ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Brian Carlson has been named the new head coach of Bethel's women's hockey program. Carlson, the head assistant of the women's team under Charlie Burggraf for the past four seasons, becomes the third head coach in the team's history. He begins his duties as the head coach immediately.

With longstanding ties to Bethel, Coach Carlson has a deep commitment to the university and its mission. Carlson brings with him a wealth of hockey knowledge. Carlson has played and coached at various levels of hockey for a majority of his life. He has a passion for the game and for coaching, as well as a strong desire to train and develop young adults in reaching their potential as student athletes. At Bethel, Carlson's primary responsibilities have been working with the defense, hockey operations, and recruiting.

"Brian Carlson is a gifted leader who has a thorough understanding of all aspects associated with coaching college women's hockey," said Athletic Director Bob Bjorklund. "He has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for building a vibrant culture within the team. I'm thrilled to have Brian take over the reins and use his wealth of experience and proven influence in leading the Bethel women's hockey program."

Coach Carlson and his wife Sue live in the Roseville area and have two children; Neal, a Bethel graduate and former captain on the men's hockey team, and Anna, a junior on the Bethel team.

Bethel is scheduled to begin the 2010-11 season with a pair of road games against Wisconsin teams. First, they will take on St. Norbert's college at 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, in DePere, Wis., followed by a game against Concordia University at 2 p.m. in Mequon, Wis., on Saturday, Oct. 30.