Brianna Decker Joins Minnesota Frost as Assistant Coach

Brianna Decker has transitioned from player to coach, joining the Minnesota Frost as an assistant coach. This move follows a challenging end to her playing career, which was cut short at the age of 30 due to a severe left leg injury sustained during the 2022 Beijing Winter Games.

Decker, a forward for the United States national team, has spent years preparing for this role. After six seasons as an assistant with USA Hockey and at Minnesota’s Shattuck-St. Mary’s prep school, she is taking her expertise to the professional level. Announced on Monday, Decker’s hiring marks a significant step in her coaching career, aligning her with head coach Ken Klee and the two-time defending champions of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

“My passion for hockey has not changed since I retired,” Decker told The Associated Press last week. “I’m very OK with not playing any more. I’ve come to terms. I’ve enjoyed coaching quite a bit, almost as much as playing,” she explained. Decker emphasized her desire to positively influence the players in the league.

Coaching Experience and Team Dynamics

At 34 years old, Decker brings a wealth of experience to the Frost. She previously served as associate head coach at Shattuck-St. Mary’s for three seasons and held multiple coaching roles with Team USA’s Under-18 squad, nurturing talents like Caroline Harvey and Haley Winn. Her familiarity with the Frost will ease her transition, especially as she replaces Mira Jalosuo, who was appointed head coach at St. Cloud State.

Reuniting with former U.S. teammates such as captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, forward Kelly Pannek, and defenseman Lee Stecklein, Decker is stepping into an environment that understands her commitment and drive. Klee, who coached the U.S. national team to gold medals at the 2015 and 2016 world championships, has expressed confidence in Decker’s potential impact on the team. “She has a remarkable record of success, leadership and vision both on and off the ice,” Klee stated, noting their continued communication during her time at Shattuck.

Klee highlighted that Decker will focus on developing younger players while also catering to the needs of veterans who are eager to learn from her experience. “They know how driven she is to try to help and get better,” he added.

A Hall of Fame Career and Future Aspirations

Decker’s illustrious career includes three Olympic appearances and six gold medals at the world championships. Her playing days ended prematurely after a serious injury during Team USA’s Olympic opener against Finland in 2022. After retiring a year later, Decker ranked third in career points for U.S. players in world championships with 68 points. She was also a two-time National Women’s Hockey League MVP and was recognized as college hockey’s top player in 2012, contributing to a national title at Wisconsin the year before.

As Decker embarks on her coaching journey, she reflects on the value of her past experiences. “Coaching and playing at the same time benefited me as a coach. It’s allowed me to transition a little bit easier,” she noted. Despite the unexpected end to her playing career, she found fulfillment in mentoring others. “Being able to impact players, it was really rewarding,” she expressed.

Decker’s hiring coincides with her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame, where she will join figures like Danièle Sauvageau, the first woman inducted in the builder’s category. Laughing at the prospect of being a Hall of Famer, Decker acknowledged the potential pressure that comes with the title. “I guess it helps. I guess it might add more pressure, too, right? So I really got to know what I’m talking about,” she remarked.

She aims to instill a sense of respect and learning among her players, stating, “It didn’t matter if it was a dad in jeans coaching you or a Hall of Famer. You have to respect them, as you can always learn one thing from them. That’s what I’m hoping I can do—help these kids learn some things they don’t know.”

With her extensive experience and a passion for the game, Brianna Decker is poised to make a significant impact in her new role with the Minnesota Frost.