NHC Staff
- Wayne Sheehan - General Manager/Head Boys Coach
- Chris Wilford - Head Girls Coach/Assistant Boys Coach
- Brian Kelly - Director of Hockey Operations
- Karleen Daley-St. Jean - Billet Coordinator
Wayne Sheehan - General Manager/Head Boys Coach
Wayne's coaching and administrative career began in 1997. He is a USA Hockey Level 5/Master Coach and also volunteers with the local youth hockey organization to help grow the game. Wayne has spent the past two seasons coaching the Sacred Heart University ACHA Division II Men's Hockey team, compiling a 17-10-1 overall record. Prior to SHU, Wayne coached the Saint Thomas Aquinas High School boys' varsity hockey team to a 40-8 overall record that included back to back appearances in the NHIAA Championship Game; losing in overtime in 2018 and winning the school’s first hockey championship in 2019.
Wayne values education as a key part of athlete growth and development. He has a master’s degree from Cambridge College, and he did his undergraduate work at Worcester State University, where he was a member of the NCAA Division III Men's Hockey Team. A retired police chief, Wayne currently serves as the Director of Campus Safety at Norwich Free Academy.
Chris Wilford - Head Girls Coach/Assistant Boys Coach
As an assistant coach for our boys’ team since the inception, Chris is a constant presence of support, knowledge and passion on and off the ice. In 2025, Chris will take the bench and serve as the head coach of our news girls’ program.
Chris is a USA Hockey Level 4 coach who excels at individual development and administrative management. In 2015, he followed his passion for hockey back onto the ice and began coaching with his local youth team. He has worked with young hockey players ever since and continues to pass along his love of the game as a volunteer with the local youth program.
On the ice, Chris is a high tempo and task-oriented leader who consistently encourages everyone around him to push their boundaries and encourages their growth and development. Off the ice he offers instruction in a wide variety of topics from systems and technical fundamentals to equipment repair and management.
Chris' volunteer time does not stop on the ice. Chris and his family open their home as a billet family for both our program and the local junior team. The mentorship and support consistently provided by Chris continues to be a valuable asset to the Norwich Hockey Club and the local hockey community.
Brian Kelly - Director of Hockey Operations
As director of hockey operations, Brian’s role is essential to all we do. From scheduling and transportation to anything in between, Brian handles all the details necessary for our coaches and players to focus on one thing – the game at hand.
A 10-year employee at Norwich Free Academy, Brian has served as the assistant conditioning coach for nine years for the following programs: football, hockey, boys’ and girls’ basketball and lacrosse. Brian's wife and daughter are both proud graduates of NFA.
Brian and his wife have been billet parents for two years.
Brian Kelly
Director of Hockey Operations
860-425-5572
Karleen Daley-St. Jean - Billet Coordinator
As our Billet Coordinator, Karleen is the primary point person for our players and their families, as well as the families opening their home as local hosts. Karleen will provide ongoing support to players and their family throughout each player’s stay. Additionally, she will provide regular check-ins both via phone and in person. Karleen has worked for main international homestay organizations in Connecticut for more than 10 years. She and her husband have hosted nearly 20 international students from Spain, France and China.
Karleen Daley-St. Jean
Billeting Coordinator
860.425.5549