SAINT PAUL, MINN.—Shane Wagner '06 has been named the next Hamline University head men's hockey coach. Wagner spent the previous four seasons with the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) Minot Minotauros, which included one season as the head coach in 2020-21.

"Shane brings a passion and understanding of not only our men's hockey program, but also the athletics department and university," said assistant athletic director / strength & conditioning coach Chris Hartman. "Shane's previous experience as both a coach and administrator prepared him well to lead Hamline men's hockey now and well into the future."

Wagner led Minot to 23 victories in his lone season as head coach, which secured them an appearance in the 2020-21 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs. Prior to Minot, Wagner spent one season with the Minnesota Magicians (NAHL) as assistant coach. The Stillwater, Minnesota native got his coaching start with the Hudson Crusaders of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL), where he served as the head coach from 2012-15. Wagner led the Crusaders to a 70-58-10 overall record over his three-season stint.

Wagner was a four-year member of the Hamline University men's hockey program (2002-06). The defenseman registered 15 goals and 22 assists for 37 points over 83 career games played for the Pipers. The 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons saw Wagner earn All-MIAC Honorable Mention. Wagner ranked third on the Pipers in scoring during the 2004-05 season as a defenseman with three goals and 11 assists for 14 points.

Following his collegiate career, Wagner spent six seasons playing professionally with the Jacksonville Barracudas (SPHL), South Carolina Stingrays (ECHL), Twin City Cyclones (SPHL), and Mississippi Surge (SPHL).

"I couldn't be more excited to get started at Hamline," said Wagner. "The program has meant a lot to myself and my family, and now I get to be apart of its coaching history."