The Wisconsin Badgers men's hockey program is facing a significant offseason change just weeks after their thrilling run to the National Championship game. Assistant coach Nick Oliver is departing Madison to return to his alma mater, St. Cloud State, where he has been named the new head coach.

This move marks a major step in Oliver's coaching career. At 33 years old, he becomes the second-youngest men's ice hockey head coach in all of Division I, signaling a bright future for the Huskies' program. For the Badgers, it means losing a key architect from their successful 2023-24 campaign as they look ahead to the 2026-27 season.

Oliver's connection to St. Cloud State runs deep, making this a true homecoming. He is the only person in program history to be part of both of the school's NCAA Frozen Four appearances—first as the team captain in 2013, and later as an assistant coach in 2021. His intimate knowledge of the program's culture and history was a clear factor in his hiring.

In a statement, Oliver expressed his gratitude and excitement: "I'm humbled and honored for this opportunity... My family and I couldn't be more excited to call St. Cloud home again." He also emphasized his immediate focus on building relationships with current and incoming players, as well as connecting with the program's strong alumni network.

For Wisconsin, the search for a replacement begins now. Head coach Mike Hastings will need to fill a crucial role on his staff, ensuring the momentum from a championship-caliber season isn't lost. It's a reminder that in college hockey, success on the ice often leads to coaching carousel moves off it, as talented assistants like Oliver earn well-deserved promotions to lead their own programs.