University of Minnesota men’s hockey head coach, Brett Larson, has finalized his staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season. It will include Matt Cullen as the program’s Director of Player Development.
Cullen is a three-time Stanley Cup Champion (Carolina 2006, Pittsburgh 2016 + 2017) who spent 21 seasons in the NHL from 1997-2019, before being inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame in 2024. He played for the Moorhead Spuds in the mid-1990’s before spending two seasons at St. Cloud State from 1995-97, before beginning his NHL career.
During his playing career, Cullen played 75 games over two seasons at St. Cloud State racking up 86 points, becoming one of only. two players in program history to have his jersey number retired. Over his 21 season NHL career, the Hall of Famer played in 1,516 games racking up 731 total points. He is currently 23rd all-time in games played in NHL history.
Cullen was an assistant coach for the Moorhead Spuds in the 2024-25 season, helping the program to its first AA state hockey championship in program history. Additionally, he had served as a player development coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the past seven seasons.
Head Coach Brett Larson’s final staff includes Ben Gordon, Cory Laylin, and Paul Martin as assistant coaches. Jacob Leroy will serve as the Director of Operations with Cullen the Director of Player Development.
Cullen’s sons Brooks and Wyatt are currently committed to playing collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota.
