Ncaa Hockey Coach Of The Year
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recognizes and honors the most outstanding coaches in college hockey by awarding them the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year Award. This award is given to a men's college hockey coach who has demonstrated exceptional skills in coaching and has led his team to success throughout the season. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year, including its history, selection criteria, and past winners.
The History of the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year Award
The NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year Award has been a part of the college hockey landscape since 1959. The inaugural winner was former University of North Dakota coach, Bob May. Since then, the award has been given annually to coaches who have made significant contributions to their respective teams and to the sport of college hockey. The honor is highly coveted and highly respected, with past winners having become some of the most respected figures in college hockey.
Selection Criteria for the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year
The NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year is selected by a panel of judges consisting of college hockey experts, coaches, and media members. The panel considers a variety of factors when selecting the winner, including:
- Win-loss record
- Conference championship results
- NCAA tournament performance
- Team's overall improvement throughout the season
- In-season coaching decisions and strategy
Coaches who have exhibited exceptional leadership, sportsmanship, and integrity throughout the season are also considered for the honor.
Past NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year Winners
Over the years, some of the most respected and successful coaches in college hockey have been awarded the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year. Here are some of the most recent winners:
2020 - Scott Sandelin, University of Minnesota Duluth
Scott Sandelin was awarded the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year for the third time in his career in 2020. Sandelin led the University of Minnesota Duluth to their second consecutive national championship, becoming the fourth coach in history to accomplish this feat.
2019 - Greg Carvel, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Greg Carvel led the University of Massachusetts Amherst to their first ever Frozen Four appearance and national championship game in 2019. Carvel was also named the Hockey East Coach of the Year and received the Spencer Penrose Award for the National Coach of the Year.
2018 - Scott Sandelin, University of Minnesota Duluth
Scott Sandelin was awarded the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year in 2018 after leading the University of Minnesota Duluth to their second national championship in program history. Sandelin was also named the NCHC Coach of the Year.
2017 - Jim Montgomery, University of Denver
Jim Montgomery led the University of Denver to their eighth national championship in 2017. Montgomery was also awarded the NCHC Coach of the Year and the Spencer Penrose Award for the National Coach of the Year.
2016 - Gwozdecky, Bill, Eckerd College
Bill Gwozdecky was awarded the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year in 2016 after leading Eckerd College to a successful season. Gwozdecky was previously head coach of several NCAA Division I teams, including the University of Denver and University of Miami.
What it Takes to be an NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year
Being awarded the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year is no small feat. Coaches who have received this honor have demonstrated exceptional skills in leading their teams, making in-season adjustments and exhibiting outstanding sportsmanship both on and off the ice. Additionally, coaches have also proven themselves to be exceptional leaders and mentors, guiding their players towards success both on and off the ice.
Winning the NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year award is a testament to a coach's ability to inspire, motivate, and lead their team to success. Coaches who receive this honor are recognized as some of the best in the sport, and their contributions to college hockey are highly valued and respected.
Conclusion
The NCAA Hockey Coach of the Year Award is a highly respected and coveted honor in college hockey. It recognizes the hard work and dedication of coaches who have demonstrated exceptional skills in coaching, leadership, and sportsmanship. Winning this award is a testament to a coach's ability to inspire, motivate, and lead their team to success, and past winners have become some of the most respected and successful coaches in college hockey.
