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Minnesota State Mavericks men's ice hockey

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Minnesota State Mavericks men's ice hockey
Current season
Minnesota State Mavericks athletic logo
UniversityMinnesota State University
ConferenceCCHA
First season1969–70
Head coachLuke Strand
2nd season, 18–15–4 (.541)
Assistant coaches
ArenaMayo Clinic Health System Event Center
Mankato, Minnesota
ColorsPurple and gold[1]
   
NCAA Tournament championships
DII: 1980
NCAA Tournament Runner-up
DI: 2022
DII: 1979
DIII: 1991
NCAA Tournament Frozen Four
DI: 2021, 2022
DII: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981
DIII: 1986, 1990, 1991
NCAA Tournament appearances
DI: 2003, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
DII: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983
DIII: 1985, 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992
Conference Tournament championships
WRT:[a] 1979, 1980
WCHA: 2014, 2015, 2019
CCHA: 2022, 2023
Conference regular season championships
NCHA: 1981, 1986, 1987, 1991
WCHA: 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
CCHA: 2022, 2023
Current uniform

The Minnesota State Mavericks men's ice hockey team is an NCAA Division I college ice hockey program that represents Minnesota State University, Mankato. The Mavericks compete in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA).[2] Their home arena is the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center located in downtown Mankato, Minnesota.[3]

History

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Early Beginnings: 1930s - 1940s

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In the early 1930s, students at Minnesota State, then Mankato State Teachers College (MSTC), first expressed interest in forming a hockey team to represent the university. The first hockey team at MSTC was formed in 1935, sponsored by faculty member Al Theide, who also coached the team.[4] The 1935 squad played a few games against local community teams and other colleges before disbanding at the end of the school year.

The 1941 MSTC Indians playing a hockey game.

Interest in forming a new team remained throughout the mid-to-late 1930s. In 1939, MSTC student Nic Schultz put out an ad in the MSTC school newspaper calling students interested in hockey to meet with him to create a team.[5] After this, Schultz contacted MSTC Athletic Coordinator C. P. Blakeslee and convinced him to allow the newly formed team to borrow some of the MSTC football team’s equipment to play in.[6] The team did not have many resources, relying on donated sticks and skates and using old magazines as shin guards.[6] [7] They did not have any practices, with all their ice time coming in the team’s five games played against local community teams, mostly in the Mankato area.[8] Their first game came against the North Mankato Juniors in a 3-7 loss.[9] The 1939 team had no home ice rink, nor did they have a head coach. The team ended their first season with a record of 1-4, with their lone win coming against Madison Lake.[8]

At the beginning of the 1940 season, the team was approached by MSTC Health Education Professor W. E. Cushman who offered to coach the team.[6] The team gained more legitimacy and donated money to purchase lumber for the construction of a practice rink formed by flooding the MSTC football field.[6] Cushman would coach the team as a player-coach for the next two seasons as the Indians played more local teams and finished around .500. After the 1941 season, the team disbanded. Throughout the 1940s, interest remained in re-forming a team, though nothing materialized.

Increasing Interest in Hockey: 1950s - 1960s

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Interest remained high for the formation of a MSTC Indians hockey team in the early-to-mid 1950s. Creating a team became an annual conversation within the university with the occasional game scheduled against local community teams, though nothing substantial formed due to a lack of personnel.[10] In late 1956, a group of MSTC students met with the athletics board to discuss the addition of intercollegiate hockey. While the request was once again denied, the school agreed to the formation of an intramural hockey organization within the school. Several students from the teams competed in extramural events against local community teams and Gustavus Adolphus College.[11] Throughout the late 1950s, multiple petitions submitted to the school regarding the creation of an intercollegiate hockey team, though all were rejected, chiefly due to a lack of funding and equipment.

The 1959 Snow Day Game between the MSC Indians and GAC Gusties.

In 1959, MSTC, now Mankato State College (MSC), saw their best opportunity for the creation of a hockey team since the 1940s. As part of an annual “Snow Day Celebration”, the school formed an official hockey team and played one officially sanctioned intercollegiate game against Gustavus Adolphus College as part of the Snow Day events. The school advertised that if interest in the event was high, there would be a possibility of a permanent intercollegiate hockey team for the school.[12] A few hundred spectators attended the Snow Day game as the Indians lost to the Gusties 0-4.[13] This event marked MSC’s first official intercollegiate game since the 1940s.[12] Afterwards, the university newspaper reported that the interest in hockey indicated the possibility of a team within a few seasons or less.[13] This ended up not being the case as the school once again declined to create a team due to lack of funding and soon removed the intramural team as well. That did not last long though, as by 1963, the school once again permitted intramural teams after petitioning by students.

