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Coaches

Nic Leibold- Head Coach

Nic Leibold begins his first season as the Head Coach for the Minnesota Moose. Nic previousl yserved on the Moose coaching staff in various capacities that involved working with the defenseman and goaltenders, as well as working closely with players on video and pre-scout meetings. Although Nic is originally from Lincoln, NE he is no stranger to Minnesota as he played most of his youth hockey for Eastview Hockey Association. His first years of high school hockey experience also came at Eastview High School before transferring to Legacy Christian Academy for his final years. Upon graduating from high school, Nic played one year of ACHA hockey at Bethel University in Arden Hills, MN. Since his playing days have ended, Nic has spent many hours at the rink, working with players of all ages- from Mites to Pros.

As a coach, Nic takes pride in getting to know players and helping them achieve their goals both on and off the ice. Especially at the junior level, he believes it is important for players to be set up for success in advancing their careers. Whether this is NCAA, ACHA, USHL, NAHL, NCDC, or Pro Hockey, each player has a different path, and Nic believes it essential to assist each player in their development path to take the next step in their career. Nic is excited to continue this goal with the Moose and carry on the tradition and culture that has been prevalent in Moose history. Currently, Nic resides in Minneapolis with his wife, Rachel, and their Chocolate Lab,
Bella.

P: 952-388-4765

E: moosecoachingstaff@gmail.com

Jon Jonasson- General Manager

Jon Jonasson enters Season 7 as the General Manager for the Minnesota Moose, Jon was the Head Coach and GM of the Minnesota Moose from 2017-2023.  Jon looks to help continue the success of the Minnesota Moose who have an above .770 overall win percentage, over 90 player advancements in 6 years and 5 out of6 trips to Nationals in 6 seasons. This season Jonasson believes this will be the best season yet and plans to continue having the most advancements in tier 3 hockey with the Minnesota Moose as GM. The 2022-23 season the Moose saw 16 college advancements. 

 Jon brings 10+ years of coaching experience at all levels. Jon is from Bloomington, MN where he played 3 years of Varsity hockey for Bloomington Kennedy. Following high school hockey Jon played 3 years of Junior Hockey in the MNJHL for the Twin Cities Northern Lights and the Minnesota Owls. After his junior career he had a short stint at the Minor Professional level with Evansville Icemen of the AAHL in 2009 before he decided to continue his coaching career.  

Jon spent 2010-2011 as an Associate Coach of the Phoenix Polar Bears Junior A team of the WSHL where his contributions led them to a trip to the Western Division Championship. In 2011-2012 Jon was the director of recruiting for the Cheyenne Stampede for their inaugural season, having a helping hand in the team having a successful first season.  While recruiting for the Stampede, Jon also coached a Bantam AA team in Minnesota’s strongest district leading the Chaska/Chanhassen team to a .700 record and reaching the VFW championship.

From 2014-2016 Jon was the Head Coach and General Manager of the Helena Bighorns Junior A team in the NA3HL out of Helena, MT. While with the Bighorns he held a solid winning record in a strong division in the last 2 seasons. In his first year with Helena, Jon led the team to the Frontier Division championship coming just short of 1 point in being in the Silver Cup. 2016-2017 he was the Head Coach of the Breezy Point North Stars in the NA3HL, posting the most successful season in the team’s history in wins and player advancements. 

The Moose have led the USPHL Midwest in player advancements to the NAHL, NCAA D1, NCAA D3 and ACHA D1, along with wins and losses (159-30-6) under Jon Jonasson as Head Coach and General Manager. 

 Since entering the Junior coaching ranks he has moved over 100+ players on to the next level including USHL, NAHL, NCAA Div 1, NCAA Div 3, ACHA D1.

Jon is currently an Assistant Coach for the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League. Jon helped build three of the best teams in Jets history as a scout. Jon assisted building one of the best teams in the history of the North American Hockey League in 2014-2015 when the Jets set the record for wins (49) points (100) and fewest goals against (114). Since Jon joined the Jets scouting staff the Jets have had 50+ NCAA commitments, two divisional titles and two Robertson Cup Appearances. 

 Jon currently lives in Andover, MN with his wife Kellie and his daughters Skylar(9) and Charley(7), along with their family dog Marley.

Phone: (952)457-0525

Email: mnmoosecoach@gmail.com

Michelle Rein- Billet Coordinator

Michelle Rein is excited to be the Billet Family Coordinator for the Moose for the 21-22 season. Michelle and her Husband Bill have been a huge part of the Moose behind the scenes! Michelle and Bill have 3 kids Avery, Hunter, and Austin who also are big Moose fans. The Rein family hosted last year and are looking forward to hosting again this season. 

Any questions about becoming a host family, or looking for advice about being a host family can be directed to Michelle Rein!

 

P: 612-867-8027

E:Michellelrein@gmail.com

Craig Leverton- Team Trainer

Bio Coming Soon