All-Minnesota Player of the Year, Hirschfeld, Returns to Play with the Austin Bruins

Photo Credit: Youth Hockey Hub

A name you will see on the Austin Bruins’ roster in two weeks is John Hirschfeld. The 18-year-old skater from St. Cloud, Minnesota just wrapped up playing in the Minnesota State High School League’s Class A Boys Hockey Championship at the Xcel Energy Center. The 5’8 forward was named as the Star Tribune’s inaugural All-Minnesota Player of the Year in boys hockey. Hirschfield is coming off making it all the way to the final game of the tournament this past weekend with his squad, the St. Cloud Cathedral, the reigning Class A champion. Sadly, the tournament did not end how they would have wanted. His squad did ultimately lose 2-1 in overtime to the East Grand Forks.

Hirschfeld will return to skating in the NAHL with the Austin Bruins starting on March 21, 2025 during their series against the Minot Minotauros. The ‘06 skater made his debut in the league last season with the Bruins. He laced up in 10 games with Austin starting on March 15, 2024 until April 26, 2024. During those 10 contests, he produced a goal and an assist. 

This season with St. Cloud Cathedral, he has tallied 25 goals and made 55 assists in his 30 games played. Hirschfeld ended his playing career with 237 career points. He became the St. Cloud Cathedral’s all-time assists and scoring leader. Additionally, Hirschfield is verbally committed to Vermont for the 2026-2027 season.

Head coach of the Austin Bruins, Steve Howard, shares his excitement to have Hirschfeld back on his squad.

“We are really excited to get John back here to Austin. He finished last season with us and he is familiar with our system. John is highly skilled, fast, and smart. We expect him to step right in like a veteran player.”