Minnesota-Duluth head coach Scott Sandelin has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him behind the Bulldog bench through the 2009-10 season, UMD Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Bob Nielson announced.
“We very pleased with the leadership Scott has provided to our men’s hockey program and are encouraged about what lies ahead for the Bulldogs,” said Nielson. “He’s continually demonstrated the ability to bring in top quality student-athletes — young men who excel both on the ice and in the classroom.”
The agreement calls for Sandelin to receive an annual base salary of $130,000.
In his six seasons with the Bulldogs, Sandelin, the 2003-04 Spencer Penrose Award recipient as national Division I coach of the year, has compiled an overall record of 96-122-26, including a 76-70-19 mark since the start of the 2002-03 season. UMD has appeared in three of the past four WCHA Final Fives, and reached the NCAA Frozen Four in 2004.
In all, the 41-year-old Hibbing, Minn., native has produced one Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner (Junior Lessard in 2003-04), two All-Americans, and eight All-WCHA selections.
The 2006-07 Bulldogs will return some 17 lettermen — including nine of their top 11 scorers — from last year’s club, which went 11-25-4 overall and 6-19-3 in the WCHA.
“I’m excited about the future of this hockey program,” said Sandelin, whose 2006-07 roster will include 10 National Hockey League draftees. “And, I am extremely appreciative for getting the opportunity to continue being a part of it.”
