Ron Mason, second on the all-time college hockey coaching wins list, passed away at age 76. We’re collecting memories of and tributes to the former Lake Superior State, Bowling Green and Michigan State coach.
A video tribute from Michigan State:
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Rick Comley, who played for Mason at Lake Superior State and succeeded Mason as coach at Michigan State, spoke with WVFN-AM 730 in Lansing, Mich., on Monday morning:
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Few, if any, meant more to to our game than Ron Mason. RIP. pic.twitter.com/ZH83X1SVGZ
— College Hockey Inc. (@collegehockey) June 13, 2016
Ron Mason seemed immortal. A mentor, idol, friend. Impossible to state all that he meant to me and @collegehockey. RIP.
— Nate Ewell (@nateewell) June 13, 2016
Sad news today, the Notre Dame hockey program extends condolences to the Mason family. pic.twitter.com/k0B4tLBu4j
— Jeff Jackson (@NDCoachJackson) June 13, 2016
Sad to hear Coach Mason has passed. He did so much for @MSU_Hockey and he taught his players well. Thanks for everything Coach.
— Ryan Miller (@RyanMiller3039) June 13, 2016
Coach Ron Mason was a great coach, mentor and person. College hockey has lost a giant of a man. Thoughts and prayers to the Mason family.
— Don Vaughan (@DonDvaughan) June 13, 2016
Our hearts go out to Coach Ron Mason’s loved ones. A great coach and an even better man who will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
— Don Lucia (@mncoachlucia) June 13, 2016
RIP Coach Mason pic.twitter.com/6lMgkU1QxJ
— Mike Eidelbes (@INCH) June 13, 2016
Absolutely crushed by this. Will never forget my two years at MSU. Rest in peace, Coach. #RonMason pic.twitter.com/XdN9D4Fu8E
— Roman J. Uschak (@RomanUschak) June 13, 2016
Saddened to hear hockey lost a great! Began @HockeyLSSU-Formed @CCHAhockey-Coaching Icon at @BGSU_Hockey & @MSU_Hockey. Thank you Ron Mason.
— Josh Fenton (@Fenton_JC) June 13, 2016
@MSU_Hockey difficult news this morning. Ron always went out of his way to say hello to me while broadcasting games. Prayers for family.
— Sean Ritchlin (@RitchlinSean) June 13, 2016
Stunned and saddened to hear the news of Coach Masons death . A great coach who touched so many people . My prayers go out to his family .
— Mel Pearson (@mtuhky_pearson) June 13, 2016
From a Michigan State release:
“Coach Mason defined what it means to be a Spartan. His relentless quest for excellence on and off the rink made everyone around him better. He truly created a Spartan hockey family in which the focus was on collective success rather than worrying about who received credit. That drive translated into great accomplishments on the ice and in life for all those fortunate enough to work with or play for him.” — Michigan State President Lou Anna K. Simon
“I first met Ron when I was a student here in the early 80s. I admired him as a coach and leader at that time and developed great respect for his commitment to success and student-athletes. Having the opportunity to work for Ron in my transition to the athletics director’s chair was invaluable. He was a great person and a great friend.” — ,” Spartans athletic director Mark Hollis
“It’s truly a sad day for the hockey world. Not only was Ron a legendary figure at Michigan State, but his contributions to college hockey were remarkable. I loved learning from his competitive spirit and his relentless commitment to excellence. Being a part of the championship teams he created here at MSU was truly special and something I’ll have forever. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Marion, his daughters, Cindy and Tracey, and all of his family.” — Spartans coach Tom Anastos
The hockey WORLD has lost a legend but God has added a great man to his staff! Inspired so many of us 2 respect & grow the game. RIP R Man.
— George Gwozdecky (@CoachGwoz) June 13, 2016
Sad to hear about the passing of Coach Mason…invited me to his house to watch cup game in 98. Thought it was a party. (1/2)
— Derek Schooley (@derekschooley) June 13, 2016
Got there & it was me and him. Spent hours talking about coaching. He was asking me questionsm I was in year 1& he was a legend. RIP (2/2)
— Derek Schooley (@derekschooley) June 13, 2016
College Hockey lost one of the best in Ron Mason. Big influence on growing the game. RIP Ron Mason — Wayne Wilson (@w_wilson2) June 13, 2016
@ShireenRinkside and I tremendously saddened by the passing of Ron Mason. Proud that we were able to call him a friend. We will miss you. — Dave Starman (@DStarmanHockey) June 13, 2016
RIP Ron Mason, a great man, a great coach, one of the sport’s builders, always a supporter of fledgling programs, a college hockey icon.
— Kevin Gordon (@KGordonBG) June 13, 2016
RIP Ron Mason. “I think being a part of the gm is what’s so important to me b/c it’s the people in hcky that make it happen” -Mason in 2013
— Mike Morreale (@mikemorrealeNHL) June 13, 2016
Sad & shocked to hear of the passing of former @MSU_Hockey coach Ron Mason. Was always great to me , he will be missed #ronmason #RIP ???? — ben holden (@benholdenpxp) June 13, 2016
Ron Mason was a gentleman who won on the ice and was a champion off-ice too. Will be long missed. https://t.co/sd5kLecuCk — Derek Wallbank (@dwallbank) June 13, 2016
I only ever interviewed Ron Mason once, but he was great to talk to. Had so many great stories to tell
— Jashvina Shah (@icehockeystick) June 13, 2016
stunned & saddened at the loss of Ron Mason today. We’ve lost another legend too soon. A good man and a GREAT coach. Loved my talks w/ him
— Matt Shepard (@ShepMatt) June 13, 2016
Ron Mason a perfect example of the impact coaches have on their players-making them more than just better athletes but better men. — Matt Shepard (@ShepMatt) June 13, 2016
Shocked and incredibly saddened by the news of Coach Mason’s passing. Prayers to the entire family. https://t.co/Mxv4LLk9j6 via @LSJNews — Scott Moore (@voxomsu) June 13, 2016
Ron Mason was a great man & rival. Keeping his family, @HockeyLSSU, @BGFalconHockey & @MSU_Hockey in our prayers. pic.twitter.com/PnJhg8PgcE
— NMU Hockey (@NMUHockey) June 13, 2016
In 2012, USCHO’s Matt Mackinder talked with Mason for our Checking In series. Read that interview here.
Mason was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2013. Here’s the introduction that played at the ceremony.
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