We’re passionate about helping you reach your full potential as a hockey player.
MEET OUR COACHES
MEET OUR COACHES
Tate Rusk
Tate Rusk is the Head Coach of the Brainerd/Little Falls Warriors girls' hockey program. Rusk has spent the past several years coaching the team and even took them to state his first year as head coach. Tate is a Brainerd-native where he was the captain of the Men’s varsity hockey team. Following high school, he played two seasons of junior hockey. Rusk also attended the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where he played college hockey for four years while pursuing a special education degree. As one of the head coaches for BLF Elite Hockey, Rusk's goal is to establish and build on a culture of respect and accountability while continuing the program's success. He is passionate about working with people and helping them become better individuals.
Jim Ernster is 1991 BHS grad who went on to play juniors for Mason City Huskies in the USHL and then spent 3 years playing for the University of St.Thomas, graduating from there in 1997. He has been coaching with Brainerd Girls and Boys hockey since 1999. During this time he has spent time as an assistant coach with the girls and boys programs and also as the head coach of the girls program for 11 years, during 2 different stints. Ernster believes coaching is a tremendous vessel to teach young people valuable lessons about life.
“I always tell people that hockey is the greatest game out there because it so closely replicates life. Hockey is demanding, you need to make split second decisions, react to those decisions and your hard work and effort is the chief driving force that often determines success or if it is a learning experience. What a great game! Nothing can replicate experience. Hockey is a game of infinite different ways to achieve success.The best way to understand this and grow in your game is to learn from people who have a wealth of experience. There is not another camp in this area that can boast that it has over 7 decades of combined HS coaching experience! Experience is knowledge and sharing this knowledge will make you a better player!”
Jim Ernster
Tony Couture
Tony Couture is a 1985 graduate of International Falls High School, where he played hockey, football, and baseball. He went on to play two years of junior hockey in the USHL, where he won the National Junior Championship in 1987. Couture then played Division 1 hockey at the University of North Dakota.
Couture has been coaching boys' hockey at Little Falls High School from 1993 to 2021, during which time he led his team to seven state tournament appearances. He is known for his passion for the game and for helping his players succeed while creating memorable experiences.
At BLF Elite Hockey, Couture is excited to bring his years of experience and expertise to the ice as a coach. He believes that the coaching staff is second to none and that the dedication and experience they bring will help players develop to their highest potential.
Couture is committed to creating a fun and exciting environment for players at BLF Elite Hockey, where they can not only learn the skills they need to succeed on the ice but also build friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. His passion for the sport is contagious, and he looks forward to sharing it with athletes who are just as passionate about the game.
Alex Hirsch is a dedicated coach who has been helping the BLF Girls High School program for seven years. Prior to coaching, Hirsch played at Bemidji State University, where she honed her skills as a hockey player. As a coach, Hirsch strives to develop athletes into strong young individuals who are committed, resilient, and show respect and compassion for themselves, their teammates, coaches, officials, parents, and the game. She believes that successful teams have players and coaches who "buy in" to the process and culture, built both in and out of hockey season. Hirsch is passionate about providing BLF players with the opportunity to develop their individual skills, learn BLF systems, and compete with and against each other while being coached by BLF high school hockey coaches and BLF staff.
Alex Hirsch
Jerr Johnson
Coach Jerr Johnson brings a wealth of coaching experience to the BLF Elite Hockey Camp, having served as the head coach for St. Michael-Albertville for 17 years and now as the head coach for the Brainerd Boy’s High School team. His passion for building relationships with players and helping them grow both on and off the ice is evident in his coaching style.
At BLF, Coach Johnson is excited to work with players of all levels and abilities, helping each individual develop the skills they need to succeed on the ice. He believes that the coaching staff's commitment to meeting every player where they are and working with them to build on their strengths is what sets BLF apart.
Coach Johnson is committed to creating a positive and supportive environment where players can thrive and reach their full potential. He is passionate about helping young athletes develop into confident and resilient individuals who are not only successful on the ice but also in all aspects of their lives.
Andy Haskell, a 1997 Bemidji High School graduate, excelled in hockey before playing NCAA Division 1 for Army West Point (1997-2001). Transitioning into coaching, Andy's expertise earned him the title of Brainerd Youth Coach of the Year in 2022-2023 for leading the U15 team to the state tournament. In the 2023-2024 season, he served as the assistant coach for the Brainerd-Little Falls Girls team, expanding on his commitment to fostering talent at every level.
At BLF Hockey, Andy brings a strategic and motivational coaching style, focused on developing athletes into leaders both on and off the ice. His dedication to the sport and player development makes him a key asset to our team, ready to inspire players with his passion and drive for excellence. Andy’s philosophy centers on hard work, unity, and perseverance, aiming to elevate players’ skills and instill lasting values.