Article and Photo by Logan Haglund.
St. Cloud State students, faculty, and alumni welcomed Nick Oliver as the program’s 19th head coach on Monday at Atwood Memorial Center.
Oliver becomes the fourth head coach of the Huskies’ NCAA Division I era, returning to his alma mater to lead a program he said is built on a shared foundation.
“This is our program. It’s not mine,” Oliver said during his introductory press conference. “It’s about us. It’s about all the people who have come before to lay the foundation and put the bricks in the wall.”
A strong turnout of alumni and supporters reflected that message, as former players and community members filled the room to welcome Oliver back to St. Cloud.
Oliver emphasized that his vision centers on the players and their determination, noting the importance of honoring the program’s history while continuing to build on its recent success. Oliver was involved in multiple Husky history moments as a player and assistant coach.
“We wanted someone who understands what St. Cloud State hockey is all about,” Athletic Director Holly Schreiner said. “Nick brings passion, experience, and a commitment to developing our student-athletes both on and off the ice.”
Rather than signaling a rebuild, Oliver made clear his intention is to sustain the standard already established within the program.
Schreiner agreed with this sentiment by saying, “We will see success, and we will see success fast in a very difficult conference”.
Oliver said his teams will be defined by effort and discipline. With many players in attendance, Oliver made it clear that his top priority is the players already here before anything else.
“I think we are just excited to get to work with him, obviously he’s a great person and coach. Honestly, we’re just super excited to make it official and get to work.” Sophomore Defenseman Thor Byfuglien said when asked about the hiring.
As he begins his tenure, Oliver will turn his attention to building his staff and preparing for the upcoming season, aiming to keep St. Cloud State among the nation’s top programs.
An exchange during the question-and-answer portion highlighted Oliver’s connection to the program. When Coach was asked about what made him want to become a Husky back in his playing days. He mentioned a 2006 home game incident where Husky fans threw batteries onto the ice to show support on a promotion night.
The charge of passion became clear as he reminisced about the program’s accomplishments. Oliver pointed to milestones in program history, including its first NCAA tournament win, its first Frozen Four appearance in 2013, and its first national championship game appearance in 2021.
Oliver and his wife, Alex, both former Huskies, said returning to St. Cloud is especially meaningful.
“As much as I’m excited, she’s even more excited coming back to St. Cloud, a place that means a lot to both of us,” Oliver said. “We met here and had our first child here.”
It may have been batteries from the fans that got Nick Oliver here in the early 2000’s, but it’s the new charge he brings that has Husky fans more than optimistic looking to the future.
What once drew Oliver to the program as a player now fuels his vision as head coach — a renewed energy he hopes will carry St. Cloud State forward.
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