University of Minnesota Athletics
Former Gopher Coach Woog Honored by AHCA
2/6/2008 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
Former University of Minnesota men’s hockey coach Doug Woog has been honored by the American Hockey Coaches Association as the recipient of the organization’s prestigious John MacInnes Award.
The award is 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 and 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 Western Collegiate Hockey Association titles and made 12 NCAA tournament appearances, including six trips to the NCAA Frozen Four.
He will be presented the award at the annual AHCA convention in April in Naples, Fla. The trophy is named for the longtime coach at Michigan Tech and previous winners include Herb Brooks, Bob Johnson and Ron Mason. Woog is the seventh coach with Minnesota ties to win the award in its 26-year history. Others are 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 player 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 highly-popular hockey camps in northern Minnesota with activities beyond hockey that include outdoor fun and recreation.
