Like an ancient Viking warrior, New Richmond’s Bjorn Bahneman is physically dominant with toughness and tenacity. At nearly 6’1” and 200lbs, Bjorn can impose his will on opponents in high school hockey.

Last season as a sophomore Bjorn helped New Richmond win the 2023 WIAA D-2 state championship. As a sophomore he was named all-conference honorable mention in the Big Rivers Conference. This season Bjorn led New Richmond in points, and he was named 2nd team all-conference in the Big Rivers.

As a young 11th grader, Bjorn Bahneman has all the ingredients to be an elite player. When other players have hit their peak, Bjorn is just starting his upward trajectory.

“Bjorn brings a tremendous work ethic to the rink every day. Bjorn is physical and he is coming together as a complete player. He is a big kid that keeps getting better every year. Another aspect about him is he has accepted the role as one of our go-to guys. He had a great second half of his sophomore season last year and that led into the state tournament (2023) where he elevated his game. He brought a physical aspect to that championship game (2023), and it was a dynamic element. He is also a fun kid to coach.” John Larson, head coach, New Richmond.

“Bjorn is an all-around talent. He has size, speed, physicality, and offensive tenacity. If you need a goal, some grit or a momentum changing hit call Bjorn. He has special vision and hockey sense and it’s paired with a great set of hands. Bjorn has a bright future ahead.” Tim Hoehn, assistant coach, Janesville Junior Jets U16.

Let’s meet Bjorn Bahneman!

When did you start playing hockey? 3 or 4 at my grandpa’s outdoor rink.

Where did you play youth hockey? New Richmond

What is your memory of winning WIAA D-2 State in 2023? I remember all the fans when we went out for warm-ups…it was exciting to see all the people! In the locker room after we won, we sprayed the coaches with water bottles. It was such an unreal moment. And then when we drove back (to New Richmond) in the bus we got a police escort as we entered town and drove through the middle of New Richmond and people were lined up on the sidewalks cheering as the bus drove by.

What is your favorite youth hockey memory? Our hometown tournaments we got to dress in the varsity locker room. I was a little kid, and it was cool to be in the locker of the varsity players I looked up to.

You played this fall with the Janesville Junior Jets…how was that experience? I got to meet a lot of new teammates from other high school teams. It was a good experience.

Did anyone in your family play hockey? On my mom’s side my grandpa and uncles played for Hudson.

What is your pregame ritual? Playing with a soccer ball with my teammates, and I tape my stick alone by myself.

What hockey skill do you have that separates you from the competition? I feel my physicality when I hit people can change the momentum of the game.

Is there an NHL player you model your game after? Alex DeBrincat (Detroit Red Wings).

Who is the most influential person in your life? My grandpa because he pushes me to get better, mostly off ice like shooting and working out. He has a big pole barn I stickhandle and workout in it.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you want to meet? Gordie Howe. Grandpa and I watch old hockey films and we watched Gordie Howe.

What is the plan for hockey after HS? To go as far as I can with hockey. I want to play in juniors and college.

What is your dream college to play for? North Dakota. I like their rink and they have great fans. They have so much history in their rink.

What do you want to do for your career? Sports trainer. Something in sports, maybe even a coach.

Do you play any other sports? I play football for New Richmond HS. I play outside linebacker and do kickoffs, extra points and field goals. I played soccer growing up and my soccer skills are used in football. I also play golf on my own in spring and summer.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to sports? I go to the lake with my grandpa and do water sports like wake surfing and skiing.

What is your favorite food? I like Raising Cane’s Caniac Combo. It’s six pieces of chicken, coleslaw, texas toast, fries and a drink!

What is your favorite music group or type of music? Country and I also like Drake for hockey warmups.

Where is your dream vacation? On a beach somewhere. A tropical beach.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Chocolate cake.

Pickup truck or sports car? Sports car. 2024 Nissan Z and 2023 Audi R8.

Final thoughts? I want to thank my dad, uncles, and grandpa for getting me into the sport of hockey. I also want to thank my mom for the constant support and the good meals she makes late at night after games. I want to thank all my coaches and teammates, and a special thank you to my linemates Matthew Unger and Steven Chapman for making practice so much fun every day.