A 1967 extramural hockey game between the MSC Indians and GAC Gusties

In late 1965, the school selected the best players from each intramural team to form an extramural team. This team was coached by Physical Education Instructor Don Brose and played local community teams and other colleges, compiling a 1-5 record in their first season, with several closely contested losses.[14] Throughout the late 1960s, the extramural team gained popularity and continued playing many different colleges from Minnesota as part of their schedule. Finally, in early 1968, MSC approved a re-allocation of funds which allowed the school to form an official NCAA intercollegiate hockey team.[15] The 1968-69 season was the last season for the extramural hockey team at MSC before they elevated the team at the start of the 1969-70 season.

NCAA Membership: 1969 - present

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The Mankato State College Indians men's ice hockey team commenced play as a varsity sport in 1969-70.[16] They competed independent of a conference affiliation at the NCAA Division II level from 1969-70 to 1983-84.[16] In 1977, the University changed the name of all its sports teams from the Indians to the Mavericks. From 1984-85 to 1991-92, the Mavericks competed at the NCAA Division III level, before returning to the NCAA Division II ranks from 1992-93 to 1995-96.[16] Starting with the 1996-97 season, the Mavericks began competition at the NCAA Division I level. The Mavericks were granted acceptance to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) in 1999-00, and remained with the conference until 2021.[16]

The program saw great success at the NCAA Division II level during the 1970s and 1980s.[16] The Mavericks finished as the NCAA Division II national runner-up in 1979, after being defeated by the University of Massachusetts Lowell 6-4 in the final.[17] The Mavericks were awarded the 1980 NCAA Division II National Championship over Elmira College 5-2 in the championship game.[17] In 1991, while competing at the NCAA Division III level, the Mavericks finished as national runner-up following a loss versus the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point 6-2. In 2013 and 2014, the Mavericks reached the NCAA Division I Tournament in consecutive seasons for the first time in program history. The program has seen sustained success in recent seasons, winning their conference tournament in three out of four tries from 2019 to 2023, and achieving the best record in their conference for six consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2023. In 2021, the Mavericks won their first NCAA Division I Tournament game in their first of two consecutive trips to the Frozen Four.

On March 29, 2017, the university announced that it was in negotiations to extend the contract of head coach Mike Hastings by 10 years (through the 2027-28 season), providing its coach with the longest contract term in all of Division I men's hockey.[18] In addition to the contract extension, the university said it would invest further resources into the program's recruiting and equipment budgets and work to cover full cost of attendance.

With the 2021–22 season, the Mavericks, and six other teams formerly in the WCHA, began play in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, restarting the conference after an eight-year hiatus.

On March 30, 2023, head coach Mike Hastings left Mankato to coach Wisconsin. The Mavericks hired Luke Strand, former Ohio State assistant coach and Sioux City Musketeers head coach.

Minnesota State is one of six Minnesota-based universities that compete in NCAA Division I ice hockey, the others being Minnesota, Minnesota-Duluth, St. Cloud State, Bemidji State, and St. Thomas. Before a major hockey conference realignment in 2013, five of the six teams[b] all competed in the WCHA. Additionally, these same five schools once competed annually for the North Star College Cup, hosted by the University of Minnesota at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Season-by-season results

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Main article: List of Minnesota State Mavericks men's ice hockey seasons

Source:[19]

Coaches

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As of April 15, 2024[16]

Tenure Coach Years Record Pct.
1969–1983, 1984–2000 Don Brose 30 535–334–78 .606
1983–1984 Brad Reeves 1 16–14–0 .533
2000–2012 Troy Jutting 12 184–224–55 .457
2012–2023 Mike Hastings 11 299–109–25 .719
2023–present Luke Strand 1 18–15–4 .541
Totals 5 coaches 55 seasons 1052–696–162 .593

Awards and Honors

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NCAA Awards and Honors

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Conference Awards and Honors

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Statistical leaders

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Source:[19]

Career points leaders

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Player Years GP G A Pts PIM
Tom Kern 1979–1983 144 129 110 239 90
Pat Carroll 1981–1985 132 123 101 224 175
Steve Forliti 1977–1981 136 83 113 196 83
John Passolt 1979–1982 106 68 105 173 94
Ryan Rintoul 1994–1998 128 55 114 169 202
Jon Hill 1981–1985 133 63 105 168 178
Greg Larson 1977–1981 147 76 92 168 142
Tyler Deis 1995–1999 130 90 74 164 309
Aaron Fox 1996–2000 147 61 103 164 68
Matt Leitner 2011–2015 158 49 113 162 114
Marc Michaelis 2016–2020 148 71 91 162 65

Career goaltending leaders

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GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Minimum 30 games

Player Years GP Min W L T GA SO SV% GAA
Dryden McKay 2018–2022 140 8250 113 20 4 201 34 .932 1.46
Connor LaCouvee 2017–2018 31 1800 23 6 1 54 3 .914 1.86
Cole Huggins 2013–2017 88 4730 46 27 4 158 11 .914 2.00
Stephon Williams 2012–2015 82 4636 51 24 5 155 10 .917 2.01
Jason Pawloski 2015–2018 45 2468 22 11 7 87 5 .907 2.12

Statistics current through the start of the 2021-22 season.

