Head Coach: Charlie Burggraf
Coach Burggraf begins his fourth season as head women's hockey coach at Bethel after two years as an assistant for the University of Minnesota's women's hockey program. Last season, Burggraf led the Royals to their third conference playoff appearance in the last four years.
With the Gophers, Burggraf helped lead the U of M program to its second of two straight national championships in 2004-05. Assisting with daily practice planning, video analysis and recruiting, Burggraf's primary focus was forwards, which included the likes of 2004-05 Patty Kazmaier finalists Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell, U.S. National team member Kelly Stephens and WCHA Rookie of the Year Bobbi Ross.
Prior to his time with the University of Minnesota, Burggraf spent two years with the Royals men's hockey team as the head JV coach and an assistant varsity coach.
A native of Roseau, Minn., and a graduate of the University of North Dakota, Burggraf played for the Sioux 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 asBethel's director of recreational sports in the athletic department. Coach Burrgraf lives in Shoreview with his wife Bethany, and three grown children Zach, Amy, and Nick.
Assistant Coach: Brian Carlson
Carlson begins his fourth year as an assistant with the Royals and brings with him a wealth of hockey knowledge. Coming from a hockey family, Carlson has watched, played, and coached at various levels of hockey for a majority of his life. At Bethel, Carlson’s primary focus has been on the defense and recruiting.
Coach Carlson and his wife Sue live in the Roseville area and have two children; Neal, a Bethel graduate and former captain on the men's hockey team, and Anna, a sophomore on the Bethel team.
Assistant Coach: Mitch Baker
Baker is a 2008 Bethel graduate and is in his third year as the goalie coach for the Royals. In addition to his duties with the women's program, he works for the Goaltender Development Institute (GDI) as a training coach. Last season, he helped Beth Spurrier become an RBK Hockey All-American, and earn her fourth consecutive All-MIAC award for goaltending. “Mitch has done an outstanding job of developing and challenging our goaltenders, “ said Coach Burggraf. He played with the Royals men’s team his freshman and sophomore years after a successful high school career in Willmar, Minn.
Assistant Coach: Neal Carlson
Carlson is entering his second year as an assistant coach after a prolific four-year career with Bethel’s men’s team. As a defenseman, Carlson was a key member of the 2006-07 team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Playoffs. He earned All-MIAC honors both his junior and senior years while scoring 15 goals and 44 assists for a total of 59 points. He graduated from Bethel with a degree in business finance and is currently working for Wells Fargo.
