Gophers hire Bob Motzko as new men's hockey coach

After 13 seasons transforming the St. Cloud State men's hockey program into a national title contender, Bob Motzko is heading back to Minneapolis.

Motzko was named the new head coach of the Minnesota Gophers men's hockey team on Tuesday, just four days after his SCSU Huskies lost 4-1 to Air Force in the first round of the NCAA tournament.



The Gophers got their guy.

"After 13 years competing against Bob, we are excited to welcome him back to Gopher hockey, where he had so much success as an assistant earlier in his career," athletic director Mark Coyle said in a statement. "Bob has a unique perspective on the program. He grew up rooting for the Gophers, he’s coached for the Gophers and he’s coached against the Gophers. He’s spent much of his career and most of his life in Minnesota. He fully understands this program’s historic legacy and its unique place in our state’s culture. I know he will add to the tradition and success Gopher hockey has enjoyed for nearly 100 years."

Motzko was an assistant at Minnesota from 2001-05, helping the program to back-to-back national titles in 2002-03.

"I am excited and honored for the opportunity to lead Golden Gopher hockey," Motzko said in a statement. "The rich history and tradition of this program is honored by so many in our state and around the country. We will work tirelessly to make those people proud."

He tallied a 276-192-49 record in 13 seasons with the Huskies and led SCSU to the NCAA tournament eight times, including a trip to the Frozen Four in 2013.

Motzko coached Team USA to a gold medal at the IIHF World Junior championships in 2017 and a bronze medal in 2018.

He becomes the 15th head coach in Gophers history, following up a 19-year stint by Don Lucia.