The present invention relates to an optical interconnection system (10) capable of connecting a plurality of optical array connectors (22) between assemblies such as a backplane assembly (20) and a daughter board assembly (40). The optical array connectors are arranged to minimize the board real estate occupied by the assembly. In one embodiment, each optical interconnection assembly includes an optical connector (22) having an inner housing (54) slidably mounted within an outer housing (52), the inner housing having a latch (66) and a first shoulder (56) disposed near a mating end of the connector. A second shoulder (62) is disposed behind the first shoulder, and a release cam (60) is disposed along an outer surface of the outer housing (52) proximate the second shoulder (62). The assembly also includes a coupling housing (24) having a plurality of connector-receiving passageways (25). Each passageway has a latch (27) extending into releasable engagement with the second shoulder (62) of a respective optical connector and being engagable by the release cam (60).