AMHERST, Mass. -- New head coach of men's hockey Eddie Effinger '15 announced that Conor Tierney and Mark Leach have joined the men's hockey program as assistant coaches. 

Tierney comes to Amherst from SUNY Cortland where he served as the programs assistant coach. Prior to that, we worked for SUNY Oswego and the NJ Titans junior organization. Leach joins Effinger's staff after having served in multiple roles for the Northern Cyclones hockey organization. Prior to his time coaching, he played and graduated from Saint Anslem's College.

"We are incredibly excited to have both Conor and Mark joining the program," Effinger said. "In a short amount of time, Conor has built a reputation as an excellent recruiter and talented coach. His work ethic and ability to develop relationships with players will be a major asset to the program and our student-athletes. Throughout the hiring process, it was clear that Conor would be a great person to add to our program and campus. Mark is a passionate young coach who has developed a great network in a short amount of time. His body of work with the Northern Cyclones has prepared him well for the role, and I am excited to get his knowledge and passion for the game around our athletes."

Tierney graduated from SUNY-Cortland in May of 2021 after a four-year career for the Red Dragons. The high-energy forward played in 63 games and collected 11 points over his three seasons, losing his senior season to the pandemic. For the two years prior to his Cortland return, Tierney served as the SUNY Oswego men's hockey graduate assistant coach. He spent the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach with the NA3HL's New Jersey Titans while also volunteering with the organization's NAHL team.
 
Tierney graduated cum laude from Cortland in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in business economics. He also earned his MBA from SUNY Oswego in May 2024. During the off season, the New Jersey native works hockey camps for Salt City Prospects, a highly regarded player development and showcase company throughout the East Coast.

Leach received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Saint Anselm's after a four-year career. In 2021-22 he led the Hawks in games played with 27. A native of Londonderry, N.H., he played ice hockey and lacrosse at the New Hampton School.