SPASH hires new boys’ varsity hockey coach

By Patrick Lynn

Boys’ hockey varsity players will have a new coach this season.

SPASH Athletics announced last week that Matt Pohlkamp has been hired to take over the varsity team.

Pohlkamp, a native of Minnesota, is an all-time points leader in the Brainerd High School’s hockey program history. He played in the North American Hockey League for the Bismark Bobcats before moving on to Division 1 hockey at Bowling Green University, where he was team captain and earned Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-Academic Honors.

After graduating with a business degree, Pohlkamp played professional hockey for six years in the ECHL before finishing his career in the British Elite League. He’s in his first year as a teacher in Stevens Point schools.

David Hauser, SPASH’s athletic director, said the Panthers were “thrilled” to have Pohlkamp on board.

“He has a lot of experience as both a competitive hockey player and also as a coach,” Hauser said. “He brings a passion for the sport and a desire to build the Stevens Point program into a dominant one. We are fortunate to have Matt ready and willing to lead this program.”

The SPASH hockey season runs from November to January. The Panthers team went 10-0-0 in the 2020-21 school year.

“I am extremely honored and excited to be the next head hockey coach at SPASH. To be a part of the rich tradition and culture that has been set before me is truly humbling,” Pohlkamp said. “I look forward to working with all the parties involved in making Stevens Point an incredible place to play hockey.”