- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Minnesota's New Coaching Staff Could Boost Future Rosters
The Gophers' new assistant coaches have strong local connections that could pay dividends.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:42pm
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The University of Minnesota men's hockey team announced its new coaching staff for the 2026-27 season, featuring a mix of experienced veterans and well-connected local figures. The new hires, including director of player development Matt Cullen and assistant coach Cory Laylin, could be a game-changer for the Gophers' future rosters by leveraging their deep ties to the Minnesota hockey community.
Why it matters
Minnesota has traditionally struggled to keep the state's top hockey talent home, with many elite players choosing to play elsewhere. The new coaching staff's local connections could help the Gophers regain their footing and secure commitments from some of the state's top prospects, bolstering the team's future rosters.
The details
Matt Cullen, the new director of player development, has two sons currently committed to the Gophers program, with a third son, Joey, considered an elite 2026 NHL Draft prospect. Cory Laylin, a new assistant coach, also has two sons who have played at the college level, and his youngest, Bode, is a highly touted 2007-born defenseman who was previously committed to St. Thomas but now appears to be back on the market.
- The Gophers officially announced their 2026-27 coaching staff on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
- Wyatt Cullen, one of Matt Cullen's sons, is expected to join the Gophers program next season.
- Joey Cullen, Matt Cullen's youngest son, will turn 16 years old in April 2026 after a standout season for Moorhead High School.
The players
Brett Larson
The new head coach of the University of Minnesota men's hockey team.
Matt Cullen
The new director of player development for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, with nearly 20 years of NHL experience and three sons who are or could be future Gophers.
Cory Laylin
A new assistant coach for the University of Minnesota men's hockey team, with connections to the local hockey community through his coaching experience and his sons' college careers.
Bode Laylin
Cory Laylin's youngest son, a highly touted 2007-born defenseman who was previously committed to St. Thomas but now appears to be back on the market.
Joey Cullen
Matt Cullen's youngest son, a 2026 NHL Draft prospect who had a standout season for Moorhead High School.
What’s next
The Gophers will be closely monitoring the recruitment of Bode Laylin, Cory Laylin's youngest son, as he appears to have decommitted from St. Thomas and is now back on the market. Minnesota will be looking to secure his commitment to bolster their future defensive corps.
The takeaway
The University of Minnesota's new coaching staff, with its deep connections to the local hockey community, could be a game-changer in the Gophers' efforts to keep the state's top talent at home and build a roster that can compete for championships in the coming years.
