The Waterloo Black Hawks have named Brett Olson as their new head coach, a move that caps a two‑decade relationship between the former player and the organization.
A Familiar Face Returns
Olson’s journey with the Black Hawks began in 2005, when he donned the jersey as a 19‑year‑old and helped the club reach the Clark Cup Final the following year, showcasing his offensive skill and leadership on the ice.
Coaching Legacy and Player Development
After hanging up his skates, Olson transitioned to the bench, first as an assistant and later as a development coach, spending the last four seasons shaping the team’s talent pipeline and working closely with prospects such as Garrett Schifsky, John Mustard and Brendan McMorrow.
Beyond the rink, Olson founded Olson Hockey Development, a youth camp program that runs sessions in Waterloo and Superior, Wisconsin, where he mentors the next generation of players and reinforces the community ties that have defined his career.
His professional playing résumé stretches across ten seasons and more than 500 regular‑season games in the AHL and European leagues, giving him a broad perspective that he now brings to strategic planning and player management.
The organization looks to Olson’s blend of playing grit, coaching acumen and community involvement as it prepares for the upcoming campaign, hoping his deep familiarity with the Black Hawks’ culture will translate into on‑ice success.