Players

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Current roster

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As of August 24, 2024.[20]

No. S/P/C Player Class Pos Height Weight DoB Hometown Previous team NHL rights
4 Alberta Brett Moravec Sophomore F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 176 lb (80 kg) 2003-02-26 Airdrie, Alberta Penticton Vees (BCHL) —
5 Minnesota Mason Wheeler Junior D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 2001-09-29 Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota Tri-City Storm (USHL) —
7 British Columbia Luc Wilson Junior F 5' 8" (1.73 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2001-11-22 Duncan, British Columbia Penticton Vees (BCHL) —
8 Minnesota Campbell Cichosz Sophomore D 6' 0" (1.83 m) 174 lb (79 kg) 2001-08-23 Albert Lea, Minnesota Anchorage Wolverines (NAHL) —
9 Alberta Luigi Benincasa Sophomore F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 159 lb (72 kg) 2002-10-07 Edmonton, Alberta Ferris State (CCHA) —
10 Minnesota Evan Murr Sophomore D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 178 lb (81 kg) 2003-02-27 Stillwater, Minnesota Sioux Falls Stampede (USHL) —
11 Minnesota Tyler Haskins Junior F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2003-07-07 Rochester, Minnesota Denver (NCHC) —
12 California Josh Groll Graduate F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 182 lb (83 kg) 2001-08-09 San Diego, California Michigan (Big Ten) —
13 Ontario Jordan Power Sophomore D 6' 1" (1.85 m) 187 lb (85 kg) 2001-07-31 Ottawa, Ontario Lincoln Stars (USHL) —
14 Minnesota Kade Nielsen Sophomore F 5' 9" (1.75 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2002-08-06 Burnsville, Minnesota Chippewa Steel (NAHL) —
15 Minnesota Adam Eisele Junior F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 190 lb (86 kg) 2001-07-11 Lake Elmo, Minnesota Penticton Vees (BCHL) —
16 British Columbia Jacob Bonkowski Freshman F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2003-08-25 Richmond, British Columbia Coquitlam Express (BCHL) —
17 British Columbia Luke Ashton Freshman D 6' 7" (2.01 m) 231 lb (105 kg) 2005-01-21 North Vancouver, British Columbia Langley Rivermen (BCHL) CBJ, 165th overall 2024
18 Minnesota Jakob Stender Sophomore F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2002-08-07 Alexandria, Minnesota Fargo Force (USHL) —
19 Minnesota Will Hillman Sophomore F 6' 2" (1.88 m) 178 lb (81 kg) 2000-11-22 Blaine, Minnesota Youngstown Phantoms (USHL) —
21 British Columbia Fin Williams Sophomore F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 186 lb (84 kg) 2003-04-21 North Vancouver, British Columbia Notre Dame (Big Ten) —
22 Ontario Steven Bellini Senior D 5' 11" (1.8 m) 171 lb (78 kg) 2000-05-23 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Tri-City Storm (USHL) —
23 New York (state) Cade Alami Senior F 6' 7" (2.01 m) 212 lb (96 kg) 2001-03-13 Bedford, New York Arizona State (NCAA) —
24 Alaska Zach Krajnik Graduate F 5' 11" (1.8 m) 174 lb (79 kg) 1999-05-13 Eagle River, Alaska Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL) —
25 Wisconsin Brenden Olson Senior F 6' 1" (1.85 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2000-10-18 Eau Claire, Wisconsin Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) —
26 Minnesota Kaden Bohlsen Senior (RS) F 6' 3" (1.91 m) 192 lb (87 kg) 2001-01-10 Willmar, Minnesota Fargo Force (USHL) —
27 Minnesota Sam Rice Freshman F 5' 8" (1.73 m) 163 lb (74 kg) 2003-12-31 Prior Lake, Minnesota Madison Capitols (USHL) —
28 Massachusetts Brian Carrabes Junior F 5' 10" (1.78 m) 170 lb (77 kg) 2001-08-01 North Andover, Massachusetts Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) —
30 British Columbia Eli Pulver Freshman G 6' 1" (1.85 m) 165 lb (75 kg) 2003-03-02 Vancouver, British Columbia Salmon Arm Silverbacks (BCHL) —
31 Minnesota Matthew Syverson Sophomore G 6' 4" (1.93 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 2003-04-22 Apple Valley, Minnesota Lindenwood (NCAA) —
32 Colorado Andrew Miller Senior G 6' 0" (1.83 m) 177 lb (80 kg) 2000-02-10 Boulder, Colorado Fargo Force (USHL) —
33 Illinois Alex Tracy Junior G 6' 0" (1.83 m) 187 lb (85 kg) 2001-05-04 Chicago, Illinois Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) —
39 Latvia Ralfs Bergmanis Junior D 5' 10" (1.78 m) 175 lb (79 kg) 2002-03-13 Liepāja, Latvia Vermont (HEA) —

