Pearson Named Finalist for National Coach of the Year Award

HOUGHTON, Mich. – Michigan Tech head hockey coach Mel Pearson has been named one of eight national finalists for the Spencer Penrose Award as the NCAA Division I men's ice hockey Coach of the Year.

The nominees represent any coach who won or shared Coach of the Year honors in his conference this season, along with coaches who have led their teams to the NCAA Frozen Four semifinals.

Pearson coached the Huskies to a 23-9-5 overall record for his second straight 20-win season – the first time the program has accomplished that feat since 1981-82 and 1982-83 – and guided Tech to its first MacNaughton Cup title since 1976. The nine losses by MTU this winter were the fewest by any Huskies squad in 40 years and the sixth-lowest total dating back to 1945-46.

Seven Michigan Tech players earned All-WCHA recognition this season, including Alex Petan, who was named WCHA Player of the Year, and Jamie Phillips, who took home Outstanding Student-Athlete honors. Petan was also a top-10 finalist for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award.

Pearson would be the second Michigan Tech coach to win the Spencer Penrose Award, joining legendary Tech coach and two-time winner John MacInnes (1970, 1976).  Voting will be conducted prior to the Frozen Four and the winner will be announced on Wednesday, April 6. 

For the complete AHCA press release, click here.