Tom Cavanagh

Tom Cavanaugh (born Thomas Garrett Cavanagh on March 24, 1982) was an American professional ice hockey center.

He was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.

After playing four seasons at Harvard University, Tom was signed to a professional contract by the Sharks organization.

Tom made his National Hockey League debut with San Jose near the end of the 2007–08 season and recorded an assist on his first shift. His shift to open the game was alongside Jeremy Roenick and Joe Thornton.

The following season, Tom scored his lone NHL goal on March 28, 2009, a backhand shot past Phoenix Coyotes goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.

Playing Career
Tom was the first player to play every single one of the Harvard’s games during his collegiate career.

He made his 138th consecutive appearance in a Crimson jersey in Harvard's final game of the 2005 NCAA Tournament. Tom is the Worcester Sharks' all-time scoring leader with 138 points in 202 games.

Tom holds the San Jose Sharks franchise record for quickest point by a rookie for an assist on a goal by Joe Thornton that came 36 seconds into his first game in the NHL.

On November 9, 2010, Tom had been released from his contract with the Springfield Falcons.

Death
On January 6, 2011, Tom was found dead in the Providence Place Mall parking garage. The cause of death was identified as multiple traumatic injuries due to blunt force impact.

Police have stated that they believe Tom's death to be a suicide. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was institutionalized several times in the last months of his life.

Awards & Achievements

 * All-ECAC Hockey Second Team (2004–05)