Brian Idalski, a veteran coach with a quarter‑century of experience, has been appointed head coach of the Syracuse University women’s ice hockey program, taking the reins of a program poised for a resurgence.
Idalski arrives after a distinguished career that spans NCAA Division I, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, and international competition, during which he amassed more than 400 wins and maintained a winning percentage above 62 percent.
His tenure at St. Cloud State, where he guided the team to a historic turnaround and earned the 2022‑23 USCHO National Coach of the Year honor, was preceded by a stint leading China’s national squad at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Across his career he has mentored ten Olympians, 35 players who have represented their countries at the senior level, and nine All‑Americans, while also overseeing programs that captured multiple regular‑season championships, including two with the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays in the ZhHL.
Beyond the rink, Idalski’s programs are noted for academic excellence; twelve of his student‑athletes have earned Academic All‑America honors, reflecting his commitment to developing scholars as well as athletes.
A Legacy of Winning and Development
At Syracuse, Idalski will look to blend his proven ability to build competitive teams with the university’s strong academic standards, aiming to position the Orange among the nation’s elite in women’s ice hockey.
The new coach also brings a personal side to the program, being the father of four sons — Beau, Jason, David and Mitchel — who have grown up watching the sport he now leads.
Idalski’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Syracuse hockey, as the university seeks to leverage his extensive network, including prior coaching stops at North Dakota, UW‑Stevens Point and the PWHL’s Vancouver Goldeneyes, to recruit top talent and expand the program’s reach.