Bemidji High School activities director Kristen McRae announced on May 29 that Chris Hennum has been named the seventh head coach of the girls hockey program.
Hennum replaces Mike Johnson, who retired in March after eight seasons leading the Lumberjacks.
>>> New England Patriots Acquire AJ Brown in Trade with Philadelphia Eagles
Hennum previously coached youth girls hockey for nearly a decade within the Bemidji Youth Hockey Association.
His appointment follows a season in which the Lumberjacks won the Section 8AA championship and advanced to the state tournament.
"I don't believe in jinxes," Hennum said. "We had faith."
Hennum expressed gratitude toward his predecessor for elevating the program.
"I just hope I can continue what Mike developed over his eight years at the helm," he said.
"When he took over, this team certainly struggled.
So for it to be where it is now, we owe him a thank you for what he did.
He left the program in a great spot. It's a great opportunity.
I wish the season started tomorrow."
Hennum played for Lake of the Woods in high school and later competed in the United States Hockey League before attending the University of Minnesota.
"I've always considered myself a leader," he said. "I was always interested in coaching.
One of the biggest influences in my life was a coach and a teacher of mine from high school.
I think of the things he did often, but I didn't realize the passion I had for coaching until I started coaching my kids."
