The University of Minnesota Crookston announced the hiring of Brady Heppner as head women’s golf coach, and assistant hockey coach. Heppner, a native of Crookston, Minn., has vast experience in both golf and hockey. He was ranked as a top 50 golfer in Minnesota as a senior at Crookston H.S. On the ice, Heppner played Division III hockey at Saint John’s University (Minn.), and went on to a professional career.
“We are very excited to hire Brady Heppner in the dual-role of head women’s golf coach, and assistant hockey coach,” said Director of Athletics Stephanie Helgeson. “Brady has great knowledge of both sports, and will bring fresh ideas and approaches to both programs. He knows the area, and has grown up around Minnesota Crookston and we are excited for him to hit the ground running.”Heppner comes to Minnesota Crookston from the Sanford Sports Academy in Bismarck, N.D., where he was the Sports Academy Hockey Coach. He assisted with camps, and training of athletes. Heppner previously played three seasons of professional hockey. Heppner competed with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs from 2020-22. He finished his professional career in 2022-23 with the Sydney Ice Dogs of the AIHL, scoring four goals and six assists in eight games.
Heppner played college hockey at Saint John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. He was a three-time All-MIAC First Team selection for the Johnnies. He helped his squad to a MIAC Regular-Season Championship as a senior. Heppner had 42 goals, and 40 assists in his four-year career at Saint John’s. He led the team as a sophomore in 2017-18 with 13 goals, and 11 assists. Heppner was named to the MIAC All-Rookie Team as a freshman.
Heppner was a staple on the Crookston High boy’s golf and hockey teams as a prep. He also played junior hockey in the NAHL for the Minnesota Magicians. He competed on the Minnesota Junior PGA circuit for golf. He placed third in 2013 at King’s Walk Golf Course in Grand Forks, N.D. Heppner had a first-place finish at Headwaters Golf Course in 2012 and one at Grand Forks Country Club in 2011.
Heppner’s dad Brad Heppner is the men’s golf coach at Minnesota Crookston. His brother Seth Heppner played men’s golf at Minnesota Crookston, and is currently the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Jessup University in Rocklin, Calif.
