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Rod Heisler

Sport(s): Ice Hockey, Baseball

Played at BSU: 1975-1980

Year Inducted: 2006

Rod Heisler graduated from Bemidji State University in 1980 with a degree in physical education and health and a minor in biology.  As a member of the BSU men?s hockey team, Rod helped lead them to the 1979 national championship.  He is tied for career goals scored at 100, and is 5^th all-time in total points scored at 190. Rod was also named one of the top 50 Beaver legends during the 50-year celebration of men?s hockey in 2006.  He was All-Conference and All-American in 1978 and 1979.  Rod also made the All-Tournament team in 1979, as well as being named the National Championship MVP. His teams made the national play-offs all four years during his collegiate career, with an overall record of 98-20-4.   Rod also played baseball for the Beaver?s from 1975-79.  He also earned honors in that sport as All-Conference in 1978 and 1979 and All-District in 1979.  After college, Rod played six years of professional hockey in Germany and 11 years of baseball on Canada?s National Team.  In his professional hockey career he won the scoring title with German Bundesliga in 1981-82, and was a member of the Moose Jaw Generals, which were the Canadian Champions in 1985-86. In baseball, Rod played in the 1984 Olympic Games, 3 Pan-American games, and 11 World Cup/World Championships. He was named the Top Pitcher in the World Championships in Korea in 1982 and is one of only six athletes from Bemidji State to participate in the Olympic Games. In 2000, Rod was honored with the Kinsmen Sports Lifetime Achievement Award.  He also received the Government of Canada Merit Award in 1988 and the Government of Saskatchewan Merit award in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985.  Following his athletic career, Rod turned to teaching and coaching.  He taught and coached baseball and hockey at Notre Dame College in Wilcox, Saskatchewan. Rod also coached minor league hockey for 11 years in Moose Jaw, as well as little league baseball.  Rod also taught and coached high school track and football at Vanier Collegiate in Moose Jaw.  In 2006, Rod was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.  Rod is the father of four children and the proud grandfather of one and resides in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan with his wife Lorie.