A New Chapter for Minnesota Hockey
Brett Larson, a seasoned coach with sixteen years of collegiate experience, officially took the helm of the Gophers for the 2026‑27 season. Larson previously guided the St. Cloud State Huskies, where he amassed a strong record and developed a reputation for disciplined, fast‑paced play.
The 2025‑26 season ended with the program's fewest wins since the 1971‑72 campaign, finishing at 11‑22‑3. The modest tally underscored the need for a turnaround, prompting the athletic department to appoint Larson and reshape the roster ahead of the upcoming schedule.
A Grueling 35‑Game Schedule
Minnesota will play thirty‑five games next season, a slate designed to test the team against both familiar foes and new opponents. The schedule features four matchups against the University of Wisconsin Badgers, the Gophers' storied rivals, as well as a series against the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, a team that swept Minnesota in a home series upset the previous year.
Opening night is set for October 2, when the Gophers travel to face Michigan Tech. The game will serve as the first practical test of Larson's system and the chemistry among the newly assembled roster.
Key Additions and Fresh Talent
Larson brought two experienced transfers into the program: sophomore defenseman Tanner Henricks, who posted six points as a freshman, and junior forward Austin Burnevik, who contributed 38 points last season with 20 goals and 18 assists. Freshman forward Wyatt Cullen, the tenth overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Nashville Predators, headlines the incoming freshman class. Adding to the excitement, Brooks Cullen, Wyatt's older brother, is expected to join the squad as well.
The Gophers also welcomed seven new freshmen, each bringing a blend of speed and skill that could complement the veterans. The infusion of talent is intended to provide depth and competition throughout the lineup, fostering a culture of merit‑based selection.
Rivalries and Coaching Connections
The rivalry with Wisconsin remains a focal point, with the Badgers representing one of Minnesota's biggest challenges each year. Meanwhile, the connection to Duluth runs deep: Scott Sandelin, the longtime Bulldogs coach, has led the team to three NCAA championships and eleven tournament appearances. Larson has faced Sandelin sixteen times as a head coach, a history that adds an extra layer of intrigue to their upcoming meetings.
Larson's familiarity with the University of Minnesota Duluth extends beyond recent matchups; he played and coached there earlier in his career, giving him a nuanced understanding of the program's culture and expectations.
With a fresh coaching philosophy, a revitalized roster, and a demanding schedule, the Gophers hope to translate these developments into a competitive season that restores the program's former prominence.