Augsburg University has appointed Zach Stepan as the new head coach of its men’s hockey program, bringing a proven track record of success and operational expertise to the campus.
Stepan most recently served as both president and head coach of the Minnesota Wilderness, guiding the team to a 42‑12‑5 record in the 2025‑26 season, capturing the NAHL’s Midwest Division title and reaching the Robertson Cup championship game.
A winning pedigree
Beyond the bench, Stepan managed hockey operations, player development, and negotiated sponsorships, illustrating a blend of coaching acumen and business savvy that the university hopes to replicate in the Augsburg locker room.
Prior to his tenure with the Wilderness, Stepan founded the NA3HL’s Wilderness as its first head coach, overseeing a debut season that finished 30‑25‑4 and missed the playoffs, laying groundwork for the program’s later breakthrough.
University officials said the hire signals a desire to accelerate the program’s rise, expecting Stepan to translate his winning culture into immediate competitiveness within the collegiate conference.
The school will now begin the search for a successor to fill Stepan’s former role with the Wilderness, ensuring continuity in that organization while the new coach focuses on building Augsburg’s hockey identity.