Eagles tap Nguyen to lead hockey program

Eden Prairie High School has named Lincoln Nguyen as its new head boys hockey coach, the school announced on Friday, May 9.

Nguyen replaces Mike Terwilliger, who stepped down in March after leading the Eagles for three seasons.

A veteran coach with experience across several levels of the sport, Nguyen’s résumé includes positions in the USHL, NAHL and Tier III junior leagues, as well as NCAA Division I and III programs. He has served as head coach at Marian University, assistant coach at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks, and coached at Owatonna High School. Most recently, he was an assistant with the Minnetonka High School boys varsity team during the 2024-25 season.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Nguyen as the new head coach of Eden Prairie Boys Hockey,” said Joe Perkl, the school’s activities director. “His passion for developing well-rounded student-athletes, combined with his extensive experience across multiple levels of hockey, makes him the right leader for our program.”

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According to the school’s announcement, Nguyen’s coaching philosophy centers on development, education and communication. He emphasizes teaching the reasoning behind each concept, with the goal of helping players become reflective thinkers and take ownership of their growth on and off the ice.

“My family and I are extremely excited to be part of the Eden Prairie Boys High School Hockey culture,” Nguyen said in a statement. “I’m honored to have the opportunity to work with the student-athletes in the program, continuing their development and carrying forward the legacy built by former players and coaches – including Coach (Lee) Smith, Coach Terwilliger and many others who came before them.”

Nguyen is expected to begin his new role immediately as the team prepares for offseason training and development.