Head Coach – BROOKS MITZEL
Head Coach Brooks Mitzel was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. Mitzel enjoyed lots of success early playing high school hockey for his hometown association, the Rushmore Thunder. Before heading to juniors, he played a year of AAA hockey for the Sioux Falls Jr. Stampede. After a year of AAA, he played two years of junior hockey for the Gillette Wild in the NA3HL. After two years of juniors, he spent one year at Salem State University where he played NCAA Division 3 hockey. He later transferred to Iowa State where he played three years of ACHA Division 1 college hockey and captained his team his senior year.
Assistant Coach – CARTER JOHNSON
Carter Johnson is entering his second year of coaching, driven by a lifelong passion for the game of hockey. He grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, where he played high school hockey for his hometown team before advancing to the junior level with the Sabres. That experience played a key role in shaping him, both as a player and now as a coach.
This October, Carter will take the next step in his coaching journey by completing his Level 2 certification. His coaching philosophy emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, and the development of a high hockey IQ. Equally important to him is being approachable—he believes in listening to players, valuing their perspectives, and working collaboratively to find solutions that foster growth both on and off the ice.
Away from the rink, Carter enjoys fishing, golfing, and watching baseball. He’s truly excited for the upcoming season and looks forward to getting back to work with the Sabres.
