UMD awards Sandelin with five-year extension

Scott Sandelin, who guided Minnesota-Duluth to its first national championship last month, has signed a five-year contract extension that will keep him behind the Bulldogs’ bench through the 2016-2017 season.

Sandelin will earn an annual salary of $235,000.

“We are 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 UMD athletic director Bob Nielson in a press release. “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. This extension represents a commitment to both him and to UMD hockey.”

Since assuming UMD’s head coaching role in 1999-2000, Sandelin has compiled a 192-200-52 record, including a 70-40-15 mark during the last three seasons. The 2004 Spencer Penrose Award winner has strung together three consecutive seasons of 22 victories or more – a first for the Bulldogs since the mid-1980s.

“I’m excited about the future of this hockey program and building on what we’ve done; it’s a great time to be here,” added Sandelin, who will serve as an assistant coach for the U.S. at next winter’s World Junior Championship. “I am extremely appreciative to the UMD administration for continuing to have faith in me and offering me this extension.”