Lakeville South boys hockey reaches state despite coach's leave

Cougars players remained focused when a new coach was inserted to lead after their head coach was placed on leave in January.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Lakeville South boys hockey team advanced to the state tournament despite the absence of their head coach, Josh Storm, who was placed on leave by the school district in late January. Assistant coach Kurt Weber stepped in as interim head coach, and the team responded by winning the Class 2A, Section 1 title with some of their best hockey of the season.

Why it matters

The Lakeville South boys hockey team's success in reaching the state tournament despite the mid-season coaching change highlights the resilience and focus of the players, as well as the ability of the coaching staff to provide stability and continuity during a challenging situation.

The details

On Jan. 28, the Lakeville school district placed head coach Josh Storm on leave. Storm, who also teaches physical education at South, was cleared to teach but remains on leave as a coach, pending a weeks-long investigation. The school district has not stated a reason for the investigation, but sources have said Storm had times when he lost his temper, pointing specifically to a profane postgame tongue-lashing he gave players on the team bus following their 3-0 loss at Grand Rapids on Jan. 16. On Feb. 10, Lakeville South announced that Weber, its girls hockey head coach, would fill in as interim boys coach for the rest of the season. Players have responded, winning the Class 2A, Section 1 title with some of their best hockey of the season.

  • On Jan. 28, the Lakeville school district placed head coach Josh Storm on leave.
  • On Feb. 10, Lakeville South announced that Kurt Weber, its girls hockey head coach, would fill in as interim boys coach for the rest of the season.
  • On Feb. 26, Lakeville South won the Class 2A, Section 1 title to advance to the state tournament.

The players

Josh Storm

The Lakeville South boys hockey head coach who was placed on leave by the school district in late January, pending a weeks-long investigation.

Kurt Weber

The Lakeville South girls hockey head coach who was named the interim boys hockey coach for the remainder of the season after Josh Storm was placed on leave.

Carter Ernst

The senior captain of the Lakeville South boys hockey team.

Brent Cullaton

An assistant coach for the Lakeville South boys hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“It's tough, definitely unfortunate. He is one of my favorite coaches, but you can't let that be a distraction. We have Kurt Weber on the bench, and he's been phenomenal.”

— Carter Ernst, Senior captain (startribune.com)

“By the end of the year, I'm not going to change anything. But with the turmoil and upsetting of the apple cart, a lot of those kids just needed some stability. For me, the kids have been phenomenal.”

— Kurt Weber, Interim head coach (startribune.com)

What’s next

The Lakeville South boys hockey team will compete in the state tournament, with their first game scheduled for March 5th.

The takeaway

The Lakeville South boys hockey team's ability to overcome the mid-season coaching change and reach the state tournament demonstrates the resilience and focus of the players, as well as the adaptability of the coaching staff. This success story highlights the importance of maintaining stability and continuity during challenging situations in sports.