Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

Bill Halbrehder was born in Duluth Minnesota in 1942.  His family moved to Superior, Wisconsin in the early 1950's and Bill started playing hockey there in 1955.  Bill was selected as the only American to play Junior hockey from 1959-1961 with the Moose Jaw Canucks of the SJHL  Bill was recruited to play for the UMD Bulldogs where he was a 3 year starter from 1961-1965. Bill played one year with the St. Paul Steers of the USHL with teammates Herb Brooks, Bill Masterton, George Konik and Coach Murray Williamson. Bill lost an eye in 1966 in an accident during practice at the end of a season. Bill received a Masters Degree from Bemidji State University in 1980.

Coach Halbrehder started teaching and coaching in 1965 in the Roseville school system for 3 years under Gordy Genz and Whitey Aus.  He was the head coach of the North St. Paul Boys team from 1968-1989.  While head coach of the Polars he compiled a record of 305-159-17.

During coach Halbrehder's time with the Polars they won 3 conference titles, had 2 state tournament appearances (1970 & 1981), and were in the section finals 9 times.  Coach Halbrehder spent 21 seasons at North St. Paul without a losing season.  The Polars were consolation champs in 1970.  Coach Halbrehder was inducted into the Hockey Coaches Hall of Fame in 1995.  During Coach Halbrehder's time as biys coach at North St. Paul, he was a member of the Hockey Coaches Association Board of Directors for 9 years and served as President of the Association for two years in 1988 and 1989

In addition to hockey, Coach Halbrehder coached high school soccer for 25 years at North St. Paul, 12 years as the boys coach and 13 years as the gorls.  His wife Barbara was his assistant coach during those 13 years. Coach Halbrehder was the Girls Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987 and Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame incuctee in 1991.

Bill Halbrehder became Athletic Director at North St. Paul in 1992, and remained in that position until he retired in 1999. During his tenure as Athletic Director, Coach Halbrehder started girls hockey in 1994. Coach Halbrehder additionally served as the Girls Section Hockey Tournament Director for the MSHSL for 8 years.

Coach Halbrehder spent 5 years as an assistant coach with the Womens hockey program at Augsburg College, and served as head coach with the North St. Paul girls hockey squad.