It is with great excitement that the St. Cloud Norsemen organization announce the hiring of John Mitchell as associate head coach for the 2023-2024 season and beyond. Mitchell will join head coach Corey Millen on the bench as the Norsemen look to make a return trip to the Robertson Cup this season and brings extensive on and off ice experience to the organization. While on the ice for the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mitchell brought home the National Championship in 2006 with runner-up honors in 2010 and earned the Otto Breitenbach “Most Improved” Player of the Year award. After his Badger playing days, Mitchell signed an NHL contract with the Anaheim Ducks and played in over 200 professional games before transitioning into coaching roles.
John’s coaching career began with Team Wisconsin U18 in 2015 and University School of Milwaukee in 2018 before joining the Milwaukee Power for the 2021-2022 season. Mitchell joined the Power as an assistant and became head coach for the 2022-2023 season.
Highlights:
- Earned first 30 win season in franchise history with Milwaukee Power
- Set single season attendance record with Milwaukee Power
- 2019 Wisconsin Division 1 State Champion with University School of Milwaukee
- 2017 Tier 1 National Champion Runner Up with U18 Team Wisconsin
- Played for the Syracuse Crunch, Norfolk Admirals, Hershey Bears and Portland Pirates in the AHL during 2010-2014 signing NHL contract with the Anaheim Ducks
- 2010 NCAA Division 1 Runner Up with Wisconsin Badgers
- 2006 NCAA Division 1 National Champion with Wisconsin Badgers
“Over the past 3 seasons, the Milwaukee Power have become family to me, which made this decision very emotional. However, after our ownerships’ full support and a few brief conversations with Chris and Corey, I gained the clarity to realize this was a “no brainer.” St Cloud is a hot bed at all levels of hockey, and it will be an honor to learn from Minnesota legend, Coach Millen.”
“Chris has obviously done a fantastic job at the helm of the ship, as well. Running and coordinating two successful NA3HL clubs, and a NAHL team cannot be an easy task. It speaks to his professionalism and knowledge within the Junior hockey space. I’m appreciative of his confidence in me to help lead this organization to another deep playoff run.”
“I am eager to take the next step in my coaching career. I am passionate about the game of hockey, and I am eager to share my experience with the next generation of young players. I will succeed as a coach by instilling the work ethic that was so essential to my own success. Mentoring, coaching, and watching my players reach their potential gives me a newfound appreciation for the game. It’s an invigorating feeling that brings me peace of mind.”
Welcome to the Norsemen family John!