5 Shocking Truths About The North Iowa Bulls Hockey Team's 2025 Season And Coach Nick Bruneteau's Uphill Battle

The North Iowa Bulls, a staple of junior hockey in Mason City, Iowa, are currently navigating one of their most challenging seasons since making the jump to the Tier II North American Hockey League (NAHL) in 2021. As of the current date, December 17, 2025, the team finds itself in a difficult position within the highly competitive Central Division standings, battling fiercely against rivals but struggling to secure a playoff spot for the 2024-2025 campaign.

This article dives deep into the latest team statistics, the historical context of their move to the NAHL, and provides a complete profile of the man tasked with turning the program around: Head Coach Nick Bruneteau. The Bulls' journey is a fascinating case study of a dominant franchise in the NA3HL adjusting to the rigors of a higher-tier league.

Head Coach Nick Bruneteau: A Full Biography and Career Profile

The North Iowa Bulls’ current direction is guided by Head Coach Nick Bruneteau, a former professional defenseman with deep roots in junior and college hockey. His appointment in May 2023 marked a significant transition for the club, bringing a new coaching philosophy to the NAHL squad.

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• Full Name: Nicholas Bruneteau
• Born: February 28, 1992
• Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska, USA
• Primary Position (Player): Defenseman
• College Career: University of Vermont (UVM Catamounts)
• College Honors: Hockey East All-Academic Team (2011-12), Team Rookie of the Year (2010-11)
• Professional Career: Played professionally until 2020, with his last known stop in Cortina, Italy.
• Coaching Start: Began his coaching tenure with the North Iowa organization as a Skills Coach.
• Previous Head Coach Role: Served as Head Coach for the Mason City Toros, the NA3HL team that replaced the Bulls' former NA3HL franchise.
• NAHL Appointment: Named Head Coach of the North Iowa Bulls (NAHL) in May 2023.

Bruneteau’s transition from a successful playing career—which included four seasons at the Division I level with the University of Vermont—to coaching brings a player-centric perspective to the team. His experience includes navigating the demanding schedule of college hockey, a crucial path for many of the Bulls' players aiming for NCAA commitments. His challenge is to translate his high-level playing experience into consistent wins in the ultra-competitive NAHL.

The 2024-2025 Season Reality: Standings, Key Stats, and Playoff Hopes

The 2024-2025 NAHL season has proven to be a tough test for the North Iowa Bulls, highlighting the steep competitive curve in the Central Division. The team's record reflects a struggle for consistency against powerhouses like the Austin Bruins and the Aberdeen Wings.

Central Division Standings Snapshot

As the season progresses, the Bulls have found themselves near the bottom of the Central Division. Their record, which sits around 19 wins, 34 losses, 4 overtime losses, and 2 shootout losses, totaling 44 points, has effectively placed them out of playoff contention for the 2024-2025 postseason.

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The team's overall goal differential of 159 goals for (GF) versus 212 goals against (GA) underscores the primary challenge: tightening up the defensive zone while boosting offensive output.

The Bulls’ Top Scorers: The Offensive Bright Spots

Despite the team's struggles, several players have delivered impressive individual performances, catching the eyes of college scouts and providing hope for the future. These players are the core of the team's topical authority and future success.

• Cole Wirun (LW): Led the team in points with 57 (19 Goals, 38 Assists) over 59 games. His 0.97 points-per-game average makes him the offensive engine.
• Sangyeob Kim (F): A major contributor with 47 points (19 Goals, 28 Assists) in 48 games, demonstrating significant scoring efficiency.
• Jack Seaverson (F): Provided solid depth scoring with 38 points (10 Goals, 28 Assists) in 51 games.

The success of these players, particularly their ability to produce points at the Tier II level, is a testament to the North Iowa organization's ability to develop talent, even during a challenging season. Their performance is crucial for the team's mission of advancing players to the NCAA ranks.

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From NA3HL Dynasty to NAHL Contender: The Bulls’ Legacy

To truly understand the North Iowa Bulls, one must look at their history, which is steeped in championship pedigree at the Tier III level. The current NAHL team is a continuation of a franchise that was once the gold standard of the North American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL).

A History of Dominance (NA3HL Era)

Before moving to the NAHL in 2021, the Bulls were known for an incredible run of success. Under previous coach Todd Sanden, the team established a dynasty, winning multiple championships in the NA3HL.

• Championship Pedigree: The original North Iowa Bulls won three championships in a six-season span, showcasing their dominance at the Tier III level.
• The Transition: The move to the NAHL in 2021 was a major step up, placing the team in the Tier II landscape, a more direct route for player advancement to NCAA Division I hockey.
• The Mason City Toros Connection: The Bulls' NA3HL spot was taken by the Mason City Toros, who now serve as a key developmental pipeline for the NAHL squad, a team Nick Bruneteau previously coached.

This history provides a crucial context: the current struggles are not a sign of a failing organization, but rather the growing pains of a successful franchise adapting to a significantly higher caliber of competition. The organization is focused on the long-term goal of becoming a consistent contender and a premier destination for junior hockey players.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities in Mason City

The North Iowa Bulls continue to call the Mason City Arena home, fostering a strong connection with the local Iowa fan base. The team's future hinges on its ability to leverage its historical success and the leadership of Coach Bruneteau to climb the NAHL standings. The 2025-2026 season will be pivotal, with the team aiming to capitalize on its development system and secure more NCAA commitments for its players. The NAHL is a league of opportunity, and the Bulls are determined to make their mark.