Remembering a giant: Hockey community mourns loss of legendary NCAA coach
Photo credit: Duluth News Tribune
Legendary coach Mike Sertrich leaves a lasting legacy in college hockey.
Mike Sertrich, the esteemed former coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) Bulldogs, passed away at the age of 77, leaving behind a monumental legacy in college hockey.
His coaching career spanned several decades, highlighted by his transformative tenure at UMD from 1982 to 2000.
influence extended beyond the rink, shaping the lives and careers of countless athletes and coaches.
" Sertich, who was at the helm of the UMD program from 1982-2000, guided UMD to all three of its Western Collegiate Hockey Association regular season titles (1984-85 and 1993), both of its league playoff championships (1984-85) and its first four NCAA postseason berths (1983-85 and 1993). A native of Virginia, Minn., Sertich amassed an overall career record of 350-328-44. He was the recipient of the 1984 Spencer Penrose Award (American Hockey Coaches Association Coach of the Year) after his Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA title game against Bowling Green in Lake Placid, N.Y., and fell to the Falcons 5-4 after a four overtime thriller. Sertich returned UMD to the 1985 NCAA Frozen Four the following year and set a club mark for victories in the process (36-9-3 overall), and is one of just two four-time winners of the WCHA Coach of the Year Award (1983-85 and 1993) and the only individual to attain that honor three seasons in a row. Under Sertich, UMD produced three Hobey Baker Memorial Award winners (Tom Kurvers in 1984, Bill Watson in 1985 and Chris Marinucci in 1994), 11 NCAA All-Americans, five WCHA Player of the Year honorees, 10 Olympians and 21 future National Hockey League performers during his 18-year tenure. "
Sertrich's coaching career was distinguished by his exceptional achievements, including winning the WCHA Hockey Coach of the Year award several times during the 1980s and another accolade in 1993.
His leadership brought the UMD Bulldogs three consecutive WCHA Championships, a testament to his strategic prowess and dedication to excellence.
Following his remarkable period at UMD, Sertrich continued to impart his knowledge and passion for the game at Michigan Tech University and later as an assistant coach at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota.
Each position benefited from his extensive experience and commitment to developing top-tier hockey talent.
The hockey community has expressed profound sorrow over the loss of such a significant figure. Tributes have poured in, reflecting the deep respect and admiration for Sertrich's contributions to the sport.
His legacy is not only in the records he set or the titles his teams won but in the lasting impact he had on the players he coached and the coaches he mentored.
Sertrich's life and career will continue to inspire future generations in the world of hockey, exemplifying leadership, perseverance, and a profound love for the game.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure within the hockey community and beyond.
Source: Hockey Feed
Hockey world mourns sudden death of beloved Minnesota coach
Hockey world mourns sudden death of beloved Minnesota coach
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