Vintage Minnesota Hockey - History

Russ graduated from Hastings High School in 1974, where he played football, baseball and hockey for Hall of Fame coach Don Saatzer.  After playing for the Hall of Fame coaches, Doug Woog and Whitey Willer and the St. Paul Vulcans, Russ earned a scholarship to Michigan State University where he played for Hall of Fame coaches Amo Bessone and Ron Mason.  What a great experience to have so many wonderful mentors and role models.

After college Russ returned to Minnesota to teach 35 years. He also coached football for 35 years, 26 years of baseball and 1 year of tennis and softball.  He coached hockey for 34 years and 33 of those years he worked at Doug Woog’s summer hockey camp.  During this time Russ spent many years as President, President elect, Vice President and Section Rep for the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association.  He also spent many years with MAHA and USA hockey as a coaching clinician to many youth coaches, a coach of select 15’s, 16’s and 17’s in Minnesota, Colorado Springs, Rochester NY and Lake Placid NY.  While also running many local coaching clinics in So. St. Paul, Hastings and surrounding communities.  As head hockey coach at South St. Paul and Hastings, Russ won 464 games, 8 conference titles and made 9 tournament appearances.  But what Russ is grateful for is the many great kids, including his own 3 children (Dan, Kate and Joe) that took him on a great roller coaster ride that allowed him to share in many great memories.  Russ would also like to thank his wife Lisa of 40+ years for her support and patience in this fantastic experience.