Qucik Intro: St. Cloud State Hockey

By: Angie Marie

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you are looking for a Quick Intro: St. Cloud State hockey, you should probably learn a bit of the team's history, a few fast facts and some notable team members from throughout the years. Representing St. Cloud State University, the Huskies hockey team plays as a member of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association in the NCAA. Coached by Bob Motzko, St. Cloud State plays their home games at the National Hockey Center in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.

Since hockey was added to St. Cloud State University in the 1931-32 season, the Huskies have played in the NCAA Division I Hockey Tournament eight times. After joining the WCHA in 1990, the Huskies have also won their conference tournament once, in the 2000-01 campaign.

Perhaps the most notable Husky in the history of hockey at St. Cloud State is former head coach Herb Brooks. After leading the U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team to the "Miracle on Ice" gold medal in 1980, Brooks coached the Huskies during the 1986-87 season, leading the team to an impressive 25-10-1 record. The team not only won the regular season title, but reached the furthest ever in the NCAA Division II tournament in their history, placing third. That strong performance, along with the help of Brooks, advanced the team to Division I level starting the next season.

St. Cloud State has also seen a great number of players rise to success after their collegiate careers with the Huskies, including over 50 who were drafted into the National Hockey League. Similarly, five former Huskies have hoisted the Stanley Cup, Frank Brimsek, Matt Cullen, Bret Hedican, Joe Motzko and Mark Hartigan. Hedican, Cullen and fellow St. Cloud State alum Mark Parrish also saw great success internationally, playing in the Winter Olympics with Team U.S.A.

Posted on: Jun. 01, 2010