Minnesota Magicians

The Minnesota Magicians are a Tier II junior ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League's Midwest Division. Based in Richfield, Minnesota, the Magicians play their home games at Richfield Ice Arena.[1] The Magicians are the only Tier II junior hockey team in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metro area.

Minnesota Magicians
CityRichfield, Minnesota
LeagueNorth American Hockey League
DivisionMidwest
Founded2010
Home arenaRichfield Ice Arena
ColorsRed, black, and white
     
Owner(s)Minnesota Junior Hockey Group (Ron Beran, Scott Krueger, Joe Pankratz)
Head coachNick Bydal
Franchise history
2010–2012New Mexico Mustangs
2013–presentMinnesota Magicians

History

The franchise was previously known as the New Mexico Mustangs, a team which began in 2010 and played at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. After two seasons, both seeing them finishing in last place in the South Division, the Mustangs announced on May 23, 2012, that they had been granted inactive status and would not compete in the upcoming season.[2]

On December 21, it was announced that the Mustangs' franchise had been acquired by the Minnesota Junior Hockey Group and would relocate to Richfield for the 2013–14 season.[3] The Magicians' name, logo and colors were announced on January 21, 2013.[4]

In March 2014, the team completed its inaugural season of play with 50 points, averaging nearly 700 fans per game.[5] For the 2016–17 season, the league moved the Magicians back to the Midwest Division after one year in the Central.

The Magicians captured their first division championship in 2021 to earn a spot in the Robertson Cup semifinals. The team began their playoff run with a sweep of second place Fairbanks followed by a five-game series victory over Kenai River.[6]

Season records
SeasonGPWLOTLPTSGFGAPIMFinishPlayoffs
2013–1460213185014319310456th of 6, MidwestDid not qualify
2014–1560213544616022110624th of 5, MidwestLost first round, 0–3 vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs
2015–166024288561641989365th of 6, CentralDid not qualify
2016–176031227691801696913rd of 6, MidwestLost division semifinals, 0–3 vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs
2017–186028248641641837894th of 6, MidwestLost division semifinals, 0–3 vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs
2018–1960362137517515413472nd of 6, MidwestWon division semifinals, 3–1 vs Springfield Jr. Blues
Lost division finals, 0–3 vs Fairbanks Ice Dogs
2019–205321239511431735544th of 6, MidwestSeason cancelled due to COVID-19
2020–214824213511441535893rd of 5, MidwestWon division semifinals, 3–0 vs. Fairbanks Ice Dogs
Won division finals, 3–2 vs. Kenai River Brown Bears
Lost Robertson Cup semifinal, 0–2 vs. Aberdeen Wings

Coaches and staff

As of May 2021[7][8]

  • Vice President: Kevin Ingvalson
  • Head coach/GM: Nick Bydal[9][10]
  • Assistant coaches: Jake Hansen
  • Owners: Ron Beran, Scott Krueger, Joe Pankratz[11]
  • Former owners: Scott Meyer (2013–2018),[3][11] A.J. Bucchino (2018–2021)[12][13]

References
  1. "Ice Arena". City of Richfield.
  2. "New Mexico Mustangs granted inactive status for 2012-13". North American Hockey League. May 23, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  3. "Richfield, Minnesota team granted membership to NAHL". North American Hockey League. December 21, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  4. "Richfield, Minnesota team to be named the Minnesota Magicians". North American Hockey League. January 21, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  5. http://nahl.stats.pointstreak.com/attendance.html
  6. "Magicians win first divisional crown, eye more hardware in Robertson Cup playoffs". Sun Current. June 16, 2021.
  7. "Front Office". Magicians. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  8. "Hockey Operations". Magicians. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  9. "Magicians name Nick Bydal as new Head Coach". NAHL. June 28, 2021.
  10. "Coaching shakeup for Magicians brings a familiar face back to Richfield". Sun Current. June 30, 2021.
  11. "24 in 24: Minnesota Magicians". NAHL.com. August 31, 2018.
  12. "Magicians announce leadership and management changes". NAHL. November 13, 2017.
  13. "Bickford Named Magicians General Manager". OurSports Central. February 2, 2021.
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