Scout Bio
Joel Johnson is entering his second season as the head coach of the St. Thomas women's hockey team in 2022-23.
Johnson brings more than 20 years of coaching experience to the Tommies, both at the collegiate level as well as with USA Women's Hockey. In addition to serving as St. Thomas' third women's hockey head coach in program history, Johnson is also currently the Interim Head Coach of USA Hockey's Women's National Team. He has spent the last 11 seasons with USA Hockey, serving in many capacities. Most recently, Johnson was the assistant coach for the Women's National Team from 2018 to 2020 and was a key member of teams that won gold medals at the 2018 Four Nations Cup and the 2019 IIHF World Championships. Additionally, he was head coach of numerous U22 and U18 National Teams from 2014 to 2018.
Johnson's collegiate experience includes time at both the Division I and Division III level. Prior to St. Thomas, Johnson spent 11 seasons at the University of Minnesota as Associate Head Coach for the women's program. Johnson was also an assistant coach for the Gophers for five seasons from 1999 to 2004 before spending time with the Bethel University men's program from 2004 to 2010. While at Minnesota, Johnson helped guide the Gophers to six national titles and 11 Frozen Fours. Primarily responsible for the defense, Johnson has coached six WCHA Defensive Players of the Year, as well as the 2018 Player of the Year. Combined, he coached 12 All-Americans in his time at Minnesota. During his time with the Bethel men's program, Johnson led the Royals to some of the best seasons in program history. He was on the bench for Bethel's only MIAC championship and lone NCAA playoff appearance, and is the only Royal men's hockey head coach to post a winning record throughout his tenure at the helm, which spanned three seasons. Johnson also spent time coaching men's and women's golf, as well as men's and women's soccer at Bethel.
Following his Bethel career, Johnson coached soccer and hockey at his alma mater. He also was an assistant coach for Park/Woodbury High during the 1996-97 season, and coached two seasons in soccer and baseball at New Life Academy in Woodbury.
A 1996 Bethel grad, Johnson holds a degree in Physical Education and minors in Health Education and Coaching. A multi-year performer and three-sport athlete for the Royals in soccer, hockey and baseball, Johnson served as a captain; won all-conference and all-region awards; along with team MVP and Most Inspirational. As a soccer player, he finished his career ranked second in assists (21) and fifth in points (43). He also ranked among the school’s top 10 in career hits, runs and RBIs in baseball, batting .350 for his career. Johnson scored 40 points from the blue line in two season of hockey before a back injury curtailed his career.
Johnson, his wife Shannon, daughter Megan, and son Jacob reside in White Bear Lake, Minn. Megan Johnson plays college hockey for the Bethel Royals.