We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Tom Winkler (right), Head Coach of the Missouri State University Ice Bears hockey program, as our guest speaker.
While Coach Winkler’s background spans NCAA Division I hockey and the professional ranks with the SPHL’s Huntsville Havoc, what stands out most about the Ice Bears isn’t just their play on the ice—it’s the culture behind the bench:
🏒 “Family. School. Hockey.”
Priorities stay fixed. Academics, personal accountability, and character come first; time management and discipline on the ice follow naturally.
🤝 Service Beyond the Rink
Out of 500+ programs across the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), the Ice Bears have earned the national ACHA Community Service Award at both the D1 and D3 levels. Whether coaching first-time skaters in the St. Louis Blues Little Blues youth development program, working hands-on with Convoy of Hope, or partnering with The Warrior’s Journey to honor service members, community impact is built directly into their schedule.
🎓 Preserving the True Student-Athlete
In a collegiate landscape increasingly reshaped by NIL deals and the transfer portal, Coach Winkler’s primary mission remains mentoring young men to earn their degrees, build lifelong leadership habits, and represent Springfield with pride.
Special thanks to program co-founders Stan Adams and Curt Besson for laying the foundation that has kept Ice Bears hockey thriving for 26 seasons, and to Coach Winkler for sharing his insights on culture, leadership, and community service.
Best of luck to the Ice Bears this season!