UMD Names Sandelin Head Coach

Scott Sandelin finally got the head coaching job he’s been looking for.

Sandelin, who for the last three seasons has been an associate head coach under Dean Blais at North Dakota, was named the new coach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth on Friday.

He will replace Mike Sertich, who resigned after 18 years with the Bulldogs.

“We are extremely fortunate to have Scott bring his talent, energy and experience to UMD,” athletic director Bob Corran said. “He has learned his craft under one of the finest head coaches in college hockey and we know he’s ready for the challenge our head coaching role has to offer.

“He is a winner in every sense of the word and we look forward to having him and his family join us.”

Sandelin, 36, a native of Hibbing, Minn., was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award at North Dakota in his senior season of 1985-86. He was an All-American defenseman who went on to play six years of professional hockey.

He was also a finalist for the head coaching position at Minnesota State before Troy Jutting got the job.