MANKATO, Minn. — Minnesota State Men's Hockey Head Coach Luke Strand has announced the addition of Chad Kolarik as Associate Head Coach for the Maverick program.

A native of Abington, Pennsylvania, Kolarik arrives in Mankato with an extensive background in player development, international competition, professional hockey, and coaching at the highest levels of the game. Most recently, he served as an assistant coach with the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League, the top affiliate of the New York Islanders. During the 2025-26 season, Bridgeport posted a 34-30-3 record and advanced to the Calder Cup Playoffs.

"Chad brings an elite combination of experience, teaching ability, and passion for player development to our program," said Strand. "His work with the United States National Team Development Program and in the American Hockey League has helped shape and prepare players for success at every level of hockey.

"Beyond his coaching experience, Chad's playing career speaks for itself. He has experienced the game from nearly every angle and possesses a tremendous understanding of what it takes to develop, compete, and win. Our time together representing Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup further solidified my belief in him as a coach and educator. He is a tremendous person, and I am excited to once again work alongside him as we continue to build upon the championship standard of Minnesota State Hockey."

Prior to joining Bridgeport, Kolarik spent three seasons with the United States National Team Development Program, serving as an assistant coach for the NTDP Junior Team. During that time, he played a key role in the development of many of the nation's top prospects while also serving on Team USA staffs internationally.

Kolarik was an assistant coach for the United States Under-18 National Team in both 2023 and 2025 and for the Under-17 National Team in 2024. He also worked alongside Strand as an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where the Americans earned a bronze medal.

"I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to join the Minnesota State Men's Hockey program," said Kolarik. "Having a strong relationship with Coach Strand, I have seen firsthand the leadership, vision, and championship culture he brings to the rink every day. The foundation that has been established at Minnesota State is incredibly impressive, and I am excited to contribute to the continued growth and development of our student-athletes both on and off the ice.

"I look forward to working alongside our staff, our players, and the Mankato community as we continue pursuing championships and providing an exceptional experience for everyone connected to Maverick Hockey."

As a player, Kolarik enjoyed a distinguished collegiate career at the University of Michigan from 2004-08. Over 163 career games, he recorded 30 goals and 96 assists for 126 points while helping the Wolverines remain among the nation's premier programs.

Kolarik went on to play professionally for 16 seasons, including National Hockey League appearances with the Columbus Blue Jackets and the New York Rangers. His professional career also included extensive time in the American Hockey League with San Antonio, Syracuse, Springfield, Connecticut, and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

Internationally, Kolarik represented the United States at the 2018 Winter Olympics and appeared in two Olympic games. He also enjoyed a highly successful European career from 2013-20, competing in some of the world's top professional leagues.

Kolarik joins a Minnesota State program that has captured back-to-back MacNaughton Cup Championships, back-to-back Mason Cup Championships, and earned consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances under Strand's leadership.

Kolarik fills the Associate Head Coach position previously held by Troy G. Ward, who recently accepted a position with the Shanhai Dragons of the KHL.