Tom Rodefeld 2014 (Coach)

To understand the impact Tom Rodefeld has had on girls hockey in general, and Irondale Girls Hockey in particular, one only has to read through the letters and the nomination form on Tom’s behalf for inclusion into our MGHCA Hall of Fame. His assistant coaches and former players proudly tell of the devotion he has for his players, his program, and girls hockey statewide. Tom was a 1984 graduate of Madison East High School . He went on to graduate from Augsburg in 1993 with a degree in secondary education, including a major in Social Studies. He is currently working on his Masters Degree In Social Studies at the University of

Minnesota. Tom has been a member of the MGHCA for 19 years, during which time he has served as an assistant, and now head coach at Irondale High School. Without fanfare, but with great dedication and perseverance he has worked to build Irondale Girls Hockey into a consistent force to be reckoned with in Minnesota Girls High School Hockey. Over the last 19 years he has helped to develop six Division One players, 3 Ms. Hockey finalists, and 2 Ms. Goalie finalists. His teams have made three state tournament appearances, in 2009, 2010, and 2013, and his record at Irondale is a very respectable 225 wins-119 losses-11 ties.

His teams have had 10 winning seasons including the last 9 in a row. Tom has also been selected as Head Coach of the Year for 2007 in Section 3AA, and in 2009, 2010, and 2013 in Section 5AA. He was also selected as State Coach of the Year for all of Class AA in 2013.

His impact on his players, and all of girls hockey can best be characterized by letters from his former players, and his assistant coaches. Jessica Mularie writes of the honor of being coached by Tom Rodefeld,”He opened many doors for me and my teammates, and while Coach Rodefeld gives credit to his players, he was the one who started our annual Inner City Skate & Project Linus Drive. This gave us the opportunity to skate with a group of 2nd to 4th graders who had never experienced hockey or skating, and then helping them make blankets for sick children in the hospital.” This has been going on now for 15 years, in partnership with Four Seasons Elementary, an inner city school. Because of these experiences Jessica has been coaching for the past three years and she says, “I am instilling the the same values that Coach

Rodefeld instilled in me.”

Former standout player Meghan Lorence, a current Gopher regular, said this of her high school coach, “Coach Rodefeld has not only made a big impact on my life, but he has made an equivalent impact on the Irondale Girls High School Hockey Program. His commitment to player development on and off the ice begins with his genuine care for his athletes.” My sister speaks warmly about ‘Monday night fun’ activities throughout her years playing for Coach Rodefeld.

These included team meals, team activities, and opportunities for serving others. Meghan concludes by saying, “He is passionate for the game and for his players, and his commitment to player development on and off the ice goes unmatched.

Two of Tom’s assistants, goalie coach John Colombo, and varsity assistant Bill Mauricio echoed the praise from Tom’s players. They felt strongly that Tom’s dedication to success and continued development of girls hockey has contributed to the improvement of the girls game over the past 17 years. Tom has quietly and consistently earned the respect of his peers statewide as well. Tom and his wife Mechele have four children. They are, McEwan, Quinn,

Finnigan, and Decklin. Please welcome Tom Rodefeld to our 2014 MGHCA Hall of Fame.