Bethel University Athletics

Brian Gibbons was named the newest assistant coach for the Bethel men's hockey program on August 24, 2020. Gibbons joined the staff after a one-year coaching stint at Iowa State which followed a decorated playing career. He was at Bethel for four seasons before departing in July 2024 after accepting an assistant coaching position with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL.
 
The Temple Hills, Md. native began his collegiate career at Division III Utica College before transferring to Utah State after two seasons. With the Aggies in two seasons he tallied 75 goals and 104 assists for 179 points. In his final season as captain, he was named ACHA Division II National Player of the Year where he lit up the lamp 35 times and recorded 45 assists.

Following his collegiate career, Gibbons had the opportunity to live out his dream signing a professional contract in Germany. He was with four different teams over a five-year span playing for Neuwied Bears, Hannover Indians, ECC Preussen Berlin and Hannover Scorpions. In three of those five seasons, Gibbons netted at least 20 goals and collected 80-plus points.

At Bethel he helped guide the program to their first MIAC Playoff championship game (2024) appearance since 2007. In three full seasons, excluding the 2020-21 COVID-19 shortened season, the Royals registered double-digit wins including an 18-6-1 overall record in 2024 tying the single-season record for wins. That season's .722 winning percentage was the best in program history.