MINOT, N.D. – Minot State University Athletic Director Andy Carter announced today that Wyatt Waselenchuk has been named the new Head Coach for Beaver Men's Hockey.

The Beaver men's hockey program has been one of the most prolific ACHA DI hockey programs in the country over much of the last 10 years including two national championships, nine straight quarterfinal appearances, and five final fours.

Director of Athletics Andy Carter on the search process. "Our search was a bit unorthodox, in that we paused while our Men's Hockey program competed in the ACHA National Tournament in St. Louis, MO. Once that tournament was complete, we dug back in and finished the search. Our committee did a great job of being diligent, while at the same time working with a sense of urgency."

Carter continued about what Coach Waselenchuk brings to the men's hockey program. "I am excited for the members of our Men's Hockey program, for Wyatt and his family, for our Athletic Department, and for Minot State University. Wyatt is the perfect fit for leading this program."

"Wyatt is humble and grasps the importance of the opportunity to be the leader of our Men's Hockey program. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be fantastic."

Waselenchuk has been a key assistant coach over the last five seasons working primarily with the goaltenders. He is a native of Port Moody, British Columbia, grew up playing his minor hockey in the Greater Vancouver area before moving on to play in the BCHL with the Langley Chiefs and the SJHL with the Nipawin Hawks.

Coach Waselenchuk about being named Head Men's Hockey Coach for Minot State University. "First and foremost, I'd like to thank Andy Carter and Dr. Shirley for their trust in me moving forward. I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to lead our men's hockey program as we transition into the Minot State Athletics family. I'd like to first off thank Wade Regier for his guidance and leadership the past five years have been an incredible experience in terms of learning and growth."

Coach Waselenchuk continued. "I'd like to also thank the Minot Minotauros organization for all they have done for me and I look forward to continuing a winning culture.

Finally, I'd like to thank my family for all of the support they have shown me in my pursuit to be the best person and hockey coach I can be."

Wyatt played for the Beavers from 2010-2014, which included the 2013 National Championship team. He became the first and only player in the team's history to be named ACHA Division 1 player of the year, following their title run. Wyatt was also named a first-team All-American in 2013 and a second-team All-American in 2014. Holding dual citizenship, he was chosen in his final season to represent team USA at the World University Games in Trentino, Italy.

He is in his first season as an assistant coach for the Minot Minotauros (NAHL) and the head goalie coach for the Minot Hockey Boosters youth hockey association.

Upon the end of Wyatt's playing career in 2014, the 32-year-old immediately jumped into coaching, and specifically goalie development. He is the current owner and head instructor of Accel Goaltending and will bring his knowledge to North Dakota. Wyatt is very involved in the Minot hockey community.

Coach Waselenchuk will begin his duties as bench boss of the Minot State Men's Hockey team on June 1. 

About Minot State
Minot State University is a member of the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) and NCAA Division II offering 14 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletics programs. The NSIC is a premier NCAA DII, 16-member conference featuring teams in North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Iowa. The Beavers are the only public NCAA Division II institution in the state of North Dakota.