ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Charlie Burggraf has been named the head coach of Bethel's men's hockey team. As a result, Burggraf will resign as head coach of Bethel's women's hockey team in order to fulfill the duties as head of the men's team.

Burggraf helmed the women's hockey program from 2006-10, and posted a 37-51-9 mark as head coach, taking the team to the conference playoffs in two of his four seasons and earned MIAC Coach of the Year honors after the 2008-09 season. He replaces Joel Johnson, who resigned to take a coaching position with the University of Minnesota women's hockey program.

Burggraf was a two-year assistant with the U of M women's hockey program before joining Bethel in 2006. With the Gophers, Burggraf helped lead the program to its second of two straight national championships in 2004-05. Prior to his time with the University of Minnesota, Burggraf spent two years with the Bethel men's hockey team as the head JV coach and as an assistant varsity coach.

“I am excited to have Charlie move into this position. He has established himself as a valued and respected member of the athletic department," said Athletic Director Bob Bjorklund. "He has done a remarkable job in creating a culture of success within his team, and he has made a mark on the Bethel community with his devoted effort and charismatic spirit."

A native of Roseau, Minn., and a graduate of the University of North Dakota, Burggraf played for UND from 1975-79 and was part of UND's NCAA runner-up team in 1979. A two-year captain, Burggraf scored 52 goals and 102 assists for 154 points. After graduating from North Dakota, he played professional hockey in Duisburg, Germany, for two years and later returned to serve as an assistant coach with UND.

In addition to his coaching duties at Bethel, Burggraf also serves as Bethel's director of recreational sports in the athletic department. Coach Burrgraf lives in Shoreview with his wife Bethany, and has three grown children – Zach, Amy, and Nick.