Olympians

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This is a list of Minnesota State alumni were a part of an Olympic team.

Name Position Minnesota State Tenure Team Year Finish
David Backes Center/Right Wing 2003–2006 United States USA 2010, 2014  Silver, 4th
Nathan Smith Center 2019–2022 United States USA 2022 5th

Mavericks in the NHL

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See also: Former NCAA players in the National Hockey League

As of July 1, 2024

= NHL All-Star team = NHL All-Star[21] = NHL All-Star[21] and NHL All-Star team = Hall of Famers

Source:[22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ In 1978-1981 and 1983, the NCAA held a Western Regional Tournament (also called Western Championship Tournament) for the Independent Division II teams to help determine qualification for the NCAA Tournament. The WRT functioned as the de facto conference tournament for Independent teams.
  2. ^ St. Thomas did not join Division I until 2021.
  3. ^ In the NCHA, this award is called the MVP Award.
  4. ^ In the WCHA, this award is called the Offensive Player of the Year.
  5. ^ In the WCHA, this award is called the Defensive Player of the Year.
  1. ^ "University Colors". Retrieved May 19, 2016.
  2. ^ Augustoviz, Roman (March 13, 2008). "Series against U is big for Mavericks - and for Mankato". Star Tribune. Archived from the original on October 12, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
  3. ^ "Verizon Wireless Center Facilities". Verizon Center. Archived from the original on October 3, 2009. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
  4. ^ "College Group Plans Hockey Team; Thiede is Sponsor of Sextet". The MSTC College Spirit. January 31, 1935. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  5. ^ Bob Bates (January 13, 1939). "Hockey Team to Form ??? ???". The MSTC College Reporter. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d Bob Bates (January 12, 1940). "De-Bates". The MSTC College Reporter. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Finn Larsen (February 24, 1939). "M Club Organizes Twenty Minutes for Picture". The MSTC College Reporter. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  8. ^ a b 1939 Katonian. Mankato, MN: Minnesota State Teachers College. 1939. p. 64.
  9. ^ "Hockey Team Loses To North Siders 7 to 3 In First Go". The MSTC College Reporter. January 20, 1939. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  10. ^ "Hockey Players To Meet Tonight". The MSTC College Reporter. December 6, 1956. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  11. ^ 1957 Katonian. Mankato, MN: Minnesota State Teachers College. 1957. p. 152.
  12. ^ a b "Intercollegiate Hockey To Make Debut; Oppose Gusties In Sanctioned Play". The MSC College Reporter. January 29, 1959. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Gustie Sextet Scores Shutout Over Indians, 4-0". The MSC College Reporter. February 12, 1959. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  14. ^ John Pates (February 22, 1966). "From The Bleachers". The MSTC College Reporter. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  15. ^ John Folven (February 29, 1968). "Hockey Budget Lowered, Will Play Independently". The MSTC College Reporter. Retrieved November 9, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c d e f "Minnesota State Men's Hockey Team History". U.S. College Hockey Online. 1996–2010. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  17. ^ a b "History". Minnesota State University. Retrieved March 28, 2011.
  18. ^ Frederick, Shane. "Hastings, Minnesota State working on a 10-Year Deal". Mankato Free Press. Mankato Free Press. Retrieved 8 May 2018.
  19. ^ a b "Minnesota State Mavericks men's Hockey 2018-19 Record Book" (PDF). Minnesota State Mavericks. Retrieved April 12, 2018.
  20. ^ "2024-25 Men's Hockey Roster". Minnesota State Mavericks. Retrieved August 24, 2024.
  21. ^ a b Players are identified as an All-Star if they were selected for the All-Star game at any time in their career.
  22. ^ "Alumni report for Minnesota State U - Mankato". Hockey DB. Retrieved April 17, 2019.
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