The Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) has announced that Minnesota State’s Luke Strand has been voted 2024-25 CCHA Coach of the Year. The Mavericks claimed both the MacNaughton Cup (regular season) and Mason Cup (playoff) titles in his second year at the helm.
Strand brought No. 14 Minnesota State back to the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25, winning the MacNaughton Cup and Mason Cup after an 18-5-3 record in conference play. The Mavericks led the CCHA in goals (77), goals against (37), penalty kill (85.3%) and save percentage (.947). Second in shots (759) and shorthanded goals (2), they were third in shutouts (3), points (202) and assists (125).
The Mavericks jumped out to a substantial lead in the CCHA standings by the midway point and were able to hold off Augustana, Michigan Tech and Bowling Green to claim their ninth MacNaughton Cup title and third since 2021-22. Minnesota State swept Lake Superior State in the Mason Cup Quarterfinals before defeating Bemidji State and St. Thomas to win the Mason Cup.
Overall, Minnesota State is 28-7-3 – the third-most victories in the nation – entering the NCAA Tournament. The Mavericks face Western Michigan in the opening round of the Fargo Regional on Thursday (4pm CT). If they win, they take on the winner of the University of Minnesota vs. University of Massachusetts matchup on Saturday
Voting for the 2024-25 All-CCHA Teams and year-end awards was conducted by the nine head coaches at each CCHA member institution, based on CCHA conference games only. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own players or themselves.
(info courtesy of CCHA)
