Todd Knott, the Wisconsin Badgers’ associate head coach for men’s ice hockey, has been appointed as an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team. The announcement underscores the program’s continued emphasis on developing elite talent on the international stage.
Tournament Overview
The team will gather in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which runs from August 3 through August 8. The event brings together the top under‑18 prospects from across North America and abroad, offering a high‑profile platform for emerging stars.
Knott’s involvement marks a return to international coaching for the Wisconsin staff. He previously served as an assistant coach for the 2009 U.S. World Junior A Challenge team, gaining valuable experience that he now brings to the upcoming selection camp.
Coaching Legacy
A 2023 recipient of the American Hockey Coaches Association’s Terry Flanagan Award, Knott was also ranked the No. 1 college hockey recruiter in 2022 by a panel of NHL scouts and coaches. His recruiting acumen helped the Badgers reach the NCAA title game earlier this spring, a feat that followed a series of Frozen Four appearances and ten NCAA Tournament participations over his 14‑year tenure.
Beyond his recruiting successes, Knott has been instrumental in shaping Wisconsin’s competitive edge, guiding the program to three Frozen Fours and establishing a consistent presence in the national conversation. His appointment to the U.S. Under‑18 staff is seen as a testament to his influence and the high regard in which he is held by both peers and players.