Nick Fohr Named Head Coach of 2026 U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team

USA Hockey has named Nick Fohr as the head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team for 2026. This appointment marks Fohr’s second time leading the squad as head coach, following his tenure with the 2024 team that secured a silver medal in Espoo/Vantaa, Finland. A veteran of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP), Fohr brings a deep history of success and a comprehensive understanding of the program’s developmental pipeline to the role.

A Proven Track Record of International Success

Nick Fohr is no stranger to the high-pressure environment of international competition. Beyond his recent head coaching stint, he has been a fixture on the U.S. Under-18 coaching staff across multiple cycles, including 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022. His contributions have consistently translated into podium finishes, including gold medals in 2015 and 2017, as well as silver medals in 2013, 2018, and 2022.

His versatility as a coach extends across various age groups, and tournaments. Fohr’s resume includes:

• IIHF World Junior Championship: Served on the staff for the U.S. National Junior Team that won bronze in 2023.
• World Under-17 Hockey Challenges: Guided the U.S. National Under-17 Team to championships in 2013 and 2022.
• Regional Tournaments: Led teams to five Four Nations tournament championships (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2022) and seven Five Nations tournament titles (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2026).
• Specialized Events: Coached the team to a victory at the 2024 Vierumaki Cup and the 2012 Vlad Dzurilla Under-18 Tournament.

Consistency and Continuity within the NTDP

The 2025-26 season represents Nick Fohr’s 15th year on the NTDP staff and his fourth as a head coach. His trajectory within the organization demonstrates a steady climb through the ranks, having spent six seasons as an assistant coach and five seasons as an associate coach. This long-term commitment allows Fohr to maintain critical continuity with the athletes.

Fohr is currently entering his second season working with the 2008-born age group. Having previously coached this group while they were the Under-17 Team, he is now positioned to build upon existing cohesion rather than introducing novel players to the program. This continuity is a strategic advantage as the team prepares for the 2026 campaign.

Recent Coaching Milestones

Fohr’s recent success highlights his ability to deliver results across different age brackets. He led the 2024-25 Under-17 squad to a first-place finish at the 2024 Vierumaki Cup and guided the 2023-24 Under-18 team to victory at the 2024 U18 Five Nations Championship. He steered the 2022-23 Under-17 team to first-place finishes at the 2023 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, the 2023 Under-17 Four Nations Tournament, and the 2022 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

From the Ice to the Bench: Fohr’s Background

A native of Grand Forks, N.D., Fohr’s coaching philosophy is rooted in his own experience as a competitive player. He played two seasons with the Lincoln Stars (1996-98), earning a spot on the USHL All-Star Team in 1997-98, before playing four seasons at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (1998-2002).

His transition into coaching began as a student assistant at the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2002-03 season. He later spent one season with Miami University (2003-04) and returned to UNO, where he served as the director of hockey operations from 2004 to 2007 and as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2011 before joining USA Hockey.

Key Takeaways: Nick Fohr’s Coaching Profile

• NTDP Tenure: 15 seasons on staff; 4th season as head coach.
• Major U18 Honors: Two gold medals (2015, 2017) and three silver medals (2013, 2018, 2022).
• Developmental Focus: Currently leading the 2008-born age group into their second year of cohesion.
• Broad Experience: Former head coach of U17 and U18 squads; former staff member for the U.S. National Junior Team.

As the 2026 season approaches, the U.S. Under-18 Men’s National Team benefits from a leader who possesses both a deep institutional memory of the NTDP and a proven ability to win on the world stage.