St. Cloud State Names Nick Oliver Hockey Coach
The appointment follows the departure of Brett Larson for a coaching position with the Minnesota Gophers.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hockey
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St. Cloud State has officially hired Nick Oliver as the head coach of its men's hockey program. The move comes following the March 24, 2026, hiring of former coach Brett Larson by the Minnesota Gophers.
Why it matters
The change in leadership marks a transition for the St. Cloud State program following a period of staff turnover. Several players have utilized the transfer portal to move from St. Cloud State to the University of Minnesota.
Three former St. Cloud State players have transferred to the Gophers following the coaching change. For historical perspective, former player Dan Reimann appeared in 149 games for St. Cloud State between 1992 and 1996.
The players
Nick Oliver
He is the newly appointed head coach for the St. Cloud State men's hockey team.
Brett Larson
He is the former St. Cloud State coach who accepted a position with the Minnesota Gophers.
Mark Coyle
He serves as the athletic director for the University of Minnesota.
Austin Burnevik
He is a former St. Cloud State leading goal scorer who transferred to the Gophers.
Dan Reimann
He is a former St. Cloud State hockey player who played 149 games for the university.
The details
Athletic director Mark Coyle managed the transition at the University of Minnesota, which included replacing Bob Motzko. Among the roster shifts, former leading goal scorer Austin Burnevik is among those who moved to the Gophers via the transfer portal.
Timeline
1992-1996: Dan Reimann played 149 games for St. Cloud State.
Fall 2023: Jack Reimann arrived at St. Cloud State as a freshman.
March 24, 2026: Brett Larson was hired by the Minnesota Gophers.
Season Trajectory
The departure of players from St. Cloud State to the Gophers follows the established pattern of high-volume player movement within the NCAA transfer portal. This shift reflects the ongoing competitive realignment of regional rosters driven by coaching staff changes.
The movement of three players to the Gophers directly alters the depth chart and offensive output potential for the upcoming season. Fans and analysts should monitor how the transfer portal affects roster continuity and total goal production for St. Cloud State.
The takeaway
Coaching changes in college hockey frequently trigger significant roster turnover as athletes evaluate their development opportunities. Programs must balance staff continuity with the reality of modern player mobility to maintain competitive stability.
Further reading
For more updates on local collegiate sports, visit Hockey.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Star Tribune.
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