Knott’s Coaching Journey Leads to International Stage
Todd Knott, the Wisconsin men’s hockey associate head coach, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Under‑18 Men’s Select Team. The announcement comes as the squad prepares to compete in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, a premier international invitational held in Edmonton, Alberta, from August 3‑8.
Knott’s résumé reads like a coaching carousel of success. In 2023 he captured the American Hockey Coaches Association’s Terry Flanagan Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top recruiter, and he has guided collegiate programs to three Frozen Fours and ten NCAA Tournament appearances over 14 seasons.
His international experience includes a stint behind the bench at the 2009 U.S. World Junior A Challenge, where he helped shape a generation of future NHL talent. Domestically, he was instrumental in the Badgers’ run to the NCAA title game last season, a testament to his ability to blend development with high‑level competition.
The upcoming Hlinka Gretzky Cup will feature some of the world’s most promising young players, all vying for top honors in a tournament that has launched the careers of many future stars. Knott’s presence on the U.S. staff is expected to bring a blend of tactical acumen and recruiting savvy that could prove decisive in tight matchups.
Beyond the immediate tournament, Knott’s involvement underscores a broader commitment to nurturing elite talent on the global stage. His deep roots in collegiate hockey, combined with a proven ability to attract top prospects, position him as a key figure in the United States’ player‑development pipeline.