Goehring returns to North Dakota as Fighting Hawks’ new assistant coach

Karl Goehring (North Dakota - Volunteer Assistant Coach) and Clarke Saunders (North Dakota - 33) - The University of North Dakota players  practiced at Philadelphia's Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, to prepare for their 2014 Frozen Four semi-final on Thursday. (Melissa Wade)
Karl Goehring (left) and Clarke Saunders talk things over at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Arena on April 9, 2014 before the Frozen Four semifinals (photo: Melissa Wade).

North Dakota announced Tuesday that Karl Goehring has been named the team’s new assistant coach.

Goehring, a 2001 UND graduate, returns to his alma mater after a two-year stint in the Tampa Bay Lightning system with the AHL’s Syracuse Crunch.

“Absolutely thrilled to be coming back to UND, a place that has given me so many opportunities,” Goehring said in a statement. “I am honored to be part of the hockey program at UND again and I am excited to get started with my new role.”

Goehring left North Dakota following the 2016-17 season to spend two years with the Crunch as their goaltenders coach and video coach. Prior to that, he served as UND’s goaltending coach from 2010 to 2017.

“We are extremely excited to have Karl back with our family at North Dakota,” Fighting Hawks coach Brad Berry added. “Karl made a tremendous impact in our program previously here as a player and a coach. He exudes all the qualities of our strong culture — tremendous work ethic, high compete level, team first approach, outstanding professionalism and possesses great communication skills. He is a true ‘everydayer.’ We look forward to Karl adding to the tradition here at North Dakota.”

Goehring got his coaching start with the Syracuse Crunch following his record-breaking career in the crease. He enjoyed an eight-year professional career, mostly with the Crunch, retiring with the franchise’s record for career wins (78) and single-season marks with lowest GAA (2.12) and highest save percentage (.930).

He was a two-time All-American at UND, leading the Fighting Sioux to back-to-back national title games in 2000 and 2001. He was 19-6-4 with a sparkling 1.89 GAA and a program-record eight shutouts in guiding UND to its seventh NCAA championship in 2000. He still owns program records in career wins (80), winning percentage (.765) and shutouts (15).

Goehring fills out a coaching staff that is made up of all UND alums, including Berry and associate head coach Dane Jackson.