A Contract That Stands the Test of Time
Scott Sandelin, the longtime architect of the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, has signed a contract extension that will keep him at the helm through the 2029‑30 season. The agreement is contingent on approval by the University of Minnesota Board of Trustees, which is slated to meet July 22‑24 to consider the proposal.
Sandelin’s tenure has been marked by sustained excellence: four conference postseason titles, twelve NCAA tournament appearances, six Frozen Fours and three national championships (2011, 2018 and 2019). His .534 career win percentage reflects a record of 493‑423‑105 over 1,000 games, a milestone he reached during the 2025‑26 campaign.
A Legacy Defined by Hobey Baker Excellence
The Bulldogs have produced more Hobey Baker Memorial Award winners than any other Division I men’s ice hockey program, and Sandelin has coached more award recipients than any other mentor. Max Plante became the seventh Bulldog to earn the honor, joining a distinguished list that includes players recruited under former coach Mike Sertich, such as Junior Lessard, who shared the 2004 accolade.
Plante’s fourth Hobey award came in the 2025‑26 season, underscoring the program’s ability to develop elite talent under Sandelin’s guidance. The coach’s reputation extends beyond the rink, positioning him as a central figure in the university’s hockey identity.
Looking Ahead to the 2026‑27 Campaign
Sandelin will officially begin his 27th season at UMD on October 2‑3, when the Bulldogs host Long Island University to open the 2026‑27 schedule. The coach enters the new year ranked 18th all‑time in wins among Division I men’s coaches and third among active mentors, trailing only Frank Serratore of Air Force and Rand Pecknold of Quinnipiac. Both Serratore and Pecknold have logged longer tenures at their respective institutions, a distinction Sandelin aims to narrow in the coming years.