St. Cloud State University announced this week that Joe Howe will join the program as an assistant coach for the men’s hockey team, effective for the upcoming 2026‑27 season. The hiring marks a strategic addition to the staff as the Huskies aim to sharpen their competitive edge in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
Howe arrives with more than a decade of coaching experience, including a pivotal role on a national championship staff at the University of Denver and a stint as interim head coach at Yale during the 2025‑26 campaign. His background blends high‑level playing experience with a proven ability to elevate team performance.
His reputation as a developer of talent is underscored by his work with USA Hockey, where he guided squads to gold medals at the 2024 Under‑17 Five Nations Tournament and the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Those international successes highlight his capacity to prepare young players for elite competition.
Howe also left a measurable imprint on goaltending at Denver, helping Tanner Jaillet earn the 2017 Mike Richter Award as the nation’s top net‑minder. That experience reflects his knack for refining individual skills while fostering team cohesion.
Beyond the bench, Howe played professionally in the CHL, ECHL and AHL from 2013 to 2015 and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematical economics from Colorado College in 2013. His academic foundation complements his analytical approach to the game.
Coaching pedigree and player development
Nick Oliver, head coach of the Huskies, said Howe’s blend of championship experience and player‑focused philosophy aligns perfectly with the program’s ambitions. Oliver emphasized that Howe’s ability to connect with student‑athletes will help bridge the gap between recruitment and on‑ice execution.
Keith Allain, Jack Stark and David Chen, among other staff members, echoed the sentiment, highlighting his capacity to mentor players both on and off the rink. They noted that Howe’s international résumé brings a global perspective that could enrich the team’s culture.
The hiring underscores St. Cloud State’s commitment to building a program that can contend nationally while emphasizing academic excellence and community engagement. With his proven track record, Howe is expected to accelerate the Huskies’ rise in the coming seasons.