The St. Cloud State Huskies finished the 2025‑26 campaign with a 16‑19‑1 record, a tally that left them outside the NCAA Division I playoffs for the third straight year.
Enter a fresh coaching duo: veteran Nick Oliver takes the helm as head coach, while former player Joe Howe rejoins the program as an assistant, bringing a blend of experience and youthful energy.
The upcoming schedule reads like a gauntlet. In addition to familiar NCHC rivals, the Huskies will test themselves against powerhouses such as Boston College, the University of Vermont, and the defending national champion Denver, as well as a four‑game series against the newly minted conference member, the University of St. Thomas.
A particularly grueling stretch looms from November 13 through December 12, when Minnesota Duluth, North Dakota, Vermont and Denver will all visit or travel to St. Cloud, promising high‑stakes matchups that could shape the team’s trajectory.
The NCHC has expanded to ten teams and adopted a best‑of‑three series format for the opening round of its tournament, a change that adds intensity and unpredictability to the chase for the conference’s automatic NCAA berth.
Despite the daunting slate, the Huskies remain focused on reclaiming a spot in the NCAA Tournament, a goal that has eluded them since their last appearance in 2023.
A New Era for the Huskies
Oliver’s appointment signals a shift in philosophy, emphasizing faster transitions and a more aggressive forecheck. Early practices suggest the roster is already buying into the new system, with captain Tyson Gross leading the charge.
The coaching staff’s blend of veteran insight and fresh perspective aims to tighten defensive play while unleashing the offensive talent that has been dormant in recent seasons. Fans can expect a more dynamic style of play as the team embraces its new identity.