STAFF
Babe The Blue OX
MASCOT, ENFORCER, LEGEND, AND CHIEF FUN OFFICER
Babe has been a part of Minnesota folklore for generations. Long before the Minnesota Blue Ox took the ice in Coon Rapids, he roamed the Northwoods alongside the legendary Paul Bunyan, helping shape the forests, lakes, and rugged landscape that define the State of Hockey. Towering above the pines with his unmistakable blue hide, Babe became a symbol of Minnesota’s strength, resilience, and hardworking spirit.
According to legend, Babe eventually traded logging camps for hockey rinks after discovering the game on a frozen Minnesota pond. Whether it was an outdoor sheet near Brainerd or a neighborhood rink in Coon Rapids, one thing became clear—his heart belonged to hockey. From that moment on, Babe embraced the game with the same grit and determination that built Minnesota.
Today, Babe proudly serves as the official mascot of the Minnesota Blue Ox, bringing Northwoods toughness, Minnesota pride, and unmatched energy to every home game at Coon Rapids Ice Center. He is a favorite among fans of all ages, known for celebrating goals, rallying the crowd, chirping the opposition, and creating unforgettable game-day moments.
JOE RUHLAND
PLAY BY PLAY AND GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE LEADER
Joe Ruhland returns for another season as the voice of the Blue Ox, bringing decades of broadcasting experience and an unmatched passion for the game. A graduate of St. Cloud State University, Joe’s broadcasting journey began at a young age, calling games in his living room before turning that passion into a professional career.
Following college, Joe spent five years in Colorado as Play-by-Play Announcer and PR & Media Relations Director for the New York Rangers’ top developmental affiliate while also consulting with USA Hockey at the U.S. Olympic Training Center. During that time, he worked alongside some of hockey’s biggest names and developed a strong interest in leadership, neuroscience, and the connection between mindset and performance.
After returning to Minnesota, Joe built a successful career in medical sales and leadership development with Medtronic before becoming Managing Partner of YourTime Performance Agency. Today, he continues to advise organizations and sports teams on leadership, sales strategy, and momentum-based performance while remaining active in sports broadcasting across Minnesota.
Blue Ox fans can expect an energetic, insightful broadcast every night, as Joe combines his extensive hockey knowledge with his signature ability to recognize the momentum shifts that define great games. Be sure to tune in this season and experience what Joe calls “Joementum.”
ELENA ARRIONDO
GAMEDAY COORDINATOR
Elena Arriondo enters her first season with the Minnesota Blue Ox as Gameday Coordinator, bringing a strong background in sports operations, event management, and fan engagement. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, where she earned her degree in Leadership Management, Elena combines organizational excellence with a passion for creating memorable experiences.
Her experience spans NCAA Division I athletics, professional sports, and athletic facility management, providing her with a well-rounded understanding of what it takes to deliver a first-class game day. From coordinating operations behind the scenes to enhancing the fan experience, Elena’s attention to detail and commitment to excellence make her a valuable addition to the Blue Ox organization.
As Gameday Coordinator, Elena oversees the execution of every home game, working closely with players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to ensure each event reflects the professionalism and energy of the Blue Ox brand.
Whether welcoming fans through the doors or managing the countless details that make game nights run seamlessly, Elena is committed to creating an unforgettable atmosphere at Coon Rapids Ice Center and helping make every Blue Ox game a premier hockey experience.
AUSTIN COOPER
PUBLIC ADDRESS ANNOUNCER | NCDC LEAGUE STATS
Austin Cooper enters his first season as the Public Address Announcer for the Minnesota Blue Ox after spending years as one of the organization’s most dedicated supporters. A lifelong hockey fan, Austin has grown alongside the Blue Ox, making the transition from the stands to the game-day crew and now becoming the voice that welcomes fans to every home game at Coon Rapids Ice Center.
Growing up, Austin competed in hockey, football, baseball, and basketball before developing a passion for golf and bowling. No matter the activity, he believes in giving 110 percent and approaching every opportunity with energy, commitment, and a team-first mindset.
In addition to serving as the Blue Ox’s Public Address Announcer, Austin also supports the organization behind the scenes by assisting with live statistics and game operations. His enthusiasm for the game and attention to detail help ensure a professional experience for players, officials, and fans alike.
Austin is passionate about serving others and building a strong sense of community. As the arena voice of the Blue Ox, he is proud to help create an exciting game-day atmosphere while continuing to grow with an organization he has supported from the very beginning.
Melissa Medina
BILLET MOM | GAMEDAY CREW
Melissa has been part of the Blue Ox family since the 2019–20 season, opening her home to 10 Blue Ox players over seven years—plus Babe the Mascot for three years!
As the TEAM’s Billet Mom and Billet Coordinator, Melissa is there for just about everything: helping players settle in, supporting billet families, answering questions, solving problems, and proudly operating the unofficial Blue Ox Complaint Department.
On game days, Melissa is the ultimate floater—helping wherever she’s needed, from setup and tickets to merchandise and everything in between. But her most important game-day responsibility? Being the loudest fan in the arena after a Blue Ox goal.
Part billet coordinator, part TEAM mom, part problem solver, and full-time Blue Ox superfan, Melissa has been a huge part of making the Blue Ox feel like family.
TIM BROWN
GAME DAY HELPER
‘Browner”, Tim never played hockey growing up, but picked it up in his adult years as the game always intrigued him. The position he choose is intriguing as well. Goalie. He started coaching 4 years ago for the Coon Rapids Youth Hockey Association to share his passion for the game. He joined the Blue Ox year one to help with our game day festivities. He loves the high energy at the Blue Ox games and how involved the team is in the community. Getting to know the players on a personal level is pretty cool as well, especially the players from Europe!
In his real life, Tim has worked at Federal in Anoka for 1o+ years and enjoys spending time camping with his wife Michelle in their new RV during the Summers and Fall.
Stop and say hello to Tim at the next Blue Ox game, he enjoys getting to know all our the wonderful Blue Ox fans and their families.
TIM LEACH
GAME DAY SECURITY
Retired from the Postal Service after 30 years – and has since worked security for various sporting and music events events here around the Twin Cities! “Leacher” was raised in South Saint Paul played and coached youth ice hockey for many years. Now he enjoys watching the greatest sport in the world and is an avid Blue Ox fan!
Let’s Go Boys! Be sure to stop Tim at a game and say hello! He loves meeting all of our awesome Blue Ox fans!
FRED CRIMMINS
GAME DAY MILITARY VETERAN
Fred played hockey as a youth and was a Goalie. He was a practice goalie for Massasoit Community College in Brockton, Massachusetts. After not getting anywhere with hockey, Fred enlisted in the Air Force where he became a helicopter mechanic and was selected to be a Flight Engineer. Fred retired from the Air Force in 1996 after 21 years. After which he immediately got back into hockey and the rest is history.
- Hockey Coach, 1996 – 2010 North Metro Youth Hockey Association, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
- Head Coach, Boy’s Junior Varsity Ice Hockey 2007-2010
- North Metro Stars High School Co-op Team
- Head Coach, Boy’s Junior Gold Ice Hockey 2007-2011
- Totino Grace High School
- Certified USA Hockey Coaching Level 4
- Bachelor’s Degree, Occupational Education, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois, 1982
- Graduate, West Bridgewater High School, West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, 1973
Be sure to stop Freddie at a game (if you can) and say hello! He loves meeting all of our awesome Blue Ox fans!
