John Bazzachini – A Life of Integrity and Giving

Whether he was leading the International Association of Machinists Local 1833 during Northwest Airlines mechanics’ strike or raising money to buy guide dogs, Iron Range native john bazzachini lived a life of integrity and giving. His mother Eileen Bazzachini said he did so without fanfare, and that he had a “wonderful sense of humor.”

In his 14 seasons as head coach, he led the Oles to six Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoffs and compiled a career record of 112-216-31 (.355).

Early Life and Education

Bazzachini went to Hibbing High School, Hibbing Community College and Saint John’s Technical School. He played hockey for Saint John’s University, and he later coached high school boys teams. He also ran a business called John Bazzachini’s Hockey Training. His mother Eileen Bazzachini said he was a kind man who cared about others. She said he had been working on a motorcycle-based charity called Hogs For Dogs, raising money to buy guide dogs for blind people.

Professional Career

John Bazzachini spent 14 seasons as the head coach of the women’s hockey program at St. Olaf University, leading the Oles to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoffs six times and a school-record 112-216-31 career record. He is also the founder and President of John Bazzachini’s Hockey Training, a popular summer hockey program for kids. He also has experience coaching the junior hockey world at the AAA level, including two years as the head coach of the Minnesota Jr. Mavericks.

Achievements and Honors

A native of Hibbing, Bazzachini spent two seasons playing Division I hockey for Air Force before transferring to Saint John’s University where he was a four-year starter and all-conference performer. He led the Oles to their best season in program history in 2006-07, earning MIAC Coach of the Year accolades. His other notable achievements include being the founder and president of John Bazzachini’s Hockey Training, which trains over 700 kids per summer.

The Tommie men’s ice hockey team is looking forward to having him back as head coach in fall of 2019. john bazzachini has over 20 years of coaching experience at the high school and college levels.

Personal Life

Whether it was leading the largest local labor union through an incredibly turbulent time or raising money to buy guide dogs for blind people, Iron Range native john bazzachini was known for his honesty and morals. His mother, Eileen Bazzachini, said he was also known for his sense of humor. The family lost a beloved member and friend Friday when he died from a heart attack while mowing his lawn. A veteran of 23 years at Northwest Airlines, Bazzachini served five years as president of the International Association of Machinists Local 1833. He was laid off during the mine collapse in the early 1980s, but found work again at NWA’s machine shop. He later started his own company, JB Hockey Training, that trains about 700 children a summer.