ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Rochester Grizzlies of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) have named Chris Ratzloff the new Head Coach/General Manager of the team, effective immediately. Ratzloff will be taking over for the recently departed Casey Mignone, who was named an associate coach with the St. Cloud Blizzard of the North American Hockey League.
Ratzloff is a Rochester, MN native and has spent time coaching for local high schools. He was an assistant coach for his alma mater, John Marshall High School for seven years, before most recently spending time at Rochester Lourdes as an assistant coach for the girls team. He was originally set to be a scout for the Grizzlies.
“I’m excited to join the organization. Casey and Mike have done a tremendous job. I’m grateful for (Grizzlies’ co-owners) Mike (Cooper) and Craig (Patrick) and (Austin Bruins Head Coach) Steve (Howard) for their guidance in this process,” said Ratzloff.
After playing high school hockey at John Marshall, Ratzloff played two season in the United States Hockey League. He played the 1988-89 season with the Rochester Mustangs and then next season played for Des Moines. From there, he played four years at Wisconsin-River Falls (D-III).
“We’re really excited to have Chris expanding his role with the team. We think he will make a great head coach and with his ties and history to Rochester hockey, we think that will be a great asset,” said Grizzlies co-owner Mike Cooper.
With the season approaching, be sure to remain on the lookout for the schedule. Season tickets are already on sale starting as low as $150. Special promotional nights, fan giveaways and other added experiences are already being planned for the Grizzlies’ second season. For more information about season tickets or to market your business with the Grizzlies, call the front office at 507-722-0415.