The SCSU men's hockey team is undergoing significant changes ahead of the 2026-27 season, including a leadership shift with new head coach Nick Oliver stepping in after Brett Larson's resignation. The roster is set to undergo a major overhaul with eight players graduating and five transferring, leaving up to 15 spots to fill before the season begins. To kick off the rebuilding effort, the Huskies have secured two transfers: forward William Ahlrik from Lake Superior State University and defenseman Finn McLaughlin from the University of Minnesota. Both players bring valuable experience and skills that are expected to contribute significantly to the team. Oliver highlights the importance of assembling the right group of players to build a competitive roster.

By the Numbers
  • William Ahlrik posted 27 points and 11 goals in the 2025-26 season, ranking 23rd in the CCHA for goals.
  • Finn McLaughlin participated in 32 games as a freshman for Minnesota, recording 1 assist with a team-low -13 plus-minus rating.
State of Play
  • Nick Oliver is focused on rebuilding the Huskies roster to fill potential gaps and attract top talent.
  • The team currently faces the task of integrating new players while maintaining competitive performance in the upcoming season.
What's Next

The Huskies will continue to seek additional talent through the transfer portal and are expected to finalize their roster before the start of the season. Ahlrik and McLaughlin are anticipated to play key roles, contributing both offensively and defensively. Observers will be watching how Oliver assembles the team and the chemistry they develop during the offseason.

Bottom Line

The Huskies are at a critical juncture in their program, poised for a transition that could define the future under new head coach Nick Oliver. The successful integration of Ahlrik and McLaughlin could set the tone for the upcoming season as the team aims to fill significant gaps and build a strong competitive roster.