MANKATO, Minn. --- Minnesota State assistant women's hockey coach Mackenzie Bruch has been named once again as the goaltending coach for Team USA as it participates in the 2027 IIHF U-18 World Championships in Czechia. 

This marks the third consecutive year that Bruch has served with the U-18 World Championship team, as she brought home gold at the 2026 IIHF U-18 World Championships following USA's 2-0 win over Canada in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

"I'm excited to once again join the U-18 World Championship team," said Bruch. "The opportunity to represent not only the United States, but Minnesota State Women's Hockey on the world stage is one that I will always cherish."

Bruch recently finished her second season as an assistant coach for the Mavericks. This past year, Minnesota State finished 17-19-2, establishing a school record for wins in a season and advancing to the WCHA Frozen
Faceoff for just the second time in program history and the first time since 2009.

Minnesota State's goaltenders this year finished with a .912 save percentage and 2.90 goals against average. The Mavericks were led in net by junior Hailey Hansen who boasted 2.87 goals against average and a .915 save percentage while amassing over 2,000 minutes in net and turning away 1,033 shots.