BOWLING GREEN, Ohio – Bowling Green State University head hockey coach Dennis Williams has announced the hiring of Matt Nicholson and Jacob Pritchard as assistant coaches for the Falcon hockey program. The additions bring a blend of veteran coaching experience and recent player development expertise as BGSU continues to build momentum heading into a new era.

Nicholson, a seasoned bench boss with nearly two decades of coaching experience, comes to Bowling Green after multiple stints in Atlantic Hockey with Robert Morris, Niagara, and Mercyhurst, and held a head coaching position in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Most recently, he served as the associate head coach at Robert Morris from 2022-2025.

"I'm excited to announce the addition of Matt Nicholson as an assistant coach for the BGSU hockey program," said Williams. "Matt is a veteran coach in college hockey with a wealth of experience, not only in developing players on the ice but also in identifying and recruiting outstanding student-athletes. We look forward to Matt joining our Falcon program and know he will be a tremendous addition—not only for our players but also for our staff, our community and our university. I've known Matt for many years, dating back to his time coaching the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League, and one thing that has always stood out is his tireless work ethic and unwavering loyalty to the programs he serves. We're truly excited and grateful to have Matt join our program."

Nicholson's extensive resume includes championship runs and player development success. He was instrumental in Robert Morris' first Atlantic Hockey championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2014 and again led the program to a record-setting season in 2014-15 with a 24-8-5 record and regular-season conference title. In addition to his reputation as a top recruiter and power play strategist, Nicholson helped send more than 30 players to the professional ranks during his first tenure with the Colonials.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to join Dennis and his staff at BGSU," said Nicholson. "Bowling Green is a name synonymous with college hockey, having produced numerous players who have gone on to achieve great things at the highest levels of pro hockey. I look forward to helping Coach Williams continue to develop great people, great students, and great athletes in this next chapter at BGSU."

A 2004 graduate of Colgate University and native of London, Ontario, Nicholson brings a deep understanding of both the collegiate and junior levels, having also served as head coach of the Amarillo Bulls from 2015-2017, where he oversaw significant on-ice improvement and community engagement. Williams also previously was the head coach of the same Amarillo Bulls team from 2010-14.

Pritchard joins the Falcons staff following two seasons with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL, where he was responsible for special teams, skill development, and player evaluation. He also served as a volunteer assistant at UMass in 2022-23 and owns his own skill development company, working with youth players on skating, shooting, and stickhandling.

"We're excited to announce that Jacob Pritchard has joined the BGSU hockey staff," said Williams. "Jacob comes to us from the USHL's Sioux City Musketeers, where he primarily coached forwards over the past two seasons, focusing on skill development and the power play. His coaching and playing background will be a tremendous asset to our program, especially in developing our players' skills and preparing them for the next level in professional hockey. We're thrilled to welcome Jacob to the BGSU hockey program, the university and the community."

A former professional forward, Pritchard played three seasons in the AHL and ECHL following a standout collegiate career at St. Lawrence and UMass, where he helped lead the Minutemen to the NCAA Championship game in 2019.

"I'm incredibly excited to begin coaching at BGSU," said Pritchard. "I'm honored to join Coach Williams and his staff. I look forward to helping continue to build on the impressive legacy this program has."
Nicholson and Pritchard join a Bowling Green program that heads into the 2025-26 season with a recruiting class that includes high-end talent from all three major Canadian Hockey League circuits (WHL, OHL, QMJHL), and has been ranked No. 1 among all NCAA Division I programs by Neutral Zone Scouting.