Gophers men’s hockey has a new leader, with Athletic Director Mark Coyle naming Bob Motzko the new head coach.
“I am excited and honored for the opportunity to lead Golden Gopher Hockey,” said Motzko in the announcement. “The rich history and tradition of this program is honored by so many in our state and around the country. We will work tirelessly to make those people proud.”
Motzko, 57, was an assist for the Gophers from 2001-05 before taking over at St. Cloud State University, where he compiled an impressive 276-192-49 career record in 13 seasons as head coach, including a trip to a Frozen Four in 2013.
Here’s what Motzko said in his goodbye to the Huskies.
“As a proud alumni of St. Cloud State, it has been my honor and privilege to serve as the Huskies’ head coach the past 13 seasons. I have been fortunate to work with outstanding student-athletes, coaches and staff during my time on campus. These people are some of the best in college hockey and they have helped position St. Cloud State among the top programs in the nation on a yearly basis. I want to thank my players, staff and our fans for their support and contributions to the success we have enjoyed.”
At the Gophers, the former St. Cloud State grad and Austin, Minnesota, native will take over for Don Lucia, who stepped down last week after 19 years as the bench boss.
St. Cloud State went 25-9-6 this season and received the No. 1 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament before suffering a surprising upset to No. 16 seed Air Force.
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SCSU was among the four top seeds in the 2016 tournament and lost in the first round, too.
