November 29, 2005
Lucia Extended Through 2012
CHN Staff Report
MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota has rewarded coach Don Lucia with a three-year contract extension, a deal that will take him through the 2011-12 season. Lucia is currently in his seventh season as head coach of the Gophers.
"With the success he has brought to the men's hockey program, we are fortunate to have Don at the helm for the next seven years," said Minnesota athletic director Joel Maturi. "We're looking forward to more NCAA Frozen Four appearances and national championships with Coach Lucia behind the Minnesota bench."
Lucia led the Gophers to a national title in 2002 and 2003, and they reached the Frozen Four last season. The Gophers are currently ranked fourth in the country.
"I'm grateful for the trust that Joel has put in me," Lucia said. "There is nowhere else I'd rather be coaching than here at the University of Minnesota. I'm looking forward to my next seven years as head coach of the Golden Gophers."
Lucia, 47, has guided the Golden Gophers to a 169-80-25 (.662) mark during his six-plus seasons. He is two wins behind Brad Buetow for third place on Minnesota's all-time coaching wins list. In 18-plus seasons overall as a head coach — he previously coached at Alaska-Fairbanks and Colorado College — Lucia has compiled a 448-235-54 (.645) record. That mark places him sixth in career victories among active NCAA Division I coaches.
He is one of five coaches to lead his team to back-to-back national championships.
