University of Minnesota head men's hockey coach Brett Larson announced significant updates to his coaching staff for the 2026-27 season. The revamped team includes former Golden Gopher Cory Laylin as an assistant coach and Paul Martin promoted to a full-time assistant role. Notably, NHL veteran Matt Cullen joins as the director of player development, bringing a wealth of experience to the program. Ben Gordon is returning for his ninth season as an assistant coach, and Jacob LeRoy continues as the director of operations. A new director of goaltending development is also set to be named soon.

By the Numbers
  • Ben Gordon has led the Gophers to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances from 2021 to 2025.
  • Matt Cullen is a three-time Stanley Cup champion and ranks 23rd in NHL history for career games played.
State of Play
  • The coaching staff aims to enhance recruiting and player development as the team's competitive trajectory continues upward.
  • A strong sense of purpose is present within the newly assembled coaching group, set to impact the program immediately.
What's Next

The Gophers are positioned for continued success with their improved coaching staff and will be focusing on integrating new strategies ahead of the upcoming season. The hiring of a director of goaltending development is anticipated shortly, which may further strengthen the team鈥檚 performance.

Bottom Line

The updates to the men's hockey coaching staff underscore a strategic commitment to fostering excellence and maximizing the Gophers' competitive edge in collegiate hockey, setting them up for anticipated success in the 2026-27 season.