan said. “They have the numbers, which is what you need to compete. They have a great facility and great fans. They have incredible depth, but I don’t really see any one player emerging as a superstar. If we have the bodies, we’ll run four lines, but it all depends on the talent level. I believe that depth breeds good competition, so you never know, there might be one or two kids who emerge as real impact, go-to type players.”
A statement posted on Essex Tech’s Facebook page announcing Sheehan’s hire read: “Coach Sheehan brings over a decade of coaching experience, including eight standout seasons leading Triton Regional’s varsity hockey team. Known for his strong leadership, focus on player development, and commitment to sportsmanship, he’s built a respected reputation across the Cape Ann League.
“As we begin this new chapter, we also thank Coach Mark Leonard for building a championship-caliber program and leaving a legacy of excellence. With Coach Sheehan at the helm, the future of Hawks hockey is bright.”
Leonard, a member of the Peabody Athletics Hall of Fame, said he stepped down to follow his son Brady’s post-graduate year playing hockey at Albany Academy.
“It’s going to be tough this fall/winter as I’m sure I’ll be missing it, but it’s the right decision,” Leonard said. “I owe it to Brady. If I were coaching I would never get to see him play. He’s going to be three hours away so my weekends will be driving to who knows where to watch him. I will miss it for sure, but after 30 years, now is the right time.”
Sheehan was the head coach at Triton for nine years. He led the Vikings to the Division 3 state quarterfinals in 2025, the Round of 16 in 2024, and the semifinals in 2023. In 2020, he guided the team to the North sectional championship game—just the second in program history.
He also coached the Vikings’ golf team for the last four years. His most successful season came in 2021, when the team went 16-1 in the regular season and finished third in the Division 3 state tournament. Sheehan plans to continue coaching Triton’s golf team.
“At least for this year I will stay on and coach,” Sheehan said.
He will be assisted by former Triton assistant Mark Mastarache and Bob Hawkes, who coached Triton’s junior varsity squad.
“Mark has been my defensive coach since taking over at Triton,” Sheehan said. “Triton was really a joint effort all the way. Bob came on when we had an opportunity for another varsity assistant. He’ll work with the forwards and special teams and also be in charge of video.”
A 2004 Lynnfield High graduate, Sheehan was a three sport captain who excelled at football, hockey and baseball. A goalie, Sheehan played in two North sectional hockey championship games and two more in baseball. During his four-year tenure as assistant coach of the Lynnfield baseball team under Head Coach John O’Brien, Sheehan helped lead the Pioneers to four straight Division 3 North championships from 2017-2020. Sheehan also spent a few years as an assistant coach of the Pioneers’ football team under Head Coach Neal Weidman.
After graduating from Lynnfield, Sheehan attended Eastern Connecticut State University where he majored in communications. Currently, he is a manager of production and infrastructure at Perforce Software. He and his wife, Amanda, reside in Lynnfield where
They are raising two daughters and are expecting their third child in January, “right smack dab in the middle of the season,” Sheehan said.
Sheehan said he is excited at the thought of developing new league rivalries and strengthening existing rivalries.
“The main thing with Triton was our rivalries with Lynnfield and Newburyport so, hopefully we can ignite the more rivalries within the Cape Ann League,” Sheehan said.
As far as goals go, Sheehan said there really is only one.
“Winning the league would be great, but the ultimate goal is to win a Division 3 state championship,” Sheehan said. “I believe we can compete year in and year out. Mark really built Essex Tech into a top-notch program so with that foundation in place, I think we have a great shot to keep raising the bar and get that state title.”
