University of Minnesota Athletics
Blais Elected to U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
9/14/2020 4:23:00 PM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS – USA Hockey has announced that Gopher Hockey alum Dean Blais has been elected to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame for the Class of 2020.
A native of International Falls, Minn., Blais was a four-year letter winner for the Maroon & Gold from 1970-1973 – recording 139 points (56 goals, 83 assists) in 124 career games. The forward led the Gophers in scoring as a sophomore and never finished lower than second on the team in points. As a freshman, Blais helped Minnesota claim the WCHA regular-season title before his sophomore campaign saw the Maroon & Gold capture the WCHA playoff title and advance to the NCAA title game in 1971. After three seasons playing professionally, Blais returned to the 'U' and began his coaching career as an assistant under Herb Brooks during the 1976-77 campaign.
Blais went on to earn 407 career NCAA coaching wins while winning a total of four national championships (two as an assistant coach, two as a head coach). Twice in his career, he was recognized with the Spencer Penrose Award as the top men's coach in NCAA Division I hockey along with being a four-time WCHA Coach of the Year Selection.
In addition to his success at the college level, Blais's coaching achievements stretched from high school to junior hockey and through college hockey onto the professional level. He led Roseau High School to a MSHSL state title in 1990 and later coached the Fargo Force to a USHL Clark Cup in 2009 while earning USHL Coach of the Year honors. Blais also served on the coaching staff for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2004-07.
Additionally, he served as the head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team in 1994 and 2010 – guiding USA Hockey to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship – and served as an assistant coach for the team in 1988 and 1989. He also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team in 1992 and the U.S. Men's National Team in 2000.
USA Hockey previously honored Blais in 2018 with its Distinguished Achievement Award, presented annually to a U.S. citizen who has made hockey his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions on or off the ice to the sport in the United States.
Blais is the 17th U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame honoree with ties to Gopher Hockey, joining Dr. V. George Nagbads (2010), Aaron Broten (2007), Gary Gambucci (2006), Murray Williamson (2005), Dick Dougherty (2003), Doug Woog (2002), Mike Ramsey (2001), Neal Broten (2000), Lou Nanne (1998), Reed Larson (1996), Bob Johnson (1991), Herb Brooks (1990), Larry Ross (1988), Ken Yackel Sr. (1986), Jack McCartan (1983) and John Mayasich (1976).
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Eveleth, Minn., was incorporated in 1969 with the first class enshrined in 1973. The Class of 2020 is the 48th group of inductees with a formal ceremony taking place in December of 2021.
A native of International Falls, Minn., Blais was a four-year letter winner for the Maroon & Gold from 1970-1973 – recording 139 points (56 goals, 83 assists) in 124 career games. The forward led the Gophers in scoring as a sophomore and never finished lower than second on the team in points. As a freshman, Blais helped Minnesota claim the WCHA regular-season title before his sophomore campaign saw the Maroon & Gold capture the WCHA playoff title and advance to the NCAA title game in 1971. After three seasons playing professionally, Blais returned to the 'U' and began his coaching career as an assistant under Herb Brooks during the 1976-77 campaign.
Blais went on to earn 407 career NCAA coaching wins while winning a total of four national championships (two as an assistant coach, two as a head coach). Twice in his career, he was recognized with the Spencer Penrose Award as the top men's coach in NCAA Division I hockey along with being a four-time WCHA Coach of the Year Selection.
In addition to his success at the college level, Blais's coaching achievements stretched from high school to junior hockey and through college hockey onto the professional level. He led Roseau High School to a MSHSL state title in 1990 and later coached the Fargo Force to a USHL Clark Cup in 2009 while earning USHL Coach of the Year honors. Blais also served on the coaching staff for the Columbus Blue Jackets from 2004-07.
Additionally, he served as the head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team in 1994 and 2010 – guiding USA Hockey to a gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship – and served as an assistant coach for the team in 1988 and 1989. He also served as an assistant coach for the U.S. Men's Olympic Ice Hockey Team in 1992 and the U.S. Men's National Team in 2000.
USA Hockey previously honored Blais in 2018 with its Distinguished Achievement Award, presented annually to a U.S. citizen who has made hockey his or her profession and has made outstanding contributions on or off the ice to the sport in the United States.
Blais is the 17th U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame honoree with ties to Gopher Hockey, joining Dr. V. George Nagbads (2010), Aaron Broten (2007), Gary Gambucci (2006), Murray Williamson (2005), Dick Dougherty (2003), Doug Woog (2002), Mike Ramsey (2001), Neal Broten (2000), Lou Nanne (1998), Reed Larson (1996), Bob Johnson (1991), Herb Brooks (1990), Larry Ross (1988), Ken Yackel Sr. (1986), Jack McCartan (1983) and John Mayasich (1976).
The U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, located in Eveleth, Minn., was incorporated in 1969 with the first class enshrined in 1973. The Class of 2020 is the 48th group of inductees with a formal ceremony taking place in December of 2021.
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