University of St. Thomas Athletics
Joel Johnson Named Women’s Hockey Head Coach
6/7/2021 11:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
St. Thomas Athletics is excited to announce that Joel Johnson will be its next women's hockey head coach.
Johnson brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to the Tommies, both at the collegiate level as well as with USA Women's Hockey. Having spent 16 seasons in the WCHA Women's League, Johnson will lead St. Thomas' move into Division I competition, which starts this fall.
"I am delighted to welcome Joel Johnson and his family to the University of St. Thomas," said Vice President, Director of Athletics Phil Esten. "Through our national search that spanned an impressive pool of candidates, it became clear that Joel is the right individual to lead our women's hockey program, now and into the future. He epitomizes what it means to be a Tommie as a relationship-focused servant leader that develops his student-athletes both on and off the ice."
With a championship pedigree, Johnson brings a focus on culture, servant leadership, and student-athlete development.
"First I would like to thank Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Esten for this great opportunity," said Johnson. "In my conversations with each of them I have been so impressed first with the overall direction of the University of St. Thomas, and specifically the bold and impressive commitments shown as the department of athletics transitions to Division I status.
Johnson's collegiate experience includes time at both the Division I and Division III level. He has spent the last 11 seasons at the University of Minnesota as Associate Head Coach for the women's program. Johnson was also an assistant coach for the Gophers for five seasons from 1999 to 2004 before spending time with the Bethel University men's program from 2004 to 2010.
While at Minnesota, Johnson helped guide the Gophers to six national titles and 11 Frozen Fours. Primarily responsible for the defense, Johnson has coached six WCHA Defensive Players of the Year, as well as the 2018 Player of the Year. Combined, he coached 12 All-Americans in his time at Minnesota. His defenses have been among the best in the country consistently throughout his time with the Gophers.
During his time with the Bethel men's program, Johnson led the Royals to some of the best seasons in program history. He was on the bench for Bethel's only MIAC championship and lone NCAA playoff appearance, and is the only Royal men's hockey head coach to post a winning record throughout his tenure at the helm, which spanned three seasons. Johnson also spent time coaching men's and women's golf, as well as men's and women's soccer at Bethel.
Johnson will be formally introduced at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
Johnson brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to the Tommies, both at the collegiate level as well as with USA Women's Hockey. Having spent 16 seasons in the WCHA Women's League, Johnson will lead St. Thomas' move into Division I competition, which starts this fall.
"I am delighted to welcome Joel Johnson and his family to the University of St. Thomas," said Vice President, Director of Athletics Phil Esten. "Through our national search that spanned an impressive pool of candidates, it became clear that Joel is the right individual to lead our women's hockey program, now and into the future. He epitomizes what it means to be a Tommie as a relationship-focused servant leader that develops his student-athletes both on and off the ice."
With a championship pedigree, Johnson brings a focus on culture, servant leadership, and student-athlete development.
"First I would like to thank Dr. Sullivan and Dr. Esten for this great opportunity," said Johnson. "In my conversations with each of them I have been so impressed first with the overall direction of the University of St. Thomas, and specifically the bold and impressive commitments shown as the department of athletics transitions to Division I status.
"The women's hockey program has a great foundation of success, and I look forward to continue building upon that. I believe St. Thomas is uniquely positioned to attract and develop the very best student-athletes not only from the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, but from across North America. The excellence in educational opportunities along with the campus-life experience creates an atmosphere that is unique and exceptional. I couldn't be more excited for our student-athletes as they combine that great atmosphere along with an athletic experience that is second to none. We will be a passionate group of players and staff committed to a faith-filled, value-driven adventure that pursues excellence and championships both on and off the ice."
In addition to serving as St. Thomas' third women's hockey head coach in program history, Johnson is also currently the Interim Head Coach of USA Hockey's Women's National Team. He has spent the last 11 seasons with USA Hockey, serving in many capacities. Most recently, Johnson was the assistant coach for the Women's National Team from 2018 to 2020 and was a key member of teams that won gold medals at the 2018 Four Nations Cup and the 2019 IIHF World Championships. Additionally, he was head coach of numerous U22 and U18 National Teams from 2014 to 2018.Johnson's collegiate experience includes time at both the Division I and Division III level. He has spent the last 11 seasons at the University of Minnesota as Associate Head Coach for the women's program. Johnson was also an assistant coach for the Gophers for five seasons from 1999 to 2004 before spending time with the Bethel University men's program from 2004 to 2010.
While at Minnesota, Johnson helped guide the Gophers to six national titles and 11 Frozen Fours. Primarily responsible for the defense, Johnson has coached six WCHA Defensive Players of the Year, as well as the 2018 Player of the Year. Combined, he coached 12 All-Americans in his time at Minnesota. His defenses have been among the best in the country consistently throughout his time with the Gophers.
During his time with the Bethel men's program, Johnson led the Royals to some of the best seasons in program history. He was on the bench for Bethel's only MIAC championship and lone NCAA playoff appearance, and is the only Royal men's hockey head coach to post a winning record throughout his tenure at the helm, which spanned three seasons. Johnson also spent time coaching men's and women's golf, as well as men's and women's soccer at Bethel.
Johnson will be formally introduced at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
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