Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the Northern Prospects – Female College Hockey Showcase?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the RAD Player Advancement Camp coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
With the surprise announcement that Brian Idalski will be leaving St. Cloud State to become the inaugural head coach of PWHL Vancouver, the Huskies face a critical decision. Idalski helped elevate the program’s competitiveness in the WCHA during his tenure, and his successor will be tasked with maintaining that upward trajectory. Here’s a breakdown of the leading candidates to take the reins—and how their credentials stack up in 2025.
Current Role: Associate Head Coach, St. Cloud State (2019–present)
Why She’s a Top Choice: A silver medalist with Team USA (2010) and two-time NCAA champion at Wisconsin, Zaugg‑Siergiej has been a steady hand behind the bench for the past six seasons. She knows the program inside and out, has strong relationships with current players and recruits, and would provide continuity at a time of transition. She has never been a head coach, but she’s well-positioned to step up.
Mira Jalosuo
Current Role: Assistant Coach, PWHL Minnesota (2023–present)
Why She’s a Top Choice: After spending the 2022–23 season as an assistant at St. Cloud, the Finnish Olympian joined Ken Klee’s staff in the PWHL and helped guide Minnesota to back-to-back Walter Cup championships. Known for her defensive acumen and elite playing background, Jalosuo brings both credibility and a championship mentality. Her return would inject high-level tactical knowledge and energy into the program.
Molly Engstrom
Current Role: Head Coach, University of Maine (since 2022)
Why She’s a Top Choice: A former assistant at St. Cloud State (2018–2022) and two-time U.S. Olympian, Engstrom has transformed Maine into a defensively responsible team. She was one of three finalists for the St. Cloud State job in 2022 before Idalski was ultimately hired. Her success at Maine and familiarity with SCSU make her a very attractive candidate—if she’s interested in returning.
Erik Strand
Current Role: Assistant Coach, University of Vermont (since May 2025)
Why He’s a Top Choice: Strand was also a finalist for the SCSU head coach role in 2022. Prior to joining Vermont, he spent 10 years as head coach at UW–Eau Claire, guiding the DIII program to consistent success, including multiple NCAA tournament appearances and conference championships. A veteran of player development and known for his high-character leadership, Strand is ready for the Division I spotlight.
🔁 Long-Shot Options
Jeff Giesen
Current Role: Associate Head Coach, Minnesota State
Why He’s Notable: Giesen was St. Cloud State’s head coach from 2006 to 2014, leading the team through eight seasons. While he’s been at Minnesota State for nearly a decade, his familiarity with the Huskies’ program and the WCHA landscape gives him a theoretical path back—though it’s unclear whether he’s looking for a return to head coaching.
Britni Smith
Current Role: Head Coach, Syracuse (since 2022)
Why She’s Notable: A former Clarkson assistant and Hockey Canada coach, Smith has turned around Syracuse’s program in the CHA. While she’s respected as a rising leader, her current commitment at Syracuse may keep her focused out east.
Nick Carpenito
Current Role: Associate Head Coach, Northeastern
Why He’s Notable: A key architect of Northeastern’s success over the past decade, Carpenito is highly respected in NCAA circles. A jump to head coach in the WCHA would be a bold but potentially rewarding move—for both sides.
Greg May
Current Role: Associate Head Coach, Minnesota (joined July 2023)
Former Augsburg University DIII Head Coach (Sept 2021–July 2023), where he led the team to back-to-back NCAA Division III appearances and MIAC titles with a 41–15–2 record
Named an assistant coach for the 2026 U.S. Women’s U18 National Team
Why He’s Notable: Proven leadership at DIII and college program building. Now adding national-team experience. A fresh, well-rounded external hire.
Dan Koch
Current Role: Assistant Coach, University of Wisconsin
Why He’s Notable: Koch has spent years in the powerhouse Wisconsin program, developing elite players. Like others on this list, he’d represent a fresh external hire with deep knowledge of what winning programs look like.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Familiarity or Fresh Blood?
St. Cloud State has no shortage of qualified candidates, and their decision may ultimately come down to priorities:
If the goal is continuity, promoting Zaugg‑Siergiej or recruiting Jalosuo back from the pros makes the most sense.
If the program seeks a proven leader, Engstrom or Strand—both past finalists—are strong, familiar names with NCAA and program-building experience.
For a bold shake-up, external hires like Carpenito, Smith, or Koch could introduce a new culture and broader recruiting reach.
