Smith College

Russ Nielsen joined the men's hockey team's staff as an assistant coach prior to the 2013-14 season.

Nielsen played five seasons with the Cougars, collecting a total of nine goals and 21 assists for 30 points in 116 career Canada West games played. A team captain for the Cougars, Nielsen scored five of his nine career goals on the power play. Prior to his time with the Cougars, Nielsen was an all-star defenceman for Humboldt (SJHL) and helped lead the Broncos to a 2008 Royal Bank Cup championship.

Nielsen holds two degrees from the University of Regina, including a Bachelor of Education with a major in physical education and a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in physical literacy. He currently works as a substitute teacher around the Regina area.