Tim Coghlin, the head coach of the men’s hockey team at St. Norbert College, has experienced his fair share of success in hockey.
He’s won over 400 games at St. Norbert, five NCAA Division III championships in his playing/coaching career, won more than 20 titles in the NCHA, and has been named NCAA Division III Coach of the Year twice.
Coghlin, who played for UW-Stevens Point, was a two-time All-American defenseman and signed with the Vancouver Canucks after college, but a shoulder injury shortened his NHL career.
He says his experience was valuable when helping players prepare for playing professionally.
AUDIO: Coghlin on his NHL experience helping his players :15
The St. Norbert head coach first got his start in the 1993-1994 season and led the team to a 10-9-1 record. In only his fourth season as the head coach of the St. Norbert Green Knights, he led the team to a first place finish in the NCHA and a NCAA Division III tournament appearance.
The 2007-2008 season saw his first national championship with St. Norbert and, according to Coghlin, his most memorable with the Green Knight team.
AUDIO: Coghlin on his favorite national championship :13
When asked about his recruiting style and how he built up such a dominant program that has won three national titles in five years, he replied that he looks for the best student-athletes from five key areas in North America.
AUDIO: Coghlin on recruiting :24
With a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in communications, Coghlin recognizes the need for his teams to find their identity and culture on the ice and in the classroom.
AUDIO: Coghlin on team identity and culture :17
Currently ranked 6th in the nation, the Green Knights (6-2-1, 4-1-1 NCHA) finished up two home series against two of the top teams in division three. They easily took down, then ranked 9th, UW-River Falls by an aggregate score of 11-1.
The second home series saw the Green Knights lose to 4th ranked UW-Eau Claire 5-3 in the first game, and tie the second game 3-3.
Coghlin and his Green Knights look to get back on the winning track this weekend as they host the St. Norbert Tournament with games against Marian University Friday, and Lawrence University on Saturday.