Interim Tag Lifted, Krueger Hired As UW-Stevens Point Head Men’s Hockey Coach
STEVENS POINT, Wis.--After an extensive national search, UW-Stevens Point Director of Athletics Brad Duckworth announced today (May 31) that Tyler Krueger has been elevated to permanent men's hockey coach. Krueger served as interim head coach for the 2017-18 season after former head coach Chris Brooks left for Michigan Tech in summer 2017.
"I am excited to announce that Tyler (Krueger) will continue as our head men's hockey coach," said Duckworth. "His familiarity with the program and his success as our interim last year made this a logical choice. The culture and recent success of our men's hockey program were built with Tyler as a member of the team and I am confident he will continue to succeed behind the bench."
Krueger (pronounced CREE-ger) led the Pointers to the Frozen Four in March in his first season at the helm. UWSP won the regular season WIAC title with an undefeated 6-0-2 record. He led the Pointers to an NCAA Tournament road win at Adrian in the second round to advance to Lake Placid.
Under Krueger's tutelage, junior Tanner Karty earned WIAC Player of the Year honors and finished as the national leader in game-winning goals. Karty and goaltender Max Milosek earned ACHA/CCM All-American honors in 2018 under Krueger.
"I am thrilled to become the permanent head coach of one of the premier men's hockey programs in the country," stated Krueger. "I would like to thank Brad Duckworth and the entire search and screen committee for this opportunity. We are excited for the upcoming challenge to continue to sustain a championship culture here at UW-Stevens Point for years to come."
Prior to becoming interim head coach, Krueger spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Pointers. While behind the bench, he helped UWSP win its fifth National Championship in 2016.
Before moving behind the bench, Krueger was a four-year member of the UWSP men's hockey team. He skated in 79 career games with a pair of goals, 15 assists and a plus/minus of +34. Krueger was the Pointers captain on the 2014 team that reached the NCAA title game.
Krueger graduated from UWSP in 2014 with a bachelor of science degree in health promotion and wellness. A Stevens Point native, Krueger and his wife, Hannah, currently reside in Plover.
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