MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota has hired new men’s hockey coach Bob Motzko, who returns to his roots after 13 seasons at St. Cloud State.

Motzko, a 1979 grad of Austin High School, was hired Tuesday, one week after predecessor Don Lucia announced his retirement after 19 years with the Gophers. Motzko was an assistant under Lucia for four years, and they won national championships in 2002 and 2003.

“The rich history and tradition of this program is honored by so many in our state and around the country,” Motzko said in a statement distributed by the school. “We will work tirelessly to make those people proud.”

Motzko led St. Cloud State to eight appearances in the NCAA Tournament, including a trip to the Frozen Four in 2013. The Huskies were the No. 1 overall seed in the 16-team field this year, but they were upset by Air Force in their West Region semifinal.

Motzko was selected to the AHS athletic Hall of Fame last year and he was an All Big Nine hockey player in his time with the Packers. Motzko also played football and baseball for the Packers.