August 27, 2025
By Brett Richter
Ironwood Lumberjacks add Goalie Coach to Staff
Ironwood Lumberjacks head coach Doug Lein has announced the addition of Ashland, WI native Paige Moilanen to the coaching staff. Coach Moilanen, a goaltending specialist, will be on board and ready for the Lumberjacks pre-season camp starting September 2, 2025.
Coach Moilanen comes to the Lumberjacks with a strong resume of high-level goaltending experience and coaching. Since the age of six, she has been an ice rink kid, playing youth hockey in Ashland, Superior and Duluth, high school hockey for Duluth East and then with the JWHL her senior year as the starting goalkeeper for the Minnesota perennial powerhouse Minnesota Thoroughbreds. Following a successful high school career, Coach Moilanen played a season for the University of Minnesota Duluth then transferred to start four straight seasons as the UW – Eau Claire Blugolds net minder. As starting goalie, she earned several conference awards and recorded the most saves in program history. Throughout her extensive playing career, she continued to pay it forward by simultaneously coaching many up-and-coming goal keeping prospects.
When asked about her interest in joining the Lumberjacks, Coach Moilanen stated, “I have coached youth, both girl’s & boy’s high school and college level goal keeping. My greatest joy comes from watching an athlete chasing after their ambitions to play at the next level. I know where they are coming from and look forward to helping them work towards their goals.” When asked about the specifics of being a goaltender coach, Moilanen continued, “Goaltending is the hardest position in hockey for two main reasons; First, the goalie never gets a break. They are expected to be fully attentive for 60+ minutes. Second, the goalie is either the hero or the goat. It takes a lot of mental strength to play the position. Coaching from my experience will help these athletes.”
While team goals reside more with the head coach, Moilanen talked briefly about her personal goals for her inaugural season with the Lumberjacks. She stated, “It is most important our stable of goalies have an enjoyable season; hockey should be fun. We all play and coach because we love the game. If during that time, I can increase their skill level and build up their confidence, it will be a successful season.”
Welcome to the Lumberjack family Coach Paige Moilanen. We are excited to have you on board.
The Lumberjacks open their season with a home series against the Thunder Bay Northstars September 19 and 20, 2025. Games are played at the Pat O’Donnell Civic Center on the Campus of Gogebic Community College in Ironwood. Puck drops at 7 pm each evening.