Former Minnesota coach Doug Woog has been honored by the American Hockey Coaches Association as the recipient of the John MacInnes Award, presented to an individual who shows “a great concern for amateur hockey and youth programs.”
Requirements also include a high winning percentage as a coach, as well as the ability to graduate players and help individuals grow as both hockey players and young men.
Woog has the most wins of any coach in Minnesota history, leading the Gophers to a 389-187-40 (.664) record in 14 seasons from 1985-99. During his tenure, Minnesota won seven WCHA titles and made 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including six trips to the NCAA Frozen Four.
He will be presented the award — named for the longtime Michigan Tech coach — at the annual AHCA convention in April in Naples, Fla. Woog is the seventh coach with Minnesota ties to win the award in its 26-year history. Others are Herb Brooks, Don Brose from Minnesota State, Ed Saugestad from Augsburg, Bill Selman from Minnesota Duluth, Bob Peters from Bemidji State and Don Roberts from Gustavus Adolphus.
“I can’t think of any other award I’ve received that’s more gratifying because you’re rewarded for the work you’ve done by your colleagues in the field of your choice,” Woog said.
“The surprise of it was a big part of the excitement,” he added. “Sometimes you think you’re forgotten and then realize this group doesn’t forget. When these things happen 10 years after you’re done coaching, it’s very special.”
Woog, a 1962 graduate of South St. Paul High School, played in four Minnesota state high school tournaments and was an All-American for the Gophers in 1965. He played on the U.S. National team at the 1967 International Ice Hockey Federation world championships.
Woog began his coaching career in 1971 and led the St. Paul Vulcans to two junior national titles. He took over at South St. Paul High School in 1977 and made four state tournament appearances in six years. Woog was an assistant coach with the 1984 U.S. Olympic team and has been actively involved in USA Hockey.
Woog, who currently serves as the analyst on Fox Sports Net’s coverage of Minnesota hockey, runs popular hockey camps in northern Minnesota with activities beyond hockey that include outdoor fun and recreation.
