Coaches and Staff

All BBL coaches are strictly volunteers who give of themselves and their time to teach the necessary skills to play the game of hockey. They are required to be certified in at least the minimum coaching certificate for the level they are coaching. Many BBL coaches have certificates beyond what is required, but feel that additional class time will help them to be better qualified to do the best job they can.

To become a coach, individuals must go through an interview process and background check. Anyone interested in coaching should contact our ACE/Coaching Coordinator, Mike Gonrowski at (763) 263-1040. Get an application form here and return to Mike.

To help the coaches, teams and association evaluate the season and the coaching staff, all parents are asked to complete a "Coach Evaluation Form". After completing the form please send it to the address listed on the form.

Coaches and parents that assist at any level whether on or off the ice must be registered prior to the season and complete the necessary coaching clinics required by BBLYHA to obtain a USA Hockey membership card.

Coaching staffs are comprised of the Head Coach, Assistant Coach(es), Practice Coach(es) and Team Manager(s). Not all teams will necessarily have all positions filled, but will always have at least a Head and Assistant Coach.

Head Coach
The Head Coach is ultimately responsible for the team s/he coaches. Responsibilities include preparation of the practice plans, making roster decisions, answering any parent questions, and the safety of all players. A head coach will typically, but not always, run practices and prepare players for games. Conduct of players and necessary discipline is part of the head coach's decisions and responsibilities. Coaches will establish and distribute team rules.

Assistant Coach
The Assistant Coach is qualified to step in and assume head coaching decisions should the head coach not be available. Assistant coaches typically will interact more with the players, work on specific practice plans, and work with the head coach on coaching decisions. Assistant coaches and head coaches are the only adults that serve behind the bench during games.

Practice Coach
Practice Coaches are not authorized to serve behind the bench during games unless specifically asked to do so by the Head Coach. Practice coaches are mainly responsible for running practice drills and helping with one-on-one situations with players.

Team Managers
Team Managers assist the team by keeping records, running the clock for home games, getting water bottles ready for the team before games and practices, and helping players with equipment problems. Team Managers are an invaluable asset to a team.

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