Whoever takes over will inherit a program on the rise and a passionate fanbase eager for sustained WCHA and NCAA success.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the RAD Player Advancement Camp?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the RAD Player Advancement Camp coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Step 3: Review the list of the RAD Player Advancement Camp to connectwith and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase coaches and scouts to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Step 3: Review the list of the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase to connectwith and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the RHA Female University Showcase?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the RHA Female University Showcase coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Step 3: Review the list of the RHA Female University Showcasecoaches above to connectwith and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the CHS Spring Break Showcase?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the CHS Spring Break Showcase coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Step 3: Review the list of the CHS Spring Break Showcase coaches above to connectwith and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the Tri-State NCAA Camp & Exposure Series coaches to find you make sure you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Coaching changes can occur for various reasons—positive, neutral, or negative. These may include retirement (e.g., Bemidji State, Minnesota State), a coach moving on to a new opportunity (e.g., Colgate, UMD), or a coach’s contract not being renewed due to on-ice performance or program dynamics. Often, it may be a combination of these reasons. When there is a change at the top, it can have multiple implications for potential recruits, current commits, and existing players.
Potential Scenarios from a Recruiting Perspective
Status Quo – A planned succession process is in place. Generally, the same principles or cultural philosophies will be maintained with minimal changes, aside from the new coach adding their personal touch to the team.
New Sheriff in Town – The new head coach brings in their own assistants, changing the entire leadership of the coaching staff.
Best of Both Worlds – A hybrid approach that combines the best of the old with new ideas and personnel.
Impact on Potential Recruits
If you are a player interested in a school undergoing a head coaching change, you could be directly affected. You might have built a relationship with the previous coaching staff over several years at showcases or camps, which influenced your interest in the school. With a new coach, you may need to establish new relationships and reassess your interest.
For players from the Class of 2026 who are now eligible to speak with the school, conversations might be delayed or paused due to the transition. Currently, there are a few top schools without head coaches (e.g., Colgate, Minnesota Duluth, Union), and it’s unlikely that players will commit until a new head coach is appointed.
Additionally, a “New Sheriff in Town” head coach may have their own list of potential recruits, which could exclude you. Thus, having backup options is advisable.
Impact on Incoming Recruits
Data from recent years suggests that most of the time, incoming and future commits remain unaffected by a new head coach; both the coaching staff and the recruits stay committed to each other. However, there have been instances where a new head coach implements a different recruiting strategy, resulting in commits being told they no longer have a spot. Depending on the situation, a de-committed player may have limited options for the 2024 or 2025 seasons.
Conversely, NCAA rules allow players to de-commit and seek another school if they do not favor the new coach. Essentially, both parties have the opportunity to re-evaluate the relationship and decide if they want to stay together or move one from each other.
Impact on Existing Players
When a coaching change occurs, existing players have the option, under NCAA rules, to enter the transfer portal and find a different school. The NCAA grants a 30-day immediate portal window for players whose head coach departs. Recently, I spoke with a parent of a first-year player at a top DI women’s team who expressed concerns about uncertainty. The player loved the previous coaching staff and culture, and there is nervousness about whether the same philosophies will continue under the new staff.
Similar to minor hockey, any time a player gets a new coach, they must adjust. Most players will need to re-establish their role on the team, which could affect their ice time. Each student-athlete should evaluate their situation and decide whether to stay or explore options in the transfer portal. Ideally, new coaches will take the time to get to know their team and communicate their plans for each player, allowing players to make informed decisions.
One final point to consider is that assistant coaches are also affected by a change in head coaches. They too can experience positive or negative impacts under new leadership. In some situations, most of the staff is retained, while in others, the incumbent assistants do not return, and the new head coach assembles their own team.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the College Exposure Showcase?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the CES event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the College Exposure Showcase coaches to find you make you add your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Step 3: Review the list of the College Exposure Showcase coaches above to connectwith and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.
Champs App lets players create beautiful, free hockey resume that facilitate the college and prep hockey recruiting process.
“How do I know coaches will remember me after the PIP 617 Boston Harbor Style Showcase?”
By connecting directly with coaches, players can know that coaches will continue to follow them after the PIP event during the regular season (see their schedule, video & profile updates). Coaches can not only get more details about each player, but also see their upcoming schedule, regular teams and coaches.
Step 2: To make it easier for the PIP 617 Showcase coaches to find you – add your 617 PIP Showcase team as your current team to your Champs profile and make sure to include your jersey #
Step 3: Review the list of the 617 PIP Showcase coaches above to connectwith and then send connection requests to the coaches/schools you are interested in from within Champs App.
