Finalists for the 2026 Spencer Penrose Award, given annually to the Division I Men’s Hockey Coach of the Year, were announced by the American Hockey Coaches Association.
The nominees consist of those named coach of the year by their respective leagues, and those whose teams qualified for the Frozen Four.
Brandon Naurato of Michigan, Mike Hastings of Wisconsin, David Carle of Denver, and Dane Jackson of North Dakota are the Frozen Four participants, with only Jackson also receiving coach of the year honors from his conference (NCHC). Hastings is the only past recipient in this year’s field.
The other finalists are coaches of the year honorees: Nate Leaman of Providence (Hockey East) Adam Nightingale of Michigan State (B1G), Reid Cashman of Dartmouth (ECAC), Erik Largen of Alaska (NCAA independents), Luke Strand of Minnesota State (CCHA) and Andy Jones of Bentley (AHA).
The winner will be announced April 7. Last year’s winner was Pat Ferschweiler of Western Michigan. The Frozen Four begins April 9 in Las Vegas.