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SNAPSHOT
Name: AJ Bucchino
Hometown: Prescott, WI
Date of Birth: May 8, 1984
Born: White Plains, NY
Citizenship: American 🇺🇸
Education: M.A. in Sports Management & M.A. in Sports Psychology
Current Role: Advisor & Coach
Personal Website: https://accountableathletics.com/ & https://maphockey.com/map-online-vs-on-site/
BIO
A.J. has almost 20 years of experience in the game of hockey. He has owned, managed, coached, and directed several opportunities for hockey players from the youth to the collegiate level. Notably, A.J. spent four years with the Minnesota Magicians in the North American Hockey League, and helped create the new Minnesota Mallards organization in the NAHL prior to joining MAP. During A.J.’s time in junior hockey, he served as a Head Coach, General Manager, or President. He also served as a Head Coach at Lakeville South High School in Lakeville, MN for three seasons. During his time at Lakeville South, the team earned an opportunity to participate in the Minnesota State High School Tournament in 2017. He is currently a MAP Advisor helping athletes with their career.
Before A.J. began his coaching career, he played four seasons of professional hockey in the East Coast Hockey League, Central Hockey League, and Southern Professional Hockey League. Born in White Plains, New York, he began his playing career attending Tilton and Avon Old Farms Prep School. He then finished high school in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers. After a season at the University of New Hampshire, A.J. transferred to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where he was a two-time NCAA All-American helping his team win two WIAC Championships (2006 and 2007) and one NCHA Championship (2007).
AJ graduated with a B.S. in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, earned a Masters of Arts in Sports Management at Concordia University, and a Masters of Arts in Psychology from the University of Arizona. He currently resides in Prescott, WI with his wife, Danielle and children, Rocco, Reyna and Rose.
COACHING HISTORY
- Five years of experience in the NAHL as an owner, GM, and Head Coach
- Three year High School Head Coach
- Former College Coach
- Proven track record for player advancement
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
- Former participant with the Minnesota All Sports Alliance, formerly Minute Men LTD to vote and select Mr. Hockey (MN State High School’s League's Best Player)
- Coached in the Minnesota State High School Tournament in 2017 representing Lakeville South, advancing to the Semi-finals
- Presented the Frank Brimsek Award for best Minnesota State High School Senior Goalie at the 2020 Mr. Hockey Banquet
- Lead the Magicians, NAHL to their best regular season record in existence with 36 wins during the 2018-19 season (Record: 36-21-3), overall record: (57-44-12)
- Most Wins in Franchise History for the Magicians, NAHL
- First Playoff Series Win in Franchise History For the Magicians, NAHL
- Recruited and coached six NHL Central Scouting Players on the Magicians roster in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 season, with one player drafted in the NHL (Ethan Haider)
- Named the 2019 Team Midwest Head Coach of the Top Prospects Tournament
- Inducted into the UWRF Athletic Hall of Fame, 2024
- Have coached countless athletes who have played after high school at the junior college, and professional levels
PLAYING CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
A.J. Bucchino was a standout NCAA goaltender before launching a multi-league pro career:
- NCAA All-American – University of Wisconsin-River Falls
- Played in ECHL, CHL, SPHL (Augusta Lynx, Utah Grizzlies, Louisiana IceGators)
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree – Sports Management
- Master’s degree - Psychology
- USA Hockey coaching certification
- Leadership/development training – MAP Hockey
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
“My coaching is rooted in development, structure, and leadership. I don’t just coach the player—I help shape the person. We play to win, not play not to lose. Structure gives us freedom, and every detail matters.”
CORE PILLARS:
- High-performance culture
- Player-first development
- Accountability and structure
- Communication with purpose
- Mental & physical growth
MEDIA & PRESS FEATURES
SOCIAL MEDIA
LinkedIn
HOCKEY LINKS
Business Website
MAP Hockey
Elite Prospects
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TESTIMONIALS
“AJ changed the way I approached the game. He gave me confidence, direction, and the belief I could make it.”
– NCAA Goalie
“He’s more than a coach—he’s a mentor for life.”
– Parent of NAHL Player
CONTACT
Now accepting new athletes/families into MAP Hockey advisory.
- Email: [email protected]
- MAP Hockey: https://maphockey.com
- Book a Consult: https://tidycal.com/map-advising/strategycall
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