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MSU men’s hockey names Waselenchuk as new head coach

Minot State University athletic director Andy Carter announced that Wyatt Waselenchuk has been named the new head coach for Beavers men’s hockey.

The MSU hockey program has been one of the most prolific ACHA D-I 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, Missouri. 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 program, for Wyatt and his family, for our athletic department, and for Minot State University. He is the perfect fit for leading this program.”

“Wyatt is humble and grasps the importance of the opportunity to be the leader of our program. There is no doubt in my mind that he will be fantastic.”

Waselenchuck 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.

Additionally, Waselenchuck 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. The new Beavers coach will begin his duties with MSU on June 1.

Esboldt named director

of basketball operations

for Minot State

Sam Esboldt has been hired as the new director of basketball operations for the Minot State men’s and women’s basketball programs.

Esboldt comes to Minot from Des Moines Area Community College, where he spent the last three years as an assistant coach. In his time at DMACC the Bears were a combined 72-19 and were back-to-back Iowa Community College Athletic Conference champions.

The Bears finished the 2019-2020 season with an overall record of 29-4 and earned a bid to the NJCAA D2 national tournament before it was canceled. The 2020-2021 Bears finished as NJCAA D2 National Champions and an overall record of 21-5.

Head men’s basketball coach Matt Murken on the hire of Sam Esboldt. “Adding Sam Esboldt is a huge advantage for both our basketball programs. Sam has great experience working with coaches that have run high-level programs in Matt McCollister when he was at Brooklyn Center High School and Brett Putz at Des Moines Area Community College who just won an NJCAA National Championship. He has hit the ground running and already made an impact in our program.

While at DMACC, Esboldt was vital in many areas including post-player development, recruiting, scouting, and basketball operations. In his three years, the Bears had 2 All-Americans, 15 players earn all-conference recognition, and sent 21 players to the four-year level.

“We are thrilled to have Sam join our staff. His enthusiasm and eagerness to be a part of our staff is a great sign of things to come. He looks to be a great fit for both our women’s and men’s programs,” said MSU women’s head basketball coach Mike Brandt.

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