Assistant Coach

Bio

Justin Brown joins the Concordia College Men’s Ice Hockey program as an Assistant Coach, bringing a diverse background in hockey, military service, leadership, and player development.

A native of Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, Brown played youth hockey locally before spending his senior season with the Milwaukee Jr. Admirals U18 AAA program in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League. The Admirals advanced to the USA Hockey National Championships during the 2011–12 season.

Following his youth career, Brown played junior hockey in both the Superior International Junior Hockey League (SIJHL) and the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) before enlisting in the United States Army in 2013. During his military service, Brown deployed to Afghanistan as a machine gunner and later served as a sniper, developing the leadership, discipline, and team-first mentality that continue to shape his coaching philosophy today.

After completing his military service, Brown returned to hockey and joined the Iowa State University Men’s Hockey program (ACHA) before transferring to Bethel University, where he played NCAA Division III hockey under Head Coach Chris McKelvie. He graduated from Bethel University in 2020.

Following graduation, Brown worked in strategic communications and public affairs, supporting senior leaders within the Department of War/Pentagon in Washington, D.C. While living in Northern Virginia, he began his coaching career with the Potomac Patriots U16 AA program in the Tier 1 Hockey Federation, helping develop players while competing against some of the nation’s top U16 AAA programs.

Brown later returned to Minnesota and joined the Minnetonka High School Boys Hockey program as the Junior Varsity Assistant Coach under Sean Goldsworthy. During his first season behind the bench, the Skippers posted an undefeated 24-0-1 record.

At Concordia, Brown brings a leadership-centered coaching philosophy built on accountability, character, work ethic, and player development. He is committed to helping student-athletes grow both on and off the ice while preparing them for success beyond the game.