A hockey team in red jerseys with blue numbers huddles together on the ice rink bench, listening to their coach. They appear to be strategizing before a game or practice. The background shows an ice rink and a referee on the ice.

In addition to having one of the top varsity programs in the MIAC, Saint John’s University also boasts a highly-competitive club hockey team.

The club program originated in 2019 and maintains a no-cut policy, so anyone interested can continue their playing careers following high school or junior hockey.

The team competes in the Western Collegiate Club Hockey Association (WCCHA) alongside teams from schools in Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin. The conference competes at the Division II level of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA)

SJU is part of the Northwest Division, which also includes the University of Jamestown (North Dakota), North Dakota State, the University of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota-Crookston, Bethel University and St. Cloud State University.

The team plays an 18-game regular season. The four top teams in each division then compete in the conference playoffs at the National Sports Center in Blaine, with the winner receiving an automatic bid to the ACHA national tournament.

Practices are held twice a week at Bernick’s Arena in nearby Sartell. Games are mostly scheduled on the weekend.

For more information, email the club at [email protected] or contact head coach Jason Bambenek at [email protected].

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