ROCHESTER, Minn. – After three years on the coaching staff, assistant coach Brandon “Bub” Ratzloff announced his departure to return to Augsburg University, the team announced Wednesday.
A Rochester native, Brandon played for Rochester John Marshall High School from 2013-2016, posting 30 points in 66 career games, including seven goals.
After his time in high school, he made the transition to the NA3HL, where he had two dominant seasons for the La Crosse Freeze and Coulee Region Chill from 2017-2019. After posting 15 goals and 42 points with the Freeze in 2016-2017, Ratzloff finished third on the Chill in points the following year, averaging nearly two points per game with 84 points in 45 contests. The next four years would be spent at Augsburg University, seeing limited game action due to injury, suiting up for just seven games in his collegiate career.
It was at this point “Bub” decided to go behind the bench as an assistant coach for the Rochester Grizzlies in 2023-2024, a move that would ignite both him and the Grizzlies organization during his tenure. Since taking over as assistant coach, the black and gold posted a 103-40-5-4 record, reached the postseason in all three years, and a trip to the Fraser Cup Championship Tournament in 2025-2026.
Throughout his time in Rochester, Ratzloff became known not only as a penalty-kill specialist and vocal leader, but as someone who brought energy, positivity, and passion to the rink every single day. “I’ve never had as good a coach as [Brandon Ratzloff],” 2025-2026 forward Sam Paczan said. “He elevates everyone around him and brings so much love to the game, It’s going to be really tough to see him leave.”
The Rochester Grizzlies would like to thank Bub for everything he’s given the team and the organization over his three-year tenure, and wish him nothing but success in returning to school and pursues the next chapter of his career.
“Bub has always cared deeply about this team, our players and the culture here, and that showed every single day,” head coach Marty Raymond said. “We’re grateful for him being the heart and soul of this organization over the past three seasons.”
Thank you for everything, Bub. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. Once a Grizz, always a Grizz.
In the coming days, the organization will share further information regarding the individual selected to help lead the team moving forward.