Charleston Colonials Hired Erik Cole as Head Coach

The 47-year-old NHL veteran brings championship experience to the United States Premier Hockey League team.

Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Hockey

Charleston Colonials Hired Erik Cole as Head Coach

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The Charleston Colonials have appointed former NHL player Erik Cole as their new head coach. General manager Matt Reid recruited his longtime friend to lead the organization as it prepares for the upcoming season.

Why it matters

The addition of a coach with Stanley Cup experience serves as a significant resource for player development within the United States Premier Hockey League. Cole sought the position to relocate from New York and continue his transition into coaching.

Erik Cole played 892 career NHL games and scored 265 goals, reaching a personal best of 35 goals in the 2011-12 season. The league currently features 75 teams.

The players

Erik Cole

He is a 47-year-old former professional hockey player who played 892 career NHL games and won a Stanley Cup in 2006.

Matt Reid

He serves as the general manager of the Charleston Colonials and recruited Cole to join the organization.

Charleston Colonials

This team is a member of the 75-team United States Premier Hockey League.

The details

General manager Matt Reid brought in Cole after the two discussed the opportunity during the New Year. Cole previously spent time coaching his son's youth team before accepting this new role with the Charleston-based franchise.

2006: Cole won a Stanley Cup and joined the U.S. Olympic team.
2011-12 season: Cole scored a career-best 35 goals.
New Year 2026: Cole discussed coaching in Charleston with Matt Reid.
October 2, 2026: Charleston Colonials play home opener against Carolina Junior Canes.

Season Trajectory

The hiring of a high-profile veteran shifts the expectations for the Charleston Colonials as they look to build a more competitive roster in the USPHL. This move impacts the team's ability to attract top-tier talent during the 2026-27 developmental cycle.

The hire sets a new standard for local player development ahead of the home opener at the Carolina Ice Palace on October 2, 2026. Fans can expect a more rigorous technical focus during the 6:15 p.m. start time of the upcoming season games.

The takeaway

Cole brings veteran experience from the highest level of the sport to help shape young hockey talent in Charleston. This transition reflects the common path of former professional athletes aiming to pass on their technical expertise to the next generation.