University of Minnesota Athletics
Photo by: Brad Rempel
Poderzay Moves into Gophers' Director of Goaltending Development Role
5/14/2026 2:45:00 PM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Golden Gophers men's hockey head coach Brett Larson announced that Brennan Poderzay has been named Minnesota's director of goaltending development for the 2026-27 season.
"I'm excited to have Brennan back on the staff. He's built strong relationships with our goalies and has a proven track record developing talent at the position," Larson said. "His experience, energy, and commitment to our players make him a big part of what we're building, and we're thrilled to have him continue leading that group."
Director of Goaltending Development Brennan Poderzay
Poderzay remains at Minnesota for his sixth season with the coaching/support staff and moves into the role of director of goaltending development this year. He joined the Gophers as a volunteer assistant before the 2021-22 season and was promoted to assistant coach in the fall of 2023. He played a key role in the rise of goaltender Justen Close, who finished with 13 shutouts and a .924 career save percentage, the best in the program's 105-year history, while helping lead the team to back-to-back NCAA Frozen Four appearances and B1G regular-season titles. A native of Tower, Minn., Poderzay arrived in Minneapolis after six seasons in the same role at Minnesota State, where he coached Dryden McKay for three years, developing the two-time All-American and Hobey Baker Award Hat Trick finalist.
"I'm excited to have Brennan back on the staff. He's built strong relationships with our goalies and has a proven track record developing talent at the position," Larson said. "His experience, energy, and commitment to our players make him a big part of what we're building, and we're thrilled to have him continue leading that group."
Director of Goaltending Development Brennan Poderzay
Poderzay remains at Minnesota for his sixth season with the coaching/support staff and moves into the role of director of goaltending development this year. He joined the Gophers as a volunteer assistant before the 2021-22 season and was promoted to assistant coach in the fall of 2023. He played a key role in the rise of goaltender Justen Close, who finished with 13 shutouts and a .924 career save percentage, the best in the program's 105-year history, while helping lead the team to back-to-back NCAA Frozen Four appearances and B1G regular-season titles. A native of Tower, Minn., Poderzay arrived in Minneapolis after six seasons in the same role at Minnesota State, where he coached Dryden McKay for three years, developing the two-time All-American and Hobey Baker Award Hat Trick finalist.
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