St. Cloud State has officially appointed Nick Oliver as its new head coach for men鈥檚 hockey, succeeding Brett Larson who moved to Minnesota. Oliver, a Husky alum, has been an assistant coach at Wisconsin, where he recently concluded the season with a national championship runner-up finish. He is the fourth head coach in the program's Division I era, and his hiring follows significant anticipation linked to Wisconsin's tournament run. Athletic Director Holly Schreiner expressed excitement for Oliver鈥檚 return, highlighting his success in recruiting and developing talent.

By the Numbers
  • Oliver has a coaching history of seven seasons in college hockey and four seasons in the USHL.
  • His previous tenure at St. Cloud included three NCAA Tournament appearances and one Frozen Four appearance between 2018-2022.
State of Play
  • Oliver鈥檚 successful track record includes being named USHL Coach of the Year during his stint with the Fargo Force.
  • He returns to St. Cloud after three seasons under Mike Hastings at Wisconsin, indicating strong ties to the program and community.
What's Next

Oliver will begin building relationships with current and incoming players as well as engaging with alumni and supporters as he prepares for his inaugural season. His focus will be on enhancing the program's competitive edge and fostering a strong team culture.

Bottom Line

Nick Oliver's return is positioned as a pivotal moment for St. Cloud State Hockey, combining his coaching experience and alumni background with a strong ambition to elevate the program to new heights. His leadership could lead to immediate positive changes and a renewed sense of identity for the Huskies.