Minot State University announced this week that Blake Zabinski will serve as the new head coach of the women's hockey program, taking over from Ryan Miner, who stepped down in May.
Zabinski arrives with a proven track record, having guided the Marian University men's team to back‑to‑back league championships and earning NCHL Coach of the Year honors in each of those seasons.
A native of North Dakota, he previously skated for Williston State before launching his coaching career as an assistant with the Tetons in 2020‑21, and he holds a bachelor's degree from Dickinson State and a master's in sports leadership from Jamestown.
A Vision for the Future
His coaching philosophy centers on fast, hard, physical play, a style he believes will translate well to the Beavers' competitive schedule.
Beyond wins, Zabinski stresses the development of student‑athletes, aiming to maintain high graduation rates and strong team GPAs while fostering an environment fans will want to support.
He will officially begin his duties on August 1, with the program looking to build on recent successes and contend for conference and national titles.
Community and Fan Engagement
Zabinski expressed excitement about connecting with the local fan base, promising a style of play that will energize the arena and create a supportive atmosphere for the team.