Sport: Hockey Country: Global Category: Breaking News

Brian Idalski appointed head coach of Syracuse women's hockey team

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 12:32 AM

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

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Summary

Brian Idalski has been named the new head coach of the Syracuse University women's hockey team as of July 14, 2026. He previously coached the Vancouver team in the Professional Women's Hockey League and has an extensive coaching background, including a decade at the University of North Dakota. Idalski aims to enhance Syracuse's program, which finished last season with a record of 15-18-4. Syracuse has reached the NCAA tournament twice since moving to Division I in 2008. Athletic director Bryan Blair expressed enthusiasm for Idalski's proven track record in program building and athlete development.

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Latest Updates

•Idalski replaces Britni Smith, who stepped down in April.
•He coached at the Professional Women's Hockey League last season.
•Syracuse women's hockey has reached NCAA tournaments in 2019 and 2022.
•Idalski has a history of developing successful student-athletes.
•He spent 10 seasons at UND, building a strong hockey program.

Latest Updates

12:32 AMYahoo Sports — Brian Idalski named head coach at Syracuse

What they're saying

"
Jul. 14—GRAND FORKS — Brian Idalski is the new head coach at Syracuse University. The former UND women's hockey coach will take over Syracuse after spending last season as the head coach of expansion Vancouver in the Professional Women's Hockey League. "Brian Idalski is one of the most accomplished and respected coaches in the sport, and we are thrilled to welcome him, his wife Nicole and ...
— Yahoo Sports

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