A New Chapter for FAU Ice Hockey
Former NHL defenseman Nathan Beaulieu has been named head coach of Florida Atlantic University’s Division II hockey program, bringing a decade‑plus of professional experience to a squad that has already tasted championship success.
Beaulieu spent 11 seasons in the NHL, registering 12 goals and 86 assists while wearing the Montreal Canadiens’ colors after being selected 17th overall in the 2011 draft. His coaching résumé includes a stint as an assistant at Saint Mary’s University, where he refined his leadership approach.
The Owls’ program has celebrated recent milestones, capturing the 2025 AAU Division II National Championship and the 2026 College Hockey South DII title. Those accomplishments set a high bar for the upcoming 2026‑2027 campaign, which will run from fall through late March.
Assistant captain Emilio Stabile welcomed the appointment, noting that Beaulieu’s professional pedigree will help the team become more well‑rounded and competitive. Team president Nicholas Oliverio echoed the sentiment, expressing confidence that the transition will be seamless.
Looking Ahead
Based in Boca Raton, Florida, the program draws on a network that stretches to Montreal, Quebec, where Beaulieu’s NHL roots remain strong. The blend of local talent and seasoned guidance promises an exciting season ahead, with the Owls aiming to build on their championship pedigree and push for deeper runs in national tournaments.