Staff

Aaron Arlt serves as General Manager of the Minnesota Northern Lights, overseeing team operations, player personnel, and organizational strategy. As a Thief River Falls business owner, he brings proven leadership, operational expertise, and a hands-on approach to building successful teams and organizations.

Aaron is committed to developing a competitive on-ice product while fostering a positive culture throughout the organization. He is equally dedicated to delivering an exceptional experience for fans, sponsors, and community partners, helping strengthen the connection between the team and the region it represents.

Through his vision, leadership, and commitment to excellence, Aaron plays a vital role in the continued growth and long-term success of the Minnesota Northern Lights.

Jeff Keller is a lifelong educator and dedicated community advocate with deep roots in Northwest Minnesota. A 1976 high school graduate and a 1980 college graduate, Jeff devoted 42 years to serving local schools in a variety of roles, including teacher, coach, paraprofessional, custodian, and bus driver. His commitment to students and the community has made a lasting impact across the region.

After moving to Thief River Falls eleven years ago, Jeff quickly recognized both the pride and the untapped potential within the community.

"I heard many, many times that our city is stagnant and that the Ralph is underused," Jeff said.

Jeff believes the arrival of the Minnesota Northern Lights represents a unique opportunity to energize the community, create excitement, and maximize one of the region's premier facilities.

"This is a chance to address those problems by getting behind this franchise with business sponsorships and season ticket purchases," Jeff added.

Jeff is passionate about bringing professional hockey to Northwest Minnesota and encourages everyone to become part of the team's inaugural season.

LET'S GO!

Mindy Piersol serves as the Minnesota Northern Lights Trainer/EMT and brings more than 30 years of experience in emergency medical services. Throughout her career, she has maintained licensure with both the State of Minnesota and the National Registry, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to professional excellence and high-quality patient care.

Mindy currently serves with the Red Lake Falls Volunteer Ambulance Service, where she provides emergency response and critical patient care to her community. She also serves as an EMT for DMC Motocross Racing in Brooks, Minnesota, providing medical coverage and emergency support for racing events.

With three decades of EMS experience, Mindy brings extensive knowledge, practical expertise, and a strong dedication to public service. Her passion for helping others and commitment to emergency medical care make her an invaluable member of the Minnesota Northern Lights organization.

Don Leathers serves as the Public Address Announcer for the Northern Lights. Originally from Indiana, Don has called Minnesota home for more than a decade and is proud to be part of the local hockey community.

Like many fans of his generation, Don's love of hockey began with the historic Miracle on Ice at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. One of his most enduring memories is seeing Jim Craig draped in an American flag, searching the stands for his father after the United States' unforgettable victory.

While many fans have a favorite team, Don has always been a fan of a position—the goaltender. As hockey's last line of defense, goalies have fascinated him for decades. From Grant Fuhr and Ed Belfour ("Sioux Forever!") to Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, and Marc-André Fleury, Don has admired the incredible saves and game-changing performances that have turned likely losses into memorable victories.

As legendary goaltender Jacques Plante once said, "How would you like a job where, if you made a mistake, a big red light goes on and 18,000 people boo?" It's that unique pressure, skill, and resilience that continues to make the goaltending position Don's favorite part of the game.

Paul Pechmann brings more than 20 years of coaching experience and a proven track record of developing players both on and off the ice. Entering his fourth season with the Riverkings, Coach Pechmann has compiled an impressive 99-38-14 record while building a culture centered on excellence, leadership, and player advancement.

A former player at South Kent Prep School, Pechmann continued his hockey career with the NCAA UConn Huskies. Throughout his coaching career, he has helped numerous players achieve their goals of advancing to the NCAA, ACHA, and professional hockey. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he serves as an NCDC and NAHL scout for several organizations, providing valuable insight into player development and advancement.

Coach Pechmann has built an extensive network of college coaches through his years in youth, junior, and collegiate hockey. He continues to leverage these relationships to help his players reach the next level, both academically and athletically.

Off the ice, Paul is married to his wife, Renee, an oncology nurse. Together they have four children—Noelle, Paul, Ciera, and Zachary—and are proud grandparents to three grandchildren. His commitment to developing young men for success in hockey, college, and life makes him a tremendous asset to the Minnesota Northern Lights Hockey Club.