Before taking the high school job, Hennum focused on the local youth system while raising two daughters who play the sport.
"When the opportunity to step in came up, it felt a little surreal," Hennum said.
"I was lucky enough to have encouragement and backers to push me to pursue it. I have such a passion for coaching the game.
Having two daughters, I really enjoy coaching the girls side of the game."
The high school program saw an increase in youth participation following recent on-ice success.
"Success breeds more success," Hennum said.
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"These kids are role models to the younger girls for who they want to be when they get to high school.
You'll have that no matter how your team does, but when you have a team that has the success that this group has had, it amplifies.
Not only are they looking up to these high school girls, but they're going to every game they possibly can because it's so exciting to see a winning team win games."
Hennum noted the positive momentum will influence local hockey development for years.
"This group will reverberate for years to come, well beyond when they graduate.
You can't emphasize the effect this group has had and will have on Bemidji hockey enough," he added.
The youth association expanded programming for younger female players over the last decade, which Hennum observed through his family's involvement.
"When they gave the girls their opportunity at the youngest ages, the numbers have just skyrocketed," Hennum said.
