Professional Team Taps SCSU Women’s Hockey Coach for Inaugural Season

(KNSI) – The coach for the St. Cloud State Women’s Hockey Team is going pro.

Brian Idalski will head the expansion PWHL franchise in Vancouver beginning this fall. Under his watch, they’ll battle on the ice with the two-time defending Walter Cup champion Minnesota Frost in the coming years.

Idalski was first hired by SCSU in 2022-23 and was named the U.S. College Hockey Online National Coach of the Year as he revived the Huskies program. Every year Idalski was in St. Cloud, the team finished with a top-eight win total for the program. The talent infusion led to several individual and team records being smashed.

Idalski leaves St. Cloud with an overall record of 50-50-9, only the second coach at the school ever to get halfway to the century mark in wins. He also has the distinction of a road win against the University of Minnesota last season. Prior to the Husky victory, SCSU was 0-60-2 all-time against the Gophers in Minneapolis.

PWHL Vancouver General Manager Cara Gardner Morey hailed Idalski’s past accomplishments. “What stands out in Brian’s experience is his ability to build and transform the programs he is a part of, from his work in professional leagues, at the Olympics, and turning collegiate teams into nationally ranked contenders. I’m excited that he will lead our incredible group in Vancouver and can’t wait to see his vision and influence shape our foundation.”

SCSU Director of Athletics Holly Schreiner says the school will immediately begin a search for Idalski’s replacement.

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