Armed with a legendary coach and a brand-new 3,000-seat arena, St. Norbert is a prime candidate to take the next step forward.
St. Norbert College has quite a case for Division I, starting with their bench boss. Tim Coghlin has led the Green Knights since 1994. During his tenure Coghlin has collected a Division III best 706 wins. He tied the Division III record by coaching in nine NCAA Title Games, winning five. The American Hockey Coaches Association named Coghlin the Edward Jeremiah Award winner in 2008 and 2011 as the best Division III coach.
Starting this season, St. Norbert will have a new home rink after 26 years at the Cornerstone Community Center. Schneider Family Arena is a 65,000 square foot, 3,000 seat facility set to open in the fall. The updated building continues St. Norbert's trend of helping set the Division III standard. Once completed, Schneider Family Arena will be the fourth sheet managed by Cornerstone. Cornerstone manager Don Chilson oozed excitement in a news release covered by Fox 11.
“It’s surreal to see the new arena come to life,” Chilson said. “This project was just a twinkle in our eye seven years ago, so to see it almost complete for local families and community members to enjoy is an amazing feeling.”
Apr 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery behind the bench against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn ImagesTwo of St. Norbert's alumni have done well lately at the next level following their graduation. Spencer Carbery spent three seasons at St. Norbert in the early 2000s. After a brief professional playing career, Carbery got into coaching. Carbery excelled in every spot he has landed. Carbery's intense hunger for victory paid off as he was appointed Head Coach of the NHL's Washington Capitals in 2023. 2026-27 will be his fourth year in DC.
Peoria’s Michael McChesney celebrates his second-period goal against Evansville with some excited young fans during an Education Day hockey game Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. MATT DAYHOFF/JOURNAL STAR / USA TODAY NETWORKMichael McChesney suited up for the Green Knights from 2019-23. He has spent four seasons in the SPHL between Macon and Peoria. The ECHL's Wheeling Nailers called McChensey up for ten games during the 2023-24 campaign. He led the SPHL by notching 33 goals in 54 contests last season. Peoria eventually fell to the Evansville Thunderbolts in game five of the 2026 President's Cup.
With the CHL Trickle Down Effect funneling higher end talent to Division III and Coghlin conducting from behind the bench, St. Norbert will continue to be at or near the top of the NCAA.
