Scott Bell has returned to Minnesota as an assistant coach for the Gophers.
A former Gophers captain, Bell has spent the last five seasons as an amateur scout for the Pittsburgh Penguins, helping the organization claim back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.
“I am pleased to announce Scott Bell as our next assistant coach,” said Minnesota head coach Don Lucia in a statement. “Every person I spoke with about Scott said the same thing – that he would be a terrific hire for Gopher hockey. As a former two-time Gopher captain, Scott checked all the boxes for what I was looking for. He has tremendous support from our alumni, has strong NHL connections, he’s a relentless recruiter, a successful coach, and he is well respected in the hockey community of Minnesota.”
Prior to joining the Penguins staff, Bell served as the head coach at Hamline for six years, where he led the Pipers to four conference championship games and two MIAC titles (2008, 2011). He was named conference coach of the year and nominated for national coach of the year in 2007-08 after leading Hamline to its first MIAC title in 60 years.
Bell previously served as head coach and general manager of the Rockford Ice Hogs in the United Hockey League along with UHL assistant stints with the New Haven Knights and the Missouri River Otters. Additionally, Bell has served as an assistant at the collegiate level at St. Thomas and Augsburg while he has also coached in the USHL and the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. Bell got his start in coaching as an assistant at his alma mater – Simley High School.
“I’m thrilled to be coming home to the University of Minnesota,” added Bell. “This has always been a dream of mine, and people who know me know that I bleed Maroon and Gold. I’ve been involved in hockey at pretty much every level, but this place has always had a special place in my heart, and I couldn’t be more excited to once again be a part of Gopher hockey.”
As a player, Bell skated in 146 career games at forward for Minnesota with 81 points (41 goals, 40 assists) from 1990 to 1995. He went on to play professionally in the AHL, IHL, ECHL and UHL.
