Mike Sertich, UMD Hockey Coach, Dies at 77

Mike Sertich, the esteemed former head coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey team, passed away on Thursday at the age of 77 after battling pancreatic cancer. Sertich, a former defenseman for the Bulldogs, made a significant impact on the program during his 18-year tenure from 1982 to 2000, amassing a record of 350 wins, 328 losses, and 44 ties. Sertich is perhaps best remembered for leading the Bulldogs to the NCAA championship game in 1984, where they narrowly lost to Bowling Green in a dramatic fourth overtime. His coaching prowess earned him the title of Coach of the Year that same year, and he played a pivotal role in the development of several notable players, including Hall of Famer Brett Hull and Hobey Baker Award winners Tom Kurvers, Bill Watson, and Chris Marinucci. Under Sertich's leadership, the Bulldogs secured three Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) regular-season titles and two league playoff championships, solidifying his legacy in college hockey. After his time at Duluth, Sertich took the helm at Michigan Tech from 2000 to 2003, where he faced challenges, finishing with a record of 25 wins, 69 losses, and 9 ties. Originally from Virginia, Minnesota, Sertich began his coaching career as an assistant at Grand Rapids, where he contributed to the team's 1975 state high school championship victory. His influence on the sport and the lives of his players will be remembered fondly by the hockey community.