Blake Zabinski Named Head Coach of Minot State Women's Hockey
Minot State University announced today that Blake Zabinski will lead the Beavers' women's hockey program, taking over from Ryan Miner who stepped down in May. The university highlighted Zabinski's recent success at Marian University, where he guided the men's team to back‑to‑back Northern Collegiate Hockey League titles.
During his two‑year tenure at Marian, Zabinski compiled a 41‑11‑1 record and earned NCHL Coach of the Year honors in both seasons. The team captured consecutive league championships, a feat that helped raise the program's national profile.
Zabinski, a native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, previously served as an assistant coach for Marian's NCAA Division III women's squad and its ACHA Division III men's team. His coaching journey also includes stints at Williston State College and Jamestown University, where he honed his developmental approach.
University athletic director Dr. Karen L. Henson praised Zabinski's blend of tactical acumen and player development. "We are excited to welcome a coach with a proven championship record to our campus," Henson said in a statement. "His experience aligns perfectly with our ambition to elevate the Beavers program."
The hiring marks a strategic move for Minot State, which competes in the North Dakota College Hockey Conference. Zabinski will inherit a roster that reached the conference semifinals last season and will look to build on that momentum.
A Coach with Deep State Roots
Beyond the rink, Zabinski remains connected to his North Dakota roots, having grown up in Grand Forks before attending the University of North Dakota. His familiarity with the regional hockey landscape is expected to foster strong recruiting pipelines across the state.
The transition also brings a sense of continuity, as Zabinski's previous assistant roles at Marian involved close collaboration with the university's sports science and academic support staff, ensuring student‑athletes excel both on and off the ice.