Lindenwood ACHA ice hockey head coach Gary Gardner has been named assistant coach for the American Collegiate Hockey Association Men's Division II Select Team. That squad will compete in Europe in January 2026.

In his 14 years at the helm for the Lions, Gardner has compiled a regular season record of 321-86-17 and an ACHA National Championship Tournament record of 29-15-1, with 13 appearances overall at the event, including the last 12 straight. He finally delivered the elusive national title in 2025 with career win number 350 in the championship game against Montana State.

In somewhat ironic fashion, Bobcats Head Coach Dave Weaver will lead the Select Team. The 2024 ACHA Men's Division II Coach of the Year achieved a record of 34-3-0 this past season.

ACHA Executive Director Craig Barnett praised the two appointees.

 "This is an exciting opportunity for ACHA players to compete on an international stage and represent collegiate hockey in the United States," he said. "With coaches of the caliber of Dave Weaver and Gary Gardner, we're confident this team will showcase the high level of talent and sportsmanship that defines ACHA hockey."

In its first international appearance since 2019 in Russia, the Select Team is scheduled to face university teams from Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

For more information about the ACHA or the ACHA Men's Division II Select Team, please contact ACHA Executive Director Craig Barnett at cbarnett@achahockey.org.