DI Coaches

Tom Winkler is the Ice Bears' sixth head coach since 2001 and third Division 1 head coach since 2015. Winkler arrives at Missouri State after spending the 2022-23 season with the Lindenwood Lions (NCAA D1) as an assistant coach.

He had previous successful seasons with the Huntsville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) serving in several roles which included assistant coach, Director of Player Development, and corporate relations.

Early in his coaching career, Winkler devoted time in the NAHL with the Bozeman Icedogs and the Shreveport Mudbugs. He has also been a coach and General Manager with the St. Louis Jr. Blues, Hampton Roads Whalers, Gillette Wild, and the Point Mallard Ducks.

While at Hampton Roads, Winkler had the opportunity to work with the Norfolk Admirals (AHL) through a coaching internship.

Winkler is a St. Louis native having played hockey with Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School and in college at Norwich University.

email: tom@missouristatehockey.com

Ryan Armstrong rejoins the Ice Bears bench as an Assistant Coach in April 2024. Armstrong was an Assistant Coach from 2013 - 2018 for the Division 2 and Division 1 teams. During his time on the bench, he helped bring Missouri State to the National Championship Tournament year after year. He served as Interim Division 1 Coach for several months in 2015.

Armstrong played 5 years at Missouri State where he graduated with a degree in Facility Engineering. He started coaching immediately from 2013-2018. At the beginning of the 2018 season, he was named Missouri State Hockey's 3rd General Manager.