Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

From Menomonie, New Ulm to Buffalo Minnesota, Mike MacMillan has been part of the development of literally thousands of hockey players.  From beginning mites to accomplished high school players, Mike has helped develop not only hockey skills, but life skills as sell.  Known as a student of the game, he has transferred the knowledge and experiences he has picked up in over three decaded of hockey and provided his players with outstanding guidance and leadership.

Mike began his hockey career as a youth player in Duluth, graduating from Denfeld high school and moving on to the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie.  It was in Monomonie that he began his coaching career as a high school assistant coach and youth hockey coaching coordinator.

In 1986, he moved to New Ulm and became the assistant head coach at New Ulm high school.  He was also the New Ulm youth hockey coaching coordinator, Board Member, and also found the time to coach squirts as well.  During his time in New Ulm, Mike also directed summer hockey schools, fall clinics and goalie camps.  Between 1989 and 1993 Mike also served as the District 4 Assistant Director, select festival coordinator and Director of the coaching education program.

Mike moved to Buffalo, MN in 1993 where he remained as an assistant coach, head coach, and coaching coordinator of the Buffalo "Bison" youth hockey program from 1993-2012.  In 1996, he became the head coach and strived to work on player development in the Buffalo area with summer and fall camps for all ages.

Both USA Hockey and Minnesota Hockey have benefitted greatly from Mike's tireless efforts.  He has coached select teams (1997 Minnkota 16 team were National Champs), organized coaching symposiums and select festivals and has served on numerous committees that range from studying coaching ethics and planning national symposiums to developing coaching manuals and guides for youth hockey coaches.  Mike also served as USA Hockey's Minnkota Coach in Chief, and also as MHCA Vice President.