What makes the difference between positive experiences for a skater versus a negative one? Quite simply, the staff. At Buzzhockey we have assembled the most experienced and professional group of teachers.
There are many hockey schools with impressive coaching staffs. What is unique to Buzzhockey is the fact that most of the coaches teaching went through the Buzzhockey program as skaters. They understand the mission of the program and know the benefits offered to each skater. We take the time to get to know each individual and figure out how to push each skater to the next level.
JOHN "BUZZ" BAZZACHINI
After spending two seasons as an assistant for the University of St. Thomas Men's team, Buzz is set to begin a new chapter in his coaching career this year ('22-'23) as he will be the Head Coach for the Wayzata Girls Hockey team. Prior to his brief stint on the Men's collegiate side, the Hibbing native was the Head Coach for the St. Olaf College Women's team for fourteen seasons. During his tenure with the Oles, Buzz led them to six trips to the MIAC playoffs. In 2006-07, Buzz was voted the MIAC Coach of the Year. Prior to coaching the women at St. Olaf, he coached boy’s high school hockey for seventeen years (Irondale, Totino Grace, and Hopkins) and spent one season as an assistant Men's coach at Hamline University. As a player, Buzz played two years of Division I hockey at the Air Force Academy and two years at St. John's University. He was a senior Captain for the Johnnies, a two time leading scorer, and was selected to the MIAC All-Conference Team twice. As a student of the game, Buzz believes there needs to be a better job done of teaching the fundamental skills of the game. Players need to be encouraged while given the quality repetition of skills over a period of time.
CHRIS MCKELVIE
Chris is entering his fourth season ('22-'23) as the Head Men's Hockey Coach at Bethel University. In his first three seasons, Chris has led the Royals to their best records in over a decade. Prior to moving back to Minnesota, Chris was an assistant at West Point for two seasons. The former Irondale graduate had a lengthy professional playing career before starting his coaching career. He played seven seasons of professional hockey for the Connecticut Whale and Albany Devils of the AHL. Chris was an alternate Captain for the Devils; selected to compete in the 2010 Frozen Four Skills Competition; Played in the Frozen Four after Bemidji defeated Notre Dame and Cornell in the Midwest Regional of the NCAA Men's Division 1 Championships. Previous to Bemidji, he was the Co–Captain of the Bozeman ICEDOGS; led the team on and off the ice, and was second on the team in scoring. Chris has been a part of Buzzhockey as either a skater or coach for every summer since he was a Mite in youth hockey. While Chris is no longer a regular staff member, he will often come out in the summer to stay involved with the program.
LAUREN BAZZACHINI
Lauren completed her college career and senior season in 2015 as the Captain for the St. Olaf College Women's Hockey Team. As an Ole, Lauren proved herself as an excellent defensive forward and held one of the Ole's top +/- rating. Selected as St. Olaf’s representative to the MIAC All Sportsmanship Team in 2015, she was also voted hardest worker by teammates. Senior Captain and leader of the Minnehaha Academy Saints hockey team. Named All-Conference 2011-12.
Lauren is currently teaching in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Lauren will return in the Summer of 2023.
GRANT BESSE
Grant Besse enjoyed a very successful career playing professional hockey in Europe. After a serious injury last season ('21-'22), the Plymouth native decided to retire. Grant had a very successful season in 2018-19 in the Washington Capitals system where he split time between the AHL Hershey Bears and the ECHL South Carolina Stingrays. In his first professional season, Grant put up huge numbers for the Norfolk Admirals. A 2017 graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Grant played for current Badger coach Tony Granato and Mike Eaves. Captain and top scorer in the state as a senior at BSM, Grant was the recipient of the Minnesota Mr. Hockey award. He ended an illustrious high school career by scoring all five BSM goals in the 5-1 state tournament championship game over Hill Murray.
Grant has exceptional speed, terrific hands and a deadly shot. He has skated with Buzzhockey since he was four years old and continued with our program through high school. As a staff member, Grant coaches primarily at PIC.
KEVIN GORG
Kevin will return to coaching this winter as the goalie coach for the Wayzata Girls team. KG coached with Buzz in that same role for eight seasons at St. Olaf. Kevin was the winning goaltender on the 1985 State Championship team for Burnsville. Played in goal for the Des Moines Buccaneers before enrolling at St. Thomas where he was All-Conference his final two seasons and won three conference titles. Coached 5 years of HS boy’s hockey at Burnsville and Mound View. Returned to St. Thomas as Head Coach for the women’s hockey program for nine seasons posting a 143-75-13 record, including two M.I.A.C. Championships. Currently in his tenth season as a hockey analyst for FSN North, covering the Minnesota Wild, Minnesota Gophers and local high school hockey.
BEN MEYERS
Ben is set to play his rookie season ('22-'23) as a member of the defending Stanley Cup Champion, Colorado Avalanche. Prior to signing with the Avs in April (2022), Ben was a member of the USA Men's team in the most recent Olympic Games. The Delano native played his collegiate hockey for Bob Motzko and the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers. He was their Captain and led the team to a Frozen Four appearance last year ('21-'22). Prior to joining the Gophers, Ben played two full seasons in the USHL where led the Fargo Force to the organizations first Clark Cup in 2018. Last season Ben was an Alternate Captain and tallied 33 goals (third in the USHL) and 65 total points (ranked fifth in the USHL). His 58 career regular season goals set a new organization record. As the senior Captain at Delano, Ben led the Tigers to their first trip to the state tournament in school history. He led the state in points (99) and assists (53). He was also a Mr. Hockey Finalist.
Ben has exceptional speed, hands and vision. He has participated in Buzzhockey by skating before school and in the summer program since he was a squirt. He has been a great addition to our staff for the past three summers.
ANDREW KRUSE
Andrew is beginning his senior season of NCAA hockey at the United States Air Force Academy ('22-'23). The Delano product played in 23 games last year and was named to the AHA all-academic team. In addition, he was the co-recipient of the Jim Bowman Scholar Athlete Award and was named most improved player his junior year. He was also named to the AHCA Scholar-Athlete team. Prior to becoming a Cadet, Andrew played two full seasons for the Minnesota Magicians of the NAHL. Andrew is a technically sound defenseman. His work ethic and attention to detail are unparalleled. He is a very good skater and makes quick decisions with the puck. As a senior Captain at Delano, he was a top defenseman in the state and helped lead his team to their first state tourney appearance in school history.
He participated in Buzzhockey by skating before school and in the summer since he was a squirt. He has been a great addition to our staff for the past three summers.