Spencer Penrose Award

Finalists for D-I Coach of the Year:

Red Berenson Michigan
Guy Gadowsky Alaska-Fairbanks
George Gwozdecky* Denver
John Hill Alaska-Anchorage
Don Lucia* Minnesota
Jack Parker** Boston University
Paul Pearl Holy Cross
Rand Pecknold Quinnipiac
Mike Schafer Cornell
Tom Serratore Bemidji State
Dick Umile* New Hampshire
Don Vaughan Colgate
Tim Whitehead Maine
Bill Wilkinson Wayne State

*winner
** two time winner


I'd flip a coin between Schafer and Gwozdecky, with perhaps a slight nod to the latter for winning the WCHA Tournament?

FWIW, folks on USCHO have mentioned mainly Gwozdecky (won the WCHA tournament with a team that was picked to finish 5th), Gadowsky (had UAF's best season ever), Whitehead (took over when Walsh passed away and brought Maine to the Frozen Four), and Berenson (won the CCHA regular season and tournament, and might get some additional consideration based on never having won it despite past accomplishments). Personally, of course, I'd vote for Schafer. (duh.)

The USCHO crowd seem to think it's between Whitehead, Gwozdecky, and Gadowsky. Whitehead appears to be the emotional choice, but he wasn't voted Hockey East's COTY.

Interesting that the Frozen Four coaches are automatic finalists, whereas conference tournaments are specifically not considered in conference COTY selection (at least not in the ECAC).

Selection, I believe, is made by a vote of the coaches, and I can't say as to Mike's standing with that group.