Coach Ryan Miner

After nine years guiding one of Minot State’s most successful programs, Beaver women’s hockey head coach Ryan Miner has announced he is stepping away from the rink.

Miner, a Minot State graduate and former goalie for the Beaver men’s hockey team who is also the athletic department’s Director of Financial Operations, moves into a new role as executive team grants accountant for the North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities on the Minot State campus, starting May 18.

“On behalf of our university, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to coach Ryan Miner for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to building one of the premier women’s hockey programs in ACHA Division I,” said Kevin Harmon, Minot State’s Vice President of Student Affairs and Intercollegiate Athletics. “I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Ryan since he first stepped behind the bench for the 2017-18 season. I still remember the first game I watched: 13 skaters, one goalie, a modest budget, and a coach who wasn’t even taking a paycheck. What we saw then was the foundation of something truly special.

“Ryan took it upon himself to legitimize this program from the ground up. He immersed himself in the Minot community, raising over half a million dollars in the program’s first five years, and advocating tirelessly for equitable student activity fee funding alongside the men’s program. His vision and persistence were instrumental in elevating our team to the ACHA Division I level in 2021, and ultimately transitioning the program under full university support in 2022.”

In nine seasons as the Beavers head coach, Miner’s team compiled a 209-61-9-6 record, qualified for the ACHA National Tournament each season, advanced to the ACHA Division II national title game twice (2018 and 2019), and the ACHA Division I national title game twice (2023 and 2024).

“I am at a point in my life where I need to continue to – and want to put my family first,” Miner said. “The sacrifices they have made for me to pursue my coaching dreams, I am forever grateful for; changing my career means I get to spend more time with them and be present in their lives.

“I am beyond grateful for what the University, athletic department, program, and community have given me, but it felt like it was the right time to step away.”

During his time leading the program, Miner coached ACHA All-Americans Vanessa Grimstad (2017-18), Shelby Tornato (2017-18), Mackenzie Balogh (2017-18 and 2018-19), Sami Jo Henry (2018-19 and 2019-20), Jordan Ivanco (2019-20), Mackenzie Heide (2020-21), Ensley Fendelet (2021-22), Jordan Kulbida (2022-23), and Jillian Ackerman (2024-25). The Beavers also saw 27 players named ACHA Academic All-Americans under Coach Miner’s guidance.

“With 209 career wins and four national runner-up finishes, Ryan’s success places him among the most accomplished coaches in Minot State history, across all sports,” Harmon said. “But beyond the wins and milestones, he has been the ultimate ambassador for women’s hockey; leading with passion and a deep commitment to elevating the experience for our student-athletes.

“While we will certainly miss his presence behind the bench, I am genuinely excited for Ryan as he steps into this new role at Minot State, one that allows him to spend more time with his family. His impact on this program and this university will be lasting, and we are incredibly thankful for all he has given.”

The search for the next head coach for the Minot State women’s hockey team is currently underway.

“Being part of this team from ground zero to what it is today has been a blessing,” Miner said. “There have been so many accomplishments over the years, on and off the ice, and the dedication that each player, coach, staff member, and volunteer has put in will forever be a memory that I carry with me. I hope that the program continues to thrive, as I feel like they are set up to do so.

“I am grateful to be a part of this journey. Go Beavers!”